srimahabharat - Udyoga Parva (Book 5) chapters 81 to 90

The Sacred  Scripture of

 great Epic Sree Mahabharatam:

The Mahabharata

                                      Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa
                                                        translated by
                                  Sreemaan Brahmasri  Kisari Mohan Ganguli

 

Udyoga Parva

Book – 5

(

Book 5
Chapter 81

1 [arjuna]
      kurūṇām adya sarveṣāṃ bhavān suhṛd anuttamaḥ
      saṃbandhī dayito nityam ubhayoḥ pakṣayor api
  2 pāṇḍavair dhārtarāṣṭrāṇāṃ pratipādyam anāmayam
      samartha praśamaṃ caiṣāṃ kartuṃ tvam asi keśava
  3 tvam itaḥ puṇḍarīkākṣa suyodhanam amarṣaṇam
      śānty arthaṃ bhārataṃ brūyā yat tad vācyam amitrahan
  4 tvayā dharmārthayuktaṃ ced uktaṃ śivam anāmayam
      hitaṃ nādāsyate bālo diṣṭasya vaśam eṣyati
  5 [bha]
      dharmyam asmaddhitaṃ caiva kurūṇāṃ yad anāmayam
      eṣa yāsyāmi rājānaṃ dhṛtarāṣṭram abhīṣpsayā
  6 [v]
      tato vyapete tamasi sūrye vimala udgate
      maitre muhūrte saṃprāpte mṛdv arciṣi divākare
  7 kaumude māsi revatyāṃ śarad ante himāgame
      sphītasasyamukhe kāle kalyaḥ sattvavatāṃ varaḥ
  8 maṅgalyāḥ puṇyanirghoṣā vācaḥ śṛṇvaṃś ca sūnṛtāḥ
      brāhmaṇānāṃ pratītānām ṛṣīṇām iva vāsavaḥ
  9 kṛtvā paurvāhṇikaṃ kṛtyaṃ snātaḥ śucir alaṃkṛtaḥ
      upatasthe vivasvantaṃ pāvakaṃ ca janārdanaḥ
  10 ṛṣabhaṃ pṛṣṭha ālabhya brāhmaṇān abhivādya ca
     agniṃ pradakṣiṇaṃ kṛtvā paśyan kalyāṇam agrataḥ
 11 tat pratijñāya vacanaṃ pāṇḍavasya janārdanaḥ
     śiner naptāram āsīnam abhyabhāṣata sātyakim
 12 ratha āropyatāṃ śaṅkhaś cakraṃ ca gadayā saha
     upāsaṅgāś ca śaktyaś ca sarvapraharaṇāni ca
 13 duryodhano hi duṣṭātmā karṇaś ca saha saubalaḥ
     na ca śatrur avajñeyaḥ prākṛto 'pi balīyasā
 14 tatas tan matam ājñāya keśavasya puraḥsarāḥ
     prasasrur yojayiṣyanto rathaṃ cakragadābhṛtaḥ
 15 taṃ dīptam iva kālāgnim ākāśagam ivādhvagam
     candrasūryaprakāśābhyāṃ cakrābhyāṃ samalaṃkṛtam
 16 ardhacandraiś ca candraiś ca matsyaiḥ samṛgapakṣibhiḥ
     puṣpaiś ca vividhaiś citraṃ maṇiratnaiś ca sarvaśaḥ
 17 taruṇādityasaṃkāśaṃ bṛhantaṃ cārudarśanam
     maṇihemavicitrāṅgaṃ sudhvajaṃ supatākinam
 18 sūpaskaram anādhṛṣyaṃ vaiyāghraparivāraṇam
     yaśoghnaṃ pratyamitrāṇāṃ yadūnāṃ nandivardhanam
 19 vājibhiḥ sainyasugrīvam edha puṣpabalāhakaiḥ
     snātaiḥ saṃpādayāṃ cakruḥ saṃpannaiḥ sarvasaṃpadā
 20 mahimānaṃ tu kṛṣṇasya bhūya evābhivardhayan
     sughoṣaḥ patagendreṇa dhvajena yuyuje rathaḥ
 21 taṃ meruśikharaprakhyaṃ meghadundubhi nisvanam
     āruroha rathaṃ śaurir vimānam iva puṇyakṛt
 22 tataḥ sātyakim āropya prayayau puruṣottamaḥ
     pṛthivīṃ cāntarikṣaṃ ca rathagoṣeṇa nādayan
 23 vyapoḍhābhra ghanaḥ kālaḥ kṣaṇena samapadyata
     śivaś cānuvavau vāyuḥ praśāntam abhavad raviḥ
 24 pradakṣiṇānulomāś ca maṅgalyā mṛgapakṣiṇaḥ
     prayāṇe vāsudevasya babhūvur anuyāyinaḥ
 25 maṅgalyārtha padaiḥ śabdair anvavartanta sarvaśaḥ
     sārasāḥ śatapatrāś ca haṃsāś ca madhusūdanam
 26 mantrāhuti mahāhomair hūyamānaś ca pāvakaḥ
     pradakṣiṇaśikho bhūtvā vidhūmaḥ samapadyata
 27 vasiṣṭho vāmadevaś ca bhūridyumno gayaḥ krathaḥ
     śukranārada vālmīkā marutaḥ kuśiko bhṛguḥ
 28 brahma devarṣayaś caiva kṛṣṇaṃ yadusukhāvaham
     pradakṣiṇam avartanta sahitā vāsavānujam
 29 evam etair mahābhāgair maharṣigaṇasādhubhiḥ
     pūjitaḥ prayayau kṛṣṇaḥ kurūṇāṃ sadanaṃ prati
 30 taṃ prayāntam anuprāyāt kuntīputro yudhiṣṭhiraḥ
     bhīmasenārjunau cobhau mādrīputrau ca pāṇḍavau
 31 cekitānaś ca vikrānto dhṛṣṭaketuś ca cedipaḥ
     drupadaḥ kāśirājaś ca śikhaṇḍī ca mahārathaḥ
 32 dhṛṣṭadyumnaḥ saputraś ca virāṭaḥ kekayaiḥ saha
     saṃsādhanārthaṃ prayayuḥ kṣatriyāḥ kṣatriyarṣabham
 33 tato 'nuvrajya govindaṃ dharmarājo yudhiṣṭhiraḥ
     rājñāṃ sakāśe dyutimān uvācedaṃ vacas tadā
 34 yo naiva kāmān na bhayān na lobhān nārthakāraṇāt
     anyāyam anuvarteta sthirabuddhir alolupaḥ
 35 dharmajño dhṛtimān prājñaḥ sarvabhūteṣu keśavaḥ
     īśvaraḥ sarvabhūtānāṃ devadevaḥ pratāpavān
 36 taṃ sarvaguṇasaṃpannaṃ śrīvatsa kṛtalakṣaṇam
     saṃpariṣvajya kaunteyaḥ saṃdeṣṭum upacakrame
 37 yā sā bālyāt prabhṛty asmān paryavardhayatābalā
     upavāsatapaḥ śīlā sadā svastyayane ratā
 38 devatātithipūjāsu guruśuśrūṣaṇe ratā
     vatsalā priyaputrā ca priyāsmākaṃ janārdana
 39 suyodhana bhayād yā no 'trāyatāmitrakarśana
     mahato mṛtyusaṃbādhād uttaran naur ivārṇavāt
 40 asmat kṛte ca satataṃ yayā duḥkhāni mādhava
     anubhūtāny aduḥkhārhā tāṃ sma pṛccher anāmayam
 41 bhṛśam āśvāsayeś caināṃ putraśokapariplutām
     abhivādya svajethāś ca pāṇḍavān parikīrtayan
 42 ūḍhāt prabhṛti duḥkhāni śvaśurāṇām ariṃdama
     nikārān atadarhā ca paśyantī duḥkham aśnute
 43 api jātu sa kālaḥ syāt kṛṣṇa duḥkhaviparyayaḥ
     yad ahaṃ mātaraṃ kliṣṭāṃ sukhe dadhyām ariṃdama
 44 pravrajanto 'nvadhāvat sā kṛpaṇā putragṛddhinī
     rudatīm apahāyainām upagacchāma yad vanam
 45 na nūnaṃ mriyate duḥkhaiḥ sā cej jīvati keśava
     tathā putrādhibhir gāḍham ārtā hy ānarta satkṛtā
 46 abhivādyā tu sā kṛṣṇa tvayā madvacanād vibho
     dhṛtarāṣṭraś ca kauravyo rājānaś ca vayo 'dhikāḥ
 47 bhīṣmaṃ droṇaṃ kṛpaṃ caiva mahārājaṃ ca bāhlikam
     drauṇiṃ ca somadattaṃ ca sarvāṃś ca bharatān pṛthak
 48 viduraṃ ca mahāprājñaṃ kurūṇāṃ mantradhāriṇam
     agādha buddhiṃ dharmajñaṃ svajethā madhusūdana
 49 ity uktvā keśavaṃ tatra rājamadhye yudhiṣṭhiraḥ
     anujñāto nivavṛte kṛṣṇaṃ kṛtvā pradakṣiṇam
 50 vrajann eva tu bībhatsuḥ sakhāyaṃ puruṣarṣabham
     abravīt paravīraghnaṃ dāśārham aparājitam
 51 yad asmākaṃ vibho vṛttaṃ purā vai mantraniścaye
     ardharājyasya govinda viditaṃ sarvarājasu
 52 tac ced dadyād asaṅgena satkṛtyānavamanya ca
     priyaṃ me syān mahābāho mucyeran mahato bhayāt
 53 ataś ced anyathā kartā dhārtarāṣṭro 'nupāyavit
     antaṃ nūnaṃ kariṣyāmi kṣatriyāṇāṃ janārdana
 54 evam ukte pāṇḍavena paryahṛṣyad vṛkodaraḥ
     muhur muhuḥ krodhavaśāt pravepata ca pāṇḍavaḥ
 55 vepamānaś ca kaunteyaḥ prākrośan mahato ravān
     dhanaṃjaya vacaḥ śrutvā harṣotsika manā bhṛśam
 56 tasya taṃ ninadaṃ śrutvā saṃprāvepanta dhanvinaḥ
     vāhanāni ca sarvāṇi śakṛn mūtraṃ prasusruvuḥ
 57 ity uktvā keśavaṃ tatra tathā coktvā viniścayam
     anujñāto nivavṛte pariṣvajya janārdanam
 58 teṣu rājasu sarveṣu nivṛtteṣu janārdanaḥ
     tūrṇam abhyapatad dhṛṣṭaḥ sainyasugrīva vāhanaḥ
 59 te hayā vāsudevasya dārukeṇa pracoditāḥ
     panthānam ācemur iva grasamānā ivāmbaram
 60 athāpaśyan mahābāhur ṛṣīn adhvani keśavaḥ
     brāhmyā śriyā dīpyamānān sthitān ubhayataḥ pathi
 61 so 'vatīrya rathāt tūrṇam abhivādya janārdanaḥ
     yathāvat tān ṛṣīn sarvān abhyabhāṣata pūjayan
 62 kac cil lokeṣu kuśalaṃ kac cid dharmaḥ svanuṣṭhitaḥ
     brāhmaṇānāṃ trayo varṇāḥ kac cit tiṣṭhanti śāsane
 63 tebhyaḥ prayujya tāṃ pūjāṃ provāca madhusūdanaḥ
     bhagavantaḥ kva saṃsiddhāḥ kā vīthī bhavatām iha
 64 kiṃ vā bhagavatāṃ kāryam ahaṃ kiṃ karavāṇi vaḥ
     kenārthenopasaṃprāptā bhagavanto mahītalam
 65 tam abravīj jāmadagnya upetya madhusūdanam
     pariṣvajya ca govindaṃ purā sucarite sakhā
 66 devarṣayaḥ puṇyakṛto brāhmaṇāś ca bahuśrutāḥ
     rājarṣayaś ca dāśārha mānayantas tapasvinaḥ
 67 devāsurasya draṣṭāraḥ purāṇasya mahādyute
     sametaṃ pārthivaṃ kṣatraṃ didṛkṣantaś ca sarvataḥ
 68 sabhāsadaś ca rājānas tvāṃ ca satyaṃ janārdana
     etan mahat prekṣaṇīyaṃ draṣṭuṃ gacchāma keśava
 69 dharmārthasahitā vācaḥ śrotum icchāmi mādhava
     tvayocyamānāḥ kuruṣu rājamadhye paraṃtapa
 70 bhīṣmadroṇādayaś caiva viduraś ca mahāmatiḥ
     tvaṃ ca yādava śārdūlasabhāyāṃ vai sameṣyatha
 71 tava vākyāni divyāni tatra teṣāṃ ca mādhava
     śrotum icchāmi govinda satyāni ca śubhāni ca
 72 āpṛṣṭo 'si mahābāho punar drakṣyāmahe vayam
     yāhy avighnena vai vīra drakṣyāmas tvāṃ sabhā gatam

SECTION LXXXI

"Sahadeva said, 'What hath been said by the king is, indeed, eternal virtue, but thou, O chastiser of foes, shouldst act, in such a way that war may certainly happen. Even if the Kauravas express their desire for peace with the Pandavas, still, O thou of Dasarha's race, provoke thou a war with them. Having seen, O Krishna, the princess of Panchala brought in that plight into the midst of the assembly, how can my wrath be appeased without the slaughter of Suyodhana. If, O Krishna, Bhima and Arjuna and king Yudhishthira the just are disposed to be virtuous, abandoning virtue I desire an encounter with Duryodhana in battle.'
"Satyaki said, 'The high-souled Sahadeva, O thou of mighty arms, hath spoken the truth. The rage I feel towards Duryodhana can be appeased only by his death. Dost thou not remember the rage thou too hadst felt upon beholding in the woods the distressed Pandavas clad in rags and deer-skins? Therefore, O foremost of men, all the warriors assembled here unanimously subscribe to what the heroic son of Madri, fierce in battle, hath said!'
"Vaisampayana continued, 'At these words of the high-souled Yuyudhana, a leonine roar was set up by all the warriors assembled there. And all the heroes, highly applauding those words of Satyaki, praised him, saying, 'Excellent! Excellent!' And anxious to fight, they all began to express their joy.'"

