"Vaisampayana said, 'Beholding the king, who had become so, of frightful

mien, wearing a long beard smeared with the blood of human beings, the

Brahmana Utanka, O king, did not become agitated. That monarch of great

energy, inspiring terror in every breast and looking like a second Yama,

rising up, addressed Utanka, saying,--"By good luck, O best of Brahmanas,

thou hast come to me at the sixth hour of the day when I am in search of

food."

"'Utanka said, "O king, know that I have come hither in course of my

wanderings for the sake of my preceptor. The wise have said that while

one is employed for the sake of one's preceptor, one should not be

injured."

"'The king said, "O best of Brahmanas, food has been ordained for me at

the sixth hour of the day. I am hungry. I cannot, therefore, allow thee

to escape today."

"'Utanka said, "Let it be so, O king. Let this compact be made with me.

After I have ceased to wander for my preceptor, I shall once more come

and place myself within thy power. It has been heard by me, O best of

kings, that the object I seek for my preceptor is under thy control, O

monarch. Therefore, O ruler of men, I solicit thee for it. Thou daily

givest many foremost of gems unto superior Brahmanas. Thou art a giver, O

chief of men, from whom gifts may be accepted, know that I too am a

worthy object of charity present before thee, O best of kings. Having

accepted from thee in gift that object for my preceptor which is under

thy control, I shall, O king, in consequence of my compact, once more

come back to thee and place myself under thy power. I assure thee truly

of this. There is no falsehood in this. Never before have I spoken

anything untrue, no, not even in jest. What shall I say then of other

occasions?"

"'Saudasa said, "If the object thou seekest for thy preceptor is capable

of being placed in thy hands by me, if I be regarded as one from whom a

gift may be accepted, do thou then say what that object is."

"'Utanka said, "O foremost of men, O Saudasa, in my estimation thou art a

worthy person from whom gifts may be accepted. I have, therefore, come to

thee for begging of thee the jewelled ear-rings (worn by thy queen)."

"'Saudasa said, "Those jewelled ear-rings, O learned and regenerate Rishi,

belong to my wife. They should be asked from her. Do thou, therefore,

solicit some other thing from me. I shall give it to thee, O thou of

excellent vows."

"'Utanka said, "If we be regarded as any authority, do thou cease then to

urge this pretext. Do thou give those jewelled ear-rings to me. Be thou

truthful in speech, O king."'

"Vaisampayana continued, 'Thus addressed, the king once more addressed

Utanka and said unto him, "Do thou, at my word, go to my venerable queen,

O best of men, and ask her, saying,--Give!--She of pure vows, thus

solicited by thee, will certainly, at my command, give thee, O foremost

of regenerate persons, those jewelled ear-rings of hers without doubt."

"'Utanka said, "Whither, O ruler of men, shall I be able to meet thy

queen? Why dost thou not thyself go to her?"

"'Saudasa said, "Thou wilt find her today in the vicinity of a foremost

fountain. I cannot see her today as the sixth hour of the day has come."'

"Vaisampayana continued, 'Thus addressed, Utanka, O chief of Bharata's

race, then left that spot. Beholding Madayanti, he informed her of his

object. Hearing the command of Saudasa, that lady of large eyes replied

unto the highly intelligent Utanka, O Janamejaya, in these words: "It is

even so, O regenerate one. Thou shouldst, however, O sinless one, assure

me that thou dost not say what is untrue. It behoves thee to bring me

some sign from my husband. These celestial ear-rings of mine, made of

costly gems, are such that the deities and Yakshas and great Rishis

always watch for opportunities for bearing them away. If placed at any

time on the Earth, this costly article would then be stolen by the Nagas.

If worn by one who is impure in consequence of eating, it would then be

taken away by the Yakshas. If the wearer falls asleep (without taking

care of these precious ear-rings) the deities would then take them away.

O best of Brahmanas, these ear-rings are capable of being taken away,

when such opportunities present themselves, by deities and Rakshasas and

Nagas, if worn by a heedless person. O best of regenerate ones, these

ear-rings, day and night, always produce gold. At night, they shine

brightly, attracting the rays of stars and constellations. O holy one, if

worn by any one, he would be freed from hunger and thirst and fear of

every kind. The wearer of these ear-rings is freed also from the fear of

poison and fire and every kind of danger. If worn by one of short

stature, these become short. If worn by one of tall stature, these grow

in size. Even of such virtues are these ear-rings of mine. They are

praised and honoured everywhere. Indeed, they are known over the three

worlds. Do thou, therefore, bring me some sign (from my husband)."'"

SECTION LVIII

"Vaisampayana said, 'Utanka, coming back to king Saudasa who was always

well-disposed towards all his friends, solicited him for some sign (to

convince Madayanti of the fact of his being really commissioned by the

king). That foremost one of Ikshwaku's race then gave him a sign.'

"'Saudasa said, "This my present condition is intolerable. I do not behold

any refuge. Knowing this to be my wish, do thou give away the jewelled

ear-rings."[172] Thus addressed by the king, Utanka went back to the

queen and reported to her the words of her lord. Hearing those words, the

queen gave unto Utanka her jewelled ear-rings. Having obtained the

ear-rings, Utanka came back to the king and said unto him, "I desire to

hear, O monarch, what the import is of those mysterious words which thou

saidst as a sign to thy queen."

"'Saudasa said, "Kshatriyas are seen to honour the Brahmanas from the very

beginning of the creation. Towards the Brahmanas, however, many offences

arise (on the part of Kshatriyas). As regards myself, I am always bent in

humility before them. I am overtaken by a calamity through a Brahmana.

Possessed of Madayanti, I do not see any other refuge. Indeed, O foremost

of all persons having of a high goal, I do not behold any other refuge

for myself in the matter of approaching the gates of Heaven, or in

continuing here, O best of regenerate ones. It is impossible for a king

that is hostile to Brahmanas to continue living in this world or in

attaining to happiness in the next. Hence have I given thee these my

jewelled ear-rings which were coveted by thee.[173] Do thou now keep the

compact which thou hast made with me today."

"'Utanka said, "O king, I shall certainly act according to my promise. I

shall truly come back and place myself under thy power. There is,

however, a question, O scorcher of foes, which I wish to ask thee."

"'Saudasa said, "Say, O learned Brahmana, what is in thy mind. I shall

certainly reply unto thy words. I shall dispel whatever doubt may be in

thy mind. I have no hesitation in this."

"'Utanka said, "Those who are skilled in the rules of duty say that

Brahmanas are of restrained speech. One who behaves wrongly towards

friends is regarded as vile as a thief.[174] Thou, again, O king, hast

become my friend today. Do thou then, O foremost of men, give me such

counsel as is approved by the wise. As regards myself, I have now

obtained the fruition of my wishes. Thou, again, art a cannibal. Is it

proper for me to come back to thee or not?"

"'Saudasa said, "If it is proper (for me), O foremost of superior

Brahmanas, to say what thou askest, I should then, O best of regenerate

ones, tell thee that thou shouldst never come back to me. O perpetuator

of Bhrigu's race, by acting even thus, thou wilt attain to what is

beneficial to thee. If thou comest back, O learned Brahmana, thou wilt

surely meet with death."'

"Vaisampayana continued, 'Thus addressed by the intelligent king in

respect of what was beneficial for him, Utanka took leave of the monarch

and set out for the presence of Ahalya. Desirous of doing what was

agreeable to the wife of his preceptor, he took the ear-rings with him

and set out with great speed for reaching the retreat of Gautama.

Protecting them even in the manner directed by Madayanti, that is,

binding them within the folds of his black deer-skin, he proceeded on his

way. After he had proceeded for some distance, he became afflicted by

hunger. He there beheld a Vilwa tree bent down with the weight of (ripe)

fruits.[175] He climbed that tree. Causing his deer-skin, O chastiser of

foes, to hang on a branch, that foremost of regenerate persons then began

to pluck some fruits. While he was employed in plucking those fruits with

eyes directed towards them, some of them fell, O king, on that deerskin

in which those ear-rings had been carefully tied by that foremost of

Brahmanas. With the strokes of the fruits, the knot became untied.

Suddenly that deer-skin, with the ear-rings in it, fell down. When the

knot being unfastened, the deer-skin fell down on the ground, a snake who

was there beheld those jewelled ear-rings. That snake belonged to the

race of Airavata. With great promptness he took up the ear-rings in his

mouth and then entered an anthill. Beholding the ear-rings taken away by

that snake, Utanka, filled with wrath and in great anxiety of mind, came

down from the tree. Taking his staff he began to pierce that anthill.

That best of Brahmanas, burning with wrath and the desire for revenge,

ceaselessly employed himself for five and thirty days in that task. The

goddess Earth, unable to bear the force of Utanka's walking staff and

with body torn therewith, became exceedingly anxious. Unto that

regenerate Rishi then, who continued to dig the Earth from desire of

making a path to the nether regions inhabited by the Nagas, the chief of

the celestials, armed with the thunder, came there, on his car drawn by

green horses. Endued with great energy, he beheld that foremost of

Brahmanas, as he sat there engaged in his task.'

"Vaisampayana continued, 'Assuming the garb of a Brahmana afflicted with

the sorrow of Utanka, the chief of the celestials addressed him, saying,

"This (purpose of thine) is incapable of being achieved. The regions of

the Nagas are thousands of Yojanas removed from this place. I think that

thy purpose is not capable of being achieved with thy walking staff."

"'Utanka said, "If, O Brahmana, the ear-rings be not recovered by me from

the regions of the Nagas, I shall cast off my life-breaths before thy

eyes, O foremost of regenerate persons!"'

"Vaisampayana said, 'When the thunder-armed Indra failed to divert Utanka

from his purpose, he united the latter's walking staff with the force of

thunder. Then, O Janamejaya, the Earth, opening with those strokes having

the force of thunder, yielded a way to the (nether) regions inhabited by

the Nagas. By that path Utanka entered the world of Nagas. He saw that

that region lay extended thousands of Yojanas on all sides. Indeed, O

blessed one, it was equipt with many walls made of pure gold and decked

with jewels and gems. There were many fine tanks of water furnished with

flights of stair-cases made of pure crystal, and many rivers of clear and

transparent water. He saw also many trees with diverse species of birds

perching on them. That perpetuator of Bhrigu's race behold the gate of

that region which was full five Yojanas high and a hundred Yojanas in

width. Beholding the region of the Nagas, Utanka became very cheerless.

Indeed, he despaired of getting back the earrings. Then there appeared

unto him a black steed with a white tail. His face and eyes were of a

coppery hue, O thou of Kuru's race, and he seemed to blaze forth with

energy. Addressing Utanka, he said, "Do thou blow into the Apana duct of

my body. Thou wilt then, O learned Brahmana, get back thy ear-rings which

have been taken away by a descendant of Airavata's race! Do not loathe to

do my bidding, O son. Thou didst it often at the retreat of Gautama in

former days."

"'Utanka said, "How did I know thee in the retreat of my preceptor?

Indeed, I wish to hear how I did in those days what thou biddest me do

now."

"'The steed said, "Know, O learned Brahmana, that I am the preceptor of

thy preceptor, for I am the blazing Jatavedas (deity of fire). By thee I

was often worshipped for the sake of thy preceptor, O child of Bhrigu's

race, duly and with a pure heart and body. For that reason I shall

accomplish what is for thy good. Do my bidding without delay." Thus

addressed by the deity of fire, Utanka did as he was directed. The deity

then, gratified with him, blazed up for consuming everything. From the

pores of his body, O Bharata, in consequence of his very nature, a thick

smoke issued threatening terrors to the world of Nagas. With that mighty

and wide-spreading smoke, O Bharata, everything became enveloped in

gloom, so that nothing, O king, could any longer be seen in the world of

the Nagas. Cries of woe were heard throughout the mansions of the

Airavatas, uttered by the Nagas headed by Vasuki, O Janamejaya. Enveloped

by that smoke, the palaces could no longer be seen, O Bharata. These

resembled woods and hill overwhelmed by a thick forest. With eyes that

were red in consequence of that smoke, and afflicted by the energy of the

deity of fire, the Nagas came out of their mansions to the high-souled

son of Bhrigu's race for ascertaining what was the matter. Having heard

what the matter was from that ascetic of immeasurable energy, all the

Nagas, with fear depicted on their eyes, offered him their worship

according to due forms. Indeed, all the Nagas placing the old and the

young one's before them, bowed unto him with their heads and joining

their hands addressed him, saying, "Be gratified with us, O holy one!"

Having gratified that Brahmana and offered him water to wash his feet and

the ingredients of the Arghya (for honouring him), the Nagas gave him

those celestial and highly-adored ear-rings. Thus honoured by them,

Utanka of great prowess, circumambulating the deity of fire, started for

the retreat of his preceptor. Indeed, repairing quickly to Gautama's

asylum, O king, he presented those ear-rings unto the wife of his

preceptor, O sinless one. That best of Brahmanas also told his preceptor

everything about Vasuki and the other Nagas that had occurred. It was

even thus, O Janamejaya, that the high-souled Utanka, having wandered

through the three worlds, fetched those jewelled ear-rings (for his

preceptor's wife). Of such prowess, O chief of Bharata's race, was the

ascetic Utanka. So austere were the penances with which he was endued. I

have thus told thee what thou hadst asked me.'"

