Chapter 59

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

“Vaisampayana said, ‘Having granted that boon to Utanka, Govinda,accompanied by Satyaki, proceeded to Dwaraka on his car drawn by hislarge steeds endued with great speed. Passing many lakes and rivers andforests and hills, he at last came upon the delightful city of Dwaravati.It was at the time, O king, when the festival of Raivataka had begun,that he of eyes like lotus-petals arrived with Satyaki as his companion.Adorned with many beautiful things and covered with diverse Koshas madeof jewels and gems, the Raivataka hill shone, O king, with greatsplendour. That high mountain, decked with excellent garlands of gold andgay festoons of flowers, with many large trees that looked like the Kalpatrees of Indra’s garden, and with many golden poles on which were lightedlamps, shone in beauty through day and night. By the caves and fountainsthe light was so great that it seemed to be broad day. On all sidesbeautiful flags waved on the air with little bells that jingledcontinuously. The entire hill resounded with the melodious songs of menand women. Raivataka presented a most charming prospect like Meru withall his jewels and gems. Men and women, excited and filled with delight,O Bharata, sang aloud. The swell of music that thus rose from thatforemost of mountains seemed to touch the very heavens. Everywhere wereheard spouts and loud whoops of men who were in all stages of excitement.The cackle of thousands of voices made that mountain delightful andcharming. It was adorned with many shops and stalls filled with diverseviands and enjoyable articles. There were heaps of cloths and garlands,and the music of Vinas and flutes and Mridangas was heard everywhere.Food mixed with wines of diverse kinds was stored here and there. Giftswere being ceaselessly made to those that were distressed, or blind, orhelpless. In consequence of all this, the festival of that mountainbecame highly auspicious. There were many sacred abodes built on thebreast of that mountain, O hero, within which resided many men ofrighteous deeds. Even thus did the heroes of Vrishni’s race sport in thatfestival of Raivataka. Equipt with those mansions, that mountain shonelike a second Heaven. At the arrival of Krishna, O chief of Bharata’srace, that prince of mountains resembled the blessed abode of Indrahimself. Worshipped (by his relatives), Krishna then entered a beautifulmansion. Satyaki also went to his own quarters with a delighted soul.Govinda entered his residence after a long absence, having accomplishedfeats of great difficulty like Vasava amid the Danava host. The heroes ofthe Bhoja, Vrishni, and Andhaka races, all came forward to receive thathigh-souled one like the deities advancing to receive him of a hundredsacrifices. Endued with great intelligence, he honoured them in returnand enquired after their welfare. With a gratified heart he then salutedhis father and mother. The mighty-armed hero was embraced by both of themand comforted too (by numerous evidences of affection). He then took hisseat with all the Vrishnis sitting around him. Having washed his feet anddispelled his fatigue, Krishna of mighty energy, as he sat there, thenrecounted the chief incidents of the great battle in answer to thequestions put to him by his sire.'”