Chapter 97
“Vaisampayana said, ‘Having listened to the words of Jamadagnya, theillustrious Rishi Kanwa also said these words unto Duryodhana in thatassembly of the Kurus.’
“Vaisampayana said, ‘Having listened to the words of Jamadagnya, theillustrious Rishi Kanwa also said these words unto Duryodhana in thatassembly of the Kurus.’
“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).
“Narada said, ‘Rama, the son of Dasaratha, O Srinjaya, we hear, fell aprey to death. His subjects were as much delighted with him, as a sire isdelighted with the children of his loins.
“Lomasa said, ‘The Kalakeyas then having recourse to that receptacle ofwaters, which is the abode of Varuna, began their operations for thedestruction of the universe.
“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.
“Gandhari said, Behold that irresistible ruler of the Kambojas, thatbull-necked hero, lying amid the dust, O Madhava, though deserving ofbeing stretched at his ease on Kamboja blankets.
“Kanwa said, ‘When Matali was wending his way, he saw the great RishiNarada proceeding at his pleasure to pay a visit to Varuna (the god ofthe waters).
“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.
“Narada said, ‘Even king Bhagiratha, O Srinjaya, we hear, was dead. Hecaused the shores of Ganga, called after his name Bhagirath to be coveredwith flights of steps made of gold.[99]
“Lomasa said, ‘Armed with the Vajra then, and supported by celestialsendued with great might, Indra then approached Vritra, who was thenoccupying the entire earth and the heaven.