Book 5
Chapter 82

  1 [v]
      prayāntaṃ devakīputraṃ paravīra rujo daśa
      mahārathā mahābāhum anvayuḥ śastrapāṇayaḥ
  2 padātīnāṃ sahasraṃ ca sādināṃ ca paraṃtapa
      bhojyaṃ ca vipulaṃ rājan preṣyāś ca śataśo 'pare
  3 [j]
      kathaṃ prayāto dāśārho mahātmā madhusūdanaḥ
      kāni vā vrajatas tasya nimittāni mahaujasaḥ
  4 [v]
      tasya prayāṇe yāny āsann adbhutāni mahātmanaḥ
      tāni me śṛṇu divyāni daivāny autpātikāni ca
  5 anabhre 'śaninirghoṣaḥ savidyutsamajāyata
      anvag eva ca parjanyaḥ prāvarṣad vighane bhṛśam
  6 pratyag ūhur mahānadyaḥ prāṅmukhāḥ sindhusattamāḥ
      vipārītā diśaḥ sarvā na prājñāyata kiṃ cana
  7 prājvalann agnayo rājan pṛthivīsamakampata
      udapānāś ca kumbhāś ca prāsiñcañ śataśo jalam
  8 tamaḥ saṃvṛtam apy āsīt sarvaṃ jagad idaṃ tadā
      na diśo nādiśo rājan prajñāyante sma reṇunā
  9 prādurāsīn mahāñ śabdaḥ khe śarīraṃ na dṛśyate
      sarveṣu rājan deśeṣu tad adbhutam ivābhavat
  10 prāmathnād dhāstina puraṃ vāto dakṣiṇapaścimaḥ
     ārujan gaṇaśo vṛkṣān paruṣo bhīmanisvanaḥ
 11 yatra yatra tu vārṣṇeyo vartate pathi bhārata
     tatra tatra sukho vāyuḥ sarvaṃ cāsīt pradakṣiṇam
 12 vavarṣa puṣpavarṣaṃ ca kamalāni ca bhūriśaḥ
     samaś ca panthā nirduḥkho vyapetakuśa kaṇṭakaḥ
 13 sa gacchan brāhmaṇai rājaṃs tatra tatra mahābhujaḥ
     arcyate madhuparkaiś ca sumanobhir vasu pradaḥ
 14 taṃ kiranti mahātmānaṃ vanyaiḥ puṣpaiḥ sugandhibhiḥ
     striyaḥ pathi samāgamya sarvabhūtahite ratam
 15 sa śālibhavanaṃ ramyaṃ sarvasasya samācitam
     sukhaṃ paramadharmiṣṭham atyagād bharatarṣabha
 16 paśyan bahu paśūn grāmān ramyān hṛdayatoṣaṇān
     purāṇi ca vyatikrāman rāṣṭrāṇi vividhāni ca
 17 nityahṛṣṭāḥ sumanaso bhāratair abhirakṣitāḥ
     nodvignāḥ paracakrāṇām anayānām akovidāḥ
 18 upaplavyād athāyāntaṃ janāḥ puranivāsinaḥ
     pathy atiṣṭhanta sahitā viṣvaksena didṛkṣayā
 19 te tu sarve sunāmānam agnim iddham iva prabhum
     arcayām āsur arcyaṃ taṃ deśātithim upasthitam
 20 vṛkasthalaṃ samāsādya keśavaḥ paravīrahā
     prakīrṇaraśmāv āditye vimale lohitāyati
 21 avatīrya rathāt tūrṇaṃ kṛtvā śaucaṃ yathāvidhi
     rathamocanam ādiśya saṃdhyām upaviveśa ha
 22 dāruko 'pi hayān muktvā paricarya ca śāstrataḥ
     mumoca sarvaṃ varmāṇi muktvā cainān avāsṛjat
 23 abhyatītya tu tat sarvam uvāca madhusūdanaḥ
     yudhiṣṭhirasya kāryārtham iha vatsyāmahe kṣapām
 24 tasya tan matam ājñāya cakrur āvasathaṃ narāḥ
     kṣaṇena cānna pānāni guṇavanti samārjayan
 25 tasmin grāme pradhānās tu ya āsan brāhmaṇā nṛpa
     āryāḥ kulīnā hrīmanto brāhmīṃ vṛttim anuṣṭhitāḥ
 26 te 'bhigamya mahātmānaṃ hṛṣīkeśam ariṃdamam
     pūjāṃ cakrur yathānyāyam āśīr maṅgalasaṃyutām
 27 te pūjayitvā dāśārhaṃ sarvalokeṣu pūjitam
     nyavedayanta veśmāni ratnavanti mahātmane
 28 tān prabhuḥ kṛtam ity uktvā satkṛtya ca yathārhataḥ
     abhyetya teṣāṃ veśmāni punar āyāt sahaiva taiḥ
 29 sumṛṣṭaṃ bhojayitvā ca brāhmaṇāṃs tatra keśavaḥ
     bhuktvā ca saha taiḥ sarvair avasat tāṃ kṣapāṃ sukham

SECTION LXXXII

"Vaisampayana said, 'Hearing the peaceful words of the king that were fraught with both virtue and profit, king Drupada's daughter Krishna, of long black tresses, afflicted with great grief, applauding Sahadeva and that mighty car-warrior Satyaki, addressed Madhava seated by his side. And beholding Bhimasena declare for peace, that intelligent lady, overwhelmed with woe and with eyes bathed in tears, said, 'O slayer of Madhu, it is known to thee, O thou of mighty arms, by what deceitful
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means, O righteous one, the son of Dhritarashtra with his counsellors robbed the Pandavas, O Janardana. of their happiness. Thou knowest also, O thou of Dasarha's race, what message was privately delivered to Sanjaya by the king. Thou hast also heard all that was said unto Sanjaya. O thou of great effulgence, these words were even these, 'Let only five villages be granted to us, viz., Avishthala, and Vrikasthala, and Makandi, and Varanavata, and for the fifth, any other,--O thou of mighty arms, O Kesava, even this was the message that was to have been delivered to Duryodhana and his counsellors. But, O Krishna, O thou of Dasarha's race, hearing those words of Yudhishthira, endued with modesty and anxious for peace, Suyodhana hath not acted according to them. If, O Krishna, Suyodhana desireth to make peace without surrendering the kingdom, there is no necessity of going thither for making such a peace. The Pandavas with the Srinjayas, O thou of mighty arms, are quite able to withstand the fierce Dhritarashtra host inflamed with rage. When they are no longer amenable to this arts of conciliation, it is not proper, O slayer of Madhu, that thou shouldst show them mercy. Those enemies, O Krishna, with whom peace cannot be established by either conciliation or presents, should be treated with severity by one desirous of saving his life. Therefore, O mighty-armed Achyuta, heavy should be the punishment that deserves to be speedily inflicted upon them by thyself aided by the Pandavas and the Srinjayas. Indeed, even this would become the son of Pritha, and add to thy glory, and if accomplished, will, O Krishna, be a source of great happiness to the whole Kshatriya race. He that is covetous, whether belonging to the Kshatriya or any other order, save of course a Brahmana, even if most sinful, ought surely to be slain by a Kshatriya, who is true to the duties of his own order. The exception in the case of a Brahmana, O sire, is due to a Brahmana's being the preceptor of all the other orders, as also the first sharer of everything. Persons conversant with the scriptures declare, O Janardana, that sin is incurred in slaying one that deserveth not to be slain. So there is equal sin in not slaying one that deserveth to be slain. Act thou, therefore, O Krishna, in such a way with the forces of the Pandavas and the Srinjayas, that sin may not touch thee. From excess of confidence in thee, O Janardana, I will repeat what hath been said again and again. Whatever woman, O Kesava, is there on earth like me? I am the daughter of king Drupada, risen from the sacrificial alter. I am the sister of Dhrishtadyumna, thy dear friend, O Krishna. I have by marriage become a lady of Ajamida's race,--the daughter-in-law of the illustrious Pandu. I am the queen of Pandu's sons, who resemble five Indras in splendour. I have, by these five heroes, five sons that are all mighty car-warriors, and that are morally bound to thee, O Krishna, as Abhimanyu himself. Being such, O Krishna, I was seized by the hair, dragged into the assembly and insulted in the very sight of the sons of Pandu and in thy life-time. O Kesava, the sons of Pandu, the Panchalas, and the Vrishnis being all alive, exposed to the
p. 170
gaze of the assembly I was treated as a slave by those sinful wretches. And when the Pandavas beholding it all sat silent without giving way to wrath, in my heart I called upon thee. O Govinda, saying,--Save me, O save me!--Then the illustrious king Dhritarashtra, my father-in-law, said unto me, 'Ask thou any boon, O princess of Panchala. Thou deservest boons and even honour at my hands.' Thus addressed I said, 'Let the Pandavas be free men with their cars and weapons.' Upon this the Pandavas, O Kesava, were freed but only to be exiled into the woods. O Janardana, thou knowest all these sorrows of mine. Rescue me, O lotus-eyed one, with my husbands, kinsmen, and relatives, from that grief. Morally, O Krishna, I am the daughter-in-law of both Bhishma and Dhritarashtra. Though such, I was yet forcibly made a slave. Fie to Partha's bowmanship, oh, fie to Bhimasena's might since Duryodhana, O Krishna, liveth for even a moment. If I deserve any favour at thy hands, if thou hast any compassion for me, let thy wrath, O Krishna, be directed towards the sons of Dhritarashtra.'
"Vaisampayana continued, 'Having said this, the beautiful Krishna of eyes that were black in hue and large like lotus leaves, bathed in tears, and walking like a cow-elephant, approached the lotus-eyed Krishna, and taking with her left hand her own beautiful tresses of curly ends, deep-blue in hue and scented with every perfume, endued with every auspicious mark, and though gathered into a braid, yet soft and glossy like a mighty snake, spake these words, 'Lotus-eyed one that art anxious for peace with the enemy, thou shouldst, in all thy acts, call to thy mind these tresses of mine seized by Dussasana's rude hands! If Bhima and Arjuna, O Krishna, have become so low as to long for peace, my aged father then with his war like sons will avenge for me in battle. My five sons also that are endued with great energy, with Abhimanyu, O slayer of Madhu, at their head, will fight with the Kauravas. What peace can this heart of mine know unless I behold Dussasana's dark arm severed from his trunk and pulverised to atoms? Thirteen long years have I passed in expectation of better times, hiding in my heart my wrath like a smouldering fire. And now pierced by Bhima's wordy darts that heart cf mine is about to break, for the mighty-armed Bhima now casteth his eye on morality. Uttering these words with voice choked in tears, the large-eyed Krishna began to weep aloud, with convulsive sobs, and tears gushed down her cheeks. And that lady, with hips full and round, began to drench her close and deep bosom by the tears she shed which were hot as liquid fire. The mighty-armed Kesava then spoke, comforting her in these words, 'Soon wilt thou, O Krishna, behold the ladies of Bharata's race weep as thou dost. Even they, O timid one, will weep like thee, their kinsmen and friends being slain. They with whom, O lady, thou art angry, have their kinsmen and warriors already slain. With Bhima and Arjuna and the twins, at Yudhishthira's command, and agreeably to fate, and what hath been ordained by the Ordainer, I will accomplish all this. Their hour having arrived, the sons
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of Dhritarashtra, if they do not listen to my words, will surely lie down on the earth turned as morsels of dogs and jackals. The mountains of Himavat might shift their site, the Earth herself might spilt into a hundred fragments, the firmament itself with its myriads of stars might fall down, still my words can never be futile. Stop thy tears, I swear to thee, O Krishna, soon wilt thou see thy husbands, with their enemies slain, and with prosperity crowning them.'"

Book 5
Chapter 83

  1 [v]
      tathā dūtaiḥ samājñāya āyāntaṃ madhusūdanam
      dhṛtarāṣṭro 'bravīd bhīṣmam arcayitvā mahābhujam
  2 droṇaṃ ca saṃjayaṃ caiva viduraṃ ca mahāmatim
      duryodhanaṃ ca sāmātyaṃ hṛṣṭaromābravīd idam
  3 adbhutaṃ mahad āścaryaṃ śrūyate kurunandana
      striyo bālāś ca vṛddhāś ca kathayanti gṛhe gṛhe
  4 satkṛtyācakṣate cānye tathaivānye samāgatāḥ
      pṛthag vādāś ca vartante catvareṣu sabhāsu ca
  5 upayāsyati dāśārhaḥ pāṇḍavārthe parākramī
      sa no mānyaś ca pūjyaś ca sarvathā madhusūdanaḥ
  6 tasmin hi yātrā lokasya bhūtānām īśvaro hi saḥ
      tasmin dhṛtiś ca vīryaṃ ca prajñā caujaś ca mādhave
  7 sa mānyatāṃ naraśreṣṭhaḥ sa hi dharmaḥ sanātanaḥ
      pūjito hi sukhāya syād asukhaḥ syād apūjitaḥ
  8 sa cet tuṣyati dāśārha upacārair ariṃdamaḥ
      kṛtsnān sarvān abhiprāyān prāpsyāmaḥ sarvarājasu
  9 tasya pūjārtham adyaiva saṃvidhatsva paraṃtapa
      sabhāḥ pathi vidhīyantāṃ sarvakāmasamāhitāḥ
  10 yathā prītir mahābāho tvayi jāyeta tasya vai
     tathā kuruṣva gāndhāre kathaṃ vā bhīṣma manyase
 11 tato bhīṣmādayaḥ sarve dhṛtarāṣṭraṃ janādhipam
     ūcuḥ paramam ity evaṃ pūjayanto 'sya tad vacaḥ
 12 teṣām anumataṃ jñātvā rājā duryodhanas tadā
     sabhā vāstūni ramyāṇi pradeṣṭum upacakrame
 13 tato deśeṣu deśeṣu ramaṇīyeṣu bhāgaśaḥ
     sarvaratnasamākīrṇāḥ sabhāś cakrur anekaśaḥ
 14 āsanāni vicitrāṇi yuktāni vividhair guṇaiḥ
     striyo gandhān alaṃkārān sūkṣmāṇi vasanāni ca
 15 guṇavanty annapānāni bhojyāni vividhāni ca
     mālyāni ca sugandhīni tāni rājā dadau tataḥ
 16 viśeṣataś ca vāsārthaṃ sabhāṃ grāme vṛkasthale
     vidadhe kauravo rājā bahuratnāṃ manoramām
 17 etad vidhāya vai sarvaṃ devārham atimānuṣam
     ācakhyau dhṛtarāṣṭrāya rājā duryodhanas tadā
 18 tāḥ sabhāḥ keśavaḥ sarvā ratnāni vividhāni ca
     asamīkṣyaiva dāśārha upāyāt kuru sadma tat