SECTION LIX

"Janamejaya said, 'After having conferred that boon on Utanka, O foremost

of regenerate persons, what did the mighty-armed Govinda of great

celebrity next do?'

"Vaisampayana said, 'Having granted that boon to Utanka, Govinda,

accompanied by Satyaki, proceeded to Dwaraka on his car drawn by his

large steeds endued with great speed. Passing many lakes and rivers and

forests and hills, he at last came upon the delightful city of Dwaravati.

It was at the time, O king, when the festival of Raivataka had begun,

that he of eyes like lotus-petals arrived with Satyaki as his companion.

Adorned with many beautiful things and covered with diverse Koshas made

of jewels and gems, the Raivataka hill shone, O king, with great

splendour. That high mountain, decked with excellent garlands of gold and

gay festoons of flowers, with many large trees that looked like the Kalpa

trees of Indra's garden, and with many golden poles on which were lighted

lamps, shone in beauty through day and night. By the caves and fountains

the light was so great that it seemed to be broad day. On all sides

beautiful flags waved on the air with little bells that jingled

continuously. The entire hill resounded with the melodious songs of men

and women. Raivataka presented a most charming prospect like Meru with

all his jewels and gems. Men and women, excited and filled with delight,

O Bharata, sang aloud. The swell of music that thus rose from that

foremost of mountains seemed to touch the very heavens. Everywhere were

heard shouts and loud whoops of men who were in all stages of excitement.

The cackle of thousands of voices made that mountain delightful and

charming. It was adorned with many shops and stalls filled with diverse

viands and enjoyable articles. There were heaps of cloths and garlands,

and the music of Vinas and flutes and Mridangas was heard everywhere.

Food mixed with wines of diverse kinds was stored here and there. Gifts

were being ceaselessly made to those that were distressed, or blind, or

helpless. In consequence of all this, the festival of that mountain

became highly auspicious. There were many sacred abodes built on the

breast of that mountain, O hero, within which resided many men of

righteous deeds. Even thus did the heroes of Vrishni's race sport in that

festival of Raivataka. Equipt with those mansions, that mountain shone

like a second Heaven. At the arrival of Krishna, O chief of Bharata's

race, that prince of mountains resembled the blessed abode of Indra

himself. Worshipped (by his relatives), Krishna then entered a beautiful

mansion. Satyaki also went to his own quarters with a delighted soul.

Govinda entered his residence after a long absence, having accomplished

feats of great difficulty like Vasava amid the Danava host. The heroes of

the Bhoja, Vrishni, and Andhaka races, all came forward to receive that

high-souled one like the deities advancing to receive him of a hundred

sacrifices. Endued with great intelligence, he honoured them in return

and enquired after their welfare. With a gratified heart he then saluted

his father and mother. The mighty-armed hero was embraced by both of them

and comforted too (by numerous evidences of affection). He then took his

seat with all the Vrishnis sitting around him. Having washed his feet and

dispelled his fatigue, Krishna of mighty energy, as he sat there, then

recounted the chief incidents of the great battle in answer to the

questions put to him by his sire.'"

SECTION LX

"'Vasudeva said, "O thou of Vrishni's race, I have repeatedly heard men

speaking of the wonderful battle (between the Kurus and the Pandavas).

Thou, however, O mighty-armed one, hast witnessed it with thy own eyes.

Do thou, therefore, O sinless one, describe the battle in detail. Indeed,

tell me how that battle took place between the high-souled Pandavas (on

the one side) and Bhishma and Karna and Kripa and Drona and Salya and

others (on the other side), between, in fact, numerous other Kshatriyas

well-skilled in arms, differing from one another in mien and attire, and

hailing from diverse realms."'

"Vaisampayana continued, 'Thus addressed by his sire, he of eyes like

lotus-petals narrated, in the presence of his mother also, how the

Kaurava heroes had been slain in battle.'

"'Vasudeva said, "The feats were highly wonderful that were achieved by

those high-souled Kshatriyas. In consequence of their large number, they

are incapable of being enumerated in even hundreds of years. I shall

however, mention only the foremost of them. Do thou listen, therefore, to

me as I mention in brief those feats achieved by the kings of Earth, O

thou of godlike splendour. Bhishma of Kuru's race became the

generalissimo, having eleven divisions of the Kaurava princes under his

command, like Vasava of the celestial forces.[176] Sikhandin of great

intelligence, protected by the blessed Arjuna, became the leader of the

seven divisions of the sons of Pandu. The battle between the Kurus and

the Pandavas (under these leaders) raged for ten days. It was so fierce

as to make one's hair stand on its end. Then Sikhandin, in great battle,

aided by the wielder of Gandiva, slew, with innumerable arrows, the son

of Ganga fighting bravely. Lying on a bed of arrows, Bhishma waited like

an ascetic till the sun leaving his southward path entered on his

northerly course when that hero gave up his life-breaths. Then Drona,

that foremost of all persons conversant with arms, that greatest of men

under Duryodhana, like Kavya himself of the lord of the Daityas, became

generalissimo.[177] That foremost of regenerate persons, ever boasting of

his prowess in battle, was supported by the remnant of the Kaurava force

consisting then of nine Akshauhinis, and protected by Kripa and Vrisha

and others. Dhrishtadyumna conversant with many mighty weapons, and

possessed of great intelligence, became the leader of the Pandavas. He

was protected by Bhima like Varuna protected by Mitra. That high-souled

hero, always desirous of measuring his strength with Drona, supported by

the (remnant of the) Pandava army, and recollecting the wrongs inflicted

(by Drona) on his sire (Drupada, the king of the Panchalas), achieved

great feats in battle. In that encounter between Drona and the son of

Prishata, the kings assembled from diverse realms were nearly

exterminated. That furious battle lasted for five days. At the conclusion

of that period, Drona, exhausted, succumbed to Dhrishtadyumna. After

that, Karna became the generalissimo of Duryodhana's forces. He was

supported in battle by the remnant of the Kaurava host which numbered

five Akshauhinis. Of the sons of Pandu there were then three Akshauhinis.

After the slaughter of innumerable heroes, protected by Arjuna, they came

to battle. The Suta's son Karna, though a fierce warrior, encountering

Partha, came to his end on the second day, like an insect encountering a

blazing fire. After the fall of Karna, the Kauravas became dispirited and

lost all energy. Numbering three Akshauhinis, they gathered round the

ruler of the Madras. Having lost many car-warriors and elephants and

horsemen, the remnant of the Pandava army, numbering one Akshauhini and

penetrated with cheerlessness, supported Yudhishthira (as their leader).

The king Yudhishthira, in the battle that ensued, achieved the most

difficult feats and slew, before half the day was over, the king of the

Madras. After the fall of Salya, the high-souled Sahadeva of immeasurable

prowess slew Sakuni, the man who had brought about the quarrel (between

the Pandavas and the Kurus). After the fall of Sakuni, the royal son of

Dhritarashtra, whose army had suffered an extensive carnage and who on

that account had become exceedingly cheerless, fled from the field, armed

with his mace. Then Bhimasena of great prowess, filled with wrath,

pursued him and discovered him within the waters of the Dwaipayana lake.

With the remnant of their army, the Pandavas surrounded the lake and,

filled with joy, encountered Duryodhana concealed within the waters.

Their wordy shafts, penetrating through the waters, pierced Duryodhana.

Rising up from the lake, the latter approached the Pandavas, armed with

his mace, desirous of battle. Then, in the great battle that ensued, the

royal son of Dhritarashtra was slain by Bhimasena who put forth his great

prowess, in the presence of many kings. After this the remnant of the

Pandava army, as it slept in the camp, was slaughtered at night time by

Drona's son who was unable to put up with the slaughter of his father (at

the hands of Dhrishtadyumna). Their sons slain, their forces slain, only

the five sons of Pandu are alive with myself and Yuyudhana. With Kripa

and the Bhoja prince Kritavarman, the son of Drona represents the unslain

remnant of the Kaurava army. Dhritarashtra's son Yuyutsu also escaped

slaughter in consequence of his having adopted the side of the Pandavas.

Upon the slaughter of the Kaurava king (Suyodhana) with all his followers

and allies, Vidura and Sanjaya have come to the presence of king

Yudhishthira the just. Even thus did that battle occur, O lord, for eight

and ten days. Many kings of Earth, slain therein, have ascended to

Heaven."'

"Vaisampayana continued, 'The Vrishnis, as they heard, O king, that

dreadful account became filled with grief and sorrow and pain.'"

SECTION LXI

"Vaisampayana said, 'After the high-souled Vasudeva of great prowess had

finished his narration of the great battle of the Bharatas before his

sire, it was plain that that hero had passed over the slaughter of

Abhimanyu. The motive of the high-souled one was that his sire might not

hear what was highly unpleasant to him. Indeed, the intelligent Krishna

did not wish that his sire Vasudeva should, on hearing the dreadful

intelligence of the death of his daughter's son, be afflicted with sorrow

and grief. (His sister) Subhadra, noticing that the slaughter of her son

had not been mentioned, addressed her brother, saying,--"Do thou narrate

the death of my son, O Krishna"--and fell down on the earth (in a swoon).

Vasudeva beheld his daughter fallen on the ground. As soon as he saw

this, he also fell down, deprived of his senses by grief. (Regaining his

senses) Vasudeva, afflicted with grief at the death of his daughter's

son, O king, addressed Krishna, saying, "O lotus-eyed one, thou art famed

on Earth for being truthful in speech. Why, however, O slayer of foes,

dost thou not tell me today of the death of my daughter's son? O puissant

one, tell me in detail of the slaughter of thy sister's son. Possessed of

eyes resembling thine, alas, how was he slain in battle by foes? Since my

heart does not from grief break into a hundred pieces, it seems, O thou

of the Vrishni's race, that it does not die with men when its hour does

not come. Oh, at the time of his fall, what words did he utter,

apostrophising his mother? O lotus-eyed one what did that darling of

mine, possessed of restless eyes, say unto me? I hope he has not been

slain by foes while retreating from battle with his back towards them? I

hope, O Govinda, that, his face did not become cheerless while fighting?

He was possessed, O Krishna, of mighty energy. From a spirit of

boyishness, that puissant hero, boasting (of his prowess) in my presence,

used to speak of his skill (in battle). I hope that boy does not lie on

the field, slain deceitfully by Drona and Karna and Kripa and others? Do

thou tell me this. That son of my daughter always used to challenge

Bhishma and that foremost of all mighty warriors, viz., Karna, in

battle." Unto his sire who, from excess of grief, indulged in such

lamentations, Govinda, more afflicted than he answered in these words.

"His face did not become cheerless as he fought in the van of battle.

Fierce though that battle was, he did not turn his back upon it. Having

slain hundreds and thousands of kings of Earth, he was brought to grief

by Drona and Karna and at last succumbed to the son of Dussasana. If, O

lord, he had been encountered, one to one, without intermission, he was

incapable of being slain in battle by even the wielder of the

thunderbolt. When his sire Arjuna was withdrawn from the main body by the

Samsaptakas (who challenged to fight him separately), Abhimanyu was

surrounded by the enraged Kaurava heroes headed by Drona in battle. Then,

O sire, after he had slaughtered a very large number of foes in battle,

thy daughter's son at last succumbed to the son of Dussasana. Without

doubt, he has gone to Heaven. Kill this grief of thine, O thou of great

intelligence. They that are of cleansed understandings never languish

when they meet with any calamity. He by whom Drona and Karna and others

were checked in battle,--heroes that were equal to Indra himself in

might--why would not he ascend to Heaven? O irresistible one, do thou

kill this grief of thine. Do not suffer thyself to be swayed by wrath.

That conqueror of hostile cities has attained in that sanctified goal

which depends upon death at the edge of weapons. After the fall of that

hero, this my sister Subhadra stricken with grief, indulged in loud

lamentations, when she saw Kunti, like a female osprey. When she met

Draupadi, she asked her in grief,--'O reverend lady, where are all our

sons? I desire to behold them.' Hearing her lamentations, all the Kaurava

ladies embraced her and wept sitting around her. Beholding (her

daughter-in-law) Uttara, she said,--'O blessed girl, where has thy

husband gone? When he comes back, do thou, without losing a moment,

apprise me of it. Alas, O daughter of Virata, as soon he heard my voice,

he used to come out of his chamber without the loss of a moment. Why does

not thy husband come out today? Alas, O Abhimanyu, thy maternal

uncles--mighty car-warriors--are all hale. They used to bless thee when

they saw thee come here prepared to go out for battle. Do thou tell me

the incidents of battle today as before, O chastiser of foes. Oh. why

dost thou not answer me today--me who am weeping so bitterly?'--Hearing

these lamentations of this daughter of the Vrishni race, Pritha, deeply

afflicted with grief, addressed her and slowly said,--'O Subhadra, though

protected by Vasudeva and Satyaki and by his own sire, thy youthful son

has yet been slain. That slaughter is due to the influence of Time! O

daughter of Yadu's race, mortal thy son was. Do not grieve. Irresistible

in battle, thy son has, without doubt, attained to the highest goal. Thou

art born in a high race of high-souled Kshatriyas. Do not grieve, O thou

of restless glances, O girl of eyes like lotus-petals. Do thou cast thy

eyes on Uttara who is quick with child. O blessed lady, do not yield to

sorrow. This auspicious girl will soon bring forth a son to that hero.'

