Shree Shookdeo Jee said,--O great king! one day Shree Krishnù
Chund, the brother of the world, the root of joy, determined to go and
see whether the Pandoos had escaped alive from the conflagration. Huri
started from Dwarka with several of the descendants of Judoo, and went
to Hustinapoor. On hearing the news of his arrival, Joodisthur,
Urjoon, Bheem, Nukool and Suhdeo, five brothers, rose up with the
greatest delight; and, having gone outside the city, and met Krishnù
with a most cordial reception, escorted him to their house. As they
were entering the house, Koontee and Dropudee summoned seven married
women: and having filled up a square with pearls, placed a chair of
gold upon it, upon which they seated Shree Krishnù. Having caused all
kinds of festive rejoicings to be made, they performed the ceremony of
“_Arta_” with their own hands; and washing his feet, they conducted
him to the banquetting room, and feasted him with all sorts of
delicacies.
O great king! when Shree Krishnù Chund had finished his repast, and
began to eat betel, Koontee sat next him, and entering into
conversation enquired after her father and brother: “Are Soorsen and
Basoodeo, my brother, and my nephew, Buldeo, well? in whom my soul is
bound up; who, except you, can drive away affliction and grief? You
afforded me protection, when great calamity befel me. O Krishnù! you
are the dispeller of the sorrows of others: your five brothers fly to
you for refuge; as the doe dreads a herd of wolves, so do Doorjodhun’s
subjects dread him.”
O great king! when Koontee had thus spoken, Joodisthur joined his
hands and said, “You, O Krishnù! are chief and lord of the Judoos.
Devotees meditate constantly upon you, and not upon Shivù and
Bruhmù. What meritorious act have I performed, that you have visited
me in my own house. Gratify me by remaining four months, and return
home after the rainy season.”
Having recited thus much, Shree Shookdeo Jee said,--O great king! on
hearing these words, Shree Beharee, the friend of his worshippers,
having inspired them all with hope and confidence, remained there; and
added daily to their joy and delight. One day, Shree Krishnù Chund
taking a bow and arrows in his hand, went in a chariot to hunt in the
forest, accompanied by the five brothers; and on arrival there,
dismounting from his chariot, and fastening his belt, prepared to
shoot his arrows; and, beating the jungle, began to kill lions,
tigers, rhinoceroses, wild buffaloes, and deer and antelopes of
different kinds; and brought all his game to the Raja Joodisthur, who
distributed some of it, and sent some for the supply of his own table.
Whilst Shree Krishnù Chund and Urjoon were engaged in sport, they
advanced some distance beyond the rest of the party, and stood under a
tree. They then both went to the banks of a river, and drank some
water. At this time Shree Krishnù Jee saw on the river-bank a very
beautiful young virgin, with a face like the moon, of the colour of
the flower chumpa, with eyes like those of a deer, a voice like the
kokila, the gait of an elephant and a waist like a lion’s; ornamented
from head to foot, having imbibed the spirit of Kamù (Cupid,) of a
most brilliant appearance, wandering about alone. Huri was amazed and
struck with astonishment at beholding her, and said, “Who is that
beautiful creature, with such a charming figure, wandering about
without a companion?”
O great king! when Krishnù had thus spoken, Urjoon, who saw her also,
ran hurriedly to the spot, where the lovely girl was wandering about,
exulting on the river-bank, and began to address her, “Say, beauteous
damsel, who art thou, and whence hast thou come, and why art thou
wandering here alone? Explain this strange mystery to me.” On hearing
these words, the beautiful girl explained her history, “I am a virgin
daughter of the sun, my name is Kalindee; my father appointed me an
abode in water. He came and having built for me a house in the river,
thus instructed me, ‘Continue wandering, O daughter! near the river,
where you will meet with a husband. Krishnù will descend upon the
earth in the family of Judoo, and will come after you to the place of
your wandering, the first male, the immortal Huri, for whom you have
been born.’ From the time my father, the sun, thus spoke to me, I have
longed for the approach of Huri.”
