14. ASWAMEDHA PARVA (92)

OM! HAVING BOWED down unto Narayana, and Nara the foremost of malebeings, and unto the goddess Saraswati, must the word Jaya be uttered.

“Indra said, “Even so it is; the might of Brahmanas is great and thereare none more powerful than Brahmanas, but I can never bear withequanimity the insolent pride of Avikshita’s son, and so shall I smitehim with my thunderbolt.

Vaisampayana said, “When Vyasa of wonderful achievements had concludedhis speech to the king, the highly-puissant son of Vasudeva (Krishna)also addressed him.

“Vasudeva said, “There are two kinds of ailments, physical and mental.They are produced by the mutual action of the body and mind on eachother, and they never arise without the interaction of the two.

“Vasudeva said, “O scion of Bharata’s race, salvation is not attained byforegoing the external things (like kingdom, etc), it is only attained bygiving up things which pander to the flesh (body).

“Vaisampayana said, “With such speeches as these, was the royal saintYudhishthira, bereft of his friends, consoled by those sages of greatascetic merits.

Janamejaya said, ‘O the best of regenerate beings, when the Pandavas hadreconquered and pacified their kingdom, what did the two warriors,Vasudeva and Dhananjaya do?

“Janamejaya said, “When the high-souled Kesava and Arjuna after slayingtheir enemies repaired to the assembly rooms, what conversation, Oregenerate one, took place between them?’

“Vasudeva said, touching the feet of that sage, the Brahmana asked himsome questions that were exceedingly difficult to answer. That foremostof all righteous persons then discoursed on those duties that werereferred to.

“–The Brahmana said, ‘The acts, good and bad, that a Jiva does are notsubject to destruction. Upon attainment of body after body, those actsproduce fruits corresponding with them.

“–The Brahmana said, ‘He who becomes absorbed in the one receptacle (ofall things), freeing himself from even the thought of his own identitywith all things,–indeed, ceasing to think of even his ownexistence,–gradually casting off one after another, will succeed incrossing his bonds.

“Vaisampayana said, “Thus addressed by the intelligent king DhritarashtraYudhishthira, possessed of understanding, became calm.

“Vasudeva said, ‘In this connection is cited the ancient narrative, O sonof Pritha, of the discourse that took place between a married couple.

“The Brahmana said, ‘In this connection is cited the following ancientstory. Do thou understand, of what kind the institution is of the tenHotris (sacrificing priests).

“The Brahmana said, ‘In this connection is cited the ancient story, Oblessed one, of what the institution is of the seven sacrificing priests.

“The Brahmana said, ‘In this connection, O blessed lady, is cited theancient story of what kind the institution is of the five sacrificingpriests. The learned know this to be a great principle that Prana andApana and Udana and Samana and Vyana are the five sacrificing priests.'”

“The Brahmana said, ‘In this connection is cited the ancient story of thediscourse between Narada and the Rishi Devamata.’

“The Brahmana said, ‘In this connection is recited the ancient story ofwhat the institution is of the Chaturhotra (sacrifice). The ordinancesare now being duly declared of that in its entirety.

“The Brahmana said, ‘There is one Ruler. There is no second beside him.He that is Ruler resides in the heart. I shall speak now of him.

“The Brahmana said, ‘Having crossed that impassable fastness (the world)which has purposes for its gadflies and mosquitoes, grief and joy for itscold and heat, heedlessness for its blinding darkness, cupidity anddiseases for its reptiles, wealth for its one danger on the road, andlust and wrath its robbers, I have entered the extensive forest of(Brahman)’.

“The Brahmana said, ‘I do not smell scents. I do not perceive tastes. Ido not see colours. I do not touch. I do not likewise hear the diversesounds (that arise). Nor do I entertain purposes of any kind.

“The Brahmana said, ‘In this connection is cited the ancient story, Olady, of the discourse between Karttaviryya and the Ocean. There was aking of the name of Karttaviryya-Arjuna who was endued with a thousandarms.

“Vyasa said, ‘O Yudhishthira, thy wisdom, I conceive, is not adequate.None doth any act by virtue of his own power.