SECTION LXXXIII

"Arjuna said, 'Thou art now, O Kesava, the best friend of all the Kurus. Related with both the parties, thou art the dear friend of both. It behoveth thee to bring about peace between the Pandavas and the sons of Dhritarashtra. Thou, O Kesava, art competent and, therefore, it behoveth thee to bring about a reconciliation. O lotus-eyed one, proceeding hence for peace, O slayer of foes, say unto our ever-wrathful brother Suyodhana, what, indeed, should be said, 'If the foolish Duryodhana doth not accept thy auspicious and beneficial counsels fraught with virtue and profit, he will surely then be the victim of his fate.'
"The holy one said, 'Yes, I will go to king Dhritarashtra, desirous of accomplishing what is consistent with righteousness, what may be beneficial to us, and what also is for the good of the Kurus.'
"Vaisampayana continued, 'The night having passed away, a bright sun arose in the east. The hour called Maitra set in, and the rays of the sun were still mild. The month was (Kaumuda Kartika) under the constellation Revati. It was the season of dew, Autumn having departed. The earth was covered with abundant crops all around. It was at such a time that Janardana, the foremost of mighty persons, in enjoyment of excellent health, having heard the auspicious, sacred-sounding and sweet words of gratified Brahmanas, like Vasava himself hearing the adorations of the (celestial) Rishis,--and having also gone through the customary acts and rites of the morning, purified himself by a bath, and decked his person with unguents and ornaments, worshipped both the Sun and Fire. And having touched the tail of a bull and reverently bowed to the Brahmanas, walked round the sacred fire, and cast his eyes on the (usual) auspicious articles placed in view, Janardana recollected Yudhishthira's word and addressed Sini's grandson Satyaki, seated near, saying, 'Let my car be made ready and let my conch and discus along with my mace, and quivers and darts and all kinds of weapons, offensive and defensive, be placed on it, for Duryodhana and Karna and Suvala's son are all of wicked souls, and foes, however contemptible, should never be disregarded by even a powerful person. Understanding the wishes
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of Kesava, the wielder of the discus and the mace, his attendants immediately addressed themselves to yoke his car. And that car resembled in effulgence the fire that shows itself at the time of the universal dissolution, and itself in speed. And it was provided with two wheels that resembled the sun and the moon in lustre. And it bore emblazonments of moons, both crescent and full, and of fishes, animals, and birds and it was adorned with garlands of diverse flowers and with pearls and gems of various kinds all around. And endued with the splendour of the rising sun, it was large and handsome. And variegated with gems and gold, it was furnished with an excellent flag-staff bearing beautiful pennons. And well-supplied with every necessary article, and incapable of being resisted by the foe, it was covered with tiger-skins, and capable of robbing the fame of every foe, it enhanced the joy of the Yadavas. And they yoked unto it those excellent steeds named Saivya and Sugriva and Meghapushpa and Valahaka, after these had been bathed and attired in beautiful harness. And enhancing the dignity of Krishna still further, Garuda, the lord of the feathery creation, came and perched on the flag-staff of that car producing a terrible rattle. And Saurin then mounted on that car, high as the summit of the Meru, and producing a rattle, deep and loud as the sound of the kettle-drum or the clouds and which resembled the celestial car coursing at the will of the rider. And taking Satyaki also upon it, that best of male beings set out, filling the earth and the welkin with the rattle of his chariot-wheels. And the sky became cloudless, and auspicious winds began to blow around, and the atmosphere freed from the dust became pure. Indeed, as Vasudeva set out, auspicious animals and birds, whirling by the right side, began to follow him, and cranes and peacocks and swans all followed the slayer of Madhu, uttering cries of good omens. The very fire, fed with Homa libations in accompaniment with Mantras, freed from smoke blazed up cheerfully, sending forth its flames towards the right. And Vasishtha and Vamadeva, and Bhuridyumna and Gaya, and Kratha and Sukra and Kusika and Bhrigu, and other Brahmarshis and celestial Rishis united together, all stood on the right side of Krishna, that delighter of the Yadavas, that younger brother of Vasava. And thus worshipped by those and other illustrious Rishis and holy men, Krishna set out for the residence of the Kurus. And while Krishna was proceeding, Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, followed him, as also Bhima and Arjuna and those other Pandavas, viz., the twin sons of Madri. And the valiant Chekitana and Dhrishtaketu, the ruler of the Chedis, and Drupada and the king of Kasi and that mighty car-warrior Sikhandin, and Dhrishtadyumna, and Virata with his sons, and the princes of Kekaya also,--all these Kshatriyas followed that bull of the Kshatriya race to honour him. And the illustrious king Yudhishthira the just, having followed Govinda to some distance, addressed him in these words in the presence of all those kings. And the son of Kunti embraced that foremost of all persons, who never, from desire, or anger, or fear, or purpose of gain
p. 173
committed the least wrong, whose mind was ever steady, who was a stranger to covetousness, who was conversant with morality and endued with great intelligence and wisdom, who knew the hearts of all creatures and was the lord of all, who was the God of gods, who was eternal, who was possessed of every virtue, and who bore the auspicious mark on his breast. And embracing him the king began to indicate what he was to do.'
"Yudhishthira said, 'That lady who hath brought us from our infancy; who is ever engaged in facts and ascetic penances and propitiatory rites and ceremonies; who is devoted to the worship of the gods and guests; who is always engaged in waiting upon her superiors who is fond of her sons, bearing for them an affection that knows no bounds; who, O Janardana, is dearly loved by us; who, O grinder of foes, repeatedly saved us from the snares of Suyodhana, like a boat saving a ship-wrecked crew from the frightful terrors of the sea; and who, O Madhava, however undeserving of woe herself, hath on our account endured countless sufferings,--should be asked about her welfare-Salute and embrace, and, oh, comfort her over and over, overwhelmed with grief as she is on account of her sons by talking of the Pandavas. Ever since her marriage she hath been the victim, however undeserving, of sorrow and griefs due to the conduct of her father-in-law, and suffering hath been her position. Shall I, O Krishna, ever see the time when, O chastiser of foes, my afflictions being over, I shall be able to make my sorrowing mother happy? On the eve of our exile, from affection for her children, she ran after us in anguish, crying bitterly. But leaving her behind, we went into the woods. Sorrow doth not necessarily kill. It is possible, therefore, that she is alive, being hospitably entertained by the Anartas, though afflicted with sorrow on account of her sons. O glorious Krishna, salute her for me, the Kuru king Dhritarashtra also, and all those monarchs who are senior to us in age, and Bhishma, and Drona, and Kripa, and king Vahlika, and Drona's son and Somadatta, and in fact, every one of the Bharata race, and also Vidura endued with great wisdom, that counsellor of the Kurus, of profound intellect and intimate acquaintance with morality,--should all, O slayer of Madhu, be embraced by thee!' Having in the presence of the kings, said these words unto Kesava, Yudhishthira, with Krishna's permission, came back having at first walked round him. Then Arjuna, proceeding a few steps, further said unto his friend, that bull among men, that slayer of hostile heroes, that invincible warrior of Dasarha's race, 'It is known to all the kings, O illustrious Govinda, that at our consultation it was settled that we should ask back the kingdom. If without insulting us, if honouring thee, they honestly give us what we demand, then, O mighty armed one, they would please me greatly and would themselves escape a terrible danger. If, however, Dhritarashtra's son, who always adopts improper means, acts otherwise, then I shall surely, O Janardana, annihilate the Kshatriya race.'
p. 174
"Vaisampayana continued, 'When Arjuna said these words, Vrikodara was filled with delight. And that son of Pandu continually quivered with rage; and while still quivering with rage and the delight that filled his heart upon hearing Dhananjaya's words, he set forth a terrible shout. And hearing that shout of his, all the bowmen trembled in fear and steeds and elephants were seen to pass urine and excreta. And having addressed Kesava then and informed him of his resolution. Arjuna with Janardana's permission, came back, having first embraced him. And after all the kings had desisted following him, Janardana set out with a cheerful heart on his car drawn by Saivya, Sugriva, and others. And those steeds of Vasudeva, urged by Daruka, coursed onwards, devouring the sky and drinking the road. And on his way Kesava of mighty arms met with some Rishis blazing with Brahmic lustre, standing on both sides of the road, And soon alighting from his car, Janardana saluted them reverently. And worshipping them duly, he enquired of them, saying, 'Is there peace in all the world? Is virtue being duly practised? And the other three orders obedient to the Brahmanas? And having duly worshipped them, the slayer of Madhu again said, 'Where have ye been crowned with success? Whither would ye go, and for what object? What also shall I do for yourselves? What has brought your illustrious selves down on the earth?' Thus addressed, Jamadagni's son, the friend of Brahma--that lord of both gods and Asuras,--approached Govinda the slayer of Madhu, embraced him, and said, 'The celestial Rishis of pious deeds, and Brahmanas of extensive acquaintance with the scriptures, and royal sages, O Dasarha, and venerable ascetic,--these witnesses, O illustrious one, of the former feats of gods and Asuras,--are desirous of beholding all the Kshatriyas of the earth assembled from every side as also the counsellors sitting in the assembly, the kings, and thyself the embodiment of truth, O Janardana. O Kesava, we will go thither for beholding that grand sight. We are also anxious, O Madhava, to listen to those words fraught with virtue and profit, which will be spoken by thee, O chastiser of foes, unto the Kurus in the presence of all the kings. Indeed, Bhishma, and Drona, and others, as also the illustrious Vidura and thyself, O tiger among the Yadavas,--Ye all will be assembled together in conclave! We desire, O Madhava, to hear the excellent, truthful, and beneficial words that thou wilt utter and they also, O Govinda. Thou art now informed of our purpose, O thou of mighty arms. We will meet thee again. Go thither safely, O hero. We hope to see thee in the midst of the conclave, seated on an excellent seat mustering all thy energy and might.'"

Book 5
Chapter 84

 1 [dhṛ]
      upaplavyād iha kṣattar upayāto janārdanaḥ
      vṛkasthale nivasati sa ca prātar ihaiṣati
  2 āhukānām adhipatiḥ purogaḥ sarvasātvatām
      mahāmanā mahāvīryo mahāmātro janārdanaḥ
  3 sphītasya vṛṣṇivaṃśasya bhartā goptā ca mādhavaḥ
      trayāṇām api lokānāṃ bhagavān prapitāmahaḥ
  4 vṛṣṇyandhakāḥ sumanaso yasya prajñām upāsate
      ādityā vasavo rudrā yathābuddhiṃ bṛhaspateḥ
  5 tasmai pūjāṃ prayokṣyāmi dāśārhāya mahātmane
      pratyakṣaṃ tava dharmajña tan me kathayataḥ śṛṇu
  6 ekavarṇaiḥ sukṛṣṇāṅgair bāhlijātair hayottamaiḥ
      caturyuktān rathāṃs tasmai raukmān dāsyāmi ṣoḍaśa
  7 nityaprabhinnān mātaṅgān īṣā dantān prahāriṇaḥ
      aṣṭānucaram ekaikam aṣṭau dāsyāmi keśave
  8 dāsīnām aprajātānāṃ śubhānāṃ rukmavarcasām
      śatam asmai pradāsyāmi dāsānām api tāvataḥ
  9 āvikaṃ bhahu susparśaṃ pārvatīyair upāhṛtam
      tad apy asmai pradāsyāmi sahasrāṇi daśāṣṭa ca
  10 ajinānāṃ sahasrāṇi cīna deśodbhavāni ca
     tāny apy asmai pradāsyāmi yāvad arhati keśavaḥ
 11 divārātrau ca bhāty eṣa sutejā vimalo maṇiḥ
     tam apy asmai pradāsyāmi tam apy arhati keśavaḥ
 12 ekenāpi pataty ahnā yojanāni caturdaśa
     yānam aśvatarī yuktaṃ dāsye tasmai tad apy aham
 13 yāvanti vāhanāny asya yāvantaḥ puruṣāś ca te
     tato 'ṣṭa guṇam apy asmai bhojyaṃ dāsyāmy ahaṃ sadā
 14 mama putrāś ca pautrāś ca sarve duryodhanād ṛte
     pratyudyāsyanti dāśārhaṃ rathair mṛṣṭair alaṃkṛtāḥ
 15 svalaṃkṛtāś ca kalyāṇyaḥ pādair eva sahasraśaḥ
     vāra mukhyā mahābhāgaṃ prayudyāsyanti keśavam
 16 nagarād api yāḥ kāś cid gamiṣyanti janārdanam
     draṣṭuṃ kanyāś ca kalyāṇyas tāś ca yāsyanty anāvṛtāḥ
 17 sastrī puruṣabālaṃ hi nagaraṃ madhusūdanam
     udīkṣate mahātmānaṃ bhānumantam iva prajāḥ
 18 mahādhvajapatākāś ca kriyantāṃ sarvatodiśam
     jalāvasikto virajāḥ panthās tasyeti cānvaśāt
 19 duḥśāsanasya ca gṛhaṃ duryodhana gṛhād varam
     tad asya kriyatāṃ kṣipraṃ susaṃmṛṣṭam alaṃkṛtam
 20 etad dhi rucir ākāraiḥ prāsādair upaśobhitam
     śivaṃ ca ramaṇīyaṃ ca sarvartusu mahādhanam
 21 sarvam asmin gṛhe ratnaṃ mama duryodhanasya ca
     yad yad arhet sa vārṣṇeyas tat tad deyam asaṃśayam

SECTION LXXXIV

"Vaisampayana said, 'O smiter of foes, when Devaki's son of mighty arms set out (for Hastinapura), ten mighty car-warriors, capable of slaying hostile heroes, fully armed, followed in his train. And a thousand foot-soldiers, and a thousand horsemen, and attendants by hundreds, also formed his train, carrying, O king, provisions in abundance.'
"Janamejaya said, 'How did the illustrious slayer of Madhu, of Dasarha's race, proceed on his journey? And what omens were seen when that hero set out?'
"Vaisampayana continued, 'Listen to me as I narrate all those natural and unnatural omens that were noticed at the time when the illustrious Krishna departed (for Hastinapura). Though there were no clouds in the sky, yet the roll of thunder accompanied by flashes of lightning was heard. And fleecy clouds in a clear sky rained incessantly in the rear! The seven large rivers including the Sindhu (Indus) though flowing eastwards then flowed in opposite directions. The very directions seemed to be reversed and nothing could be distinguished. Fires blazed up everywhere, O monarch, and the earth trembled repeatedly. The contents of wells and water-vessels by hundreds swelled up and ran out. The whole universe was enveloped in darkness. The atmosphere being filled with dust, neither the cardinal nor the subsidiary points of the horizon could, O king, be distinguished. Loud roars were heard in the sky without any being being visible from whom these could emanate. This wonderful phenomenon, O king, was noticed all over the country. A south-westerly wind, with the harsh rattle of the thunder, uprooting trees by the thousands, crushed the city of Hastinapura. In those places, however, O Bharata, through which he of Vrishni's race passed, delicious breezes blew and everything became auspicious. Showers of lotuses and fragrant flowers fell there. The very road became delightful, being free from prickly grass and thorns. At those places where he stayed, Brahmanas by thousands glorified that giver of wealth with (laudation) and worshipped him with dishes of curds, ghee, honey, and presents of wealth. The very women, coming out on the road, strewed wild flowers of great fragrance on the person of that illustrious hero, devoted to the welfare of all creatures. He then came upon a delightful spot called Salibhavana which was filled with every kind of crops, a spot that was delicious and sacred, after having, O bull of the Bharata race, seen various villages abounding in bees, and picturesque to the eye, and delightful to the heart, and after having passed through diverse cities and kingdoms. Always cheerful and of good hearts, well-protected by the Bharatas and therefore free from all anxieties on account of the designs of invaders, and unacquainted with calamities of any kind, many of the citizens of Upaplavya, coming out of their town, stood together on the way, desirous of beholding Krishna. And beholding that illustrious one
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resembling a blazing fire arrived at the spot, they worshipped him who deserved their worship with all the honours of a guest arrived in their abode. When at last that slayer of hostile heroes, Kesava, came to Vrikasthala, the sun seemed to redden the sky by his straggling rays of light. Alighting from his car, he duly went through the usual purificatory rites, and ordering the steeds to be unharnessed, he set himself to say his evening prayers. And Daruka also, setting the steeds free, tended them according to the rules of equine science, and taking off the yokes and traces, let them loose. After this was done, the slayer of Madhu said, 'Here must we pass the night for the sake of Yudhishthira's mission. Ascertaining that to be his intention, the attendants soon set a temporary abode and prepared in a trice excellent food and drink. Amongst the Brahmanas, O king, that resided in the village, they that were of noble and high descent, modest, and obedient to the injunctions of the Vedas in their conduct, approached that illustrious chastiser of foes, Hrishikesa, and honoured him with their benedictions and auspicious speeches. And having honoured him of Dasarha's race that deserveth honour from every one, they placed at the disposal of that illustrious person their houses, abounding in wealth. Saying unto them--'Enough'--the illustrious Krishna paid them proper homage, each according to his rank, and wending with them to their house, he returned in their company to his own (tent). And feeding all the Brahmanas with sweet-meats and himself taking his meals with them, Kesava passed the night happily there.'"