Having comforted her in this way, Kunti, conversant with every duty, O

perpetuator of Yadu's race, casting off her grief, O irresistible one,

made arrangements for Abhimanyu's obsequial rites, with the acquiescence

of king Yudhishthira and Bhima, and the twins (viz., Nakula and Sahadeva)

who in prowess resembled Yama himself. She also made many presents unto

the Brahmanas, and bestowed upon them many kine, O perpetuator of Yadu's

race. Then the Vrishni dame (Kunti), comforted a little, addressed the

daughter of Virata, saying,--'O faultless daughter of Virata, thou

shouldst not indulge in grief. For the sake of thy husband, O thou of

rotund hips, protect the child in thy womb.'--Having said these words, O

thou of great splendour, Kunti ceased. With her permission I have brought

Subhadra here. It was even thus, O giver of honours, that thy daughter's

son met with his death. Cast off thy burning grief, O irresistible one.

Indeed, do not set thy heart on sorrow."'"

SECTION LXII

"Vaisampayana said, 'Having heard these words of his son Vasudeva, that

descendant of Sura, of righteous soul, casting off his grief, made

excellent obsequial offerings (unto Abhimanyu). Vasudeva also performed

those rites for the ascension (to Heaven) of his high-souled nephew, that

hero who was ever the darling of his sire (Vasudeva). He duly fed six

millions of Brahmanas, endued with great energy, with edibles possessed

of every recommendation. Presenting many clothes unto them, Krishna

gratified the thirst for wealth of those Brahmanas. Wonderful were the

heaps of gold, the number of kine and of beds and clothes, that were then

given away. The Brahmanas loudly declared--"Let (Krishna's wealth)

increase." Then Vasudeva of Dasarha's race, and Valadeva, and Satyaki,

and Satyaka, each performed the obsequial rites of Abhimanyu. Exceedingly

afflicted with grief, they failed to attain comfort. The same was the

case with the sons of Pandu in the city called after the elephant.

Deprived of Abhimanyu, they failed to obtain peace of mind. The daughter

of Virata, O monarch, for many days, totally abstained from all food,

exceedingly afflicted by grief on account of the death of her husband. At

this all her relatives became plunged into excess of grief. They all

feared that the embryo in her womb might be destroyed. Then Vyasa,

ascertaining the state of things by his spiritual vision, came there. The

highly intelligent Rishi, endued with great energy, arrived (at the

palace), addressed Pritha of large eyes, as also Uttara herself,

saying,--"Let this grief be abandoned. O famous lady, a son endued with

mighty energy will be born to thee, through the puissance of Vasudeva and

at my word. That son will rule the Earth after the Pandavas (have

departed from it)." Beholding Dhananjaya, he said unto him, in the

hearing of king Yudhishthira the just, and gladdening him with his words,

"O Bharata, thy grandson, O highly blessed one, will become a

high-souled prince. He will righteously rule the whole Earth to the verge

of the sea. Therefore, O foremost one of Kuru's race, cast off this

grief, O mower of foes. Do not doubt this. This will truly happen. That

which was uttered by the Vrishni hero on a former occasion, will, without

doubt, happen. Do not think otherwise. As regards Abhimanyu, he has gone

to the regions of the deities, conquered by him with his own acts. That

hero should not be grieved for by thee or, indeed, by the other Kurus."

Thus addressed by his grandsire, Dhananjaya of righteous soul, O king,

cast off his grief and even became cheerful. Thy sire, O prince, that art

conversant with all duties, began to grow in that womb, O thou of great

intelligence, like the Moon in the lighted fortnight. Then Vyasa urged

the royal son of Dharma for performing the horse-sacrifice. Having said

so, he made himself invisible there and then. The intelligent king

Yudhishthira the just, hearing the words of Vyasa, set his mind on the

journey for bringing wealth (for the sacrifice).'"

SECTION LXIII

"Janamejaya said, 'Having heard these words, O regenerate one, that were

spoken by the high-souled Vyasa in respect of the horse-sacrifice, what

steps were taken by Yudhishthira? Do thou tell me, O foremost of

regenerate ones, how the king succeeded in obtaining the wealth which

Marutta had buried in the Earth.'

"Vaisampayana said, 'Having heard the words of the Island-born ascetic,

king Yudhishthira the just, summoned all his brothers, viz., Arjuna and

Bhimasena and the twin sons of Madri, in proper time and then said unto

them (the following words),--"Ye heroes, you have heard the words which

the highly intelligent and high-souled Krishna has said from his

friendship for and the desire of doing good to the Kurus![178] Verily,

you have heard those words that have been uttered by that ascetic of

abundant penances, that great sage desirous of bestowing prosperity on

his friends, that preceptor of righteous behaviour, viz., Vyasa of

wonderful feats. You have heard what Bhishma also said, and what Govinda

too of great intelligence has uttered. Remembering those words, ye sons

of Pandu, I desire to obey them duly. By obeying those words of theirs

great blessedness will attach to all of you. Those words spoken by those

utterers of Brahma are certain (if obeyed) to bring in their train

considerable benefit. Ye perpetuators of Kuru's race, the Earth has

become divested of her wealth. Ye kings, Vyasa, therefore, informed us of

the wealth (that lies buried in the Earth) of Marutta. If you think that

wealth abundant or sufficient, how shall we bring it (to our capital)?

What, O Bhima, dost thou think as regards this?" When the king, O

perpetuator of Kuru's race, said these words, Bhimasena, joining his

hands, said these words in reply,--"The words thou hast said, O thou of

mighty-arms, on the subject of bringing the wealth indicated by Vyasa,

are approved by me. If, O puissant one, we succeed in getting the wealth

kept there by the son of Avikshita, then this sacrifice, O king, purposed

by us will be easily accomplished. Even this is what I think. We shall,

therefore, bowing our heads unto the high-souled Girisa, and offering due

worship unto that deity, bring that wealth. Blessed be thou. Gratifying

that god of gods, as also his companions and followers, in words,

thought, and deed, we shall, without doubt, obtain that wealth. Those

Kinnaras of fierce mien who are protecting that treasure will certainly

yield to us if the great deity having the bull for his sign become

gratified with us!"--Hearing these words uttered by Bhima, O Bharata,

king Yudhishthira the son of Dharma became highly pleased. The others,

headed by Arjuna, at the same time, said, "So be it." The Pandavas then,

having resolved to bring that wealth, ordered their forces to march under

the constellation Dhruba and on the day called by the same name.[179]

Causing the Brahmanas to utter benedictions on them, and having duly

worshipped the great god Maheswara, the sons of Pandu set out (on their

enterprise). Gratifying that high-souled deity with Modakas and frumenty

and with cakes made of meat, the sons of Pandu set out with cheerful

hearts. While they thus set out, the citizens, and many foremost of

Brahmanas, with cheerful hearts, uttered auspicious blessings (on their

heads). The Pandavas, circumambulating many Brahmanas that daily

worshipped their fires, and bending their heads unto them, proceeded on

their journey. Taking the permission of king Dhritarashtra who was

afflicted with grief on account of the death of his sons, his queen

(Gandhari), and Pritha also of large eyes, and keeping the Kaurava prince

Yuyutsu, the son of Dhritarashtra, in the capital, they set out,

worshipped by the citizens and by many Brahmanas possessed of great

wisdom.'"

SECTION LXIV

"Vaisampayana said, 'They then set out, with cheerful hearts, and

accompanied by men and animals all of whom and which were equally

cheerful. They filled the whole Earth with the loud clatter of their

wheels. Their praises hymned by eulogists and Sutas and Magadhas and

bards, and supported by their own army, they looked like so many Adityas

adorned with their own rays. With the white umbrella held over his head,

king Yudhishthira shone with beauty like the lord of the stars on the

night when he is at full. That foremost of men, the eldest son of Pandu,

accepted, with due forms, the blessings and cheers of his gladdened

subjects as he proceeded on his way. As regards the soldiers that

followed the king, their confused murmurs seemed to fill the entire

welkin. That host crossed many lakes and rivers and forests and pleasure

gardens. They at last came upon the mountains. Arrived at that region

where that wealth was buried, O king, the royal Yudhishthira fixed his

camp with all his brothers and troops. The region selected for the

purpose, O chief of Bharata's race, was perfectly level and auspicious.

There the king pitched his camp, placing in his van such Brahmanas as

were endued with penances and learning and self-restraint, as also his

priest Agnivesya, O thou of Kuru's race, who was well-conversant with the

Vedas and all their branches.[180] Then the royal sons of Pandu, and the

other kings (who accompanied that expedition), and the Brahmanas and

priests well-skilled in sacrificial rites, having duly performed some

propitiatory ceremonies, spread themselves all over that spot. Having

duly placed the king and his ministers in the middle, the Brahmanas

caused the camp to be pitched by laying out six roads and nine

divisions.[181] King Yudhishthira caused a separate encampment to be duly

made for the infuriate elephants that accompanied his force. When

everything was complete, he addressed the Brahmanas, saying, "Ye foremost

of Brahmanas, let that be done which you think should be done in view of

the matter at hand. Indeed, let an auspicious day and constellation be

fixed for it. Let not a long time pass away over our heads as we wait in

suspense here. Ye foremost of learned Brahmanas, having formed this

resolution, let that be done which should be done after this." Hearing

these words of the king, the Brahmanas with those amongst them that were

well-skilled in the performance of religious rites, became filled with

gladness and desirous of doing what was agreeable to king Yudhishthira

the just, said these words in reply, "This very day is an auspicious one

with an auspicious constellation. We shall, therefore, strive to

accomplish those high rites we propose. We shall today, O king, live upon

water alone. Do you all fast also today." Hearing those words of those

foremost Brahmanas, the royal sons of Pandu passed that night, abstaining

from all food, and lying confidently on beds of Kusa grass, like blazing

fires in a sacrifice. And the night wore away as they listened to the

discourses of the learned Brahmanas (on diverse subjects). When the

cloudless morning came, those foremost of Brahmanas addressed the royal

son of Dharma (saying as follows).'"

SECTION LXV

"'The Brahmanas said, "Let offerings be made unto the high-souled

Mahadeva of three eyes. Having duly dedicated those offerings, O king, we

shall then strive to gain our object." Hearing these words of those

Brahmanas, Yudhishthira caused offerings to be duly made unto that deity

who loved to lie down on mountain-breasts. Gratifying the (sacrificial)

fire with (libations of) sanctified butter according to the ordinance,

the priest (Dhaumya) cooked Charu with the aid of Mantras and performed

the necessary rites. He took up many flowers and sanctified them with

Mantras, O king. With Modakas and frumenty and meat, he made offerings to

the deity. With diverse kinds of flowers and with fried paddy, of very

superior kind, Dhaumya, well-versed in the Vedas, performed the remaining

rites. He next presented offerings according to the ordinance unto those

ghostly beings who formed Mahadeva's train. And offerings were next made

to Kuvera, the chief of the Yakshas, and unto Manibhadra also. Unto the

other Yakshas also and unto them that were the foremost ones among the

ghostly companions of Mahadeva, the priest offered due worship, having

filled many jugs with food, with Krisaras and meat and Nivapas mixed with

sesame seeds. The king gave away unto the Brahmanas thousands of kine. He

then directed the presentation, according to due rites, of offerings unto

those night-wandering beings (who live with Mahadeva). Surcharged, as it

were, with the scent of Dhupas, and filled with the fragrance of flowers,

that region, sacred to the deity of deities, O king, became exceedingly

delightful. Having performed the worship of Rudra and of all the Ganas,

the king, placing Vyasa ahead, proceeded towards the place where the

treasure was buried. Once more worshipping the Lord of treasures, and

bowing unto him with reverence and saluting him properly, with diverse

kinds of flowers and cakes and Krisara, having worshipped those foremost

of gems, viz., Sankha and Nidhi, and those Yakshas who are the lords of

gems, and having worshipped many foremost of Brahmanas and caused them to

utter blessings, the king endued with great puissance, strengthened by

the energy and the auspicious benedictions of those Brahmanas, caused

that spot to be excavated. Then numerous vessels of diverse and

delightful forms, and Bhringaras and Katahas and Kalasas and

Bardhamanakas, and innumerable Bhajanas of beautiful forms, were dug out

by king Yudhishthira the just. The wealth thus dug out was placed in

large "Karaputas" for protection.[182] A portion of the wealth was caused

to be borne upon the shoulders of men in stout balances of wood with

baskets slung like scales at both ends. Indeed, O king, there were other

methods of conveyance there for bearing away that wealth of the son of

Pandu.[183] There were sixty thousands of camels and a hundred and twenty

thousand horses, and of elephants, O monarch, there were one hundred

thousand. Of cars there were as many, and of carts, too as many, and of

she-elephants as many. Of mules and men the number was untold. That

wealth which Yudhishthira caused to be dug out was even so much. Sixteen

thousand coins were placed on the back of each camel; eight thousand on

each car; four and twenty thousand on each elephant; (while proportionate

loads were placed on horses and mules and on the backs, shoulder and

heads of men). Having loaded these vehicles with that wealth and once

more worshipping the great deity Siva, the son of Pandu set out for the

city called after the elephant, with the permission of the Island-born

Rishi, and placing his priest Dhaumya in the van. That foremost of men,

viz., the royal son of Pandu, made short marches every day, measured by a

Goyuta (4 miles). That mighty host, O king, afflicted with the weight

they bore, returned, bearing that wealth, towards the capital, gladdening

the hearts of all those perpetuators of the Kuru race.'"