“The Pitris said, ‘In this connection is cited this old history. Havingheard it, thou shouldst act according to it, O foremost of all regeneratepersons.

“The Brahmana said, ‘There are three foes in the world. They are said tobe ninefold, agreeably to their qualities. Exultation, satisfaction, andjoy,–these three qualities appertain to Goodness.

“The Brahmana said, ‘In this connection is cited the old narrative, Olady, of the discourse between a Brahmana and (king) Janaka.

“The Brahmana said, ‘I do not, O timid one, move in this world in thatmanner which thou, according to thy own understanding, censurest.

“The Brahmana’s wife said, ‘This is incapable of being understood by aperson of little intelligence as also by one whose soul has not beencleansed.

“Arjuna said, ‘It behoveth thee to expound Brahma to me,–that which isthe highest object of knowledge. Through thy favour, my mind is delightedwith these subtle disquisitions.’

“Brahma said, ‘That which is unmanifest, which is indistinct,all-pervading, everlasting, immutable, should be known to become the city(or mansion) of nine portals, possessed of three qualities, andconsisting of five ingredients.

“Brahman said, ‘Ye best of beings, I shall now declare to you accuratelywhat (the quality of) Passion is.

“Brahmana said, ‘I shall, after this discourse to you on that excellentquality which is the third (in the order of our enumeration).

“Brahmana said, ‘The qualities are incapable of being declared ascompletely separate from one another.

“Yudhishthira said, ‘O righteous one, I am desirous of hearing thehistory of that royal sage Marutta. Do thou, O Dwaipayana, relate thisunto me, O sinless one.’

“Brahmana said, ‘From the unmanifest first sprang Mahat (the Great Soul)endued with great intelligence, the source of all the qualities. That issaid to be the first creation.

“Brahmana said, ‘That Mahat who was first produced is called Egoism. Whenit sprang up as I, it came to be called as the second creation. ThatEgoism is said to be the source of all creatures, for these have sprungfrom its modifications.

‘Brahmana said, From Egoism were verily born the five great elements.They are earth, air, ether, water, and light numbering the fifth.

“Brahmana said, ‘Among men, the royal Kshatriya is (endued with) themiddle quality. Among vehicles, the elephant (is so); and among denizensof the forest the lion; among all (sacrificial) animals, the sheep;

“Brahmana said, ‘I shall now tell you truly about all that which has abeginning, middle, and end, and which is endued with name andcharacteristics, together with the means of apprehension.

“Brahmana said, ‘The wheel of life moves on. It has the understanding forits strength; the mind for the pole (on which it rests); the group ofsenses for its bonds, the (five) great elements for its nave, and homefor its circumference.

“Brahmana said, ‘Duly studying thus to the best of his power, in the waydescribed above, and likewise living as a

“Brahmana said. ‘The ancients who were utterers of certain truth, saythat Renunciation is penance.

“Brahmana said, ‘Some regard Brahman as a tree. Some regard Brahman as agreat forest. Some regard Brahman as unmanifest.

“The Rishis said,–‘Which among the duties is deemed to be the mostworthy of being performed? The diverse modes of duty, we see, arecontradictory.

“Yudhishthira said, ‘O best of speakers, how that king became sopowerful? And how, O twice-born one, did he obtain so much gold? Andwhere now, O reverend sire, is all his wealth? And, O ascetic, how can wesecure the same?’

“Brahmana said, ‘Well then, I shall declare to you what you ask. Learnwhat was told by a preceptor to a disciple that came unto him.

“Brahmana said, ‘Since the mind is the ruler of these five elements, inthe matter of controlling and bringing them forth, the mind, therefore,is the soul of the elements.

“Vaisampayana said, ‘After this, Krishna ordered Daruka, saying–Let mycar be yoked.–Within a very short space of time Daruka informed (hismaster), saying,–It has been yoked.–The son of Pandu then commanded allhis attendants, saying,–Prepare yourselves and be ready.

“Vaisampayana said, ‘As he of Vrishni’s race was proceeding to Dwaraka,those foremost princes of Bharata’s race, those chastisers of foesembraced him and fell back with their attendants.