Book 5
Chapter 85

 1 [vi]
      rājan bahumataś cāsi trailokyasyāpi sattamaḥ
      saṃbhāvitaś ca lokasya saṃmataś cāsi bhārata
  2 yat tvam evaṃgate brūyāḥ paścime vayasi sthitaḥ
      śāstrād vā supratarkād vā susthiraḥ sthaviro hy asi
  3 lokhāśmanīva bhāḥ sūrye mahormir iva sāgare
      dharmas tvayi mahān rājann iti vyavasitāḥ prajāḥ
  4 sadaiva bhāvito loko guṇaughais tava pārthiva
      guṇānāṃ rakṣaṇe nityaṃ prayatasva sabāndhavaḥ
  5 ārjavaṃ pratipadyasva mā bālyād bahudhā naśīḥ
      rājyaṃ putrāṃś ca pautrāṃś ca suhṛdaś cāpi supriyān
  6 yat tvaṃ ditsasi kṛṣṇāya rājann atithaye bahu
      etad anyac ca dāśārhaḥ pṛthivīm api cārhati
  7 na tu tvaṃ dharmam uddhiśya tasya vā priyakāraṇāt
      etad icchasi kṛṣṇāya satyenātmānam ālabhe
  8 māyaiṣātattvam evaitac chadmaitad bhūridakṣiṇa
      jānāmi te mataṃ rājan gūḍhaṃ bāhyena karmaṇā
  9 pañca pañcaiva lipsanti grāmakān pānavā nṛpa
      na ca ditsasi tebhyas tāṃs tac chamaṃ kaḥ kariṣyati
  10 arthena tu mahābāhuṃ vārṣṇeyaṃ tvaṃ jihīrṣasi
     anenaivābhyupāyena pāṇḍavebhyo bibhitsasi
 11 na ca vittena śakyo 'sau nodyamena na garhayā
     anyo dhanaṃjayāt kartum etat tattvaṃ bravīmi te
 12 veda kṛṣṇasya māhātmyaṃ vedāsya dṛḍhabhaktitām
     atyājyam asya jānāmi prāṇais tulyaṃ dhanaṃjayam
 13 anyat kumbhād apāṃ purṇād anyat pādāvasecanāt
     anyat kuśalasaṃpraśnān naiṣiṣyati janārdanaḥ
 14 yat tv asya priyam ātithyaṃ mānārhasya mahātmanaḥ
     tad asmai kriyatāṃ rājan mānārho hi janārdanaḥ
 15 āśaṃsamānaḥ kalyāṇaṃ kurūn abhyeti keśavaḥ
     yenaiva rājann arthena tad evāsmā upākuru
 16 śamam icchati dāśārhas tava duryodhanasya ca
     pāṇḍavānāṃ ca rājendra tad asya vacanaṃ kuru
 17 pitāsi rājan putrās te vṛddhas tvaṃ śiśavaḥ pare
     vartasva pitṛvat teṣu vartante te hi putravat

SECTION LXXXV

"Vaisampayana said, 'Meanwhile, understanding from his spies that the slayer of Madhu had set out, Dhritarashtra, with his hair standing erect, respectfully addressing the mighty-armed Bhishma and Dorna and Sanjaya and the illustrious Vidura, said these words unto Duryodhana and his counsellors, 'O scion of Kuru's race, strange and wonderful is the news that we hear. Men, women and children, are talking of it. Others are speaking of it respectfully, and others again assembled together. Within houses where men congregate and in open spots, people and discussing it. All say that Dasarha of great prowess will come hither for the sake of Pandavas. The slayer of Madhu is, by all means, deserving of honour and worship at our hands. He is the Lord of all creatures, and on him resteth the course of every thing in the universe. Indeed, intelligence and prowess and wisdom and energy, all reside in Madhava. Worthy of honour at the hands of all righteous persons he is the foremost of all men, and is, indeed, eternal Virtue. If worshipped he is sure
p. 177
to bestow happiness; and if not worshipped fie is sure to inflict misery. If that smiter of foes, Dasarha be gratified with our offerings, all our wishes may be obtained by us, through his grace, in the midst of the kings. O chastiser of foes, make without loss of time every arrangement for his reception. Let pavilions be set up on the road, furnished with every object of enjoyment. O mighty-armed son of Gandhari, make such arrangements that he may be gratified with thee. What doth Bhishma think in this matter?' At this, Bhishma and others, all applauding those words of king Dhritarashtra, said,--'Excellent.' King Duryodhana then, understanding their wishes, ordered delightful sites to be chosen for the erection of pavilions. Many pavilions were thereupon constructed abounding with gems of every kind, at proper intervals and at delightful spots. And the king sent thither handsome seats endued with excellent qualities, beautiful girls, and scents and ornaments, and fine robes, and excellent viands, and drink of diverse qualities, and fragrant garlands of many kinds. And the king of the Kurus took especial care to erect, for the reception of Krishna, a highly beautiful pavilion at Vrikasthala, full of precious gems. And having made all these arrangements that were god-like and much above the capacity of human beings, king Duryodhana informed Dhritarashtra of the same. Kesava, however, of Dasarha's race, arrived at the capital of the Kurus, without casting a single glance at all those pavilions and all those gems of diverse kinds.'"

Book 5
Chapter 86

  1 [dur]
      yad āha virudaḥ kṛṣṇe sarvaṃ tat satyam ucyate
      anurakto hy asaṃhāryaḥ pārthān prati janārdanaḥ
  2 yat tu satkārasaṃyuktaṃ deyaṃ vasu janārdane
      anekarūpaṃ rājendra na tad deyaṃ kadā cana
  3 deśaḥ kālas tathāyukto na hi nārhati keśavaḥ
      maṃsyaty adhokṣajo rājan bhayād arcati mām iti
  4 avamānaś ca yatra syāt kṣatriyasya viśāṃ pate
      na tat kuryād budhaḥ kāryam iti me niścitā matiḥ
  5 sa hi pūjyatamo devaḥ kṛṣṇaḥ kamalalocanaḥ
      trayāṇām api lokānāṃ viditaṃ mama sarvathā
  6 na tu tasmin pradeyaṃ syāt tathā kāryagatiḥ prabho
      vigrahaḥ samupārabdho na hi śāmyaty avigrahāt
  7 [v]
      tasya tad vacanaṃ śrutvā bhīṣmaḥ kurupitāmahaḥ
      vaicitravīryaṃ rājānam idaṃ vacanam abravīt
  8 satkṛto 'satkṛto vāpi na krudhyeta janārdanaḥ
      nālam anyam avajñātum avajñāto 'pi keśavaḥ
  9 yat tu kāryaṃ mahābāho manasā kāryatāṃ gatam
      sarvopāyair na tac chakyaṃ kena cit kartum anyathā
  10 sa yad brūyān mahābāhus tat kāryam aviśaṅkayā
     vāsudevena tīrthena kṣipraṃ saṃśāmya pāṇḍavaiḥ
 11 dharmyam arthyaṃ sa dharmātmā dhruvaṃ vaktā janārdanaḥ
     tasmin vācyāḥ priyā vāco bhavatā bāndhavaiḥ saha
 12 [dur]
     na paryāyo 'sti yad rājañ śriyaṃ niṣkevalām aham
     taiḥ sahemām upāśnīyāṃ jīvañ jīvaiḥ pitāmaha
 13 idaṃ tu sumahat kāryaṃ śṛṇu me yat samarthitam
     parāyaṇaṃ pāṇḍavānāṃ niyaṃsyāmi janārdanam
 14 tasmin baddhe bhaviṣyanti vṛṣṇayaḥ pṛthivī tathā
     pāṇḍavāś ca vidheyā me sa ca prātar ihaiṣyati
 15 atropāyaṃ yathā samyaṅ na budhyeta janārdanaḥ
     na cāpāyo bhavet kaś cit tad bhavān prabravītu me
 16 [v]
     tasya tad vacanaṃ śrutvā ghoraṃ kṛṣṇābhisaṃhitam
     dhṛtarāṣṭraḥ sahāmātyo vyathito vimanābhavat
 17 tato duryodhanam idaṃ dhṛtarāṣṭro 'bravīd vacaḥ
     maivaṃ vocaḥ prajā pāla naiṣa dharmaḥ sanātanaḥ
 18 dūtaś ca hi hṛṣīkeśaḥ saṃbandhī ca priyaś ca naḥ
     apāpaḥ kauraveyeṣu kathaṃ bandhanam arhati
 19 [bhīsma]
     parīto dhṛtarāṣṭrāyaṃ tava putraḥ sumandadhīḥ
     vṛṇoty anarthaṃ natv arthaṃ yācyamānaḥ suhṛdgaṇaiḥ
 20 imam utpathi vartantaṃ pāpaṃ pāpānubandhinam
     vākyāni suhṛdāṃ hitvā tvam apy asyānuvartase
 21 kṛṣṇam akliṣṭakarmāṇam āsādyāyaṃ sudurmatiḥ
     tava putraḥ sahāmātyaḥ kṣaṇena na bhaviṣyati
 22 pāpasyāsya nṛśaṃsasya tyaktaharmasya durmateḥ
     notsahe 'narthasaṃyuktāṃ vācaṃ śrotuṃ kathaṃ cana
 23 [v]
     ity uktvā bharataśreṣṭho vṛddhaḥ paramamanyumān
     utthāya tasmāt prātiṣṭhad bhīṣmaḥ satyaparākramaḥ

SECTION LXXXVI

"Dhritarashtra said, 'O Vidura, Janardana hath set out from Upaplavya. He is now staying at Vrikasthala and will come here tomorrow. Janardana is the leader of the Ahukas, the foremost person amongst all the members of the Sattwata race, is high-souled, and endued with great energy and great might. Indeed, Madhava is the guardian and protector of the Prosperous kingdom of Vrishnis and is the illustrious Great-Grandsire of even the three worlds. The Vrishnis adore the wisdom of the intelligent Krishna, even as the Adityas, the Vasus, and the Rudras adore the wisdom of Vrihaspati. O virtuous one, I will in thy presence, offer worship unto that illustrious scion of Dasarha's race. Listen to me about that worship. I will give him sixteen cars made of gold, each drawn by four excellent and well-adorned steeds of uniform colour and of the Vahlika breed. O Kaurava, I will give him eight elephants with temporal juice always trickling down and tusks as large as poles of ploughs, capable of smiting hostile ranks, and each having eight human attendants. I will give him a century of handsome maid-servants of the complexion of gold, all virgins, and man-servants I will give him as,
p. 178
many. I will give him eighteen thousand woolen blankets soft to the touch, all presented to us by the hill-men. I will also give him a thousand deer-skins brought from China and other things of the kind that may be worthy of Kesava. I will also give him this serene gem of the purest rays that shines day and night, for Kesava alone deserves it. This car of mine drawn by mules that makes a round of full fourteen Yojanas a day, I will also give him. I will place before him every-day-provisions eight times greater than what is necessary for the animals and attendants that form his train. Mounted on their cars, having their person well-adorned, all my sons and grandsons, save Duryodhana, will go out to receive him. And thousands of graceful and well-decked dancing girls will go out on foot to receive the illustrious Kesava. And the beautiful girls that will go out of the town for receiving Janardana will go out unveiled. Let all the citizens with their wives and children behold the illustrious slayer of Madhu wit h as much respect and devotion as they show when casting their eyes on the morning sun. Let the canopy all round, at my command, be crowded with pendants and banners, and let the road, by which Kesava will come, be well-watered and its dusts removed. Let Dussasana's abode, which is better than Duryodhana's, be cleansed and well-adorned without delay. That mansion consisting of many beautiful buildings, is pleasant and delightful, and abounds with the wealth of all seasons. It is in that abode that all my wealth, as also Duryodhana's, are deposited. Let all that scion of the Vrishni race deserves be given unto him.'"