SECTION LXVI

"Vaisampayana said, 'Meanwhile, Vasudeva of great energy accompanied by

the Vrishnis, came to the city called after the elephant. While leaving

that city for returning to his own Dwaraka, he had been requested by the

son of Dharma to come back. Hence, knowing that the time fixed for the

horse-sacrifice had come, that foremost of men came back (to the Kuru

capital). Accompanied by the son of Rukmini, by Yuyudhana, by

Charudeshna, by Samva, by Gada, by Kritavarman, by the heroic Sarana, by

Nisatha, and by the Unmukha, Vasudeva came with Valadeva at the head of

the train, with Subhadra also accompanying him. Indeed, that hero came

for seeing Draupadi and Uttara and Pirtha and for comforting those

Kshatriya ladies of distinction who had been bereft of many of their

protectors. Beholding those heroes come, king Dhritarashtra, as also the

high-souled Vidura, received them with due honours. That foremost of men,

viz., Krishna of great energy, well adored by Vidura and Yuyutsu,

continued to reside in the Kuru capital. It was while the Vrishni heroes,

O Janamejaya, were residing in the Kuru city, O king, that thy sire, that

slayer of hostile heroes, was born. The royal Parikshit, O monarch,

afflicted by the Brahma weapon (of Aswatthaman), upon coming out of the

womb, lay still and motionless, for life he had not. By his birth he had

gladdened the citizens but soon plunged them into grief. The citizens,

learning of the birth of the prince, uttered a leonine shout. That noise

proceeded to the utmost verge of every point of the compass. Soon,

however, (when it was known that the prince was bereft of life), that

noise ceased. With great haste Krishna, his senses and mind considerably

affected, with Yuyudhana in his company, entered the inner apartments of

the palace. He beheld his own paternal aunt (Kunti) coming, loudly

weeping and calling upon him repeatedly. Behind her were Draupadi and the

famous Subhadra, and the wives of the relatives of the Pandavas, all

weeping piteously. Meeting Krishna, Kunti, that daughter of the Bhoja

race, said unto him, O foremost of monarchs, these words in a voice

chocked with tears, "O Vasudeva, O mighty-armed hero, Devaki by having

borne thee, has come to be regarded as an excellent genetrix. Thou art

our refuge, and our glory. This race (of Pandu) depends upon thee for its

protector. O Yadava hero, O puissant one, this child of thy sister's son,

has come out of the womb, slain by Aswatthaman. O Kesava, do thou revive

him. O delighter of the Yadavas, even this was vowed by thee, O puissant

one, when Aswatthaman had inspired the blade of grass into a

Brahma-weapon of mighty energy. Indeed, O Kesava, thy words were even

these, 'I shall revive that child if he comes out of the womb dead.'--That

child, O son, has been born dead. Behold him, O foremost of men. It

behoveth thee, O Madhava, to rescue Uttara and Subhadra and Draupadi and

myself, and Dharma's son (Yudhishthira), and Bhima and Phalguna, and

Nakula, and the irresistible Sahadeva. In this child are bound the

life-breaths of the Pandavas and myself. O thou of the Dasarha race, on

him depends the obsequial cake of Pandu, as also of my father-in-law, and

of Abhimanyu too, blessed be thou, that darling nephew of thine who was

so very like unto thee. Do thou accomplish today what will be beneficial

to all these. I urge thee earnestly, O Janarddana. Uttara, O slayer of

foes, always repeats the words said unto her by Abhimanyu. Without doubt,

O Krishna, those words were highly agreeable to her. O thou of the

Dasarha race, Arjuna's son said unto this daughter of Virata,--'Thy son, O

blessed girl, will go to my maternal uncles. Taking up his residence with

the Vrishnis and Andhakas, he will obtain from them the science of arms,

indeed, diverse wonderful weapons and the whole of the science of

politics and morality.' Even these were the words, O son, that that slayer

of hostile heroes, viz., the son of Subhadra, that irresistible hero,

said unto Uttara, from his affection for her. O slayer of Madhu, bowing

our heads unto thee, we pray thee for making those words of Abhimanyu

true. In view also of the time that has come, do thou accomplish what is

highly beneficial." Having said these words unto that hero of the

Vrishni's race, Pritha of large eyes, raised her arms upwards and with

the other ladies in her company, fell down on the Earth. All of them,

with eyes rendered muddy by tears, repeatedly exclaimed, saying, "Alas,

the son of Vasudeva's nephew has been born dead." After Kunti had said

so, Janarddana took hold of her, O Bharata, and gently raising her from

the Earth, comforted her as follows.'"

SECTION LXVII

"Vaisampayana said, 'After Kunti had sat up, Subhadra, beholding her

brother, began to weep aloud, and afflicted with excessive grief,

said,--"O thou of eyes like lotus petals, behold the grandson of Arjuna

of great intelligence. Alas, the Kuru race having been thinned, a child

has been born that is feeble and dead. The blade of grass (inspired into

a weapon of great efficacy), uplifted by Drona's son for compassing the

destruction of Bhimasena, fell upon Uttara and Vijaya and myself.[184]

Alas, that blade, O Kesava, is still existing unextracted in me, after

having pierced my heart, since I do not, O irresistible hero, behold this

child with (his sire who was) my son. What will the righteous-souled king

Yudhishthira the just say? What will Bhimasena and Arjuna and the two

sons of Madravati also say? Hearing that Abhimanyu's son was born and found

dead, the Pandavas, O thou of Vrishni's race, will regard themselves as

cheated by Aswatthaman. Abhimanyu, O Krishna, was the favourite of all

the Pandava brothers, without doubt. Hearing this intelligence, what will

those heroes, vanquished by the weapon of Drona's son say? What grief, O

Janarddana, can be greater than this viz., that Abhimanyu's son should be

born dead! Bowing unto thee with my head, O Krishna, I seek to gratify

thee today. Behold, O foremost of men, these two standing here, viz.,

Pritha and Draupadi. When, O Madhava, the son of Drona sought to destroy

the embryos even in the wombs of the ladies of the Pandavas, at that

time, O grinder of foes, thou saidst in wrath unto Drona's son (ever

these words), 'O wretch of a Brahmana, O vilest of men, I shall

disappoint thy wish. I shall revive the son of Kiritin's son.' Hearing

these words of thine and well knowing thy puissance, I seek to gratify

thee, O irresistible hero. Let the son of Abhimanyu be revived. If having

pledged thyself previously thou dost not accomplish thy auspicious vow,

do thou then know for certain, O chief of the Vrishni race, that I shall

cast off my life. If, O hero, this son of Abhimanyu doth not revive when

thou, O irresistible one, art alive and near, of what other use wilt thou

be to me? Do thou, therefore, O irresistible one, revive this son of

Abhimanyu,--this child possessed of eyes similar to his,--even as a

rain-charged cloud revives the lifeless crops (on a field). Thou, O

Kesava, art righteous-souled, truthful, and of prowess incapable of being

baffled. It behoveth thee, O chastiser of foes, to make thy words

truthful. If only thou wishest it, thou canst revive the three worlds (of

being) if dead. What need I say, therefore, of this darling child, born

but dead, of thy sister's son? I know thy puissance, O Krishna.

Therefore, do I solicit thee. Do thou show this great favour to the sons

of Pandu. It behoveth thee, O mighty-armed one, to show compassion to

this Uttara or to me, thinking that I am thy sister or even a mother that

hath lost her son, and one that hath thrown herself upon thy protection."'"

SECTION LXVIII

"Vaisampayana said, 'Thus addressed, O king, (by his sister and others),

the slayer of Kesin, exceedingly afflicted by grief, answered,--"So be

it!"--These words were uttered with sufficient loudness and they

gladdened all the inmates of the inner apartments of the palace. The

puissant Krishna, that foremost of men, by uttering these words,

gladdened all the people assembled there, like one pouring cold water on

a person afflicted with sweat. He then quickly entered the lying-in room

in which thy sire was born. It was duly sanctified, O chief of men, with

many garlands of white flowers, with many well-filled water pots arranged

on every side; with charcoal, soaked in ghee, of Tinduka wood, and

mustard seeds, O thou of mighty arms; with shining weapons properly

arrayed, and several fires on every side. And it was peopled by many

agreeable and aged dames summoned for waiting (upon thy grandmother). It

was also surrounded by many well-skilled and clever physicians, O thou of

great intelligence. Endued with great energy, he also saw there all

articles that are destructive of Rakshasas, duly placed by persons

conversant with the subject. Beholding the lying-in room in which thy

sire was born thus equipt, Hrishikesa became very glad and

said,--"Excellent, Excellent!" When he of Vrishni's race said so and

presented such a cheerful countenance, Draupadi, repairing thither with

great speed, addressed the daughter of Virata, saying,--"O blessed lady,

here comes to thee thy father-in-law, the slayer of Madhu, that ancient

Rishi of inconceivable soul, that unvanquished one."--Virata's daughter,

checking her tears, said these words in a voice suffocated with grief.

Covering herself properly, the princess waited for Krishna like the

deities reverentially waiting for him. The helpless lady, with heart

agitated by grief, beholding Govinda coming, indulged in these

lamentations, "O lotus-eyed one, behold us two deprived of our child. O

Janarddana, both Abhimanyu and myself have been equally slain. O thou of

Vrishni's race, O slayer of Madhu, I seek to gratify thee by bending my

head, O hero, unto thee. Do thou revive this child of mine that has been

consumed by the weapon of Drona's son. If king Yudhishthira the just, or

Bhimasena, or thyself, O lotus-eyed one, had, on that occasion, said,

'Let the blade of grass (inspired by Aswatthaman into a Brahma-weapon)

destroy the unconscious mother'--O puissant one, then I would have been

destroyed and this (sad occurrence) would not have happened. Alas, what

benefit has been reaped by Drona's son by accomplishing this cruel deed,

viz., the destruction of the child in the womb by his Brahma-weapon. The

self-same mother now seeks to gratify thee, O slayer of foes, by bending

her head. Surely, O Govinda, I shall cast off my life-breaths if this

child does not revive. In him, O righteous one, were placed many

expectations by me. Alas, when these have been frustrated by Drona's son,

what need have I, O Kesava, to bear, the burden of life? The hope, O

Krishna, was cherished by me that with my child on my lap, O Janarddana,

I would salute thee with reverence. Alas, O Kesava, that hope has been

destroyed. O foremost of all beings, at the death of this heir of

Abhimanyu of restless eyes, all the hopes in my breast have been

destroyed. Abhimanyu of restless eyes, O slayer of Madhu, was exceedingly

dear to thee. Behold this child of his slain by the Brahma-weapon. This

child is very ungrateful and very heartless, like his sire, for, behold,

disregarding the prosperity and affluence of the Pandavas, he has gone to

Yama's abode. I had, before this, vowed, O Kesava, that if Abhimanyu fell

on the field of battle, O hero, I would follow him without any loss of

time. I did not, however, keep my vow, cruel that I am and fond of life.

If I repair to him now, what, indeed, will Phalguna's son say?"'"

SECTION LXIX

"Vaisampayana said, 'The helpless Uttara, desirous of getting back her

child, having indulged in these piteous lamentations, fell down in

affliction on the earth like a demented creature. Beholding the princess

fallen on the earth deprived of her son and with her body uncovered,

Kunti as also all the (other) Bharata ladies deeply afflicted, began to

weep aloud. Resounding with the voice of lamentation, the palace of the

Pandavas, O king, was soon converted into a mansion of sorrow where

nobody could remain. Exceedingly afflicted by grief on account of her

son, Virata's daughter, O king, seemed to be struck down for some time by

sorrow and cheerlessness. Regaining consciousness, O chief of Bharata's

race, Uttara took up her child on her lap and said these words: "Thou art

the child of one who was conversant with every duty. Art thou not

conscious then of the sin thou committest, since thou dost not salute

this foremost one of the Vrishni's race? O son, repairing to thy sire

tell him these words of mine, viz.,--it is difficult for living creatures

to die before their time comes, since though reft of thee, my husband,

and now deprived of my child also, I am yet alive when I should die,

unendued as I am with everything auspicious and everything possessed of

value.--O mighty-armed one, with the permission of king Yudhishthira the

just I shall swallow some virulent poison or cast myself on the blazing

fire. O sire, difficult of destruction is my heart since, though I am

deprived of husband and child, that heart of mine does not yet break into

a thousand pieces. Rise, O son and behold this thy afflicted

great-grandmother. She is deeply afflicted with grief, bathed in tears,

exceedingly cheerless, and plunged in an ocean of sorrow. Behold the

reverend princess of Panchala, and the helpless princess of the Satwata

race. Behold myself, exceedingly afflicted with grief, and resembling a

deer pierced by a hunter. Rise, O child, and behold the face of this lord

of the worlds, that is endued with great wisdom, and possessed of eyes

like lotus-petals and resembling thy sire of restless glance." Beholding

Uttara, who indulged in these lamentations, fallen on the earth, all

those ladies, raising her, caused her to sit up. Having sat up, the

daughter of the king of the Matsyas, summoning her patience, joined her

hands in reverence and touched the earth with her head for saluting

Kesava of eyes like the petals of the lotus. That foremost of beings,

hearing those heart-rending lamentations of hers, touched water and

withdrew the (force of the) Brahma-weapon.[185] That hero of unfading

glory, belonging to the race of the Dasarhas, promised to give the child

his life. Then he of pure soul, said these words in the hearing of the

whole universe,--"O Uttara, I never utter an untruth. My words will prove

true. I shall revive this child in the presence of all creatures. Never

before have I uttered an untruth even in jest. Never have I turned back

from battle. (By the merit of those acts) let this child revive! As

righteousness is dear to me, as Brahmanas are specially dear to me, (by

the merit of that disposition of mine) let Abhimanyu's son, who is born

dead, revive! Never hath a misunderstanding arisen between me and my

friend Vijaya. Let this dead child revive by that truth! As truth and

righteousness are always established in me, let this dead child of

Abhimanyu revive (by the merit of these)! As Kansa and Kesi have been

righteously slain by me, let this child revive today by that truth!"

