Mahabharata English

“Vaisampayana said, ‘Alter this Indra again asked Yayati, ‘Thou didstretire into the woods, O king, after accomplishing all thy duties. OYayati, son of Nahusha, I would ask thee to whom thou art equal inascetic austerities.’

“Bhishma said, ‘Let not such trees as yield edible fruits be cut down inthy dominions. Fruits and roots constitute the property of the Brahmanas.The sages have declared this to be an ordinance of religion.

“Dhaumya continued, ‘I shall describe to thee those sacred spots capableof producing merit that lie on the west, in the country of the Anarttas,O Bharata, there, flows in a westward course the sacred river Narmada,graced by Priyangu and mango trees, and engarlanded with thickest ofcanes.

“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).

“Sanjaya said, ‘Held in check by them, that foremost of car-warriors,viz., Partha of great might and prowess, was quickly pursued by Dronafrom behind.

“Bhishma continued, ‘Listen to me, O Yudhishthira, as I tell thee whatthose optional Sraddhas are that should be performed under the differentconstellations and that were first spoken of by Yama unto kingSasavindu.

“Vaisampayana said, ‘Rising up (from his bed) at day-dawn, Krishna wentthrough his morning rites, and taking leave of the Bharatas, set out forthe city (of the Kurus).

Sanjaya said, “The Pandavas were incapable of even looking at Bhishmaexcited with rage in battle and scorching every side like the Sun himselfshedding scorching heat.

Sanjaya said, “Then when the blare of conchs and the peal of drums becamevery loud, those two foremost of men, both owning white steeds, thesuta’s son Vikartana and Arjuna, encountered each other in consequence, Oking, of thy son’s evil policy.

“Yayati said, ‘I am Yayati, the son of Nahusha and the father of Puru.Cast off from the region of the celestials and of Siddhas and Rishis forhaving disregarded every creature, I am falling down, my righteousnesshaving sustained diminution. In years I am older than you; therefore, Ihave not saluted you first. Indeed, the Brahmanas always reverence himwho is older in years or superior in learning or in ascetic merit.’

“Sanjaya said, ‘The world regards thee to be equal to Yayati the son ofNahusha, in beauty, birth, fame, asceticism, and learning! Indeed, inlearning, thou art, O king, like a great rishi, highly accomplished andcrowned with success! Summon thy fortitude! Do not yield to grief!’

“Dhritarashtra said, ‘Santanu duly ruled this Earth. Similarly,Vichitraviryya also, protected by Bhishma, ruled you. Without doubt, allthis is known to you. It is also known to you how Pandu, my brother, wasdear to me as also to you.

“Yudhishthira said, ‘O foremost of monarchs, I wish to know how it wasthat great and unparalleled misery had to be endured by the illustriousIndra together with his queen.’

“Dhritarashtra said,–‘Tell me truly (O Sanjaya) of this Varsha that iscalled after Bharata, where this senseless force hath been collected, inrespect of which this my son Duryodhana hath been so very covetous, whichthe sons of Pandu also are desirous of obtaining, and in which my mindtoo sinketh.

‘Narada said–O Yudhishthira, the celestial Sabha of Varuna isunparalleled in splendour. In dimensions it is similar to that of Yama.Its walls and arches are all of pure white. It hath been built byViswakarma (the celestial architect) within the waters.

Sanjaya said, “Having slain all the Pancalas and the sons of Draupadi,the three Kuru heroes together came to that spot where Duryodhana lay,struck down by the foe.

“Dhritarashtra said, ‘O holy one, I did not like this business ofgambling, but, O Muni, I think, I was made to consent to it drawn byfate! Neither Bhishma, nor Drona, nor Vidura, nor Gandhari liked thisgame at dice. No doubt, it was begot of folly. And, O thou who delightestin the observance of vows, O illustrious one, knowing everything yetinfluenced by paternal affection, I am unable to cast off my senselessson, Duryodhana!’