Book 5
Chapter 87

 1 [v]
      prātar utthāya kṛṣṇas tu kṛtavān sarvam āhnikam
      brāhmaṇair abhyanujñātaḥ prayayau nagaraṃ prati
  2 taṃ prayāntaṃ mahābāhum anujñāpya tato nṛpa
      paryavartanta te sarve vṛkasthalanivāsinaḥ
  3 dhārtarāṣṭrās tam āyāntaṃ pratyujjagmuḥ svalaṃkṛtāḥ
      duryodhanam ṛte sarve bhīṣmadroṇakṛpādayaḥ
  4 paurāś ca bahulā rājan hṛṣīkeśaṃ didṛkṣavaḥ
      yānair bahuvidhair anye padbhir eva tathāpare
  5 sa vai pathi samāgamya bhīṣmeṇākliṣṭa karmaṇā
      droṇena dhārtarāṣṭraiś ca tair vṛto nagaraṃ yayau
  6 kṛṣṇa saṃmānanārthaṃ ca nagaraṃ samalaṃkṛtam
      babhūvū rājamārgāś ca bahuratnasamācitāḥ
  7 na sma kaś cid gṛhe rājaṃs tad āsīd bharatarṣabha
      na strī na vṛddho na śiśur vāsudeva didṛkṣayā
  8 rājamārge narā na sma saṃbhavanty avaniṃ gatāḥ
      tathā hi sumahad rājan hṛṣīkeśa praveśane
  9 āvṛtāni varastrībhir gṛhāṇi sumahānty api
      pracalantīva bhāreṇa dṛśyante sma mahītale
  10 tathā ca gatimantas te vāsudevasya vājinaḥ
     pranaṣṭagatayo 'bhūvan rājamārge narair vṛte
 11 sa gṛhaṃ dhṛtarāṣṭrasya prāviśac chatrukarśanaḥ
     pāṇḍuraṃ puṇḍarīkākṣaḥ prāsādair upaśobhitam
 12 tisraḥ kakṣyā vyatikramya keśavo rājaveśmanaḥ
     vaicitra vīryaṃ rājānam abhyagacchad ariṃdamaḥ
 13 ahyāgacchati dāśārhe prajñā cakṣur nareśvaraḥ
     sahaiva droṇa bhīṣmābhyām udatiṣṭhan mahāyaśāḥ
 14 kṛpaś ca somadattaś ca mahārājaś ca bāhlikaḥ
     āsanebhyo 'calan sarve pūjayanto janārdanam
 15 tato rājānam āsādya dhṛtarāṣṭraṃ yaśasvinam
     sa bhīṣmaṃ pūjayām āsa vārṣṇeyo vāgbhir añjasā
 16 teṣu dharmānupūrvīṃ tāṃ prayujya madhusūdanaḥ
     yathā vayaḥ samīyāya rājabhis tatra mādhavaḥ
 17 atha droṇaṃ saputraṃ sa bāhlīkaṃ ca yaśasvinam
     kṛpaṃ ca somadattaṃ ca samīyāya janārdanaḥ
 18 tatrāsīd ūrjitaṃ mṛṣṭaṃ kāñcanaṃ mahad āsanam
     śāsanād dhṛtarāṣṭrasya tatropāviśad acyutaḥ
 19 atha gāṃ madhuparkaṃ cāpy udakaṃ ca janārdane
     upajahrur yathānyāyaṃ dhṛtarāṣṭra purohitāḥ
 20 kṛtātithyas tu govindaḥ sarvān parihasan kurūn
     āste saṃbandhakaṃ kurvan kurubhiḥ parivāritaḥ
 21 so 'rcito dhṛtarāṣṭreṇa pūjitaś ca mahāyaśāḥ
     rājānaṃ samanujñāpya nirākrāmad ariṃdamaḥ
 22 taiḥ sametya yathānyāyaṃ kurubhiḥ kurusaṃsadi
     vidurāvasathaṃ ramyam upātiṣṭhata mādhavaḥ
 23 viduraḥ sarvakalyāṇair abhigamya janārdanam
     arcayām āsa dāśārhaṃ sarvakāmair upasthitam
 24 kṛtātithyaṃ tu govindaṃ viduraḥ sarvadharmavit
     kuśalaṃ pāṇḍuputrāṇām apṛcchan madhusūdanam
 25 prīyamāṇasya suhṛdo viduṣo buddhisattamaḥ
     dharmanityasya ca tadā gatadoṣasya dhīmataḥ
 26 tasya sarvaṃ savistāraṃ pāṇḍavānāṃ viceṣṭitam

SECTION LXXXVII

"Vidura said, 'O monarch, O best of men, thou art respected by three worlds. Thou, O Bharata, art loved and regarded by every body. Venerable in year as thou art, what thou wilt say at this age cap never be against the dictates of the scriptures or the conclusions of well-directed reason, for thy mind is ever calm. Thy subjects, O king, are well-assured that, like characters on stone, light in the sun, and billows in the ocean, virtue resideth in thee permanently. O monarch, every one is honoured and made happy in consequence of thy numerous virtues. Strive, therefore, with thy friends and kinsmen to retain those virtues of thine. Oh, adopt sincerity of behaviour. Do not from folly, cause a wholesale destruction of thy sons, grandsons, friends, kinsmen, and all that are dear to thee. It is much, O king, that thou wishes to give unto Kesava as thy guest. Know, however, that Kesava deserves all this and much more, aye, the whole earth itself. I truly swear by my own soul that thou dost not wish to give all this unto Krishna either from
p. 179
motives of virtue or for the object of doing what is agreeable to him. O giver of great wealth, all this betrays only deception, falsehood, and insincerity. By the external acts, O king, I know thy secret purpose. The five Pandavas, O king, desire only five villages. Thou, however, dost not wish to give them even that. Thou art, therefore, unwilling to make peace. Thou seekest to make the mighty-armed hero of Vrishni's race thy own by means of thy wealth; in foot, by this means, thou seekest to separate Kesava from the Pandavas. I tell thee, however, that thou art unable, by wealth, or attention, or worship, to separate Krishna from Dhananjaya. I know magnanimity of Krishna; I know firm devotion of Arjuna towards him, I know that Dhananjaya, who is Kesava's life, is incapable of being given up by the latter. Save only a vessel of water, save only the washing of his feet, save only the (usual) enquiries after the welfare (of those he will see), Janardana will not accept any other hospitality or set his eyes on any other thing. Offer him, however, O king, that hospitality which is the most agreeable to that illustrious one deserving of every respect, for there is no respect that may not be offered to Janardana. Give unto Kesava, O king, that object in expectation of which, from desire of benefiting both parties, he cometh to the Kurus. Kesava desires peace to be established between thee and Duryodhana on one side and the Pandavas on the other. Follow his counsels, O, monarch. Thou art their father, O king, and the Pandavas are thy sons. Thou art old, and they are children to thee in years, behave as father towards them, that are disposed to pay thee filial regard."