After these words were uttered by Vasudeva, that child, O foremost one of

Bharata's race, became animate and began gradually to move, O monarch.'"

SECTION LXX

"Vaisampayana said, 'When the Brahma-weapon was withdrawn by Krishna, at

that time, the laying-in room was illumined by thy father with his

energy. All the Rakshasas (that had come there) were forced to leave the

room and many of them met with destruction. In the welkin a voice was

heard, saying, "Excellent, O Kesava, Excellent!"--The blazing

Brahma-weapon then returned to the Grandsire (of all the worlds). Thy

sire got back his life-breaths, O king. The child began to move according

to his energy and might. The Bharata ladies became filled with joy. At

the command of Govinda, the Brahmanas were made to utter benedictions.

All the ladies, filled with joy, praised Janarddana. Indeed, the wives of

those Bharata lions, viz., Kunti and Drupada's daughter and Subhadra, and

Uttara, and the wives of other lions among men, like (ship-wrecked)

persons who have reached the shore after having obtained a boat, became

exceedingly glad. Then wrestlers and actors and astrologers and those who

enquire after the slumbers (of princes), and bands of bards and eulogists

all uttered the praises of Janarddana, while uttering benedictions

fraught with the praises of the Kuru race, O chief of the Bharatas.

Uttara, rising up at the proper time, with a delighted heart and bearing

her child in her arms, reverentially saluted the delighter of the Yadus.

Rejoicing greatly, Krishna made gifts unto the child of many valuable

gems. The other chiefs of the Vrishni race, did the same. Then the

puissant Janarddana, firmly adhering to truth, bestowed a name on the

infant who was thy sire, O monarch.--"Since this child of Abhimanyu has

been born at a time when this race has become nearly extinct, let his

name be Parikshit!" Even this is what he said. Then thy father, O king,

began to grow, and gladden all the people, O Bharata. When thy father was

a month old, O hero, the Pandavas came back to their capital, bringing

with them a profusion of wealth. Hearing that the Pandavas were near,

those foremost ones of the Vrishni race went out. The citizens decked the

city called after the elephant with garlands of flowers in profusions,

with beautiful pennons and standards of diverse kinds. The citizens also,

O king, adorned their respective mansions. Desirous of doing what was

beneficial to the sons of Pandu, Vidura ordered diverse kinds of worship

to be offered to the deities established in their respective temples. The

principal streets of the city were adorned with flowers. Indeed, the city

was filled with the hum of thousands of voices which resembled the

softened roar of distant ocean waves. With dancers all engaged in their

vocation, and with the voice of singers, the (Kuru) city then resembled

the mansion of Vaisravana himself.[186] Bards and eulogists, O king,

accompanied by beautiful women were seen to adorn diverse retired spots

in the city. The pennons were caused by the wind to float gaily on every

part of the city, as if bent upon showing the Kurus the southern and the

northern points of the compass. All the officers also of the government

loudly proclaimed that that was to be a day of rejoicing for the entire

kingdom as an indication of the success of the enterprise for bringing a

profusion of gems and other valuables.'"[187]

SECTION LXXI

"Vaisampayana said, 'Hearing that the Pandavas were near, that crusher of

foes, viz., Vasudeva, accompanied by his ministers, went out for seeing

them.

"'The Pandavas then, uniting with the Vrishnis according to the usual

formalities, together entered, O king, the city named after the elephant.

With the hum of voices and the clatter of cars of that mighty host, the

Earth and the welkin, and the firmament itself, became as it were

entirely filled. The Pandavas, with rejoicing hearts, accompanied by

their officers and friends entered the capital, placing that treasure in

their van. Repairing, agreeably to custom, to king Dhritarashtra first,

they worshipped his feet, announcing their respective names. Those

foremost ones of Bharata's race, O chief of kings, then paid their

respectful salutations to Gandhari, the daughter of Suvala and to Kunti.

They next worshipped (their uncle) Vidura and met Yuyutsu, the son of

Dhritarashtra by his Vaisya wife. Those heroes were then worshipped by

others and they blazed forth in beauty, O king. After this, O Bharata,

those heroes heard the tidings of that highly wonderful and marvellous

and glad-some birth of thy father. Hearing of that feat of Vasudeva of

great intelligence, they all worshipped Krishna, the delighter of Devaki,

who was every way worthy of worship. Then, after a few days, Vyasa, the

son of Satyavati, endued with great energy, came to the city named after

the elephant. The perpetuators of Kuru's race worshipped the great Rishi

according to the usual custom. Indeed, those heroes, with those foremost

princes of the Vrishni and the Andhaka races, paid the sage their

adorations. After having conversed on various subjects, Dharma's son

Yudhishthira addressed Vyasa and said, "This treasure, O holy one, which

has been brought through thy grace I wish to devote to that great

sacrifice known by the name of the horse-sacrifice. O best of ascetics, I

desire to have thy permission. We are all, O Rishi, at thy disposal, and

at that of the high-souled Krishna."

"'Vyasa said, "I give thee permission, O king. Do what should be done

after this. Do thou worship the deities duly by performing the

horse-sacrifice with profuse gifts. The horse-sacrifice, O king, is a

cleanser of all sins. Without doubt, having worshipped the deities by

that sacrifice thou wilt surely be cleansed of all sins."'

"Vaisampayana continued, 'Thus addressed, the Kuru king Yudhisthira of

righteous soul then set his heart, O monarch, on making the necessary

preparations for the horse-sacrifice. Having represented all this unto

the Island-born Krishna, the king endued with great eloquence approached

Vasudeva and said,--"O foremost of all beings, the goddess Devaki has,

through thee, come to be regarded as the most fortunate of mothers! O

thou of unfading glory, do thou accomplish that which I shall now tell

thee, O mighty-armed one. O delighter of the Kurus, the diverse

enjoyments we enjoy have all been acquired through thy puissance. The

whole Earth has been subjugated by thee with the aid of thy prowess and

intelligence. Do thou, therefore, cause thyself to undergo the rites of

initiation. Thou art our highest preceptor and master. If thou performest

the sacrifice, O thou of the Dasarha race, I shall be cleansed from every

sin. Thou art Sacrifice. Thou art the Indestructible. Thou art this All.

Thou art Righteousness. Thou art Prajapati. Thou art the goal of all

creatures. Even this is my certain conclusion."

"'Vasudeva said, "O mighty-armed one, it becomes thee to say so, O

chastiser of foes. Thou art the goal of all creatures. Even this is my

certain conclusion. Amongst the heroes of the Kuru race, in consequence

of thy righteousness, thou shinest today in great glory. They have all

been cast into the shade, O king, by thee. Thou art our king, and thou

art our senior. With my approval freely granted, do thou adore the

deities in the sacrifice suggested. Do thou, O Bharata, appoint us to

whatever tasks thou likest. Truly, do I pledge myself that I shall

accomplish all, O sinless one, that thou mayst bid me accomplish.

Bhimasena and Arjuna and the two sons of Madravati will be sacrificing

when thou, O king, sacrificest."'"[188]

SECTION LXXII

"Vaisampayana said, 'Thus addressed by Krishna, Yudhishthira, the son of

Dharma, endued with great intelligence, saluted Vyasa and said these

words: "Do thou cause me to be initiated when the proper hour, as thou

truly knowest, comes for that rite. This my sacrifice is entirely

dependent on thee."

"'Vyasa said, "Myself, O son of Kunti, and Paila and Yajnavalkya, shall

without doubt, achieve every rite at the proper time. The rite of

initiating thee will be performed on the day of full moon belonging to

the month of Chaitra. Let all the necessaries of the sacrifice, O

foremost of men, be got ready. Let Sutas well-versed in the science of

horses, and let Brahmanas also possessed of the same lore, select, after

examination, a worthy horse in order that thy sacrifice may be completed.

Loosening the animal according to the injunctions of the scriptures, let

him wander over the whole Earth with her belt of seas, displaying thy

blazing glory, O king!"'

"Vaisampayana continued, 'Thus addressed (by the Rishi), Yudhishthira,

the son of Pandu, that lord of Earth, answered,--"So be it!"--and then, O

monarch, he accomplished all that that utterer of Brahma had directed.

All the articles necessary for the sacrifice, O king, were duly procured.

The royal son of Dharma, possessed of immeasurable soul, having procured

all the necessaries, informed the Island-born Krishna of it. Then Vyasa

of great energy said unto the royal son of Dharma,--"As regards

ourselves, we are all prepared to initiate thee in view of the sacrifice.

Let the Sphya and the Kurcha and all the other articles that, O thou of

Kuru's race, may be needed for thy sacrifice, be made of gold.[189] Let

the horse also be loosened today, for roaming on the Earth, agreeably to

the ordinances of the scriptures. Let the animal, duly protected, wander

over the Earth."

"'Yudhishthira said, "Let arrangements be made by thee, O regenerate one,

about loosening this horse for enabling it to wander over the Earth at

its will. It behoveth thee, O ascetic, to say who will protect this steed

while roaming over the Earth freely according to its will."'

"Vaisampayana continued, 'Thus addressed (by king Yudhishthira), O

monarch, the Island-born Krishna said,--"He who is born after Bhimasena,

who is the foremost of all bowmen, who is called Jishnu, who is endued

with great patience and capable of overcoming all resistance,--he will

protect the horse. That destroyer of the Nivatakavachas is competent to

conquer the whole Earth. In him are all celestial weapons. His body is

like that of a celestial in its powers of endurance. His bow and quivers

are celestial. Even he will follow this horse.--He is well versed in both

Religion and wealth. He is a master of all the sciences. O foremost of

kings, he will agreeably to the scriptures, cause the steed to roam and

graze at its will. This mighty-armed prince, of dark complexion, is

endued with eyes resembling the petals of the lotus. That hero, the

father of Abhimanyu, will protect the steed. Bhimasena also is endued

with great energy. The son of Kunti is possessed of immeasurable might.

He is competent to protect the kingdom, aided by Nakula, O monarch.

Possessed of great intelligence and fame, Sahadeva will, O thou of Kuru's

race, duly attend to all the relatives that have been invited to thy

capital." Thus addressed by the Rishi, that perpetuator of Kuru's race,

viz., Yudhishthira, accomplished every injunction duly and appointed

Phalguna to attend to the horse.

"'Yudhishthira said, "Come, O Arjuna, let the horse, O hero, be protected

by thee. Thou alone art competent to protect it, and none else. Those

kings, O mighty-armed hero, who will come forward to encounter thee, try,

O sinless one, to avoid battles with them to the best of thy power. Thou

shouldst also invite them all to this sacrifice of mine. Indeed, O

mighty-armed one go forth but try to establish friendly relations with

them."'

"Vaisampayana continued, 'The righteous-souled king Yudhishthira, having

said so unto his brother Savyasachin, commanded Bhima and Nakula to

protect the city. With the permission of king Dhritarashtra, Yudhishthira

then set Sahadeva, that foremost of warriors, to wait upon all the

invited guests.'"