Vaisampayana said, “Binding her black, soft, fine, long and faultlesstresses with crisped ends into a knotted braid, Draupadi of black eyesand sweet smiles, throwing it upon her right shoulders, concealed it byher cloth.

Janamejaya said, “After the holy Vyasa had departed, what, O regeneratesage, did king Dhritarashtra, do? It behoveth thee to tell me this. Whatalso did the Kuru king, the high-souled son of Dharma, do? And how didthose three, Kripa and others, do? I have heard of the feats ofAshvatthama and the mutual denouncement of curses. Tell me what happenednext and what Sanjaya next said (unto the old king).”

“Sauti said, ‘While those illustrious Brahmanas were sitting around thedead body of Pramadvara, Ruru, sorely afflicted, retired into a deep woodand wept aloud. And overwhelmed with grief he indulged in much piteouslamentation. And, remembering his beloved Pramadvara, he gave vent to hissorrow in the following words, ‘Alas! The delicate fair one thatincreaseth my affliction lieth upon the bare ground.

“Yudhishthira said, ‘For a little while, O Arjuna, concentrate thyattention and fix thy mind and hearing on thy inner soul. If thoulistenest to my words in such a frame of mind, they will meet with thyapprobation.

“Sanjaya said, ‘Then commenced the battle between the Kurus and theSrinjayas, O monarch, that was as fierce and awful as the battle betweenthe gods and the Asuras.

“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?”

“Yudhisthira said, ‘O grandsire, O thou of great splendour, what do thosemen become who, through stupefaction of intellect, do not make gifts untoBrahmanas after having promised to make those gifts?

“Dhritarashtra said, ‘How did the Pandavas and the Srinjayas slay Dronain battle,–Drona. who was so accomplished in weapons amongst allwielders of arms?

“Bhishma said, ‘That foremost of all persons conversant with the Vedas,viz., Utathya of Angirasa’s race, discoursed cheerfully (on formeroccasion) unto Yuvanaswa’s son Mandhatri. I shall now, O Yudhishthira,recite to thee everything that Utathya, that foremost of all personsconversant with the Vedas, had said unto that king.’

“Dhaumya continued, ‘O tiger among kings, I shall now describe thosetirthas and sacred spots that lie to the north. Do thou, O exalted one,listen to me attentively.

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

“Sanjaya said, ‘Upon the fall of Sudakshina and of the heroic Srutayudha,O monarch, thy warriors, filled with wrath, rushed with speed at Partha.

“Yudhishthira said, ‘It behoves thee, O foremost one of Kuru’s race, totell me unto what kind of Brahmanas, O grandsire, should the offers madeat Sraddhas be given away.’

“Vaisampayana said, ‘Janardana, the chastiser of foes, after his meetingwith Vidura, went then in the afternoon to his paternal aunt, Pritha.

Dhritarashtra said, “Beholding my sons, so many in number, O Sanjaya,slain by a single person, what did Bhishma and Drona and Kripa do inbattle?[432] Day after day, O Sanjaya, my sons are being slain.

“Sanjaya said, ‘Flying away in consequence of the falling of Arjuna’sarrows, the broken divisions of the Kauravas, staying at a distance,continued to gaze at Arjuna’s weapon swelling with energy and careeringaround with the effulgence of lightning.

“Ashtaka said, ‘Capable of assuming any form at will, thou hast lived fora million years in the gardens of Nandana. For what cause, O foremost ofthose that flourished in the Krita age, hast thou been compelled to leavethat region and come hither?’

“Utathya said, ‘If the deity of the clouds pours rain seasonably and theking acts virtuously, the prosperity that ensues maintain the subjects infelicity.

Vaisampayana continued, “O son of the Kuru race, while Dhaumya wasspeaking thus, there arrived at the spot the Rishi Lomasa of greatenergy.

“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.