Book 5
Chapter 88

  1 [v]
      athopagamya viduram apahāhṇe janārdanaḥ
      pitṛṣvasāraṃ govindaḥ so 'bhyagacchad ariṃdamaḥ
  2 sā dṛṣṭvā kṛṣṇam āyāntaṃ prasannāditya varcasam
      kaṇṭhe gṛhītvā prākrośat pṛthā pārthān anusmaran
  3 teṣāṃ sattvavatāṃ madhye govindaṃ sahacāriṇam
      cirasya dṛṣṭvā vārṣṇeyaṃ bāṣpam āhārayat pṛthā
  4 sābravīt kṛṣṇam āsīnaṃ kṛtātithyaṃ yudhāṃ patim
      bāṣpagadgada pūrṇena mukhena pariśuṣyatā
  5 ye te bālyāt prabhṛtyeva guruśuśrūṣaṇe ratāḥ
      parasparasya suhṛdaḥ saṃmatāḥ samacetasaḥ
  6 nikṛtyā bhraṃśitā rājyāj janārhā nirjanaṃ gatāḥ
      vinītakrodhaharśāś ca brahmaṇyāḥ satyavādinaḥ
  7 tyaktvā priya sukhe pārthā rudantīm apahāya mām
      ahārṣuś ca vanaṃ yāntaḥ samūlaṃ hṛdayaṃ mama
  8 atadarhā mahātmānaḥ kathaṃ keśava pāṇḍavāḥ
      ūṣur mahāvane tāta siṃhavyāghra gajākule
  9 bālā vihīnāḥ pitrā te mayā satatalālitāḥ
      apaśyantaḥ svapitarau katham ūṣur mahāvane
  10 śaṅkhadundubhinirghoṣair mṛdaṅgair vaiṇavair api
     pāṇḍavāḥ samabodhyanta bālyāt prabhṛti keśava
 11 ye sma vāraṇaśabdena hayānāṃ heṣitena ca
     rathanemi ninādaiś ca vyabodhyanta sadā gṛhe
 12 śaṅkhabherī ninādena veṇuvīṇānunādinā
     puṇyāhaghoṣamiśreṇa pūjyamānā dvijātibhiḥ
 13 vastrai ratnair alaṃkāraiḥ pūjayanto dvijanmanaḥ
     gīrbhir maṅgalayuktābhir bāhmaṇānāṃ mahātmanām
 14 arcitair arcanārhairś ca stubvadbhir abhinanditāḥ
     prāsādāgreṣv abodhyanta rāṅka vājina śāyinaḥ
 15 te nūnaṃ ninadaṃ śrutvā śvāpadānāṃ mahāvane
     na smopayānti nidrāṃ vai atadarhā janārdana
 16 bherīmṛdaṅganinanaiḥ śaṅkhavaiṇava nisvanaiḥ
     strīṇāṃ gītaninādaiś ca madhurair madhusūdana
 17 bandi māgadha sūtaiś ca stuvadbhir bodhitāḥ katham
     mahāvane vyabodhyanta śvāpadānāṃ rutena te
 18 hrīmān satyadhṛtir dānto bhūtānām anukampitā
     kāmadveṣau vaśe kṛtvā satāṃ vartmānuvartate
 19 ambarīṣasya māndhātur yayāter nahuṣasya ca
     bharatasya dilīpasya śiber auśīnarasya ca
 20 rājarṣīṇāṃ purāṇānāṃ dhuraṃ dhatte durudvahām
     śīlavṛttopasaṃpanno dharmajñaḥ satyasaṃgaraḥ
 21 rājā sarvaguṇopetas trailokyasyāpi yo bhavet
     ajātaśatrur dharmātmā śuddhajāmbūnadaprabhaḥ
 22 śreṣṭhaḥ kuruṣu sarveṣu dharmataḥ śrutavṛttataḥ
     priyadarśano dīrghabhujaḥ kathaṃ kṛṣṇa yudhiṣṭhiraḥ
 23 yaḥ sa nāgāyuta prāṇo vātaraṃhā vṛkodaraḥ
     amarṣī pāṇḍavo nityaṃ priyo bhrātuḥ priyaṃ karaḥ
 24 kīcakasya ca sajñāter yo hantā madhusūdana
     śūraḥ krodhavaśānāṃ ca hiḍimbasya bakasya ca
 25 parākrame śakrasamo vāyuvegasamo jave
     maheśvara samaḥ krodhe bhīmaḥ praharatāṃ varaḥ
 26 krodhaṃ balam amarṣaṃ ca yo nidhāya paraṃtapaḥ
     jitātmā pāṇḍavo 'marṣī bhrātus tiṣṭhati śāsane
 27 tejorāśiṃ mahātmānaṃ balaugham amitaujasam
     bhīmaṃ pradarśanenāpi bhīmasenaṃ janārdana
     taṃ mamācakṣva vārṣṇeya katham adya vṛkodaraḥ
 28 āste parighabāhuḥ sa madhyamaḥ pāṇḍavo 'cyuta
     arjunenārjuno yaḥ sa kṛṣṇa bāhusahasriṇā
     dvibāhuḥ spardhate nityam atītenāpi keśava
 29 kṣipaty ekena vegena pañcabāṇaśatāni yaḥ
     iṣvastre sadṛśe rājñaḥ kārtavīryasya pāṇḍavaḥ
 30 tejasādityasadṛśo maharṣipratimo dame
     kṣamayā pṛthivī tulyaṃ mahendrasamavikramaḥ
 31 ādhirājyaṃ mahad dīptaṃ prathitaṃ madhusūdana
     āhṛtaṃ yena vīryeṇa kurūṇāṃ sarvarājasu
 32 yasya bāhubalaṃ ghoraṃ kauravāḥ paryupāsate
     sa sarvarathināṃ śreṣṭha pāṇḍavaḥ satyavikramaḥ
 33 yo 'pāśrayaḥ pāṇḍavānāṃ devānām iva vāsavaḥ
     sa te bhrātā sakhā caiva katham adya dhanaṃjayaḥ
 34 dayāvān sarvabhūteṣu hrīniṣedho mahāstravit
     mṛduś ca sukumāraś ca dhārmikaś ca priyaś ca me
 35 sahadevo maheṣvāsaḥ śūraḥ samitiśobhanaḥ
     bhrātṝṇāṃ kṛṣṇa śuśrūṣur dharmārthakuśalo yuvā
 36 sadaiva sahadevasya bhrātaro madhusūdana
     vṛttaṃ kalyāṇa vṛttasya pūjayanti mahātmanaḥ
 37 jyeṣṭhāpacāyinaṃ vīraṃ sahadevaṃ yudhāṃ patim
     śuśrūṣuṃ mama vārṣṇeya mādrīputraṃ pracakṣva me
 38 sukumāro yuvā śūro darśanīyaś ca pāṇḍavaḥ
     bhrātṝṇāṃ kṛṣṇa sarveṣāṃ priyaḥ prāṇo bahiścaraḥ
 39 citrayodhī ca nakulo maheṣvāso mahābalaḥ
     kac cit sa kuśalī kṛṣṇa vatso mama sukhaidhitaḥ
 40 sukhocitam aduḥkhārhaṃ sukumāraṃ mahāratham
     api jātu mahābāho paśyeyaṃ nakulaṃ punaḥ
 41 pakṣma saṃpātaje kāle nakulena vinākṛtā
     na labhāmi sukhaṃ vīra sādya jīvāmi paśya mām
 42 sarvaiḥ putraiḥ priyatamā draupadī me janārdana
     kulīnā śīlasaṃpannā sarvaiḥ samuditā guṇaiḥ
 43 putra lokāt patilokān vṛṇvānā satyavādinī
     priyān putrān parityajya pāṇḍavān anvapadyata
 44 mahābhijana saṃpannā sarvakāmaiḥ supūjitā
     īśvarī sarvakalyāṇī draupadī katham acyuta
 45 patibhiḥ pañcabhiḥ śūrair agnikalpaiḥ prahāribhiḥ
     upapannā maharṣvāsair draupadī duḥkhabhāginī
 46 caturdaśam imaṃ varṣaṃ yan nāpaśyam ariṃdama
     putrādhibhiḥ paridyūnāṃ draupadīṃ satyavādinīm
 47 na nūnaṃ karmabhiḥ puṇyair aśnute puruṣaḥ sukham
     draupadī cet tathā vṛttā nāśnute sukham avyayam
 48 na priyo mama kṛṣṇāya bībhatsur na yudhiṣṭhiraḥ
     bhīmaseno yamau vāpi yad apaśyaṃ sabhā gatām
 49 na me duḥkhataraṃ kiṃ cid bhūtapūrvaṃ tato 'dhikam
     yad draupadīṃ nivātasthāṃ śvaśurāṇāṃ samīpagām
 50 ānāyitām anāryeṇa krodhalobhānuvartinā
     sarve praikṣanta kurava ekavastrāṃ sabhā gatām
 51 tatraiva dhṛtarāṣṭraś ca mahārājaś ca bāhlikaḥ
     kṛpaś ca somadattaś ca nirviṇṇāḥ kuravas tathā
 52 tasyāṃ saṃsadi sarvasyāṃ kṣattāraṃ pūjayāmy aham
     vṛttena hi bhavaty āryo na dhanena na vidyayā
 53 tasya kṛṣṇa mahābuddher gambhīrasya mahāmanaḥ
     kṣattuḥ śīlam alaṃkāro lokān viṣṭabhya tiṣṭhati
 54 sā śokārtā ca hṛṣṭā ca dṛṣṭvā govindam āgatam
     nānāvidhāni duḥkhāni sarvāṇy evānvakīrtayat
 55 pūrvair ācaritaṃ yat tat kurājabhir ariṃdama
     akṣadyūtaṃ mṛgavadhaḥ kac cid eṣāṃ sukhāvaham
 56 tan māṃ dahati yat kṛṣṇā sabhāyāṃ kuru saṃnidhau
     dhārtarāṣṭraiḥ parikliṣṭā yathā na kuśalaṃ tathā
 57 nirvāsanaṃ ca nagarāt pravrajyā ca paraṃtapa
     nānāvidhānāṃ duḥkhānām āvāso 'smi janārdana
     ajñātacaryā bālānām avarodhaś ca keśava
 58 na sma kleśatamaṃ me syāt putraiḥ saha paraṃtapa
     duryodhanena nikṛtā varṣam adya caturdaśam
 59 duḥkhād api sukhaṃ na syād yadi puṇyaphalakṣayaḥ
     na me viśeṣo jātv āsīd dhārtarāṣṭreṣu pāṇḍavaiḥ
 60 tena satyena kṛṣṇa tvāṃ hatāmitraṃ śriyā vṛtam
     asmād vimuktaṃ saṃgrāmāt paśyeyaṃ pāṇḍavaiḥ saha
     naiva śakyāḥ parājetuṃ sattvaṃ hy eṣāṃ tathāgatam
 61 pitaraṃ tv eva garheyaṃ nātmānaṃ na suyodhanam
     yenāhaṃ kuntibhojāya dhanaṃ dhūrtair ivārpitā
 62 bālāṃ mām āryakas tubhyaṃ krīḍantīṃ kandu hastakām
     adadāt kuntibhojāya sakhā sakhye mahātmane
 63 sāhaṃ pitrā ca nikṛtā śvaśuraiś ca paraṃtapa
     atyantaduḥkhitā kṛṣṇa kiṃ jīvitaphalaṃ mama
 64 yan mā vāg abravīn naktaṃ sūtake savyasācinaḥ
     putras te pṛthivīṃ jetā yaśaś cāsya divaṃ spṛśet
 65 hatvā kurūn grāmajanye rājyaṃ prāpya dhanaṃjayaḥ
     bhrātṛbhiḥ saha kaunteyas trīn medhān āhariṣyati
 66 nāhaṃ tām abhyasūyāmi namo dharmāya vedhase
     kṛṣṇāya mahate nityaṃ dharmo dhārayati prajāḥ
 67 dharmaś ced asti vārṣṇeya tathā satyaṃ bhaviṣyati
     tvaṃ cāpi tat tathā kṛṣṇa sarvaṃ saṃpādayiṣyasi
 68 na māṃ mādhava vaidhavyaṃ nārthanāśo na vairitā
     tathā śokāya bhavati yathā putrair vinābhavaḥ
 69 yāhaṃ gāṇḍīvadhanvānaṃ sarvaśastrabhṛtāṃ varam
     dhanaṃjayaṃ na paśyāmi kā śāntir hṛdayasya me
 70 idaṃ caturdaśaṃ varṣaṃ yan nāpaśyaṃ yudhiṣṭhiram
     dhanaṃjayaṃ ca govinda yamau taṃ ca vṛkodaram
 71 jīvanāśaṃ pranaṣṭānāṃ śrāddhaṃ kurvanti mānavāḥ
     arthatas te mama mṛtās teṣāṃ cāhaṃ janārdana
 72 brūyā mādhava rājānaṃ dharmātmānaṃ yudhiṣṭhiram
     bhūyāṃs te hīyate dharmo mā putraka vṛthā kṛthāḥ
 73 parāśrayā vāsudeva yā jīvāmi dhig astu mām
     vṛtteḥ kṛpaṇa labdhāyā apratiṣṭhaiva jyāyasī
 74 atho dhanaṃjayaṃ brūyā nityodyuktaṃ vṛkodaram
     yadarthaṃ kṣatriyā sūte tasya vo 'tikramiṣyati
 75 asmiṃś ced āgate kāle kālo vo'tikramiṣyati
     lokasaṃbhāvitāḥ santaḥ sunṛśaṃsaṃ kariṣyatha
 76 nṛśaṃsena ca vo yuktāṃs tyajeyaṃ śāśvatīḥ samāḥ
     kāle hi samanuprāpte tyaktavyam api jīvitam
 77 mādrīputrau ca vaktavyau kṣatradharmaratau sadā
     vikrameṇārjitān bhogān vṛṇītaṃ jīvitād api
 78 vikramādhigatā hy arthāḥ kṣatradharmeṇa jīvataḥ
     mano manuṣyasya sadā prīṇanti puruṣottama
 79 gatvā brūhi mahābāho sarvaśastrabhṛtāṃ varam
     arjunaṃ pāṇḍavaṃ vīraṃ draupadyāḥ padavīṃ cara
 80 viditau hi tavātyantaṃ kruddhāv iva yathāntakau
     bhīmārjunau nayetāṃ hi devān api parāṃ gatim
 81 tayoś caitad avajñānaṃ yat sā kṛṣṇā sabhāṃ gatā
     duḥśāsanaś ca karṇaś ca paruṣāṇy abhyabhāṣatām
 82 duryodhano bhīmasenam abhyagacchan manasvinam
     paśyatāṃ kurumukhyānāṃ tasya drakṣyati yat phalam
 83 na hi vairaṃ samāsādya praśāmyati vṛkodaraḥ
     sucirād api bhīmasya na hi vairaṃ praśāmyati
     yāvadantaṃ na nayati śātravāñ śatrukarśanaḥ
 84 na duḥkhaṃ rājyaharaṇaṃ na ca dyūte parājayaḥ
     pravrājanaṃ ca putrāṇāṃ na me tadduḥkhakāraṇam
 85 yat tu sā bṛhatī śyāmā ekavastrā sabhāṃ gatā
     aśṛṇot paruṣā vācas tato duḥkhataraṃ nu kim
 86 strī dharmiṇī varārohā kṣatradharmaratā sadā
     nādhyagacchat tathā nāthaṃ kṛṣṇā nāthavatī satī
 87 yasyā mama saputrāyās tvaṃ nātho madhusūdana
     rāmaś ca balināṃ śreṣṭhaḥ pradyumnaś ca mahārathaḥ
 88 sāham evaṃvidhaṃ duḥkhaṃ sahe 'dya puruṣottama
     bhīme jīvati durdharṣe vijaye cāpalāyini
 89 tata āśvāsayām āsa putrādhibhir abhiplutām
     pitṛṣvasāraṃ śocantīṃ śauriḥ pārtha sakhaḥ pṛthām
 90 kā nu sīmantinī tvādṛg lokeṣv asti pitṛṣvasaḥ
     śūrasya rājño duhitā ājamīḍha kulaṃ gatā
 91 mahākulīnā bhavatī drahād dhradam ivāgatā
     īśvarī sarvakalyāṇī bhartā paramapūjitā
 92 vīrasūr vīra patnī ca sarvaiḥ samuditā guṇaiḥ
     sukhaduḥkhe mahāprājñe tvādṛśī soḍhum arhati
 93 nidrā tandrī krodhaharṣau kṣutpipāse himātapau
     etāni pārthā nirjitya nityaṃ vīrāḥ sukhe ratāḥ
 94 tyaktagrāmya sukhāḥ pārthā nityaṃ vīra sukhapriyāḥ
     na te svalpena tuṣyeyur mahotsāhā mahābalāḥ
 95 antaṃ dhīrā niṣevante madhyaṃ grāmyasukhapriyāḥ
     uttamāṃś ca parikleśān bhogāṃś cātīva mānuṣān
 96 anteṣu remire dhīrā na te madhyeṣu remire
     antaprāptiṃ sukhām āhur duḥkham antaram antayoḥ
 97 abhivādayanti bhavatīṃ pāṇḍavāḥ saha kṛṣṇayā
     ātmānaṃ ca kuśalinaṃ nivedyāhur anāmayam
 98 arogān sarvasiddhārthān kṣipraṃ drakṣyasi pāṇḍavān
     īśvarān sarvalokasya hatāmitrāñ śriyā vṛtān
 99 evam āśvāsitā kuntī pratyuvāca janārdanam
     putrādhibhir abhidhvastā nigṛhyābuddhijaṃ tamaḥ
 100 yad yat teṣāṃ mahābāho pathyaṃ syān madhusūdana
    yathā yathā tvaṃ manyethāḥ kuryāḥ kṛṣṇa tathā tathā
101 avilopena dharmasya anikṛtyā paraṃtapa
    prabhāvajñāsmi te kṛṣṇa satyasyābhijanasya ca
102 vyavasthāyāṃ ca mitreṣu buddhivikramayos tathā
    tvam eva naḥ kule dharmas tvaṃ satyaṃ tvaṃ tapo mahat
103 tvaṃ trātā tvaṃ mahad brahma tvayi sarvaṃ pratiṣṭhitam
    yathaivāttha tathaivaitat tvayi satyaṃ bhaviṣyati
104 tām āmantrya ca govindaḥ kṛtvā cābhipradakṣiṇam
    prātiṣṭhata mahābāhur duryodhana gṛhān prati

SECTION LXXXVIII

"Duryodhana said, 'All that Vidura hath said about Krishna, hath indeed, been truly said; for Janardana is greatly devoted to the Pandavas and can never be separated from them. All the diverse kinds of wealth, O foremost of kings, that are proposed to be bestowed upon Janardana ought never to be bestowed upon him. Kesava is, of course, not unworthy of our worship, but both time and place are against it, for he (Krishna), O king, on receiving our worship, will very likely think that we are worshipping him out of fear. This is my certain conviction, O king, that an intelligent Kshatriya must not do that which may bring disgrace upon him. It is well-known to me that the large-eyed Krishna deserveth the most reverential worship of the three worlds. It is quite out of place, therefore, O illustrious king, to give him anything now, for war having been decided upon, it should never be put off by hospitality.'
p. 180
"Vaisampayana. continued, 'Hearing these words of his, the Grandsire of the Kurus spoke these words unto the royal son of Vichitravirya, 'Worshipped or not worshipped, Janardana never becometh angry. None, however, can treat him with disrespect, for Kesava is not contemptible. Whatever, O mighty one, he purposeth to do is incapable of being frustrated by anybody by every means in his power. Do without hesitation what Krishna of mighty arms sayeth and bring about peace with the Pandavas through Vasudeva as the means. Truly Janardana, possessed of virtuous soul, will say what is consistent with religion and profit. It behoveth thee, therefore, with all thy friends, to tell him what only is agreeable to him.'
"Duryodhana said, 'O Grandsire, I can, by no means, live by sharing this swelling prosperity of mine with the Pandavas. Listen, this, indeed, is a great resolution which I have formed. I will imprison Janardana who is the refuge of the Pandavas. He will come here tomorrow morning; and when he is confined, the Vrishnis and the Pandavas, aye, the whole earth, will submit to me. What may be the means for accomplishing it, so that Janardana may not guess our purpose, and so that no danger also may overtake us, it behoveth thee to say.'
"Vaisampayana continued, 'Hearing these fearful words of his son about imprisoning Krishna, Dhritarashtra, with all his counsellors, was very much pained and became deeply afflicted. King Dhritarashtra then spoke those words unto Duryodhana, 'O ruler of men, never say this again, this is not immemorial custom. Hrishikesa cometh here as an ambassador. He is, besides, related to and is dear to us. He hath done us no wrong; how then doth he deserves imprisonment?'
"Bhishma said, 'This wicked son of thine, O Dhritarashtra, hath his hour come. He chooseth evil, not good, though entreated by his well-' wishers. Thou also followest in the wake of this wicked wretch of sinful surroundings, who treadeth a thorny path setting at naught the words of his well-wisher. This exceedingly wicked son of thine with all his counsellors coming in contact with Krishna of unstained acts, will be destroyed in a moment. I dare not listen to the words of this sinful and wicked wretch that hath abandoned all virtue.'
'Having said this, that aged chief of the Bharata race, Bhishma of unbaffled prowess, inflamed with rage rose and left that place.'"

