Mahabharata English

“Vaisampayana said, ‘Coming back to Upaplavya from Hastinapura, thatchastiser of foes, Kesava, represented unto the Pandavas all that hadhappened, and conferring with them for a long space of time, and holdingrepeated consultations, Sauri went to his own quarters for rest.

“Vaisampayana said, ‘Meanwhile the Pandavas got into their cars, yokingthereto some fine horses endued with the speed of wind. While they wereon the point of entering their cars, they touched, in great sorrow, thefeet of Bhishma, of king Dhritarashtra, of the illustrious Drona, ofKripa, of Vidura and of the other elders of the Kuru race.

“Bhishma said, ‘The fowler, seeing the pigeon fall into the fire, becamefilled with compassion and once more said, ‘Alas, cruel and senselessthat I am, what have I done!

Hanuman said, ‘And after his wife was carried away, that descendant ofRaghu, while searching with his brother for his queen, met, on the summitof that mountain, with Sugriva, chief of the monkeys.

“Sanjaya said, Upon the fall, O king, of the ruler of the Sindhus, thyson Suyodhana, his face bedewed with tears, and himself filled with griefand breathing hot sighs like a snake whose fangs have been broken, thatoffender against the whole world, viz., thy son, experienced bitteraffliction.

“Narada said, ‘At the conclusion of Mahadeva’s speech, loud roars wereheard in the firmament. Thunders bellowed, with flashes of lightening.

“Vasudeva said, ‘After Bhishma had said these words, Drona, alwayscompetent to speak, then addressed Duryodhana in the midst of the(assembled) monarchs and said these words that are beneficial to thee.

“Vaisampayana said, ‘Then all the citizens (of Varanavata) on hearingthat the son of Pandu had come, were filled with joy at the tidings,speedily came out of Varanavata, in vehicles of various kinds numberingby thousands, taking with them every auspicious article as directed bythe Sastras, for receiving those foremost of men. And the people of Varanavata, approaching the sons of Kunti blessed them by uttering theJaya and stood surrounding them.

“Bhishma said, ‘After the fowler had left that spot, the she-pigeon,remembering her husband and afflicted with grief on his account, weptcopiously and indulged in these lamentations, ‘I cannot, O dear lord,recollect a single instance of thy having done me an injury!

Vaisampayana continued, “Thus addressed, the powerful Bhimasena of mightyarms, affectionately, and with a cheerful heart, bowed unto his brother,Hanuman, the monkey-chief, and said in mild words, ‘None is morefortunate than I am; now have I seen my elder brother.

“Dhritarashtra said, ‘After the ruler of the Sindhus had been slain inbattle by Savyasachin and after the fall of Bhurisravas, what became thestate of your mind? After Drona also had been thus addressed byDuryodhana in the midst of the Kurus, what did the preceptor say unto himthen? Tell me all this, O Sanjaya!’

“Vaisampayana said, ‘Having heard all the duties in their entirety andall those sacred acts and objects that cleanse human beings of theirsins. Yudhishthira once more addressed the son of Santanu in thefollowing words.’

“Vasudeva said, ‘After Gandhari had said this, that ruler of men,Dhritarashtra, then said these words to Duryodhana in the midst of the(assembled) monarchs, ‘O Duryodhana, listen, O son, to what I say, andblessed be thou; do that if thou hast any respect for thy father.

“Vaisampayana continued, ‘A friend of Vidura’s, well-skilled in mining,coming unto the Pandavas, addressed them in secret, saying, ‘I have beensent by Vidura and am a skilful miner. I am to serve the Pandavas.

“Bhishma said, ‘The fowler, O king, happened to see that pair whileseated on their celestial car. Beholding the couple he became filled withsorrow (at the thought of his own misfortune) and began to reflect uponthe means of obtaining the same end.

“Bhimasena said, ‘Without beholding thy former shape, I will never goaway. If I have found favour with thee, do thou then show me thine ownshape.

“Sanjaya said, ‘Thus urged by Drona, king Duryodhana, filled with rageset his heart on battle.

“Vaisampayana said,–‘The royal son of Amvika, viz., Dhritarashtra,having settled the hour of his departure for the woods, summoned thoseheroes, the Pandavas.

