Chapter 51
“Brahmana said, ‘Since the mind is the ruler of these five elements, inthe matter of controlling and bringing them forth, the mind, therefore,is the soul of the elements.
“Brahmana said, ‘Since the mind is the ruler of these five elements, inthe matter of controlling and bringing them forth, the mind, therefore,is the soul of the elements.
“Vaisampayana said, ‘After this, Krishna ordered Daruka, saying–Let mycar be yoked.–Within a very short space of time Daruka informed (hismaster), saying,–It has been yoked.–The son of Pandu then commanded allhis attendants, saying,–Prepare yourselves and be ready.
“Vaisampayana said, ‘As he of Vrishni’s race was proceeding to Dwaraka,those foremost princes of Bharata’s race, those chastisers of foesembraced him and fell back with their attendants.
“Utanka said, ‘Do thou, O Kesava, tell me that faultless Adhyatma. Havingheard thy discourse I shall ordain what is for thy good or denounce acurse to thee, O Janarddana.’
“Utanka said, ‘I know thee, O Janarddana, to be the creator of theuniverse. Without doubt, this knowledge that I have is the result of thygrace towards me, O thou of unfading glory, my heart is possessed ofcheerful tranquillity in consequence of its being devoted to thee.
“Janamejaya said, ‘With what penances was the high-souled Utanka enduedso that he entertained the wish to denounce a curse on Vishnu himself,who is the source of all puissance?’
“Vaisampayana said, “Beholding the king, who had become so, of frightfulmien, wearing a long beard smeared with the blood of human beings, theBrahmana Utanka, O king, did not become agitated.
“Vaisampayana said, ‘Utanka, coming back to king Saudasa who was alwayswell-disposed towards all his friends, solicited him for some sign (toconvince Madayanti of the fact of his being really commissioned by theking). That foremost one of Ikshwaku’s race then gave him a sign.’
“Janamejaya said, ‘After having conferred that boon on Utanka, O foremostof regenerate persons, what did the mighty-armed Govinda of greatcelebrity next do?’
“Vasudeva said, ‘O thou of Vrishni’s race, I have repeatedly heard menspeaking of the wonderful battle (between the Kurus and the Pandavas).