Chapter 63

“Janamejaya said, ‘Having heard these words, O regenerate one, that werespoken by the high-souled Vyasa in respect of the horse-sacrifice, whatsteps were taken by Yudhishthira? Do thou tell me, O foremost ofregenerate ones, how the king succeeded in obtaining the wealth whichMarutta had buried in the Earth.’

“Vaisampayana said, ‘Having heard the words of the Island-born ascetic,king Yudhishthira the just, summoned all his brothers, viz., Arjuna andBhimasena and the twin sons of Madri, in proper time and then said untothem (the following words),–‘Ye heroes, you have heard the words whichthe highly intelligent and high-souled Krishna has said from hisfriendship for and the desire of doing good to the Kurus![178] Verily,you have heard those words that have been uttered by that ascetic ofabundant penances, that great sage desirous of bestowing prosperity onhis friends, that preceptor of righteous behaviour, viz., Vyasa ofwonderful feats. You have heard what Bhishma also said, and what Govindatoo of great intelligence has uttered. Remembering those words, ye gongof Pandu, I desire to obey them duly. By obeying those words of theirsgreat blessedness will attach to all of you. Those words spoken by thoseutterers of Brahma are certain (if obeyed) to bring in their trainconsiderable benefit. Ye perpetuators of Kuru’s race, the Earth hasbecome divested of her wealth. Ye kings, Vyasa, therefore, informed us ofthe wealth (that lies buried in the Earth) of Marutta. If you think thatwealth abundant or sufficient, how shall we bring it (to our capital)?What, O Bhima, dost thou think as regards this? When the king, Operpetuator of Kuru’s race, said these words, Bhimasena, joining hishands, said these words in reply,–‘The words thou hast said, O thou ofmighty-arms, on the subject of bringing the wealth indicated by Vyasa,are approved by me. If, O puissant one, we succeed in getting the wealthkept there by the son of Avikshita, then this sacrifice, O king, purposedby us will be easily accomplished. Even this is what I think. We shall,therefore, bowing our heads unto the high-souled Girisa, and offering dueworship unto that deity, bring that wealth. Blessed be thou. Gratifyingthat god of gods, as also his companions and followers, in words,thought, and deed, we shall, without doubt, obtain that wealth. ThoseKinnaras of fierce mien who are protecting that treasure will certainlyyield to us if the great deity having the bull for his sign becomegratified with us!’–Hearing these words uttered by Bhima, O Bharata,king Yudhishthira the son of Dharma became highly pleased. The others,headed by Arjuna, at the same time, said, ‘So be it.’ The Pandavas then,having resolved to bring that wealth, ordered their forces to march underthe constellation Dhruba and on the day called by the same name.[179]Causing the Brahmanas to utter benedictions on them, and having dulyworshipped the great god Maheswara, the sons of Pandu get out (on theirenterprise). Gratifying that high-souled deity with Modakas and frumentyand with cakes made of meat, the sons of Pandu set out with cheerfulhearts. While they thus set out, the citizen, and many foremost ofBrahmanas, with cheerful hearts, uttered auspicious blessings (on theirheads). The Pandavas, circumambulating many Brahmanas that dailyworshipped their fires, and bending their heads unto them, proceeded ontheir journey. Taking the permission of king Dhritarashtra who wasafflicted with grief on account of the death of his sons, his queen(Gandhari), and Pritha also of large eyes, and keeping the Kaurava princeYuyutsu, the son of Dhritarashtra, in the capital, they set out,worshipped by the citizens and by many Brahmanas possessed of greatwisdom.'”