SECTION LXXIII

"Vaisampayana said, 'When the hour for initiation came, all those great

Ritwijas duly initiated the king in view of the horse-sacrifice. Having

finished the rites of binding the sacrificial animals, the son of Pandu,

viz., king Yudhishthira the just endued with great energy, the initiation

being over, shone with great splendour along with those Ritwijas. The

horse that was brought for the horse-sacrifice was let loose, agreeably

to the injunctions of the scriptures, that utterer of Brahma, viz., Vyasa

himself of immeasurable energy. The king Yudhishthira the just, O

monarch, after his initiation, adorned with a garland of gold around his

neck, shone in beauty like a blazing fire. Having a black deer skin for

his upper garment, bearing a staff in hand, and wearing a cloth of red

silk, the son of Dharma, possessed of great splendour, shone like a

second Prajapati seated on the sacrificial altar. All his Ritwijas also,

O king, were clad in similar robes. Arjuna also shone like a blazing

fire. Dhananjaya, unto whose car were yoked white steeds, then duly

prepared, O king, to follow that horse of the complexion of a black deer,

at the command of Yudhishthira. Repeatedly drawing his bow, named

Gandiva, O king, and casing his hand in a fence made of iguana skin,

Arjuna, O monarch, prepared to follow that horse, O ruler of men, with a

cheerful heart. All Hastinapore, O king, with very children, came out at

that spot from desire of beholding Dhananjaya, that foremost of the Kurus

on the eve of his journey. So thick was the crowd of spectators that came

to behold the horse and the prince who was to follow it, that in

consequence of the pressure of bodies, it seemed a fire was created. Loud

was the noise that arose from that crowd of men who assembled together

for beholding Dhananjaya the son of Kunti, and it seemed to fill all the

points of the compass and the entire welkin. And they said,--"There goes

the son of Kunti, and there that horse of blazing beauty. Indeed, the

mighty-armed hero follows the horse, having armed himself with his

excellent bow."--Even these were the words which Jishnu of noble

intelligence heard. The citizens also blessed him, saying,--"Let

blessings be thine! Go thou safely and come back, O Bharata." Others, O

chief of men uttered these words--"So great is the press that we do not

see Arjuna. His bow, however, is visible to us. Even that is celebrated

bow Gandiva of terrible twang. Blessed be thou. Let all dangers fly from

thy path. Let fear nowhere inspire thee. When he returns we shall behold

him, for it is certain that he will come back." The high-souled Arjuna

repeatedly heard these and similar other sweet words of men and women, O

chief of the Bharatas. A disciple of Yajnavalkya, who was well-versed in

all sacrificial rites and who was a complete master of the Vedas,

proceeded with Partha for performing auspicious rites in favour of the

hero. Many Brahmanas also, O king, all well-conversant with the Vedas,

and many Kshatriyas too, followed the high-souled hero, at the command, O

monarch, of Yudhishthira the just. The horse then roamed, O foremost of

men, wherever he liked over the Earth already conquered by Pandavas with

the energy of their weapons. In course of the horse's wanderings, O king,

many great and wonderful battles were fought between Arjuna and many

kings. These I shall describe to thee. The horse, O king, roamed over the

whole Earth. Know, O monarch, that from the north it turned towards the

East. Grinding the kingdoms of many monarchs that excellent horse

wandered. And it was followed slowly by the great car-warrior Arjuna of

white steeds. Countless, O monarch, was the fete of Kshatriyas,--of kings

in myriads--who fought with Arjuna on that occasion, for having lost

their kinsmen on the field of Kurukshetra. Innumerable Kiratas also, O

king, and Yavanas, all excellent bowmen, and diverse tribes of Mlechcchas

too, who had been discomfited before (by the Pandavas on the field of

Kurukshetra), and many Aryan kings, possessed of soldiers and animals

endued with great alacrity, and all irresistible in fight encountered the

son of Pandu in battle. Thus occurred innumerable battles in diverse

countries, O monarch, between Arjuna and the rulers of diverse realms who

came to encounter him. I shall, O sinless king, narrate to thee those

battles only which raged with great fury and which were the principal

ones among all he fought.'"

SECTION LXXIV

"Vaisampayana said. 'A battle took place between the diadem-decked

(Arjuna) and the sons and grandsons of the Trigartas whose hostility the

Pandavas has incurred before and all of whom were well-known as mighty

car-warriors. Having learnt that that foremost of steeds, which was

intended for the sacrifice, had come to their realm, these heroes, casing

themselves in mail, surrounded Arjuna. Mounted on their cars, drawn by

excellent and well-decked horses, and with quivers on their backs, they

surrounded that horse, O king, and endeavoured to capture it. The

diadem-decked Arjuna, reflecting on that endeavour of theirs, forbade

those heroes, with conciliatory speeches, O chastiser of foes.

Disregarding Arjuna's message, they assailed him with their shafts. The

diadem-decked Arjuna resisted those warriors who were under the sway of

darkness and passion. Jishnu addressed them smilingly and said, "Desist,

ye unrighteous ones. Life is a benefit (that should not be thrown away)."

At the time of his setting out, he had been earnestly ordered by king

Yudhishthira the just, not to slay those Kshatriyas whose kinsmen had

been slain before on the field of Kurukshetra. Recollecting these

commands of king Yudhishthira the just who was endued with great

intelligence, Arjuna asked the Trigartas to forbear. But they disregarded

Arjuna's injunction. Then Arjuna vanquished Suryavarman, the king of the

Trigartas, in battle, by shooting countless shafts at him and laughed in

scorn. The Trigarta warriors, however, filling the ten points with the

clatter of their cars and car-wheels, rushed towards Dhananjaya. Then

Suryavarman, displaying his great lightness of hand, pierced Dhananjaya

with hundreds of straight arrows, O monarch. The other great bowmen who

followed the king and who were all desirous of compassing the destruction

of Dhananjaya, shot showers of arrows on him. With countless shafts shot

from his own bow-string, the son of Pandu, O king, cut off those clouds

of arrows; upon which they fell down. Endued with great energy,

Ketuvarman, the younger brother of Suryavarman, and possessed of youthful

vigour, fought, for the sake of his brother, against Pandu's son

possessed of great fame. Beholding Ketuvarman approaching towards him for

battle, Vibhatsu, that slayer of hostile heroes, slew him with many

sharp-pointed arrows. Upon Ketuvarman's fall, the mighty car-warrior

Dhritavarman, rushing on his car towards Arjuna, showered a perfect

downpour of arrows on him. Beholding that lightness of hand displayed by

the youth Dhritavarman, Gudakesa of mighty energy and great prowess

became highly gratified with him. The son of Indra could not see when the

young warrior took out his arrows and when he placed them on his

bow-string aiming at him. He only saw showers of arrows in the air. For a

brief space of time, Arjuna gladdened his enemy and mentally admired his

heroism and skill. The Kuru hero, smiling the while, fought with that

youth who resembled an angry snake. The mighty armed Dhananjaya, glad as

he was in beholding the valour of Dhritavarman, did not take his life.

While, however, Partha of immeasurable energy fought mildly with him

without wishing to take his life, Dhritavarman shot a blazing arrow at

him. Deeply pierced in the hand by that arrow, Vijaya became stupefied

and his bow Gandiva fell down on the Earth from his relaxed grasp. The

form of that bow, O king, when it fell from the grasp of Arjuna,

resembled, O Bharata, that of the bow of Indra (that is seen in the

welkin after a shower). When that great and celestial bow fell down, O

monarch, Dhritavarman laughed loudly in battle. At this, Jishnu, excited

with rage, wiped the blood from his hand and once more taking up his bow,

showered a perfect downpour of arrows. Then a loud and confused noise

arose, filling the welkin and touching the very heavens as it were, from

diverse creatures who applauded that feat of Dhananjaya. Beholding Jishnu

inflamed with rage and looking like Yama himself as he appears at the end

of the Yuga, the Trigarta warriors hastily surrounded him, rushing from

their posts and desirous of rescuing Dhritavarman. Seeing himself

surrounded by his foes, Arjuna became more angry than before. He then

quickly despatched eight and ten of their foremost warriors with many

shafts of hard iron that resembled the arrows of the great Indra himself.

The Trigarta warriors then began to fly. Seeing them retreat, Dhananjaya,

with great speed, shot many shafts at them that resembled wrathful snakes

of virulent poison, and laughed aloud. The mighty car-warriors of the

Trigartas, with dispirited hearts, fled in all directions, exceedingly

afflicted by Dhananjaya with his arrows. They then addressed that tiger

among men, that slayer of the Samsaptaka host (on the field of

Kurukshetra), saying, "We are your slaves. We yield to thee.[190] Do thou

command us, O Partha. Lo, we wait here as the most docile of thy

servants. O delighter of the Kurus, we shall execute all thy commands."

Hearing these words expressive of their submission, Dhananjaya, said unto

them, "Do ye, O kings, save your lives, and accept my dominion."'"

SECTION LXXV

"Vaisampayana said, 'That foremost of steeds then proceeded to the realm

of Pragjyotisha and began to wander there. At this, Bhagadatta's son, who

was exceedingly valorous in battle, came out (for encountering Arjuna).

King Vajradatta, O chief of the Bharatas, finding the (sacrificial) steed

arrived within his realm, fought (for detaining it). The royal son of

Bhagadatta, issuing out of his city, afflicted the steed that was coming

(and seizing it), marched back towards his own place. Marking this, the

mighty-armed chief of the Kuru race, speedily stretched his Gandiva, and

suddenly rushed towards his foe. Stupefied by the shafts sped from

Gandiva, the heroic son of Bhagadatta, letting off loose the steed, fled

from Partha.[191] Once more entering his capital, that foremost of kings,

irresistible in battle, cased himself in mail, and mounting on his prince

of elephants, came out. That mighty car-warrior had a white umbrella held

over his head, and was fanned with a milk-white yak-tail. Impelled by

childishness and folly, he challenged Partha, the mighty car-warrior of

the Pandavas, famed for terrible deeds in battle, to an encounter with

him. The enraged prince then urged towards Arjuna that elephant of his,

which resembled a veritable mountain, and from whose temples and mouth

issued streams of juice indicative of excitement. Indeed, that elephant

showered its secretions like a mighty mass of clouds pouring rain.

Capable of resisting hostile feats of its own species, it had been

equipped agreeably to the ordinances of the treatises (on war-elephants).

Irresistible in battle, it had become so infuriate as to be beyond

control. Urged on by the prince with the iron-hook, that mighty elephant

then seemed (as it advanced) as if it would cut through the welkin (like

a flying hill). Beholding it advance towards him, O king, Dhananjaya,

filled with rage and standing on the earth, O Bharata, encountered the

prince on its back. Filled with wrath, Vajradatta quickly sped at Arjuna

a number of broad-headed shafts endued with the energy of fire and

resembling (as they coursed through the air) a cloud of speedily-moving

locusts. Arjuna, however, with shafts sped from Gandiva, cut off those

arrows, some into two and some into three pieces. He cut them off in the

welkin itself with those shafts of his coursing through the welkin. The

son of Bhagadatta, beholding his broad-headed shafts thus cut off,

quickly sped at Arjuna a number of other arrows in a continuous line.

Filled with rage at this, Arjuna, more quickly than before, shot at

Bhagadatta's son a number of straightly coursing arrows equipt with

golden wings. Vajradatta of mighty energy, struck with great force and

pierced with these arrows in that fierce encounter, fell down on the

Earth. Consciousness, however, did not desert him. Mounting on his prince

of elephants again in the midst of that battle the son of Bhagadatta,

desirous of victory, very coolly sped a number of shafts at Arjuna.

Filled with wrath, Jishnu then sped at the prince a number of arrows that

looked like blazing flames of fire and that seemed to be so many snakes

of virulent poison. Pierced therewith, the mighty elephant, emitting a

large quantity of blood, looked like a mountain of many springs

discharging rills of water coloured with red chalk.'"

SECTION LXXVI

"Vaisampayana said, 'Thus waged that battle, O chief of the Bharatas, for

three days between Arjuna and that prince like the encounter between him

of a hundred sacrifices and Vritra. On the fourth day, Vajradatta of

great might laughed loudly and, addressing Arjuna, said these words:

"Wait, wait, O Arjuna. Thou shalt not escape me with life. Slaying thee I

shall duly discharge the water-rite of my sire. My aged sire, Bhagadatta,

who was the friend of thy sire, was slain by thee in consequence of his

weight of years. Do thou, however, fight me that am but a boy!"[192]

Having said these words, O thou of Kuru's race, king Vajradatta, filled

with rage, urged his elephant towards the son of Pandu. Urged on by

Vajradatta of great intelligence, that prince of elephants, as if

desirous of cutting through the welkin, rushed towards Dhananjaya. That

prince of elephants drenched Arjuna with a shower of juice emitted from

the end of his trunk, like a mass of blue clouds drenching a hill with

its downpour. Indeed, urged on by the king, the elephant, repeatedly

roaring like a cloud, rushed towards Phalguna, with that deep noise emitted

from its mouth. Verily, urged on by Vajradatta, that prince of elephants

quickly moved towards the mighty car-warrior of the Kurus, with the tread

of one that seemed to dance in excitement. Beholding that beast of

Vajradatta advance towards him, that slayer of foes, viz., the mighty

Dhananjaya, relying on Gandiva, stood his ground without shaking with

fear. Recollecting what an obstacle Vajradatta was proving to the

accomplishment of his task, and remembering the old enmity of the house

(of Pragjyotisha towards the Pandavas), the son of Pandu became

exceedingly inflamed with wrath against the king. Filled with rage,

Dhananjaya impeded the course of that beast with a shower of arrows like

the shore resisting the surging sea. That prince of elephants possessed

of beauty (of form), thus impeded by Arjuna, stopped in its course, with

body pierced with many an arrow, like a porcupine with its quills erect.