“Sanjaya said, ‘Endued with the greatest activity, Drona’s son, O king,displaying the lightness of his arms, pierced Bhima with an arrow.

“Salya said, ‘Thus addressed by Sachi, the illustrious god said to heragain, ‘This is not the time for putting forth valour. Nahusha isstronger than I am.

Sanjaya said,–“Deserving as thou art, this question is, indeed, worthyof thee, O great king. It behoveth thee not, however, to impute thisfault to Duryodhana.

“Yudhishthira said,–“Intelligent as thou art, thou hast said what noneelse is capable of saying. There is none else on earth who is settler ofall doubts. Behold, there are kings in every province employed inbenefiting their respective selves. But no one amongst them hath beenable to achieve the imperial dignity.

Vaishampayana said, “At the very sight, O tiger among men, of those tworishis possessed of splendour like that of fire, Dhananjaya quicklyresolved to withdraw his celestial shaft.

“Vaisampayana said, ‘Rejected thus by the princess, Kichaka, afflictedwith maddening lust and forgetting all sense of propriety, addressedSudeshna saying, ‘Do thou, Kekaya’s daughter, so act that thy Sairindhrimay come into my arms.

“Yudhishthira said, ‘O illustrious Vasudeva of mighty arms, tell thou indetail of the death of the lord of Saubha. My curiosity hath not beenappeased by the narration.’

“Sauti said, ‘O foremost of persons acquainted with Brahma, the mother ofthe snakes had cursed them of old, saying, ‘He that hath the Wind for hischarioteer (viz., Agni) shall burn you all in Janamejaya’s sacrifice!’ Itwas to neutralise that curse that the chief of the snakes married hissister to that high-souled Rishi of excellent vows.

Vaishampayana said, “Hearing these words of Gandhari, Bhimasena, lookinglike one in fright, said these words for soothing her, Be the actrighteous or unrighteous, it was done by me through fear and for theobject of protecting my own self. It behoveth thee therefore, to forgiveme now.

Vaisampayana said, “Hearing these words of Yajnasena’s daughter, Arjunaonce more spoke, showing proper regard for his mighty-armed eldestbrother of unfading glory.

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?

“Dhritarashtra said, ‘Thou hast, O Sanjaya, described to me manyexcellent single combats. Hearing about them, I envy those that haveeyes.

“Sanjaya said, ‘Duryodhana, O king, and Dhrishtadyumna, the son ofPrishata, fought a fierce battle, using arrows and darts in profusion.

“The blessed Krishna said, ‘Bowing my head with great joy unto that massof energy and effulgence,

“Yudhishthira said, ‘O grandsire, O thou of great wisdom, O thou that artconversant with all branches of knowledge, what is that subject of silentrecitation by reciting which every day one may acquire the merit ofrighteousness in a large measure?

“Vasudeva said, ‘Though thus addressed by Bhishma, and Drona, and Vidura,and Gandhari, and Dhritarashtra, that wicked wight could not yet bebrought to his senses. On the other hand, the wicked Duryodhana,disregarding them all, rose (and left the assembly) with eyes red inanger.

“Vaisampayana said, ‘Seeing the Pandavas living there cheerfully andwithout suspicion for a full year, Purochana became exceedingly glad. Andbeholding Purochana so very glad, Yudhishthira, the virtuous son ofKunti, addressing Bhima and Arjuna and the twins (Nakula and Sahadeva)said, ‘The cruel-hearted wretch hath been well-deceived.

“Yudhishthira said, ‘O best of the Bharatas, when a person commits sinfrom want of judgment, how may he be cleansed from it? Tell me everythingabout it.’

Vaisampayana said, “Then contracting that huge body of his, which he hadassumed at will, the monkey with his arms again embraced Bhimasena. And OBharata, on Bhima being embraced by his brother, his fatigue went off,and all (the powers of body) as also his strength were restored.

“Sanjaya said, ‘That elephant force of thine, O king, swelling withmight, fought everywhere, prevailing over the Pandava force. Resolved togo to the other world, the Panchalas and the Kauravas fought with oneanother for admission into the swelling domains of Yama.