“Sanjaya said, ‘After the son of Kunti, impelled by the desire of slayingthe ruler of the Sindhus, had penetrated (into the Bharata host) havingpierced through the irresistible divisions of both Drona and the Bhojas,after the heir of the ruler of the Kamvojas, viz.,

“Vaisampayana said, ‘With Pritha’s leave and having walked round her, thechastiser of foes, Govinda, also called Sauri, went to

“Yudhishthira said, ‘By whom was the Sraddha first conceived and at whattime? What also is its essence?

Sanjaya said, “During the progress, O king, of that fierce battle fraughtwith the slaughter of great heroes, Sakuni the glorious son of Suvala,rushed against the Pandavas.

“Sanjaya said, ‘Then Vasudeva, stationed on the car, addressed Karna,saying, “By good luck it is, O son of Radha, that thou rememberestvirtue! It is generally seen that they that are mean, when they sink intodistress, rail at Providence but never at their own misdeeds.

“Ashtaka said, ‘Those cognisant of the Vedas differ in opinion as to howthe followers of each of the four modes of life, viz., Grihasthas,Bhikshus, Brahmacharins, and Vanaprashthas, should conduct themselves inorder to acquire religious merit.”

“Yudhishthira said, ‘How should a righteous king, who is desirous ofadhering to a course of righteousness, behave? I ask thee this, Oforemost of men! Answer me, O Grandsire!’

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

“Lomasa continued, ‘Listen now, O Yudhishthira, to what Dhananjaya hathsaid: ‘Cause my brother Yudhishthira to attend to the practice of virtuewhich leadeth to prosperity.

“Sanjaya said, ‘After that bull among men, viz., Duryodhana, had set outfrom behind, following Partha and him of Vrishni’s race, O king, both ofwhom had penetrated into the Kaurava army, the

“Vaisampayana said, ‘After Kesava had dined and been refreshed, Vidurasaid unto him during the night, ‘O Kesava, this advent of thine hath notbeen a well judged one, for, O Janardana,

“Bhishma said, ‘After Nimi had acted in the way described above, all thegreat Rishis began to perform the sacrifice in honour of the Pitris(called the Sraddha) according to rites laid down in the ordinance.

Dhritarashtra said, “Tell me, O Sanjaya, all that the mighty Partha didin battle when they heard that Iravat had been slain.”

“Sanjaya said, ‘Beholding the troops crushed with arrows in thatencounter between Karna and Arjuna, Shalya proceeded, filled with wrath,on that car divested of equipment.

“Ashtaka asked, ‘Who amongst these, O king, both exerting constantly likethe Sun and the Moon, first attaineth to communion with Brahma, theascetic or the man of knowledge?’

“Vamadeva continued, ‘When the king, who is powerful, acts unrighteouslytowards the weak, they who take their birth in his race imitate the sameconduct.

Vaisampayana said, “Those Brahmanas then, that had been dwelling (withhim) in the woods, beholding the son of Kunti about to set out (on thepious pilgrimage), approached him, O king, and said, ‘Thou art about toset out, O king, on thy journey to the sacred tirthas, along with thybrothers and accompanied by the illustrious Rishi Lomasa.

“Sanjaya said, ‘Listen, O king, to me as I describe to thee the wonderfulbattle that then took place between the Kurus and the Pandavas.

“The holy one said, ‘That, indeed, which should be said by a person ofgreat wisdom: that, indeed, which should be said by one possessed ofgreat foresight; that indeed, which should be said by one like thee to afriend like me; that indeed,

“Yudhishthira said, ‘If Brahmanas that are in the observance of a vow(viz., fast) eat, at the invitation of a Brahmana, the Havi (offered at aSraddha), can they be charged with the transgression or a violation oftheir vow, or should they refuse the invitation of a Brahmana when suchinvitation is received by them? Tell me this, O grandsire!’

Sanjaya said,–“That arrowy shower, difficult of being borne by even theDanavas, king Duryodhana, however, (quietly) bore in that battle, like agigantic elephant bearing a shower (from the blue).

“Dhritarashtra said, ‘What was the aspect of the Kuru and the Srinjayahost on that awful day while it was crushed with arrows and scorched(with weapons) in that encounter between Karna and Arjuna and while itwas flying away from the field?’

