Chapter 86

“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.’ Thus addressed by king Yudhishthira ofgreat fame Pandu’s son Bhimasena of mighty energy did as he was enjoined,assisted by the twins. The foremost of all men, viz., Govinda, camethere, accompanied by the Vrishnis, and with Valadeva in the van. He wasaccompanied by Yuyudhana and Pradyumna and Gada, and Nisatha and Samvoand Kritavarman. The mighty car-warrior Bhima offered them the mostreverential worship. Those princes then entered the palaces, adorned withgems, that were assigned to them. At the end of a conversation he hadwith Yudhishthira, the slayer of Madhu referred to Arjuna who had beenemaciated in consequence of many fights. The son of Kunti repeatedlyasked Krishna, that chastiser of foes, about Arjuna. Unto Dharma’s son,the lord of all the universe began to speak about Jishnu, the son ofSakra. ‘O king, a confidential agent of mine residing in Dwaraka came tome. He had seen Arjuna, that foremost of Pandu’s sons. Indeed, the latterhas been very much emaciated with the fatigue of many battles. O puissantmonarch, that agent of mine informed me that the mighty-armed hero isvery near to us. Do thou set thyself to accomplish thy Horse-sacrifice.’Thus addressed, king Yudhishthira the just, said unto him,–‘By goodluck, O Madhava, Arjuna comes back safely. I desire to ascertain fromthee, O delighter of the Yadavas, what has been said in this matter bythat mightiest of heroes among the song of Pandu.’ Thus addressed by kingYudhishthira the just, the lord of the Vrishnis and the Andhakas, thatforemost of eloquent men, said these words unto that monarch of righteoussoul,–‘My agent, recollecting the words of Partha, reported them thus tome, O great king,–Yudhishthira, O Krishna, should be told these words ofmine when the time comes. O chief of the Kauravas. many kings will come(to thy sacrifice). When they arrive, high honours should be paid untothem. This would, indeed, be worthy for us. O giver of honours, the kingshould further be informed at my request that he should do what isnecessary for preventing a carnage similar to what took place at the timeof presenting the Arghya (on the occasion of the Rajasuya-sacrifice). LetKrishna also approve of this. Let not. O king, through the ill-feeling ofkings, the people be slaughtered. My man further reported, O king, thesewords of Dhananjaya. Listen as I repeat them, ‘O monarch, the ruler ofManipura, my dear son Vabhruvahana, will come at the sacrifice. Do thouhonour him duly for my sake. O puissant one. He is always attached anddeeply devoted to me.’–Hearing these words, king Yudhishthira the just,approved of them and said as follows.’