“Vaisampayana said, ‘Hearing these words of Janardana, king Yudhishthirathe Just, of virtuous soul, addressed his brothers in the presence ofKesava and said, ‘Ye have heard all that had happened in the court of theassembled Kurus.

“Yudhishthira said, ‘Who deserve to be worshipped? Who are they unto whomwe should bow? How, indeed, should we behave towards whom? What course ofconduct, O grandsire, towards what classes of persons is regardedfaultless?’

“Vaisampayana said, ‘About this time, the learned Vidura had sent intothose woods a man of pure character and much trusted by him. This persongoing to where he had been directed, saw the Pandavas with their motherin the forest employed in a certain place in measuring the depth of ariver.

“Bhishma said, ‘Thus addressed, Janamejaya replied unto the sage, saying,’Thou rebukest one that deserves to be rebuked.

Vaisampayana said, “When that foremost of monkeys had gone away, Bhima,the best of strong men, began to range the huge Gandhamadana along thatpath.

“Dhritarashtra said, ‘Having said all those words unto my son,Duryodhana, who is ever disobedient to my commands, when that mightybowman endued with great strength, viz.,

“Vaisampayana said, ‘When Krishna had said this, all the monarchs therewere filled with joy. And the shout sent forth by those delighted kingswas tremendous.

“Yudhishthira said, ‘Tell us, O king, what is that reward attached to theworship of Brahmanas, seeing which thou worshippest them, O thou ofsuperior intelligence! Indeed, what is that success, flowing from theirworship, guided by which thou worshippest them?’

“Vaisampayana said, ‘Then, when the night had passed away, a largeconcourse of the townspeople came there in haste to see the sons ofPandu. After extinguishing the fire, they saw that the house just burntdown had been built of lac in materials and that (Duryodhana’s)counsellor Purochana had been burnt to death.

“Saunaka said, ‘I shall for these reasons discourse to thee ofrighteousness, to thee whose heart has been exceedingly agitated.Possessed of knowledge and great strength, and with a contented heart,thou seekest righteousness of thy own will.

Vaisampayana said, “Having reached that spot, Bhimasena saw in thevicinity of the Kailasa cliff, that beautiful lotus lake surrounded bylovely woods, and guarded by the Rakshasas.

“Dhritarashtra said, “When the invincible Drona, of immeasurable energy,unable to bear (the slaughter of Jayadratha), Wrathfully entered into themidst of the Srinjayas, what did all of you think?

“Vaisampayana said, ‘King Yudhishthira then caused his troops to encampon a part of the field that was level, cool, and abounding with grass andfuel.

“The god of wind said, ‘Hear, O deluded man, what the attributes are thatbelong to Brahmanas all of whom are endued with high souls.

“Vaisampayana said,” As the mighty Bhima proceeded, the whole forest withits trees and their branches seemed to tremble, in consequence of theirclash with his breast. The motion of his thighs raised a wind like untothat which blows during the months of Jyaishtha and Ashadha (May andJune).

“Yudhishthira said, ‘Hast thou, O grandsire, ever seen or heard of anymortal restored to life after having succumbed to death?’

“Bhima said, ‘I am the son of Pandu, and next by birth to Yudhishthirathe just, and my name is Bhimasena. O Rakshasas, I have come with mybrothers to the jujube named Visala.

“Sanjaya said, ‘After his son (Bhurisravas) had been slain by Satyakiwhile the former was sitting in Praya, Somadatta, filled with rage, saidunto Satyaki these words,

“Janamejaya said, ‘Hearing that Yudhishthira had, with his troops marchedfrom the desire of battle and encamped on Kurukshetra, protected byVasudeva, and aided by Virata and

“The god of wind said, ‘Once on a time, O king, a ruler of the name ofAnga desired to give away the whole earth as sacrificial present unto theBrahmanas.

“Vaisampayana said, ‘Not far from the place where the Pandavas wereasleep, a Rakshasa by name Hidimva dwelt on the Sala tree. Possessed ofgreat energy and prowess, he was a cruel cannibal of visage that was grimin consequence of his sharp and long teeth.