“Vasumat said, ‘I am Vasumat, the son of Oshadaswa. I would ask thee, Oking, whether there are any worlds for me to enjoy as fruits of myreligious merits, in heaven or the firmament. Thou art, O high-souledone, acquainted with all holy regions.’

“Vamadeva said, ‘The king should win victories without battles. Victoriesachieved by battles are not spoken of highly. O monarch, by the wise.

“Yudhishthira said, ‘O best of celestial Rishis, I do not think that I amwithout merits. Yet am I afflicted with so much sorrow that there neverwas a king like me. I think, however, that my enemies are destitute ofgood qualities and even destitute of morality. Yet why, O Lomasa, do theyprosper in this world?”

“Sanjaya said, ‘When that fierce battle, causing the hair to stand onend, commenced, the Pandavas rushed against the Kauravas who had beendivided into three bodies.

“Vaisampayana said, ‘In such conversation between those two distinguishedpersons, both of whom were endued with great intelligence, that night,lit with bright stars, passed away.

“Bhishma said, “In this connection is cited the old history of the oaths(taken by many Rishis one after another) on the occasion of a sojourn tothe sacred waters.

Sanjaya said, “Having in that battle made all those warriors (of thyarmy) turn their faces from the field, the Rakshasa then, O chief of theBharatas, rushed at Duryodhana, desirous of slaying him.

“Sanjaya said, ‘The ruler of the Madras then, beholding thy son employedin rallying the troops, with fear depicted on his countenance and withheart stupefied with grief, said these words unto Duryodhana.

“Janamejaya said, ‘O adorable one, I desire to hear the histories ofthose kings who were descended from Puru. O tell me of each as he waspossessed of prowess and achievements. I have, indeed, heard that inPuru’s line there was not a single one who was wanting in good behaviourand prowess, or who was without sons.

“Yudhishthira said, ‘If a Kshatriya desires to subjugate anotherKshatriya in battle, how should the former act in the matter of thatvictory? Questioned by me, do thou answer it.’

Vaisampayana said, “The heroic sons of Pandu, accompanied by theirfollowers, proceeding from place to place, at last arrived at Naimisha.

“Dhritarashtra said, ‘After that shafts of Drona had been cut off andDhrishtadyumna thus rescued, O Sanjaya, by Yuyudhana, that foremost oneof the Vrishni race, what did that great bowman, that foremost of allwielders of weapons, viz.,

“Vaisampayana said, ‘And after all the kings had been seated and perfectsilence had ensued, Krishna possessing fine teeth and having a voice deepas that of the drum, began to speak.

Sanjaya said, “Beholding his own troops slain, king Duryodhana thenexcited with wrath, rushed towards Bhimasena, that chastiser of foes.

“Yudhishthira said, ‘O chief of Bharata’s rare, by whom was the custom ofgiving umbrellas and sandals at obsequial ceremonies introduced?

“Sanjaya said, ‘Upon the fall of Karna otherwise called Vaikartana, theKauravas, afflicted with fear, fled away on all sides, casting their eyeson empty space.

“Janamejaya said, ‘O Brahmana, I have now heard from thee this greathistory of my ancestors. I had also heard from thee about the greatmonarchs that were born in this line.

“Bhishma said, ‘A king should never desire to subjugate the earth byunrighteous means, even if such subjugation would make him the sovereignof the whole earth.

Vaisampayana said, “After this the royal son of Kunti who was everdistinguished for his profuse gifts unto Brahmanas, proceeded to theasylum of Agastya and took up his abode in Durjaya.

“Sanjaya said, ‘When the sun turned in his downward course towards thesummit of the Asta hills, when the welkin was covered with dust, when theheat of the solar rays abated, the day began to fade fast.

“Vaisampayana said, ‘Hearing these words uttered by the high-souledKesava, all the persons who sat in that assembly remained silent, theirhair standing on their ends.