Book 5
Chapter 89

 1 [v]
      pṛthām āmantrya govindaḥ kṛtvā cāpi pradakṣiṇam
      duryodhana gṛhaṃ śaurir abhyagacchad ariṃdamaḥ
  2 lakṣmyā paramayā yuktaṃ puraṃdara gṛhopamam
      tasya kakṣyā vyatikramya tisro dvāḥsthair avāritaḥ
  3 tato 'bhraghanasaṃkāśaṃ girikūṭam ivocchritam
      śriyā jvalantaṃ prāsādam āruroha mahāyaśāḥ
  4 tatra rājasahasraiś ca kurubhiś cābhisaṃvṛtam
      dhārtarāṣṭraṃ mahābāhuṃ dadarśāsīnam āsane
  5 duḥśāsanaṃ ca karṇaṃ ca śakuniṃ cāpi saubalam
      duryodhana samīpe tān āsanasthān dadarśa saḥ
  6 abhyāgacchati dāśārhe dhārtarāṣṭro mahāyaśāḥ
      udatiṣṭhat sahāmātyaḥ pūjayan madhusūdanam
  7 sametya dhārtarāṣṭreṇa sahāmātyena keśavaḥ
      rājabhis tatra vārṣṇeyaḥ samāgacchad yathā vayaḥ
  8 tatra jāmbūnadamayaṃ paryaṅkaṃ supariṣkṛtam
      vividhāstaraṇāstīrṇam abhyupāviśad acyutaḥ
  9 tasmin gāṃ madhuparkaṃ ca upahṛtya janārdane
      nivedayām āsa tadā gṛhān rājyaṃ ca kauravaḥ
  10 tatra govindam āsīnaṃ prasannāditya varcasam
     upāsāṃ cakrire sarve kuravo rājabhiḥ saha
 11 tato duryodhano rājā vārṣṇeyaṃ jayatāṃ varam
     nyamantrayad bhojanena nābhyanandac ca keśavaḥ
 12 tato duryodhanaḥ kṛṣṇam abravīd rājasaṃsadi
     mṛdupūrvaṃ śaṭhodarkaṃ karṇam ābhāṣya kauravaḥ
 13 kasmād annāni pānāni vāsāṃsi śayanāni ca
     tvadartham upanītāni nāgrahīs tvaṃ janārdana
 14 ubhayoś cādadaḥ sāhyam ubhayoś ca hate rataḥ
     saṃbandhī dayitaś cāsi dhṛtarāṣṭrasya mādhava
 15 tvaṃ hi govinda dharmārthau vettha tattvena sarvaśaḥ
     tatra kāraṇam icchāmi śrotuṃ cakragadādhara
 16 sa evam ukto govindaḥ pratyuvāca mahāmanāḥ
     oghameghasvanaḥ kāle pragṛhya vipulaṃ bhujam
 17 anambū kṛtam agrastam anirastam asaṃkulam
     rājīvanetro rājānaṃ hetumadvākyam uttamam
 18 kṛtārthā bhuñjate dūtāḥ pūjāṃ gṛhṇanti caiva hi
     kṛtārthaṃ māṃ sahāmātyas tvam arciṣyasi bhārata
 19 evam uktaḥ pratyuvāca dhārtarāṣṭro janārdanam
     na yuktaṃ bhavatāsmāsu pratipattum asāṃpratam
 20 kṛtārthaṃ cākṛtārthaṃ ca tvāṃ vayaṃ madhusūdana
     yatāmahe pūjayituṃ govinda na ca śaknumaḥ
 21 na ca tat kāraṇaṃ vidmo yasmin no madhusūdana
     pūjāṃ kṛtāṃ prīyamāṇair nāmaṃsthāḥ puruṣottama
 22 vairaṃ no nāsti bhavatā govinda na ca vigrahaḥ
     sa bhavān prasamīkṣyaitan nedṛśaṃ vaktum arhati
 23 evam uktaḥ pratyuvāca dhārtarāṣṭraṃ janārdanaḥ
     abhivīkṣya sahāmātyaṃ dāśārhaḥ prahasann iva
 24 nāhaṃ kāmān na saṃrambhān na dveṣān nārthakāraṇāt
     na hetuvādāl lobhād vā dharmaṃ jahyāṃ kathaṃ cana
 25 saṃprīti bhojyāny annāni āpad bhojyāni vā punaḥ
     na ca saṃprīyase rājan na cāpy āpad gatā vayam
 26 akasmād dviṣase rājañ janmaprabhṛti pāṇḍavān
     priyānuvartino bhrātṝn sarvaiḥ samuditān guṇaiḥ
 27 akasmāc caiva pārthānāṃ dveṣaṇaṃ nopapadyate
     dharme sthitāḥ pāṇḍaveyāḥ kas tān kiṃ vaktum arhati
 28 yas tān dveṣṭi sa māṃ dveṣṭi yas tān anu sa mām anu
     aikātmyaṃ māṃ gataṃ viddhi pāṇḍavair dharmacāribhiḥ
 29 kāmakrodhānuvartī hi yo mohād virurutsate
     guṇavantaṃ ca yo dveṣṭi tam āhuḥ puruṣādhamam
 30 yaḥ kalyāṇa guṇāñ jñātīn mohāl lobhād didṛkṣate
     so 'jitātmājita krodho naciraṃ tiṣṭhati śriyam
 31 atha yo guṇasaṃpannān hṛdayasyāpriyān api
     priyeṇa kurute vaśyāṃś ciraṃ yaśasi tiṣṭhati
 32 sarvam etad abhoktavyam annaṃ duṣṭābhisaṃhitam
     kṣattur ekasya bhoktavyam iti me dhīyate matiḥ
 33 evam uktvā mahābāhur duryodhanam amarṣaṇam
     niścakrāma tataḥ śubhrād dhārtarāṣṭra niveśanāt
 34 niryāya ca mahābāhur vāsudevo mahāmanāḥ
     niveśāya yayau veśma virudasya mahātmanaḥ
 35 tam abhyagacchad droṇaś ca kṛpo bhīṣmo 'tha bāhlikaḥ
     kuravaś ca mahābāhuṃ virudasya gṛhe sthitam
 36 te 'bhigamyābruvaṃs tatra kuravo madhusūdanam
     nivedayāmo vārṣṇeya saratnāṃs te gṛhānvayam
 37 tān uvāca mahātejāḥ kauravān madhusūdanaḥ
     sarve bhavanto gacchantu sarvā me 'pacitiḥ kṛtā
 38 yāteṣu kuruṣu kṣattā dāśārham aparājitam
     abhyarcayām āsa tadā sarvakāmaiḥ prayatnavān
 39 tataḥ kṣattānna pānāni śucīni guṇavanti ca
     upāharad anekāni keśavāya mahātmane
 40 tair tarpayitvā prathamaṃ brāhmaṇān madhusūdanaḥ
     vedavidbhyo dadau kṛṣṇaḥ paramadraviṇāny api
 41 tato 'nuyāyibhiḥ sārdhaṃ marudbhir iva vāsavaḥ
     vidurānnāni bubhuje śucīni guṇavanti ca

SECTION LXXXIX

"Vaisampayana said, 'Rising up (from his bed) at day-dawn, Krishna went through his morning rites, and taking leave of the Bharatas, set out for the city (of the Kurus). Ana all the inhabitants of Vrikasthala,
p. 181
bidding farewell unto that mighty one of long arms while he was about to depart, all returned to their homes. And all the Dhartarashtras except Duryodhana, attired in excellent robes, and with Bhishma, Drona, Kripa, and others, went out to meet him. And the citizens by thousands, O king, on cars of diverse kinds, and many on foot, also came out, desirous of beholding Hrishikesa. And meeting on the way Bhishma of spotless deed, and Drona, and Dhritarashtra's sons, he entered the city, surrounded by them all. And in honour of Krishna, the city was beautifully adorned, and the principal streets were decorated with diverse jewels and gems. And, O king, O bull of the Bharata race, on that occasion no one,--man, woman, or child,--remained in doors, so eager were the citizens for beholding Vasudeva. And all the citizens came out and lined the streets and bent their heads down to the ground singing eulogies in his honour, O king, when Hrishikesa entered the city and passed through it. And substantial mansions, filled with high-born ladies, seemed to be on the point of falling down on the ground in consequence of their living weight. And although Vasudeva's steeds were endued with great speed, yet they moved very slowly through that dense mass of human beings. And that lotus-eyed grinder of foes then entered Dhritarashtra's ash-coloured palace which was enriched with numerous buildings. And having passed through the first three chambers of the palace, that chastiser of foes, Kesava, came upon the royal son of Vichitravirya. And upon that son of Dasarha's race approaching his presence, the blind monarch of great fame stood up along with Drona and Bhishma, Kripa and Somadatta, and king Vahlika also,--all stood up for honouring Janardana. And the Vrishni hero, having approached king Dhritarashtra of great fame, worshipped him and Bhishma with proper words and without losing any time. And having offered that worship unto them according to established usage, Madhava the slayer of Madhu, greeted the other kings according to their seniority in years. And Janardana then accosted the illustrious Drona and his son, and Vahlika, and Kripa, and Somadatta. And there in that chamber Jay a spacious seat of beautiful workmanship, made of gold and set with jewels. And at Dhritarashtra's request, Achyuta took that seat; and the priests of Dhritarashtra duly offered Janardana a cow, honey and curds and water. And after the rites of hospitality were over, Govinda remained there for a while, surrounded by the Kurus, laughing and jesting with them according to their relationship with him. And that illustrious grinder of foes, honoured and worshipped by Dhritarashtra, came out with the king's permission. And Madhava having duly greeted all the Kurus in their assembly, then went to the delightful abode of Vidura; and Vidura, having approached Janardana of Dasarha's race thus arrived at his abode, worshipped him with every auspicious and desirable offering. And he said, 'What use, O lotus-eyed one, in telling thee of the joy I feel at this advent of thine, for thou art the inner Soul of all embodied creatures.' And after the hospitable reception was over, Vidura, conversant with all the principles of morality,
enquired of Govinda, the slayer of Madhu, about the welfare of Pandavas. And that scion of Dasarha's race, that chief of the Vrishnis, unto whom the past and the future were as the present, knowing that Vidura was loved by the Pandavas and friendly towards them, and learned, and firm in morality, and honest, and harbouring no wrath (against the Pandavas), and wise, began to tell him everything in detail about the doings of the sons of Pandu.'"

Book 5
Chapter 90

 1 [v]
      taṃ bhuktavantam āśvastaṃ niśāyāṃ viduro 'bravīt
      nedaṃ samyag vyavasitaṃ keśavāgamanaṃ tava
  2 ardhadharmātigo mūḍhaḥ saṃrambhī ca janārdana
      mānaghno mānakāmaś ca vṛddhānāṃ śāsanātigaḥ
  3 dharmaśāstrātigo mando durātmā pragrahaṃ gataḥ
      aneyaḥ śreyasāṃ pāpo dhārtarāṣṭro janārdana
  4 kāmātmā prājñamānī ca mitradhruk sarvaśaṅkitaḥ
      akartā cākṛtajñaś ca tyaktadharmaḥ priyānṛtaḥ
  5 etaiś cānyaiś ca bahubhir doṣair eṣa samanvitaḥ
      tvayocyamānaḥ śreyo 'pi saṃrambhān na grahīṣyati
  6 senā samudayaṃ dṛṣṭvā pārthivaṃ madhusūdana
      kṛtārthaṃ manyate bāla ātmānam avicakṣaṇaḥ
  7 ekaḥ karṇaḥ parāñ jetuṃ samartha iti niścitam
      dhārtarāṣṭrasya durbuddheḥ sa śamaṃ nopayāsyati
  8 bhīṣme droṇe kṛpe karṇe droṇaputre jayadrathe
      bhūyasīṃ vartate vṛttiṃ na śame kurute manaḥ
  9 niścitaṃ dhārtarāṣṭrāṇāṃ sakarṇānāṃ janārdana
      bhīṣmadroṇakṛpān pārthā na śaktāḥ prativīkṣitum
  10 saṃvic ca dhārtarāṣṭrāṇāṃ sarveṣām eva keśava
     śame prayatamānasya tava saubhrātra kāṅkṣiṇaḥ
 11 na pāṇḍavānām asmābhiḥ pratideyaṃ yathocitam
     iti vyavasitās teṣu vacanaṃ syān nirarthakam
 12 yatra sūktaṃ duruktaṃ ca samaṃ syān madhusūdana
     na tatra pralapet prājño badhireṣv iva gāyanaḥ
 13 avijānatsu mūḍheṣu nirmaryādeṣu mādhava
     na tvaṃ vākyaṃ bruvan yuktaś cāṇḍāleṣu dvijo yathā
 14 so 'yaṃ balastho mūḍhaś ca na kariṣyati te vacaḥ
     tasmin nirarthakaṃ vākyam uktaṃ saṃpatsyate tava
 15 teṣāṃ samupaviṣṭānāṃ sarveṣāṃ pāpacetasām
     tava madhyāvataraṇaṃ mama kṛṣṇa na rocate
 16 durbuddhīnām aśiṣṭānāṃ bahūnāṃ pāpacetasām
     pratīpaṃ vacanaṃ madhye tava kṛṣṇa na rocate
 17 anupāsitavṛddhatvāc chriyā mohāc ca darpitaḥ
     vayo darpād amarṣāc ca na te śreyo grahīṣyati
 18 balaṃ balavad apy asya yadi vakṣyasi mādhava
     tvayy asya mahatī śaṅkā na kariṣyati te vacaḥ
 19 nedam adya yudhā śakyam indreṇāpi sahāmaraiḥ
     iti vyavasitāḥ sarve dhārtarāṣṭrā janārdana
 20 teṣv evam upapanneṣu kāmakrodhānuvartiṣu
     samartham api te vākyam asamarthaṃ bhaviṣyati
 21 madhye tiṣṭhan hastyanīkasya mando; rathāśvayuktasya balasya mūḍhaḥ
     duryodhano manyate vītamanyuḥ; kṛtsnā mayeyaṃ pṛthivī jiteti
 22 āśaṃsate dhṛtarāṣṭrasya putro; mahārājyam asapatnaṃ pṛthivyām
     tasmiñ śamaḥ kevalo nopalabhyo; baddhaṃ santam āgataṃ manyate 'rtham
 23 paryasteyaṃ pṛthivī kālapakvā; duryodhanārthe pāṇḍavān yoddhukāmāḥ
     samāgatāḥ sarvayodhāḥ pṛthivyāṃ; rājānaś ca kṣitipālaiḥ sametāḥ
 24 sarve caite kṛtavairāḥ purastāt; tvayā rājāno hṛtasārāś ca kṛṣṇa
     tavodvegāt saṃśritā dhārtarāṣṭrān; susaṃhatāḥ saha karṇena vīrāḥ
 25 tyaktātmānaḥ saha duryodhanena; sṛṣṭā yoddhuṃ pāṇḍavān sarvayodhāḥ
     teṣāṃ madhye praviśethā yadi tvaṃ; na tan mataṃ mama dāśārha vīra
 26 teṣāṃ samupaviṣṭānāṃ bahūnāṃ duṣṭacetasām
     kathaṃ madhyaṃ prapadyethāḥ śatrūṇāṃ śatrukarśana
 27 sarvathā tvaṃ mahābāho devair api durutsahaḥ
     prabhāvaṃ pauruṣaṃ buddhiṃ jānāmi tava śatruhan
 28 yā me prītiḥ pāṇḍaveṣu bhūyaḥ sā tvayi mādhava
     premṇā ca bahumānāc ca sauhṛdāc ca bravīmy aham