Seeing his elephant impeded in its course, the royal son of Bhagadatta,

deprived of sense by rage, shot many whetted arrows at Arjuna. The

mighty-armed Arjuna baffled all those arrows with many foe-slaying shafts

of his. The feat seemed to be exceedingly wonderful. Once more the king

of the Pragjyotishas, inflamed with ire, forcibly urged his elephant,

which resembled a mountain, at Arjuna. Beholding the beast once more

advancing towards him, Arjuna shot with great strength a shaft at it that

resembled a veritable flame of fire. Struck deeply in the very vitals, O

king, by the son of Pandu, the beast suddenly fell down on the Earth like

a mountain summit loosened by a thunder-bolt. Struck with Dhananjaya's

shaft, the elephant, as it lay on the Earth, looked like a huge mountain

cliff lying on the ground, loosened by the bolt of Indra. When the

elephant of Vajradatta was prostrated on the ground, the son of Pandu,

addressing the king who had fallen down with his beast, said,--"Do not

fear. Indeed, Yudhishthira of mighty energy said unto me while

commissioning me for this task even these words,--'Thou shouldst not, O

Dhananjaya, slay those kings (who may encounter thee in battle). O tiger

among men, thou shouldst regard thy task as accomplished if only thou

disablest those hostile kings. Thou shouldst not also, O Dhananjaya, slay

the warriors of those kings who may come forth to fight thee, with all

their kinsmen and friends. They should be requested to come to the

horse-sacrifice of Yudhishthira.'--Having heard these commands of my

brother, I shall not slay thee, O king. Rise up; let no fear be thine;

return to thy city safe and sound, O lord of Earth. When the day of full

moon in the month of Chaitra comes, thou shalt, O great king, repair to

that sacrifice of king Yudhishthira the just, for it takes place on that

day." Thus addressed by Arjuna, the royal son of Bhagadatta, defeated by

the son of Pandu, said,--"So be it."'"

SECTION LXXVII

"Vaisampayana said, 'There occurred a great battle between the

diadem-decked Arjuna and the hundreds of Saindhavas who still lived after

the slaughter of their clan (on the field of Kurukshetra). Hearing that

he of white steeds had entered their territories, those Kshatriyas came

out against him, unable to bear that foremost one of Pandu's race. Those

warriors who were as terrible as virulent poison, finding the horse

within their dominion, seized it without being inspired with any fear of

Partha who was the younger brother of Bhimasena. Advancing against

Vibhatsu who waited on foot, armed with his bow, upon the sacrificial

steed, they assailed him from a near point. Defeated in battle before,

those Kshatriyas of mighty energy, impelled by the desire of victory,

surrounded that foremost of men. Proclaiming their names and families and

their diverse feats, they showered their arrows on Partha. Pouring

showers of arrows of such fierce energy as were capable of impeding the

course of hostile elephants, those heroes surrounded the son of Kunti,

desirous of vanquishing him in battle. Themselves seated on cars, they

fought Arjuna of fierce feats who was on foot. From every side they

began to strike that hero, that slayer of the Nivatakavachas, that

destroyer of the Samasaptakas, that killer of the king of the Sindhus.

Surrounding him on every side as within a cage by means of a thousand

cars and ten thousand horses, those brave warriors expressed their

exaltation. Recollecting the slaughter by Dhananjaya of Jayadratha in

battle, O thou of Kuru's race, they poured heavy showers of arrows on

that hero like a mass of clouds showering a heavy downpour. Overwhelmed

with that arrowy shower, Arjuna looked like the sun covered by a cloud.

That foremost son of Pandu, in the midst of that cloud of arrows,

resembled a bird in the midst of an iron cage, O Bharata. Seeing the son

of Kunti thus afflicted with shafts, cries of Oh and Alas were uttered by

the three worlds and the Sun himself became shorn of his splendour. Then,

O king, a terrible wind began to blow, and Rahu swallowed up both the Sun

and the Moon at the same time. Many meteors struck the solar disc and

then shot in different directions. The prince of mountains, viz.,

Kailasa, began to tremble. The seven (celestial) Rishis, as also the

other Rishis of Heaven, penetrated with fear, and afflicted with grief

and sorrow, breathed hot sighs. Piercing through the welkin, those

meteors fell on the lunar disc as well. All the points of the compass

became filled with smoke and assumed a strange aspect. Reddish clouds,

with flashes of lightning playing in their midst and the bow of Indra

measuring them from side to side, suddenly covered the welkin and poured

flesh and bloods on the Earth. Even such was the aspect which all nature

assumed when that hero was overwhelmed with showers of shafts. Indeed,

when Phalguna, that foremost one among the Bharatas, was thus afflicted,

those marvels were seen. Overwhelmed by that dense cloud of arrows,

Arjuna became stupefied. His bow, Gandiva, fell down from his relaxed

grip and his leathern fence also slipped down. When Dhananjaya became

stupefied, the Saindhava warriors once more shot at that senseless

warrior, without loss of time, innumerable other shafts. Understanding

that the son of Pritha was deprived of consciousness, the deities, with

hearts penetrated by fear, began to seek his welfare by uttering diverse

benedictions. Then the celestial Rishis, the seven Rishis, and the

regenerate Rishis, became engaged in silent recitations from desire of

giving victory to Pritha's son of great intelligence. When at last the

energy of Partha blazed forth through those acts of the denizens of

Heaven, that hero, who was conversant with celestial weapons of high

efficacy, stood immovable like a hill. The delighter of the Kurus then

drew his celestial bow. And as he repeatedly stretched the bowstring, the

twang that followed resembled the loud sound of some mighty machine. Like

Purandara pouring rain, the puissant Arjuna then, with that bow of his,

poured incessant showers of shafts on his foes. Pierced by those shafts

the Saindhava warriors with their chiefs became invisible like trees when

covered with locusts. They were frightened at the very sound of Gandiva,

and afflicted by fear they fled away. In grief of heart they shed tears

and uttered loud lamentations. The mighty warrior moved amidst that host

of foes with the celerity of a fiery wheel, all the time piercing those

warriors with his arrows. Like the great Indra, the wielder of the

thunder-bolt, that slayer of foes, viz., Arjuna, shot from his bow in

every direction that shower of arrows which resembled a sight produced by

magic (instead of any human agency). The Kaurava hero, piercing the

hostile host with showers of arrows, looked resplendent like the autumnal

Sun when he disperses the clouds with his powerful rays.'"

SECTION LXXVIII

"Vaisampayana said, 'The irresistible wielder of Gandiva, addresst for

battle, stood immovable on the field like Himavat himself. The Saindhava

warriors, once more rallying, showered in great wrath repeated down-pours

of shafts on him. The mighty-armed hero, laughing at his foes, who had

once more rallied but who were on the point of death, addressed them in

these soft words,--"Do ye fight to the best of your power and do ye

endeavour to vanquish me. Do ye however, accomplish all necessary acts,

for a great danger awaits you all. See, I fight all of you, baffling your

clouds of arrows. Bent as you are on battle, tarry a little. I shall soon

quell your pride." The wielder of Gandiva, having said these words in

wrath, recollected, however, the words, O Bharata, of his eldest brother.

Those words were,--"Thou shouldst not, O child, slay those Kshatriyas who

will come against thee for battle. They should, however, be vanquished by

thee." That foremost of men, Phalguna, had been thus addressed by king

Yudhishthira the just, of great soul. He, therefore, began to reflect in

this strain. "Even thus was I commissioned by my brother. Warriors

advancing against me should not be slain. I must act in such a way as not

to falsify the words of king Yudhishthira the just." Having arrived at

this conclusion, Phalguna, that foremost of men, then said unto those

Saindhavas who were all fierce in battle, these words:--"I say what is

for your benefit. Though staying before me. I do not wish to slay you. He

amongst you who will say unto me that he has been vanquished by me and

that he is mine, will be spared by me. Having heard these words of mine,

act towards me in that way which may best conduce to your benefit. By

acting in a different way you will place yourselves in a situation of

great fear and danger." Having said these words unto those heroic

warriors the chief of the Kurus began to fight them. Arjuna was inflamed

with wrath. His foes, desirous of victory, were equally enraged. The

Saindhavas then, O king, shot hundreds and thousands of straight arrows

at the wielder of Gandiva. Dhananjaya, with his own whetted shafts, cut

off those arrows of sharp and terrible points, resembling snakes of

virulent poison, before they could come up to him. Having cut off those

sharp arrows equipt with Kanka feathers, Arjuna pierced each of the

warriors opposed to him with a whetted shaft. The Saindhava Kshatriyas,

recollecting that it was Dhananjaya who had slain their king Jayadratha,

then hurled at him darts and javelins with great force. The diadem-decked

Dhananjaya of great might baffled their intent by cutting off all those

weapons before any of them could reach him. At length the son of Pandu

became highly angry. With many straight and broad-headed arrows, he

felled the heads of many of those warriors who were rushing at him from

desire of victory. Many fled, many rushed at Arjuna; many moved not, all

of them, however, uttered such a loud noise (of wrath and grief) that it

resembled the roar of the ocean. As they were slain by Partha of

immeasurable might, they fought him, each according to his strength and

prowess. Their animals being all exhausted, Partha succeeded in depriving

a large number of those warriors of their senses by means of his sharpest

shafts in that battle. Then Dussala, their queen, the daughter of

Dhritarashtra, knowing that they were rendered cheerless by Arjuna, took

her grandson in her arms and repaired to Arjuna. The child was the son of

Suratha (the son of Jayadratha). The brave prince proceeded to his

maternal uncle on his car for the safety of all the Saindhava warriors.

The queen, arrived at the presence of Dhananjaya, began to weep in

sorrow. The puissant Dhananjaya, seeing her, cast off his bow. Abandoning

his bow, Partha duly received his sister and enquired of her as to what

he could do for her. The queen replied unto him, saying,--"O chief of the

Bharatas, this child is the son of thy sister's son. He salutes thee, O

Partha. Look at him, O foremost of men." Thus addressed by her, Partha

enquired after his son (Suratha), saying--"Where is he?" Dussala then

answered him, saying,--"Burning with grief on account of the slaughter of

his sire, the heroic father of this child died in great affliction of

heart. Listen to me how he met with his death. O Dhananjaya, he had

heard before that his sire Jayadratha had been slain by thee, O sinless

one. Exceedingly afflicted with grief at this, and hearing of thy arrival

here as the follower and protector of the sacrificial horse, he at once

fell down and gave up his life-breaths. Verily, deeply afflicted with

grief as he was, as soon as he heard of thy arrival he gave up his life.

Seeing him prostrate on the Earth, O lord, I took his infant son with me

and have come to thee, desirous of thy protection." Having said these

words, the daughter of Dhritarashtra began to lament in deep affliction.

Arjuna stood before her in great cheerlessness of heart. His face was

turned towards the Earth. The cheerless sister then said unto her

brother, who was equally cheerless, these words: "Behold thy sister.

Behold the child of thy sister's son. O perpetuator of Kuru's race, O

thou that art fully conversant with every duty, it behoveth thee to show

mercy to this child, forgetting the Kuru prince (Duryodhana) and the

wicked Jayadratha. Even as that slayer of hostile heroes, Parikshit, has

been born of Abhimanyu, so has this mighty-armed child, my grandson,

sprung from Suratha. Taking him with me, O chief of men, I have come to

thee, desirous of the safety of all the warriors. Do thou listen to these

words of mine. This child of that wicked foe of thine hath now come to

thee, O mighty-armed hero. It behoveth thee, therefore to show mercy to

this infant. O chastiser of foes, this infant seeks to gratify thee by

bending his head. He solicits thee for peace. O mighty-armed hero, be

inclined to make peace. O thou that art conversant with every duty, be

thou gratified with the child whose friends and kinsmen have all been

slain and who himself knows nothing of what has happened. Do not yield to

wrath. Forgetting his disreputable and cruel grandfather, who offended

against thee so highly, it behoveth thee to show thy grace towards this

child." Recollecting queen Gandhari and king Dhritarashtra, Dhananjaya,

afflicted with grief, addressed Dussala who had said so unto him, and

answered her, censuring Kshatriya practices the while. "Fie on

Duryodhana, that mean wight, covetous of kingdom and full of vanity!

Alas, it was for him that all my kinsmen have been despatched by me to

the abode of Yama." Having said so, Dhananjaya comforted his sister and

became inclined to make peace. Cheerfully he embraced her and then

dismissed her, telling her to return to her palace. Dussala bade all her

warriors desist from that great battle, and worshipping Partha, she of

beautiful face retraced her steps towards her abode. Having vanquished

those heroes, viz., the Saindhavas, thus, Dhananjaya began to follow that

steed which roved at its will. The heroic Arjuna duly followed that

sacrificial horse even as the divine wielder of Pinaka had in days of

yore followed the deer through the firmament.[193] The steed, at its

will, wandered through various realms one after another, enhancing the

feats of Arjuna. In course of time, O chief of men, the horse wandering

at its pleasure, at last arrived within the dominions of the ruler of

Manipura, followed by the son of Pandu.'"

SECTION LXXIX

"Vaisampayana said, 'The ruler of Manipura, Vabhruvahana, hearing that

his sire Arjuna had arrived within his dominions, went out with humility,

with a number of Brahmanas and some treasure in his van.[194]

Remembering, however, the duties of Kshatriyas, Dhananjaya of great

intelligence, seeing the ruler of Manipura arrive in that guise, did not

approve of it. The righteous-souled Phalguna angrily said, "This conduct

of thine is not becoming. Thou hast certainly fallen away from Kshatriya

duties. I have come here as the protector of Yudhishthira's sacrificial

horse. Why, O son, wilt thou not fight me, seeing that I have come within

thy dominions? Fie on thee, O thou of foolish understanding, fie on thee

that hast fallen away from Kshatriya duties! Fie on thee that would

receive me peacefully, even though I have come here for battling with

thee. In thus receiving me peacefully thou actest like a woman. O thou of

wretched understanding, if I had come to thee, leaving aside my arms,

then would this behaviour of thine have been fit, O worst of men."