“Utanka said, ‘Do thou, O Kesava, tell me that faultless Adhyatma. Havingheard thy discourse I shall ordain what is for thy good or denounce acurse to thee, O Janarddana.’

“Utanka said, ‘I know thee, O Janarddana, to be the creator of theuniverse. Without doubt, this knowledge that I have is the result of thygrace towards me, O thou of unfading glory, my heart is possessed ofcheerful tranquillity in consequence of its being devoted to thee.

“Janamejaya said, ‘With what penances was the high-souled Utanka enduedso that he entertained the wish to denounce a curse on Vishnu himself,who is the source of all puissance?’

“Vaisampayana said, “Beholding the king, who had become so, of frightfulmien, wearing a long beard smeared with the blood of human beings, theBrahmana Utanka, O king, did not become agitated.

“Vaisampayana said, ‘Utanka, coming back to king Saudasa who was alwayswell-disposed towards all his friends, solicited him for some sign (toconvince Madayanti of the fact of his being really commissioned by theking). That foremost one of Ikshwaku’s race then gave him a sign.’

“Janamejaya said, ‘After having conferred that boon on Utanka, O foremostof regenerate persons, what did the mighty-armed Govinda of greatcelebrity next do?’

“Vyasa said, ‘The ancient legend of Vrihaspati and the wise Marutta iscited in this connection. On hearing of the compact made by Angira’s sonVrihaspati with the lord of the gods (Indra), king Marutta made thenecessary preparations for a great sacrifice.

“Vasudeva said, ‘O thou of Vrishni’s race, I have repeatedly heard menspeaking of the wonderful battle (between the Kurus and the Pandavas).

“Vaisampayana said, ‘After the high-souled Vasudeva of great prowess hadfinished his narration of the great battle of the Bharatas before hissire, it was plain that that hero had passed over the slaughter ofAbhimanyu.

“Vaisampayana said, ‘Having heard these words of his son Vasudeva, thatdescendant of Sura, of righteous soul, casting off his grief, madeexcellent obsequial offerings (unto Abhimanyu).

“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, ‘They then set out, with cheerful hearts, andaccompanied by men and animals all of whom and which were equallycheerful.

“‘The Brahmanas said, ‘Let offerings be made unto the high-souledMahadeva of three eyes. Having duly dedicated those offerings, O king, weshall then strive to gain our object.’

“Vaisampayana said, ‘Meanwhile, Vasudeva of great energy accompanied bythe Vrishnis, came to the city called after the elephant.

“Vaisampayana said, ‘After Kunti had sat up, Subhadra, beholding herbrother, began to weep aloud, and afflicted with excessive grief,said,–‘O thou of eyes like lotus petals, behold the grandson of Arjunaof great intelligence.

“Vaisampayana said, ‘Thus addressed, O king, (by his sister and others),the slayer of Kesin, exceedingly afflicted by grief, answered,–‘So beit!’–These words were uttered with sufficient loudness and theygladdened all the inmates of the inner apartments of the palace.

“Vaisampayana said, ‘The helpless Uttara, desirous of getting back herchild, having indulged in these piteous lamentations, fell down inaffliction on the earth like a demented creature.

“Samvarta said, ‘How hast thou come to know me, and who has referred theeto me, do thou tell this to me truly, if thou wishest me to do what isgood to thee. And if thou speak truly, thou shalt attain all the objectsof thy desire, and shouldst thou tell a lie, thy head shall be riven in ahundred pieces.’

“Vaisampayana said, ‘When the Brahma-weapon was withdrawn by Krishna, atthat time, the laying-in room was illumined by thy father with hisenergy.

Vaisampayana, said, ‘Hearing that the Pandavas were near, that crusher offoes, viz., Vasudeva, accompanied by his ministers, went out for seeingthem.

“Vaisampayana said, ‘Thus addressed by Krishna, Yudhishthira, the son ofDharma, endued with great intelligence, saluted Vyasa and said thesewords: ‘Do thou cause me to be initiated when the proper hour, as thoutruly knowest, comes for that rite. This my sacrifice is entirelydependent on thee.’