“Yudhishthira said, “If a person, weak, worthless, and light-hearted, Ogrand sire, doth from folly provoke, by means of unbecoming and boastfulspeeches, a

Vaisampayana said, “Then, O best of the Bharatas, Bhima began to collectthose rare unearthly, variegated and fresh flowers in abundance.

“Sanjaya said, ‘Beholding the sons of Drupada, as also those ofKuntibhoja, and Rakshasas too in thousands, slain by the son of Drona,Yudhishthira and Bhimasena, and Dhrishtadyumna, the son of Prishata, andYuyudhana, uniting together, set their hearts firmly on battle.

“Vaisampayana said, ‘Recollecting the words spoken by Vasudeva,Yudhishthira once more addressed that scion of Vrishni’s race, saying,’How, O Kesava, could wicked Duryodhana say it?

“Bhishma said, “Thus addressed, king Arjuna remained silent. The god ofwind once more spoke to him, ‘Listen now, O king, to the story of thegreatness of the Brahmana Agastya.

“Narada said, ‘Without doubt, O Salmali, the terrible and irresistiblegod of the wind always protects thee from friendliness or amity.

Vaisampayana said, “Once upon a time Yudhishthira, while living at thatplace, addressed Krishna, his brother, and the Brahmanas, saying,

“Sanjaya said, ‘Beholding that vast host of the Pandavas swelling withrage and regarding it to be incapable of being resisted, thy sonDuryodhana.

“Bhishma said, ‘Thus addressed, Arjuna remained silent. The god of windonce more addressed him, saying, ‘Hear me, O foremost one of theHaihayas, as I narrate to thee the achievement of the high-souled Atri.

“Vaisampayana continued, ‘Hearing those words of hers, Yudhishthirasuddenly rose up and Arjuna also and Nakula and Sahadeva of great energyand they beheld Bhima and the Rakshasa already engaged in fight, eager toovercome each other and dragging each other with great force, like twolions endued with great might.

“Bhishma continued, ‘Having said these words unto the Salmali. thatforemost of all persons conversant with Brahma, viz., Narada, representedunto the god of the wind all that the Salmali had said about him.’

Vaisampayana continued, “Thus dwelling with the Brahmanas in that best ofmountains, in expectation of Arjuna’s return,

“Sanjaya said, ‘Seeding his uncle thus addressed in harsh and insultingwords by the Suta’s son, Aswatthaman, uplifting his scimitar, furiouslyrushed towards the latter. Filled with fury, Drona’s son rushed towardsKarna, in the very sight of the Kuru king, like a lion at an infuriatedelephant.

“Vaisampayana said, ‘After that night had passed away, king Duryodhana, OBharata, distributed (in proper order) his eleven Akshauhinis of troops.

“Bhishma said, ‘Hearing these words of the god of wind, Arjuna remainedsilent. At this, the god of wind once more addressed him, saying, ‘Whenthe denizens of heaven, with Indra at their head, found themselves withinthe mouth of the Asura Mada, at that time Chyavana took away from themthe earth.

“Vaisampayana said, ‘Bhima, beholding Hidimva following them, addressedher, saying, ‘Rakshasas revenge themselves on their enemies by adoptingdeceptions that are incapable of being penetrated. Therefore, O Hidimva,go thou the way on which thy brother hath gone.’

“Bhishma said, ‘Having settled this in his mind, the Salmali. in sorrow,himself caused all his branches, principal and subsidiary, to be cut off.

Vaisampayana continued, “On that Rakshasa having been slain, that lord,the royal son of Kunti, returned to the hermitage of Narayana and beganto dwell there.

“Sanjaya said, ‘Thus addressed by Duryodhana, Drona’s son, that warriordifficult of defeat in battle, set his heart upon destroying the foe,like Indra bent upon destroying the Daityas.

“Vaisampayana said, Dhritarashtra’s son, accompanied by all the kings,then addressed Bhishma, son of Santanu, and with joined hands said thesewords, ‘Without a commander, even a mighty army is routed in battle likea swarm of ants.

