Chapter 181
“Vasishtha continued, ‘The Brahmana lady, thus addressed by them, said,’Ye children, I have not robbed you of your eye-sight, nor am I angrywith you.
Chapter 182
“The Gandharva said, ‘Vasishtha after this, continued the narrationsaying, ‘Hearing these words of the Pitris, Aurva, O child, replied untothem to this effect:
Chapter 183
“The Gandharva continued, ‘The Brahmana sage (Parasara) thus addressed bythe illustrious Vasishtha restrained his wrath from destroying theworlds. But the Rishi Parasara endued with great energy–the son ofSaktri–the foremost of all persons acquainted with the Vedas–performeda grand Rakshasa sacrifice.
Chapter 184
“Arjuna asked, ‘What for, O Gandharva, did king Kalmashapada command hisqueen to go unto that foremost of all persons conversant with theVedas–the master Vasishtha? Why also did that illustrious and greatRishi Vasishtha himself who was acquainted with every rule of moralityknow a woman he should not have known?
Chapter 185
“Arjuna asked, ‘O Gandharva, thou art acquainted with everything. Tellus, therefore, which Veda-knowing Brahmana is worthy to be appointed asour priest.’
Chapter 186
“Vaisampayana said, ‘Then those tigers among men–those brothers–thefive Pandavas, set out for Panchala to behold that country and Draupadiand the festivities (in view of her marriage).
Chapter 187
“Vaisampayana said, ‘Thus addressed by the Brahmanas, the Pandavas, OJanamejaya, proceeded towards the country of the southern Panchalas ruledover by the king Drupada. And on their way those heroes beheld theillustrious Dwaipayana–that Muni of pure soul, and perfectly sinless.
Chapter 188
“Dhrishtadyumna said, ‘Duryodhana, Durvisaha, Durmukha andDushpradharshana, Vivinsati, Vikarna, Saha, and Duhsasana; Yuyutsu andVayuvega and Bhimavegarava; Ugrayudha, Valaki, Kanakayu, and Virochana,Sukundala, Chitrasena, Suvarcha, and Kanakadhwaja; Nandaka, and Vahusali, and Tuhunda, and Vikata; these, O sister, and many other mighty sons of Dhritarashtra–all heroes–accompanied by Karna, have come for thy hand.Innumerable other illustrious monarchs all bulls among Kshatriyas–havealso come for thee.
Chapter 189
“Vaisampayana said, ‘Then those youthful princes adorned with ear-rings,vying with one another and each regarding himself accomplished in armsand gifted with might, stood up brandishing their weapons. Andintoxicated with pride of beauty, prowess, lineage, knowledge, wealth,and youth, they were like Himalayan elephants in the season of rut withcrowns split from excess of temporal juice.
Chapter 190
“Vaisampayana continued, ‘When all the monarchs had desisted fromstringing that bow, the high-souled Jishnu arose from among the crowd ofBrahmanas seated in that assembly. And beholding Partha possessing thecomplexion of Indra’s banner, advancing towards the bow, the principalBrahmanas shaking their deer-skins raised a loud clamour.