Sanjaya said, “After that great battle, king Duryodhana, approachingGanga’s son and saluting him with humility, began to narrate to him allthat had happened about the victory won by Ghatotkacha and his owndefeat.

“Yudhishthira said, ‘What did that foremost of ascetics, viz., Jamadagniendued with great energy, do when thus besought by the maker of day?'”

“Sanjaya said, ‘After Karna had thus been slain and the Kaurava troopshad fled away, he of Dasharha’s race, embracing Partha from joy, saidunto him these words: “Vritra was slain by thee.

“Vaisampayana said, ‘There was a king known by the name of Mahabhishaborn in the race of Ikshvaku. He was the lord of all the earth, and wastruthful (in speech) and of true prowess. By a thousand horse-sacrificesand a hundred Rajasuyas he had gratified the chief of the celestials andultimately attained to heaven.

“Yudhishthira said. ‘There are no practices, O king, more sinful thanthose of the Kshatriyas. In marching or in battle, the king slays largemultitudes.[287] By what acts then does the king win regions of felicity?O bull of Bharata’s race, tell this, O learned one, unto me that desireto know.’

“Lomasa continued, ‘When Agastya thought that girl to be competent forthe duties of domesticity, he approached that lord of earth-the ruler ofVidharbhas-and addressing him, said, ‘I solicit thee, O king, to bestowthy daughter Lopamudra on me.’ Thus addressed by the Muni, the king ofthe Vidharbhas swooned away.

“Sanjaya said, ‘After the high-souled son of Kunti had created thatwater, after he had commenced to hold in cheek the hostile army, andafter he had built also that arrowy hall,

“Vaisampayana said, ‘Having listened to the words of Jamadagnya, theillustrious Rishi Kanwa also said these words unto Duryodhana in thatassembly of the Kurus.’

Sanjaya said, “Hearing that his son Iravat had been slain, Dhananjaya wasfilled with great grief and sighed like a snake.

“Yudhishthira said, ‘O foremost one of Bharata’s race, do thou relate tome all the duties of the household mode and tell me all that a man shoulddo in order to attain to prosperity in this world.’

“Vaisampayana said. ‘There was a king of the name of Pratipa, who waskind to all creatures. He spent many years in ascetic penances at thesource of the river Ganga. The accomplished and lovely Ganga, one day,assuming the form of a beautiful female, and rising from the waters, madeup to the monarch.

“Yudhishthira said, ‘Tell me, O grand-sire, what regions are earned byunreturning heroes by encountering death in battle.”

“Lomasa continued, ‘Agastya then, O son of the Kuru race, went to kingSrutarvan who was regarded as richer than other kings, to beg for wealth.

“Sanjaya said, ‘O monarch! I beholding Vasudeva and Dhananjaya penetrateinto their host, having already pierced through many divisions, the kingsof the army, fled away in fear.

“Kanwa said, ‘When Matali was wending his way, he saw the great RishiNarada proceeding at his pleasure to pay a visit to Varuna (the god ofthe waters).

Sanjaya said, “Then king Duryodhana, and Sakuni the son of Suvala, andthy son Dussasana, and the invincible Suta’s son (Karna) meetingtogether, consulted in the following way.

“Yudhishthira said, ‘Of what kind is the gift of light, O chief ofBharata’s race? How did this gift originate? What are the merits thatattach to it? Do thou tell me all this.’

“Vaisampayana said, ‘The maiden then, hearing those soft and sweet wordsof the smiling monarch, and remembering her promise to the Vasus,addressed the king in reply. Of faultless features, the damsel sending athrill of pleasure into the heart by every word she uttered, said, ‘Oking, I shall become thy wife and obey thy commands.

“Bhishma said, ‘In this connection is cited the old story of the battlebetween Pratardana and the ruler of Mithila.

“Vasudeva said, ‘Behold, O Dhananjaya, this Suyodhana who hathtransgressed us! I regard this as highly wonderful. There is nocar-warrior equal to him.