Urjoon, O great king! was very much pleased to hear these words, and
said, “O beauteous creature! the immortal lord, the inhabitant of
Dwarka, Shree Krishnù Chund, the root of joy, for whose sake thou art
wandering here, has arrived.” When Urjoon, O great king! had thus
spoken, Shree Beharee, the friend of his worshippers, came up in his
chariot. When, on beholding Krishnù, Urjoon explained her history to
him, Shree Krishnù Chund Jee smiled, and quickly placing her upon his
chariot, returned towards the city. And Bishookurma, consulting
privately the taste and wishes of Shree Krishnù Chund, built a most
beautiful palace, whilst Krishnù was coming from the forest to the
city: and brought Kalindee there, and abode there himself. Sometime
after this, on one occasion Shree Krishnù Chund and Urjoon were
sitting together at night, when the element fire having come, said to
Huri, joining his hands and bowing his head, “O great king! I have
wandered about the whole world for a long time in a state of hunger,
and have not obtained any thing to eat. My only hope is in you: with
your permission, I will go and devour the forests and jungles.”
Krishnù granted him permission. Fire then said, “O lord of
compassion! I cannot go into the jungle alone: if I do, Indrù will
come and extinguish me.” On hearing this, Shree Krishnù Jee said to
Urjoon, “Brother! go and allow Fire to eat some food: he is dying from
excessive hunger.”
O great king! when Shree Krishnù Chund Jee had thus spoken, Urjoon
accompanied Fire with his bow and arrows; who having reached the
jungle blazed forth, and began to burn up mango, tamarind and every
kind of tree, and the grass and bamboos crackled with a loud noise;
and the animals in the forest wandered about, losing their road. On
all sides fire raged and spread in the forest; and smoke ascended in
wreaths to the sky. On perceiving the smoke, Indrù summoned the lord
of the clouds and said, “Go and shower down rain most copiously, and
put out the fire, and save the lives of the beasts and birds, and
animals of the forest.” Having received this order, the lord of the
clouds, taking masses of clouds with him, came there, and began to
thunder: and as he was on the point of pouring down rain, Urjoon
discharged such arrows of wind, that the clouds were dispersed, and
blown in every direction; like flocks of cotton, driven about by gusts
of air. No one saw them come, or depart, they vanished as they came;
and fire, burning up the forest and jungle, came to the abode of a
demon, named Mye. Beholding Fire approach, full of rage, Mye was
terrified: and coming out of his house, with naked feet, and a cloth
thrown about his neck, came and stood in Fire’s presence with joined
hands; and prostrating himself so as to touch the ground with the
eight principal parts of his body, said, most beseechingly, “O lord! O
lord! save me quickly from this fire, and protect me, O deity of fire!
you have obtained a satiety of food, do not now meditate any crime,
listen to my supplications, and save me from Fire.”
O great king! when the demon Mye had thus spoken, the deity of fire
laid hold of his fiery arrows; and even Urjoon started with amazement.
At length, they both took Mye with them to Shree Krishnù Chund, the
root of joy, and said, “O great king! this demon Mye will be of use,
and will build a place of abode for you. Take thought now of Mye; and,
having extinguished the fire, banish all his fears.” Having thus
spoken, Urjoon placed his bow, Gandeeb, and arrows upon the ground;
and Krishnù, looking towards the deity of fire, made a sign by
winking his eye, and the fire was put out immediately; and the whole
forest became cool. Shree Krishnù Chund then went on with Urjoon and
Mye. There Mye erected, in a second, a most beautiful, elegant and
fascinating house of gold, studded with gems; a description of the
beauty of which is impossible; whoever came to see it, stood gazing
like a picture with astonishment. Shree Krishnù Jee remained there
four months, and came thence to the royal court of Joodisthur; and, on
arrival, he solicited the Raja’s permission to go to Dwarka; when they
heard this request, Raja Joodisthur and his whole court were very sad,
and there was great anxiety amongst the women in the female
apartments. At length Krishnù having entered into suitable
explanations with them all, and inspired them with confidence, took
leave of Joodisthur, accompanied by Urjoon. Having left Hustinapoor,
he arrived in a few days, after a very pleasant trip, at Dwarka. Joy
was spread through the city on the news of his arrival; and the pangs
of separation, which they had all endured, were felt no longer. His
mother and father, on seeing their son’s face were delighted; and
forgot all their sorrows. Shree Krishnù Jee went, on a subsequent
day, to the Raja Oogursen, and explained the history of Kalindee, “O
great king! I have brought Kalindee, the daughter of the sun, marry
her to me in the manner prescribed by the Vedas.” On hearing this,
Oogursen gave an order to one of his ministers “To go immediately and
prepare all things necessary for the marriage.” On receipt of the
order, the minister immediately procured all that was required.