Learning that these words were addressed by her husband, the daughter of

the Snake-king, viz., Ulupi unable to tolerate it, pierced through the

Earth and came up to that spot.[195] She beheld her son standing there

perfectly cheerless and with face hanging down. Indeed, the prince was

repeatedly rebuked by his sire who was desirous of battle with him, O

monarch. The daughter of the snake, with every limb possessed of beauty,

viz., Ulupi, said these words consistent with righteousness and duty unto

the prince who was conversant with righteousness and duty,--"Know that I

am thy mother Ulupi that am the daughter of a snake. Do thou accomplish

my behest, O son, for thou wouldst then attain to great merit. Fight thy

father, this foremost one of Kuru's race, this hero that is irresistible

in battle. Without doubt, he will then be gratified with thee." In this

way was king Vabhruvahana incited against his sire by his (step) mother.

At last, endued as he was with great energy, he made up his mind, O chief

of the Bharatas, to fight Dhananjaya. Putting on his armour of bright

gold and his effulgent head-gear, he ascended an excellent car which had

hundreds of quivers ready on it. That car was equipt with necessaries for

battle and had steeds yoked to it that were endued with the speed of the

mind. It had excellent wheels and a strong Upashkara, and was adorned

with golden ornaments of every kind. Raising his standard which was

decorated most beautifully and which bore the device of a lion in gold,

the handsome prince Vabhruvahana proceeded against his sire for battle.

Coming upon the sacrificial steed which was protected by Partha, the

heroic prince caused it to be seized by persons well-versed in

horse-lore. Beholding the steed seized, Dhananjaya became filled with

joy. Standing on the Earth, that hero began to resist the advance of his

son who was on his car. The king afflicted the hero with repeated showers

of shafts endued with whetted points and resembling snakes of virulent

poison. The battle that took place between sire and son was

incomparable. It resembled the encounter between the deities and the

Asuras of old. Each was gratified with obtaining the other for an

antagonist. Then Vabhruvahana, laughing, pierced the diadem-decked

Arjuna, that foremost of men, in the shoulder with a straight shaft.

Equipt with feathers, that shaft penetrated Arjuna's body like a snake

penetrating on an anthill. Piercing the son of Kunti through, the shaft

went deep into the Earth. Feeling acute pain, the intelligent Dhananjaya

rested awhile, supporting himself on his excellent bow. He stood, having

recourse to his celestial energy and seemed to outward appearance like

one deprived of life. That foremost of men, then regaining consciousness,

praised his son highly. Possessed of great splendour, the son of Sakra

said, "Excellent, Excellent, O mighty-armed one, O son of Chitrangada! O

son, beholding this feat, so worthy of thee, I am highly gratified with

thee. I shall now shoot these arrows at thee, O son. Stand for fight

(without running away)." Having said these words, that slayer of foes

shot a shower of arrows on the prince. King Vabhruvahana, however, with

his own broad-headed shafts, cut all those arrows which were shot from

Gandiva and which resembled the thunder-bolt of Indra in splendour, some

in twain and some into three parts. Then the standard, decked with gold

and resembling a golden palmyra, on the king's car was cut off by Partha

with some excellent shafts of his. The son of Pandu, laughing, next slew

the king's steeds endued with large size and great speed. Descending from

his car, the king inflamed with rage, fought his sire on foot. Gratified

with the prowess of his son, that foremost one of the sons of Pritha,

viz., the son of the wielder of the thunder-bolt, began to afflict him

greatly. The mighty Vabhruvahana, thinking that his father was no longer

able to face him, again afflicted him with many shafts resembling snakes

of virulent poison. From a spirit of boyishness he then vigorously

pierced his father in the breast with a whetted shaft equipt with

excellent wings. That shaft, O king, penetrated the body of Pandu's son

and reaching his very vital caused him great pain. The delighter of the

Kurus, Dhananjaya, deeply pierced therewith by his son, then fell down in

a swoon on the Earth, O king. When that hero, that bearer of the burthens

of the Kurus fell down, the son of Chitrangada also became deprived of

his senses. The latter's swoon was due to his exertions in battle as also

to his grief at seeing his sire slain. He had been pierced deeply by

Arjuna with clouds of arrows. He, therefore, fell down at the van of

battle embracing the Earth. Hearing that her husband had been slain and

that her son had fallen down on the Earth, Chitrangada, in great

agitation of mind, repaired to the field of battle. Her heart burning

with sorrow, weeping piteously the while, and trembling all over, the

mother of the ruler of Manipura saw her slain husband."'

SECTION LXXX

"Vaisampayana said, 'That lady of eyes like lotus petals, having indulged

in copious lamentations, and burning with grief, at last lost her senses

and fell down on the Earth. Regaining consciousness and seeing Ulupi, the

daughter of the snake chief, queen Chitrangada endued with celestial

beauty, said unto her these words, "Behold, O Ulupi, our ever-victorious

husband slain in battle, through thee, by my son of tender years. Art

thou conversant with the practices of the respectable? Art thou a wife

devoted to thy lord? It is through thy deed that thy husband is laid low,

slain in battle. If Dhananjaya hath offended against thee in every

respect, do thou forgive him. I solicit thee, do thou revive that hero. O

righteous lady, thou art conversant with piety. Thou art, O blessed one,

known (for thy virtues) over the three worlds. How is it that having

caused thy husband to be slain by my son, thou dost not indulge in grief?

O daughter of the snake chief, I do not grieve for my slain son. I grieve

for only my husband who has received this hospitality from his son."

Having said these words unto the queenly Ulupi, the daughter of the snake

chief, the illustrious Chitrangada proceeded to where her husband lay on

the Earth and addressing him, said, "Rise, O dear lord, thou occupiest

the foremost place in the affections of the Kuru king (Yudhishthira).

Here is that steed of thine. It has been set free by me. Verily, O

puissant one, this sacrificial steed of king Yudhishthira the just,

should be followed by thee. Why then dost thou lie still on the Earth? My

life-breaths depend on thee, O delighter of the Kurus. How is it that he

who is the giver of other people's life-breaths casts off his own

life-breaths today? Behold, O Ulupi, this goodly sight of thy husband

lying prostrate on the ground. How is it that thou dost not grieve,

having caused him to be slain through my son when thou didst excite with

thy words? It is fit that this boy should succumb to the power of death

and lie thus on the ground beside his own sire. Oh, let Vijaya, let him

that is called Gudakesa, let this hero with reddish eyes, come back to

life. O blessed lady, polygamy is not fault with men. Women only incur

fault by taking more than one husband. Do not, therefore, harbour such

thoughts (of vengeance).[196] This relationship was ordained by the

Supreme ordainer himself. It is, besides, an eternal and unchangeable

one. Do thou attend to that relationship. Let thy union (with Dhananjaya)

be made true. If, having slain thy husband through my son, thou dost not

revive him today before my eyes, I shall then cast off my life-breaths.

Without doubt, O reverend lady, afflicted as I am with grief and deprived

as I am of both husband and son, I shall sit here today in Praya in thy

very sight!" Having said so unto the daughter of the snake chief, who was

a co-wife with her to Arjuna, the princess Chaitravahini sat in Praya, O

king, restraining speech.'[197]

"Vaisampayana continued, 'Ceasing to lament, the cheerless queen, taking

upon her lap the feet of her husband, sat there, sighing heavily and

wishing also the restoration of her son to life. King Vabhruvahana then,

regaining consciousness, saw his mother seated in that guise on the field

of battle. Addressing her he said, "What can be more painful than the

sight of my mother, who has been brought up in luxury, lying on the bare

ground beside her heroic husband stretched thereon? Alas, this slayer of

all foes, this foremost of all wielders of weapons, hath been slain by me

in battle. It is evident that men do not die till their hour comes.[198]

Oh, the heart of this princess seems to be very hard since it does not

break even at the sight of her mighty-armed and broad-chested husband

lying dead on the ground. It is evident that one does not die till one's

hour comes, since neither myself, nor my mother is deprived of life (at

even such a sight). Alas, alas, the golden coat of mail of this foremost

hero of Kuru's race, slain by me, his son, knowingly, is lying on the

ground, cut off from his body. Alas, ye Brahmanas, behold my heroic sire

lying prostrate on the Earth, on a hero's bed, slain by his son. What

benefit is done to this hero, slain by me in battle, by those Brahmanas

who were commissioned to attend upon this foremost one of Kuru's race

engaged in following the steed? Let the Brahmanas direct what expiation

should now be undergone by me, a cruel and sinful wretch, that has slain

his own sire in battle. Having slain my own sire, I should, suffering

every kind of misery, wander over the Earth, cruel that I am, covering

myself with his skin. Give me the two halves of my sire's head today,

(so that I may wander over the Earth with them for that period), for

there is no other expiation for me that have slain my own sire. Behold, O

daughter of the foremost of snakes, thy husband slain by me. Verily, by

slaying Arjuna in battle I have accomplished what is agreeable to thee. I

shall today follow in the track by which my sire has gone. O blessed one,

I am unable to comfort myself. Be happy today, O mother, seeing myself

and the wielder of Gandiva both embrace death today. I swear to thee by

truth itself (that I shall cast off my life-breaths)." Having said these

words, the king, deeply afflicted with grief, O monarch, touched water,

and exclaimed in sorrow, "Let all creatures, mobile and immobile, listen

to me. Do thou also listen to me, O mother. I say the truth, O best of

all daughters of the snakes. If this best of men, Jaya, my sire, does not

rise up, I shall emaciate my own body, sitting on the field of battle.

Having slain my sire, there is no rescue for me (from that dire sin).

Afflicted as I am with the sin of slaying my sire, I shall without doubt

have to sink in Hell. By slaying a heroic Kshatriya one becomes cleansed

by making a gift of a hundred kine. By slaying my sire, however, so dire

has been my sin that any rescue is impossible. This Dhananjaya, the son

of Pandu, was the one hero endued with mighty energy. Possessed of

righteous soul, he was the author of my being. How can I be rescued after

having slain him?" Having uttered these lamentations, the high-souled son

of Dhananjaya, king Vabhruvahana, touched water and became silent, vowing

to starve himself to death.'

"Vaisampayana continued, 'When the king of Manipura, that chastiser of

foes, afflicted with grief, along with his mother, sat down to starve

himself to death, Ulupi then thought of the gem that has the virtue of

reviving a dead man. The gem, the great refuge of the snakes, thus

thought of, came there. The daughter of the prince of snakes taking it

up, uttered these words that highly gladdened the combatants standing on

the field. "Rise up, O son. Do not grieve. Jishnu has not been vanquished

by thee. This hero is incapable of being vanquished by men as also by the

deities with Vasava himself at their head. I have exhibited this illusion,

deceiving your senses, for the benefit of this foremost of men, viz., thy

illustrious sire. O thou of Kuru's race, desirous of ascertaining the

prowess of thyself, his son, this slayer of hostile heroes, O king, came

here for battling with thee. It was for that reason, O son, that thou

wert urged by me to do battle. O puissant king, O son, do not suspect

that thou hast committed any, even the least, fault, by accepting his

challenge. He is a Rishi, of a mighty soul, eternal and indestructible. O

dear son, Sakra himself is incapable of vanquishing him in battle. This

celestial gem has been brought by me, O king. It always revives the

snakes as often as they die. O puissant king, do thou place this gem on

the breast of thy sire. Thou shalt then see the son of Pandu revived."

Thus addressed, the prince who had committed no sin, moved by affection

for his sire, then placed that gem on the breast of Pritha's son of

immeasurable energy. After the gem had been placed on his breast, the

heroic and puissant Jishnu became revived. Opening his red eyes he rose

up like one who had slept long. Beholding his sire, the high-souled hero

of great energy, restored to consciousness and quite at his ease,

Vabhruvahana worshipped him with reverence. When that tiger among men, O

puissant one, awoke from the slumber of death with every auspicious sign

of life, the chastiser of Paka rained down celestial flowers.

Kettle-drums struck by nobody, produced their music deep as the roar of

the cloud. A loud uproar was heard in the welkin consisting of the

words--"Excellent, Excellent!" The mighty-armed Dhananjaya, rising up and

well-comforted, embraced Vabhruvahana and smelled his head. He saw

sitting at a distance from his son, this latter's mother afflicted with

grief, in the company of Ulupi. Dhananjaya asked,--"Why is it that every

thing in the field of battle seems to bear the indications of grief,

wonder, and joy? If, O slayer of foes, the cause is known to thee, do

thou then tell me. Why has thy mother come to the field of battle? Why

also has Ulupi, the daughter of the prince of snakes, come here? I know

that thou hadst fought this battle with me at my own command. I desire to

know what the cause is that has brought out the ladies." The intelligent

ruler of Manipura, thus questioned by Dhananjaya, gratified him by

bending his head in reverence, and then said,--"Let Ulupi be questioned."'"

SECTION LXXXI