“Yudhishthira said, ‘Thou always worshippest, O king, Brahmanas ofpraiseworthy, vows. Whatever, however is that fruit seeing which thouworshippest them, O king? O thou of high vows, beholding what prosperityattaching to the worship of the Brahmanas dost thou worship them? Tell meall this, O thou of mighty arms!

“Vaisampayana said, ‘Those mighty car-warriors, the heroic Pandavas, thenwent, O king, from forest to forest killing deer and many animals (fortheir food).

“Yudhishthira said, ‘I desire, O bull of Bharata’s race, to hear indetail the source from which sin proceeds and the foundation upon whichit rests.’

“Sanjaya said, ‘Then king Yudhishthira, and Bhimasena, the son of Pandu,O monarch, encompassed Drona’s son on all sides.

Vaisampayana continued, “Having approached that one, whose sins had beenconsumed by asceticism, Yudhishthira announced his name, and gladlygreeted him, bending his head.

“Janamejaya said, ‘When Yudhishthira heard that Bhishma, the high-souledson of Ganga, the foremost of all wielders of weapons, the grandsire ofthe Bharatas, the head of all the kings, the rival of Vrihaspati inintellect, resembling the ocean in gravity, the mountains of

“Yudhishthira said, ‘Do thou tell us, O slayer of Madhu, what theprosperity is that attaches to the worship of the Brahmanas. Thou artwell-conversant with this topic. Verily, our grandsire knows thee.’

“Janamejaya asked, ‘O first of Brahmanas, what did the Pandavas, thosemighty car-warriors, the sons of Kunti, do after arriving at Ekachakra?’

“Yudhishthira said, ‘Thou hast said, O grandsire, that the foundation ofall evils is covetousness. I wish, O sire, to hear of ignorance indetail.’

“Sanjaya said ‘Beholding Somadatta shaking his large bow, Satyaki,addressing his driver, said, ‘Bear me towards Somadatta.

Janamejaya said, “How long did my great grandsires, the highsouled sonsof Pandu of matchless prowess, dwell in the Gandhamadana mountain? Andwhat did those exceedingly powerful ones, gifted with manliness, do?

“Vaisampayana said, ‘About this time, there came into the Pandava campBhishmaka’s son, foremost among all persons of truthful resolution, andknown widely by the name of Rukmi.

“Vaisampayana said, ‘Great was the uproar, at that time, O king, of bothmen and women standing on the terraces of mansions or on the Earth.

“Dhritarashtra said, ‘Describe to me the battle of Arjuna with thesamsaptakas, and of the other kings with the Pandavas. Narrate to mealso, O Sanjaya, the battle of Arjuna with Ashvatthama, and of the otherlords of the Earth with Partha.’

“Vrihaspati said, ‘Thou art the mouth, O Agni, of all the gods. Thou artthe carrier of sacred offerings. Thou, like a witness, hast access to theinner souls of all creatures.

Sanjaya said,–“When the night had passed away, loud became the noisemade by the kings, all exclaiming, Array! Array!

“Yudhishthira said,–‘Desirous of the imperial dignity but acting fromselfish motives and relying upon courage alone, how, O Krishna, can Idespatch ye (unto Jarasandha)? Both Bhima and Arjuna, I regard as myeyes, and thee, O Janardana as my mind.

Vaishampayana said, “Understanding that that weapon was thrown (into thewombs of the Pandava women) by Drona’s son of sinful deeds, Hrishikesha,with a cheerful heart, said these words unto him:

“Kichaka said, ‘O thou of tresses ending in beautiful curls, thou artwelcome. Surely, the night that is gone hath brought me an auspiciousday, for I have got thee today as the mistress of my house. Do what isagreeable to me.

“Vasudeva continued, ‘O king of kings, Salwa, the lord of Saubha, cametowards our city with an immense force consisting of infantry, cavalryand elephants!

“Saunaka said, ‘O Sauti, relate once more in detail this history of thelearned and virtuous Astika. Our curiosity for hearing it is great. Oamiable one, thou speakest sweetly, with proper accent and emphasis; andwe are well-pleased with thy speech. Thou speakest even as thy father.Thy sire was ever ready to please us. Tell us now the story as thy fatherhad related it.’