Oogursen and Basoodeo then sent for an astrologer, and having fixed
upon a lucky day, united Shree Krishnù Jee in marriage to Kalindee,
according to the forms and ceremonies prescribed by the Vedas.
Having recited thus much of the history, Shree Shookdeo Jee
said,--Raja! in this manner Kalindee was married; I will now mention,
how Huri brought away and married Mittrabinda; listen with attention.
Mittrabinda was the daughter of Rajdhewee, the aunt of Krishnù and
Soorsen’s daughter. When she was marriageable, she selected a husband
for herself. Rajas from all countries were collected together on the
occasion, possessed of many eminent mental qualities, very handsome,
intelligent, powerful, courageous, brave and resolute, and dressed and
decked out, so as each to rival the other. Having received
intelligence of this event, Shree Krishnù Chund Jee went, accompanied
by Urjoon, and stood amongst the rest of the party, assembled on the
occasion. The girl was delighted at seeing Krishnù; throwing a
garland on his neck, she remained gazing on his countenance.
O great king! all the Rajas were ashamed, and displeased on observing
this proceeding; and Doorjodhun went to her brother, Mittrasen, and
said “Brother! Huri is your uncle’s son, with whom your sister has
fallen in love. This is contrary to the custom of the world, and the
world will laugh at such behaviour; go and advise your sister not to
marry Krishnù, otherwise the whole crowd of Rajas will laugh.” Upon
this Mittrasen went and advised his sister against the marriage.
O great king! when Mittrabinda, listening to the advice of her
brother, withdrew and stood apart at some distance from Krishnù,
Urjoon leaning forward whispered in his ear, “O great king! what are
you hesitating about? the business is a failure; carry into execution
immediately, and without delay, any plan you may have formed.” When
Urjoon had thus spoken, Shree Krishnù Jee instantly seized
Mittrabinda’s hand in the midst of the assembled party; and, carrying
her off, placed her on his chariot, and drove off in sight of them
all. The Rajas seized their arms, and mounting their horses, and
circling round to the front of Krishnù, stood in battle order. And
the people in the city laughing, and clapping their hands together,
played upon musical instruments; and pouring forth abuse, began to
say, “Krishnù has come to marry his father’s sister’s daughter; a
notable act no doubt, which will make him very famous.”
Shree Shookdeo Jee, having narrated thus much of the history, said,--O
great king! when Shree Krishnù Chund saw that he was surrounded on
all sides by the army of demons, and could not avoid fighting, he drew
forth several arrows from his quiver; and bending his bow, discharged
them in such a manner, that the whole army of demons was scattered and
dispersed in every direction, and Krishnù arrived safely at Dwarka,
and free from all alarm.
Shree Shookdeo Jee said,--O great king! in this manner Shree Krishnù
Jee took Mittrabinda to Dwarka, and married her there. Listen with
attention, and I will now mention, how he brought away Sutya. In the
Kuosul country, there was a Raja, named Nugnujjit, who had a daughter,
named Sutya. When she was of a marriageable age, the Raja procured
seven huge, terrible bulls without strings in their noses: and let
them loose in the country, making a vow, “That he would marry his
daughter to any person who should fasten strings in the noses of the
seven at once.”
O great king! those seven bulls ranged about the country, bellowing
and pawing the ground with their heads down and tails raised, and
killed whomsoever they met. Hearing of this circumstance, Shree
Krishnù Chund went, accompanied by Urjoon, and stood in the presence
of the Raja Nugnujjit. On seeing him, the Raja descended from his
throne, and prostrating himself so as to touch the ground with the
eight principal parts of his body, seated Krishnù upon his throne;
and placing sandal, unbroken rice and flowers on his head, offering
perfumes, lamps and consecrated food, said, in a most supplicating
manner, with joined hands and bended head, “My good fortune to-day is
very great, that Krishnù, the lord of Shivù and Bruhmù, has come to
my house.” He went on to say, “O great king! I have made a certain
compact, which is difficult of accomplishment; but I am now certain,
that, through your favour, it will be speedily accomplished.” Krishnù
said, “Tell me, what vow you have made so difficult of fulfilment?”