“Vaisampayana said, ‘When the hour for initiation came, all those greatRitwijas duly initiated the king in view of the horse-sacrifice.

“Vaisampayana said. ‘A battle took place between the diadem-decked(Arjuna) and the sons and grandsons of the Trigartas whose hostility thePandavas has incurred before and all of whom were well-known as mightycar-warriors.

“Vaisampayana said, ‘That foremost of steeds then proceeded to the realmof Pragjyotisha and began to wander there. At this, Bhagadatta’s son, whowas exceedingly valorous in battle, came out (for encountering Arjuna).

“Vaisampayana said, ‘Thus waged that battle, O chief of the Bharatas, forthree days between Arjuna and that prince like the encounter between himof a hundred sacrifices and Vritra.

“Vaisampayana said, ‘There occurred a great battle between thediadem-decked Arjuna and the hundreds of Saindhavas who still lived afterthe slaughter of their clan (on the field of Kurukshetra).

“Vaisampayana said, ‘The irresistible wielder of Gandiva, addresst forbattle, stood immovable on the field like Himavat himself.

“Vaisampayana said, ‘The ruler of Manipura, Vabhruvahana, hearing thathis sire Arjuna had arrived within his dominions, went out with humility,with a number of Brahmanas and some treasure in his van.

“Samvarta said, “There is a peak named Munjaban on the summits of theHimalaya mountains, where the adorable Lord of Uma (Mahadeva) isconstantly engaged in austere devotional exercises.

“Vaisampayana said, ‘That lady of eyes like lotus petals, having indulgedin copious lamentations, and burning with grief, at last lost her sensesand fell down on the Earth.

“Arjuna said, ‘What business brought thee here, O daughter (-in-law) ofKuru’s race, and what also is the cause of the arrival on the field ofbattle of her who is the mother of the ruler of Manipura?

“Vaisampayana said, ‘The (sacrificial) steed, having wandered over thewhole Earth bounded by the ocean, then ceased and turned his face towardsthe city called after the elephant. Following as he did that horse, thediadem-decked Arjuna also turned his face towards the Kuru capital.

“Vaisampayana said, ‘Worshipped by the ruler of Magadha, Pandu’s sonhaving white steeds yoked unto his car, proceeded along the south,following the (sacrificial) steed.

“Vaisampayana said, ‘The heroic son of Sakuni, who was a mightycar-warrior among the Gandharas, accompanied by a large force, proceededagainst the Kuru hero of curly hair.

“Vaisampayana said, ‘Having said these words, Partha set out, followingthe horse which wandered at its will.

“Vaisampayana said, ‘Beholding those kings–lords of Earth–allconversant with the Vedas, arrive, king Yudhishthira, addressingBhimasena, said,–‘O chief of men, let proper honours be paid to thesekings who have come (to my sacrifice), for these foremost of men are allworthy of the highest honours.’

“Yudhishthira said, ‘I have heard, O Krishna, thy agreeable words. Theyare such as deserve to be spoken by thee. Gladsome and sweet as nectarare they, indeed, they fill my heart with great pleasure, O puissant one.

“Vaisampayana said, ‘Entering the palace of the Pandavas the mighty-armedprince saluted his grand-mother in soothing and sweet accents.

“Vaisampayana said, ‘Having cooked, according to due rites, the otherexcellent animals that were sacrificed, the priests then sacrificed,agreeably to the injunctions of the scriptures, that steed (which hadwandered over the whole world).

“Indra said, “Dost thou, O Vrihaspati, sleep in peace, and are thyservants agreeable to thee, dost thou seek the welfare of the gods, anddo the gods, O Brahmana, protect thee?”

“Janamejaya said, ‘It behoveth thee to tell me of any wonderful incidentthat occurred in the sacrifice of my grandsires.’

“Janamejaya said, ‘O puissant Rishi, kings are attached to sacrifices.The great Rishis are attached to penances. Learned Brahmanas areobservant of tranquillity of mind, peacefulness of behaviour, andself-restraint.

“Janamejaya said, ‘If, O illustrious one, Heaven is the fruit of wealthacquired by lawful means, do thou discourse to me fully on it.