(Jatugriha Parva continued)
"Vaisampayana said, 'Then prince Duryodhana, along with his brothers
began to gradually win over the people to his side by grants of wealth
and honours. Meanwhile, some clever councillors, instructed by
Dhritarashtra, one day began to describe (in court) the town of
Varanavata as a charming place. And they said, "The festival of Pasupati
(Siva) hath commenced in the town of Varanavata. The concourse of people
is great and the procession is the most delightful of all ever witnessed
on earth. Decked with every ornament, it charmed the hearts of all
spectators." Thus did those councillors, instructed by Dhritarashtra,
speak of Varanavata, and whilst they were so speaking, the Pandavas, O
king, felt the desire of going to that delightful town. And when the
king (Dhritarashtra) ascertained that the curiosity of the Pandavas had
been awakened, the son of Ambika addressed them, saying, "These men of
mine often speak of Varanavata as the most delightful town in the world.
If therefore, ye children, ye desire to witness that festival, go to
Varanavata with your followers and friends and enjoy yourselves there
like the celestials. And give ye away pearls and gems unto the Brahmanas
and the musicians (that may be assembled there). And sporting there for
some time as ye please like the resplendent celestials and enjoying as
much pleasure as ye like, return ye to Hastinapura again."'
"Vaisampayana continued, 'Yudhishthira, fully understanding the motives of
Dhritarashtra and considering that he himself was weak and friendless,
replied unto the king, saying, "So be it." Then addressing Bhishma, the
son of Santanu, the wise Vidura, Drona, Valhika, the Kaurava, Somadatta,
Kripa, Aswatthaman, Bhurisravas, and the other councillors, and Brahmanas
and ascetics, and the priests and the citizens, and the illustrious
Gandhari, he said slowly and humbly, "With our friends and followers we go
to the delightful and populous town of Varanavata at the command of
Dhritarashtra. Cheerfully give us your benedictions so that acquiring
prosperity, therewith we may not be touched by sin." Thus addressed by the
eldest of Pandu's sons, the Kaurava chiefs all cheerfully pronounced
blessings on them, saying, "Ye sons of Pandu, let all the elements bless
you along your way and let not the slightest evil befall you."
"'The Pandavas, having performed propitiatory rites for obtaining (their
share of) the kingdom, and finishing their preparations, set out for
Varanavata.'"