The Raja replied, “O lord of compassion! I have let loose seven bulls
without strings in their noses: and made this compact, that I will
marry my daughter to any person who shall put strings in the noses of
the seven at once.”
Shree Shookdeo Jee said,--O great king! Huri, having heard this,
fastened his girdle; and, having assumed seven different forms, went
and stood where the bulls were; no one saw what was done invisibly,
and Krishnù put strings in the noses of the seven at once. The bulls
stood as quietly as wooden bulls, whilst the strings were being
fastened in their noses; and when this was done, Krishnù led them
all, with one rope, to the court of the Raja. When the inhabitants of
the city beheld this exploit, they were all, both male and female,
astonished, and began to pour forth loud exclamations of praise. The
Raja Nugnujjit then sent for the family priest, and gave his daughter
in marriage according to the prescribed injunctions of the Vedas. Her
dowry consisted of ten thousand cows, nine lakhs of elephants, ten
lakhs of horses, seventy-three lakhs of chariots, and male and female
servants without number. When Shree Krishnù Chund departed thence,
taking the dowry with him, the Rajas of the country were greatly
enraged; and came and surrounded him on his way back. Urjoon destroyed
and put them to flight, with arrows; and Huri returned with them all
to Dwarka, happy and rejoicing. The inhabitants of the city, coming
out to meet him, and spreading silken cloths, brought Krishnù, in
musical procession, to the royal palace, and were amazed at seeing the
dowry. The people extolled Nugnujjit, and said, “This is a great
alliance. The Raja of Kuosul has done well in marrying his daughter to
Krishnù, and giving such a large dowry.”
O great king! the inhabitants of the city discoursed thus amongst
themselves, when Shree Krishnù Chund and Bulram arrived there; and
gave all Raja Nugnujjit’s dowry to Urjoon, and acquired a great
reputation in the world by the act.
I will now mention the circumstances, attending the marriage of Shree
Krishnù Jee with Bhudra: listen attentively, and at your ease.
Bhudra, the daughter of the Raja of Kykye, chose a husband for
herself, and wrote letters to all the neighbouring Rajas, who all
came, and were assembled together. Shree Krishnù Chund went also,
accompanied by Urjoon, and stood in the court amongst the rest of the
party. When the Raja’s daughter, looking at and observing the
different chiefs with a garland in her hand, came to the sea of
beauty, the light of the world, Shree Krishnù Chund, she was
fascinated, and threw the garland upon his neck. When her mother and
father saw this, they were delighted, and married their daughter to
Huri according to the Vedas; bestowing upon her an unbounded marriage
portion.
Having recited thus much of the history, Shree Shookdeo Jee said,--O
great king! Shree Krishnù Chund having thus married Bhudra, I will
now mention how he married Luchmuna. When Luchmuna, the daughter of
the very powerful and renowned Raja of Bhudrades, was marriageable,
she chose a husband for herself, and sent letters of invitation to the
Rajas of all countries; who came with great pomp and splendour, with
their armies arrayed and fully equipped; and sat down in the assembly
in well arranged rows. Shree Krishnù Chund Jee went there also,
accompanied by Urjoon; and as he stood amongst the rest of the party,
Luchmuna, having observed all who were present, came and threw a
garland on the neck of Krishnù. Her father married Luchmuna to him
according to the Vedas. All the Rajas who had come there, were greatly
abashed; and said to one another, “Let us see whether Krishnù will
take away Luchmuna while we are here.”
Having thus spoken, they all arranged their forces, and blocking up
the road, stood ready for battle. As Shree Krishnù Chund and Urjoon
advanced in the chariot with Luchmuna, they came and stopped them, and
began to fight. At length, after some time, Urjoon and Shree Krishnù
destroyed, and put them all to flight with arrows; and reached the
city of Dwarka, happy and rejoicing. On their arrival, there were
songs of congratulation and rejoicing in every house throughout the
city, according to the injunctions of the Vedas.
Having proceeded thus far in the narrative, Shree Shookdeo Jee
said,--O great king! in this manner Shree Krishnù Chund contracted
five marriages, and lived happily at Dwarka with his eight queens, who
were in constant attendance upon him. The queens’ names were Rohnee,
Jamwutee, Sutbhama, Kalindee, Mittrabinda, Sutya, Bhudra and Luchmuna.