Chapter 95
“Yudhishthira said, ‘O chief of Bharata’s rare, by whom was the custom ofgiving umbrellas and sandals at obsequial ceremonies introduced?
“Yudhishthira said, ‘O chief of Bharata’s rare, by whom was the custom ofgiving umbrellas and sandals at obsequial ceremonies introduced?
“Bhishma said, ‘This thy maternal uncle Sakuni is, O king, equal to asingle Ratha. Having caused the (present) hostilities (to break out) withthe sons of Pandu, he will fight.
-Sanjaya said, ‘After that army had (thus) been routed, and Arjuna andBhimasena had all gone after the ruler of the Sindhus, thy son(Duryodhana) proceeded towards Drona.
“Draupadi said, ‘I do not ever disregard or slander religion, O son ofPritha! Why should I disregard God, the lord of all creatures?
Janamejaya said, “Why was that tirtha called Sapta-Saraswat? Who was theascetic Mankanaka? How did that adorable one become crowned with success?
“Yudhishthira said, ‘The most trifling act, O grandsire, cannot beaccomplished by any man if unaided. What then need be said of the king(who has to govern a kingdom)? What should be the behaviour and what theacts of the king’s minister? Upon whom should the king repose confidenceand upon whom should he not?’
“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.
“Bhishma said, ‘Both the brothers Achala and Vrisha are Rathas.Invincible (in battle) they will slay thy foes. Endued with greatstrength, those tigers among men, those foremost of Gandharvas, are firmin wrath.
“Yudhishthira said, ‘Thy speech, O Yajnaseni, is delightful, smooth andfull of excellent phrases. We have listened to it (carefully). Thouspeakest, however, the language of atheism.
Vaishampayana said, “Then Valadeva, O king, proceeded to Vinasana wherethe Sarasvati hath become invisible in consequence of her contempt forSudras and Abhiras.