SECTION XC

"Vaisampayana said, 'Janardana, the chastiser of foes, after his meeting with Vidura, went then in the afternoon to his paternal aunt, Pritha. And beholding Krishna whose countenance beamed with the effulgence of the radiant sun arrived at her abode, she encircled his neck with her arms and began to pour forth her lamentations remembering her sons. And at the sight, after a long time, of Govinda of Vrishni's race, the companion of those mighty children of hers, the tears of Pritha flowed fast. And after Krishna, that foremost of warriors, had taken his seat having first received the rites of hospitality, Pritha, with a woe-begone face and voice choked with tears addressed him, saying. They, who, from their earliest years have always waited with reverence on their superiors; they, who, in friendship are attached to one another; they, who, deprived deceitfully of their kingdom had gone to seclusion, however worthy of living in the midst of friends and attendants,--they, who have subjugated both wrath and joy, are devoted to Brahman's, and truthful in speech,--those children of mine, who, abandoning kingdom and enjoyments and leaving my miserable self behind, had gone to the woods, plucking the very roots of my heart,--those illustrious sons of Pandu, O Kesava, who have suffered woe however undeserving of it,--how, alas, did they live in the deep forest abounding with lions and tigers and elephants? Deprived in their infancy of their father, they were all tenderly brought up by me. How, also, did they live in the mighty forest, without seeing both their parents? From their infancy, O Kesava, the Pandavas were aroused from their beds by the music of conchs and drums and flutes. That they who while at home, used to sleep in high palatial chambers on soft blankets and skins of the Runku deer and were waked up in the morning by the grunt of elephants, the neighing of steeds, the clatter of car-wheels and the music of conchs and cymbals in accompaniment with the notes of flutes and lyres,--who, adored at early dawn with sacred sounding hymns uttered by Brahmanas, worshipped those amongst them that deserved such worship with robes and jewels and ornaments, and who were blessed with the auspicious
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benedictions of those illustrious members of the regenerate order, as a return for the homage the latter received,--that they, O Janardana, could sleep in the deep woods resounding with the shrill and dissonant cries of beasts of prey can hardly be believed, undeserving as they were of so much woe. How could they, O slayer of Madhu, who were roused from their beds by music of cymbals and drums and conchs and flutes, with the honeyed strains of songstresses and the eulogies chanted by bards and professional reciters,--alas, how could they be waked in the deep woods by the yells of wild beasts? He that is endued with modesty, is firm in truth, with senses under control and compassions for all creatures,--he that hath vanquished both lust and malice and always treadeth the path of the righteous, he that ably bore the heavy burthen borne by Amvarisha and Mandhatri Yayati and Nahusha and Bharata and Dilip and Sivi the son of Usinara and other royal sages of old, he that is endued with an excellent character and disposition, he that is conversant with virtue, and whose prowess is incapable of being baffled, he that is fit to become the monarch of the three worlds in consequence of his possession of every accomplishment, he that is the foremost of all the Kurus lawfully and in respect of learning and disposition, who is handsome and mighty-armed and hath no enemy,--Oh, how is that Yudhishthira of virtuous soul, and of complexion like that of pure gold? He that hath the strength of ten thousand elephants and the speed of the wind, he that is mighty and ever wrathful amongst the sons of Pandu, he that always doth good to his brothers and is, therefore, dear to them all, he, O slayer of Madhu, that slew Kichaka with all his relatives, he that is the slayer of the Krodhavasas, of Hidimva, and of Vaka, he that in prowess is equal unto Sakra, and in might unto the Wind-god, he that is terrible, and in wrath is equal unto Madhava himself, he that is the foremost of all smiters,--that wrathful son of Pandu and chastiser of foes, who, restraining his rage, might, impatience, and controlling his soul, is obedient to the commands of his elder brother,--speak to me, O Janardana, tell me how is that smiter of immeasurable valour, that Bhimasena, who in aspect also justifies his name--that Vrikodara possessing arms like maces, that mighty second son of Pandu? O Krishna, that Arjuna of two arms who always regardeth himself as superior to his namesake of old with thousand arms, and who at one stretch shooteth five hundred arrows, that son of Pandu who in the use of weapons is equal unto king Kartavirya, in energy unto Aditya, in restraint of senses unto a great sage, in forgiveness unto the Earth, and in prowess unto Indra himself,--he, by whose prowess, O slayer of Madhu, the Kurus amongst all the kings of the earth have obtained this extensive empire, blazing with effulgence,--he, whose strength of arms is always adored by the Pandavas,--that son of Pandu, who is the foremost of all car-warriors and whose prowess is incapable of being frustrated,--he, from an encounter with whom in battle no foe ever escapeth with life,--he, O Achyuta, who is the conqueror of all, but who is incapable of
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being conquered by any,--he, who is the refuge of the Pandavas like Vasava of the celestials,--how, O Kesava, is that Dhananjaya now, that brother and friend of thine? He that is compassionate to all creatures, is endued with modesty and acquainted with mighty weapons, is soft and delicate and virtuous,--he that is dear to me,--that mighty bowman Sahadeva, that hero and ornament of assemblies,--he, O Krishna, who is youthful in years, is devoted to the service of his brothers, and is conversant with both virtue and profit, whose brothers, O slayer of Madhu, always applaud the disposition of that high-souled and well-behaved son of mine,--tell me, O thou of the Vrishni race, of that heroic Sahadeva, that foremost of warriors, that son of Madri, who always waiteth submissively on his elder brothers and so reverentially on me. He that is delicate and youthful in years, he that is brave and handsome in person,--that son of Pandu who is dear unto his brothers as also unto all, and who, indeed, is their very life though walking with a separate body,--he that is conversant with various modes of warfare,--he that is endued with great strength and is a mighty bowman,--tell me, O Krishna, whether that dear child of mine, Nakula, who was brought up in luxury, is now well in body and mind? O thou of mighty arms, shall I ever behold again Nakula of mine, that mighty car-warrior, that delicate youth brought up in every luxury and undeserving of woe? Behold, O hero, I am alive today, even I, who could know peace by losing sight of Nakula for the short space of time taken up by a wink of the eye. More than all my sons, O Janardana, is the daughter of Drupada dear to me. High-born and possessed of great beauty, she is endued with every accomplishment. Truthful in speech, she chose the company of her lords, giving up that of her sons, Indeed, leaving her dear children behind, she followeth the sons of Pandu. Waited upon at one time by a large train of servants, and adored by her husbands with every object of enjoyment, the possessor of every auspicious mark and accomplishment, how, O Achyuta, is that Draupadi now? Having five heroic husbands who are all smiters of foes and all mighty bowmen, each equal unto Agni in energy, alas, woe hath yet been the lot of Drupada's daughter. I have not for fourteen long years, O chastiser of foes, beheld the princess of Panchala, that daughter-in-law of mine' who herself hath been a prey to constant anxiety on account of her children, whom she hath not seen for that period. When Drupada's daughter endued with such a disposition, doth not enjoy uninterrupted happiness, it seemeth, O Govinda, that the happiness one enjoyeth is never the fruit of one's acts. When I remember the forcible dragging of Draupadi to the assembly, then neither Vibhatsu nor Yudhishthira, nor Bhima, nor Nakula, nor Sahadeva, becometh an object of affection to me. Never before had a heavier grief been mine than what pierced my heart when that wretch Dussasana, moved by wrath and covetousness, dragged Draupadi, then in her flow, and therefore clad in a single raiment, into the presence of her father-in-law in the assembly and
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exposed her to the gaze of all the Kurus. It is known that amongst those that were present, king Vahlika, Kripa, Somadatta, were pierced with grief at this sight, but of all present in that assembly, it was Vidura whom I worship. Neither by learning, nor by wealth doth one become worthy of homage. It is by disposition alone that one becomes respectable, O Krishna, endued with great intelligence and profound wisdom, the character of the illustrious Vidura, like unto an ornament (that he wears) adorns the whole world.'
"Vaisampayana continued, 'Filled with delight at the advent of Govinda, and afflicted with sorrow (on account of her sons) Pritha gave expression to all her diverse griefs. And she said, 'Can gambling and the slaughter of deer, which, O chastiser of foes, occupied all wicked kings of old, be a pleasant occupation for the Pandavas? The thought consumeth, O Kesava, that being dragged into the presence of all the Kurus in their assembly by Dhritarashtra's sons, insults worse than death were heaped on Krishna, O chastiser of foes, the banishment of my sons from their capital and their wanderings in the wilderness,--these and various other griefs, O Janardana, have been mine. Nothing could be more painful to me or to my sons themselves, O Madhava, than that they should have had to pass a period of concealment, shut up in a stranger's house. Full fourteen years have passed since the day when Duryodhana first exited my sons. If misery is destructive of fruits of sins, and happiness is dependent on the fruits of religious merit, then it seems that happiness may still be ours after so much misery. I never made any distinction between Dhritarashtra's sons and mine (so far as maternal affection is concerned). By that truth, O Krishna, I shall surely behold thee along with the Pandavas safely come out of the present strife with their foes slain, and the kingdom recovered by them. The Pandavas themselves have observed their vow with such truthfulness sticking to Dharma that they are incapable of being defeated by their enemies. In the matter of my present sorrows, however, I blame neither myself nor Suyodhana, but my father alone. Like a wealthy man giving away a sum of money in gift, my father gave me away to Kuntibhoja. While a child playing with a ball in my hands, thy grandfather, O Kesava, gave me away to his friend, the illustrious Kuntibhoja. Abandoned, O chastiser of foes, by my own father, and my father-in law, and afflicted with insufferable woes, what use, O Madhava, is there in my being alive? On the night of Savyasachin's birth, in the lying-in-room, an invisible voice told me, 'This son of thine will conquer the whole world, and his fame will reach the very heavens. Slaying the Kurus in a great battle and recovering the kingdom, thy son Dhanajaya will, with his brothers, perform three grand sacrifices.' I do not doubt the truth of that announcement. I bow unto Dharma that upholds the creation. If Dharma be not a myth, then, O Krishna, thou wilt surely achieve all that the invisible voice said. Neither the loss of my husband, O Madhava, nor loss of wealth, nor our hostility with the Kurus ever
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inflicted such rending pains on me as that separation from my children. What peace can my heart know when I do not see before me that wielder of Gandiva, viz., Dhananjaya, that foremost of all bearers of arms? I have not, for fourteen years, O Govinda, seen Yudhishthira, and Dhananjaya, and Vrikodara. Men perform the obsequies of those that are missed for a long time, taking them for dead. Practically, O Janardana, my children are all dead to me and I am dead to them.
'Say unto the virtuous king Yudhishthira, O Madhava, that-Thy virtue, O son, is daily decreasing. Act thou, therefore, in such a way that thy religious merit may not diminish. Fie to them that live, O Janardana, by dependence on others. Even death is better than a livelihood gained by meanness. Thou must also say unto Dhananjaya and the ever-ready Vrikodara that--The time for that event is come in view of which a Kshatriya woman bringeth forth a son. If you allow the time slip without your achieving anything, then, though at present ye are respected by all the world, ye will be only doing that which would be regarded as contemptible. And if contempt touches you, I will abandon you for ever. When the time cometh, even life, which is so dear, should be laid down, O foremost of men, thou must also say unto Madri's sons that are always devoted to Kshatriya customs.--More than life itself, strive ye to win objects of enjoyment, procurable by prowess, since objects won by prowess alone can please the heart of a person desirous of living according to Kshatriya customs. Repairing thither, O mighty-armed one, say unto that foremost of all bearers of arms, Arjuna the heroic son of Pandu,--Tread thou the path that may be pointed out to thee by Draupadi. It is known to thee, O Kesava, that when inflamed with rage, Bhima and Arjuna, each like unto the universal Destroyer himself, can slay the very gods. That was a great insult offered unto them, viz., that their wife Krishna, having been dragged into the assembly was addressed in such humiliating terms by Dussasana and Karna. Duryodhana himself hath insulted Bhima of mighty energy in the very presence of the Kuru chiefs. I am sure he will reap the fruit of that behaviour, for Vrikodara, provoked by a foe, knoweth no peace. Indeed, once provoked, Bhima forgets it not for a long while, even until that grinder of foes exterminates the enemy and his allies. The loss of kingdom did not grieve me; the defeat at dice did not grieve me. That the illustrious and beautiful princess of Panchala was dragged into the assembly while clad in a single raiment and made to hear bitter words grieved me most. What, O Krishna, could be a greater grief to me? Alas, ever devoted to Kshatriya customs and endued with great beauty, the princess, while ill, underwent that cruel treatment, and though possessing powerful protectors was then as helpless as if she had none. O slayer of Madhu, having thee and that foremost of all mighty persons, Rama, and that mighty car-warrior Pradyumna for me and my children's protectors and having, O foremost of men, my sons the invincible Bhima and the unretreating Vijaya both alive, that I had still such grief to bear is certainly strange!'
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"Vaisampayana continued, 'Thus addressed by her, Sauri the friend of Partha, then comforted his paternal aunt, Pritha, afflicted with grief on account of her sons. And Vasudeva said, 'What woman is there, O aunt, in the world who is like thee? The daughter of king Surasena, thou art, by marriage, admitted into Ajamida's race. High-born and highly married, thou art like a lotus transplanted from one mighty lake into another. Endued with every prosperity and great good fortune, thou wert adored by thy husband. The wife of hero, thou hast again given birth to heroic sons. Possessed of every virtue, and endued with great wisdom, it behoveth thee to bear with patience, both happiness and misery. Overcoming sleep and langour, and wrath and joy, and hunger and thirst, and cold and heat, thy children are always in the enjoyment of that happiness, which, as heroes, should by theirs. Endued with great exertion and great might, thy sons, without affecting the comforts derivable from the senses such as satisfy only the low and the mean, always pursue that happiness which as heroes they should. Nor are they satisfied like little men having mean desires. They that are wise enjoy or suffer the same of whatever enjoyable or sufferable, Indeed, ordinary persons, affecting comforts that satisfy the low and the mean, desire an equable state of dullness, without excitement of any kind. They, however, that are superior, desire either the acutest of human suffering or the highest of all enjoyments that is given to man. The wise always delight in extremes. They find no pleasure betwixt; they regard the extreme to be happiness, while that which lies between is regarded by them as misery. The Pandavas with Krishna saluteth thee through me. Representing themselves to be well, they have enquired after thy welfare. Thou wilt soon behold them become the lords of the whole world, with their foe slain, and themselves invested with prosperity.'
'Thus consoled by Krishna, Kunti, afflicted with grief on account of her sons, but soon dispelling the darkness caused by her temporary loss of understanding, replied unto Janardana, saying, 'Whatever, O mighty-armed one, thou, O slayer of Madhu, regardest as proper to be done, let that be done without sacrificing righteousness, O chastiser of foes, and without the least guile. I know, O Krishna, what the power of thy truth and of thy lineage is. I know also what judgment and what prowess thou bringest to bear upon the accomplishment of whatever concerns thy friends. In our race, thou art Virtue's self, thou art Truth, and thou art the embodiment of ascetic austerities. Thou art the great Brahma, and everything rests on thee. What, therefore, thou hast said must be true.'
"Vaisampayana continued, 'Bidding her farewell and respectfully walking round her, the mighty-armed Govinda then departed for Duryodhana's mansion.'"

(My humble salutations to the lotus feet of Sreeman Brahmasri K M Ganguliji for the collection)