Mahabharata English

“Lomasa said, ‘When Ilwala learnt that those kings along with the greatRishi had arrived on the confines of his domain, he went out with hisministers and worshipped them duly.

“Narada continued, ‘Here in the very centre of the world of the Nagas issituated the city known by the name of Patalam. Celebrated over all theuniverse, it is worshipped by the Daityas and the Danavas.

Sanjaya said, “The high-souled Bhishma, deeply pierced with wordy daggersby thy son, became filled with great grief. But he said not a singledisagreeable word in reply.

“Yudhishthira said, ‘I have, O chief of the Bharatas, heard what themerits are that are won by presenters of flowers and incense and lights.I have heard thee speak also of the merits that attach to a dueobservance of the ordinances in respect of the presentation of the Vali.

“Santanu asked, ‘What was the fault of the Vasus and who was Apava,through whose curse the Vasus had to be born among men? What also haththis child of thine, Gangadatta, done for which he shall have to liveamong men? Why also were the Vasus, the lords of the three worlds,condemned to be born amongst men? O daughter of Jahnu, tell me all.’