SECTION CCXXXVI
(Khandava-daha Parva continued)
"Vaisampayana said, 'Mandapala then addressed his children, saying, 'I
had spoken unto Agni for the safety of you all. The illustrious deity had
assured me that he would grant my wish. At those words of Agni, and
knowing the virtuous disposition of your mother, as also the great energy
that is in yourselves, I came not here earlier. Therefore, the sons, do
not harbour in your hearts any resentment towards me. Ye are all Rishis
acquainted with the Vedas. Even Agni knoweth you well.'
"Vaisampayana continued, 'Having given such assurances unto his sons, the
Brahmana Mandapala took with him his wife and sons, and leaving that
region, went away to some other country.
"It was thus that the illustrious god of fierce rays, having grown in
strength consumed the forest of Khandava with the help of Krishna and
Arjuna, for the good of the world. And Agni having drunk several rivers
of fat and marrow, became highly gratified, and showed himself to Arjuna.
Then Purandara, surrounded by the Maruts, descended from the firmament
and addressing Partha and Kesava said, 'Ye have achieved a feat that a
celestial even could not. Ask the each a boon that is not obtainable by
any man. I have been gratified with you.'
"Vaisampayana continued, 'Then Partha asked from Indra all his weapons.
At this Sakra of great splendour, having fixed the time for giving them,
said, 'When the illustrious Madhava becomes pleased with thee, then, O
son of Pandu, I will give you all my weapons! O prince of Kuru's race, I
shall know when the time cometh. Even for your austere asceticism I will
give you all my weapons of fire and all my Vayavya weapons, and thou
also wilt accept them all of me.' Then Vasudeva asked that his friendship
with Arjuna might be eternal. The chief of the celestials granted unto
the intelligent Krishna the boon he desired. And having granted these
boons unto Krishna and Arjuna, the lord of the Maruts, accompanied by the
celestials, ascended to heaven, having also spoken to Hutasana (one whose
food is sacrificial butter). Agni also, having burnt that forest with its
animals and birds for five and ten days, became gratified and ceased to
burn. Having eaten flesh in abundance and drunk fat and blood, he became
highly gratified, and addressing Achyuta and Arjuna said, 'I have been
gratified by you two tigers among men. At my command, the heroes, the shall
be competent to go wheresoever the choose!' Thus addressed by the
illustrious Agni, Arjuna and Vasudeva and the Danava Maya also--these
three,--having wandered a little at last sat themselves down on the
delightful banks of a river.'"
END OF ADI PARVA
FOOTNOTES
1. These are divisions of time
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Parva 01 235
SECTION CCXXXV
(Khandava-daha Parva continued)
"Vaisampayana said, 'O you of Kuru's race, the Rishi Mandapala became
very anxious about his children, although he had spoken of them to the
god of fierce rays. Indeed, his mind was not in peace. Distressed on
account of his sons, he addressed Lapita (his second wife with whom he
then was), saying, 'O Lapita, as my children are incapable of the power
of moving, how are they? When the fire will grow in strength and the wind
begin to blow violently, my children will scarcely be able to save
themselves. How will their mother be able to rescue them? That innocent
woman will be afflicted with great sorrow when she will find herself
unable to save her offspring. Oh, how will she compose herself, uttering
various lamentations on account of my children who are all incapable of
taking wing or rising up into the air. Oh, how is Jaritari, my son, and
how is Sarisrikka, and how is Stamvamitra, and how is Drona, and how also
is their helpless mother?'
"Unto the Rishi Mandapala thus weeping in the forest, Lapita, O Bharata,
thus replied, under the influence of jealousy, 'Thou need not worry for
thy children who, as you hast assured me, are all Rishis endued with
energy and prowess! They can have no fear from fire. Didst you not speak
to Agni in my presence, in their behalf? Has not the illustrious deity
promised to save them? One of the regents of the universe as Agni is, he
will never falsify his speech. Thou hast no anxiety, nor is your heart
inclined towards benefiting friends. It is only by thinking of her--my
rival (Jarita) that you are so distracted! Certain it is that the love
thou bearest to me is not equal to what you had for her at first. He
that hath two parties dividing his attention, can easily behold one of
those suffer all sorts of pangs; but he should not disregard the party
that is next to his heart. Then go you to Jarita, for whom your heart is
sorrowing! As for myself, I shall henceforth wander alone, as a fit
reward for my having attached myself to a wicked person.'
"Hearing these words, Mandapala replied, 'I do not wander over the earth
with such intentions as you conceivest. It is only for the sake of
progeny that I am here. And even those that I have are in danger. He who
casteth off what he hath for the sake of what he may acquire, is a wicked
person. The world disregardeth and insulteth him. (Therefore, go I must).
As for thyself you are free to do what you choosest. This blazing fire
that licketh up the trees causeth sorrow in my anxious heart and raiseth
therein evil presentiments.'
"Vaisampayana continued, 'Meanwhile, after the fire had left the spot
where the Sarngakas dwelt, Jarita, much attached to her children, hastily
came thither to see how they were. She found that all of them had escaped
from the fire and were perfectly well. Beholding their mother, they began
to weep, though safe and sound. She too shed tears upon beholding them
alive. And she embraced, one by one, all her weeping children. Just at
that time, O Bharata, the Rishi Mandapala arrived there. But none of his
sons expressed joy, upon beholding him. The Rishi, however, began to
speak to them one after another and unto Jarita also, repeatedly. But
neither his sons nor Jarita spoke anything well or ill unto him in
return.'
"Mandapala then said, 'Who amongst these is your first born, and who the
next after him? And who is the third, and who the youngest? I am speaking
unto you woefully; why dost you not reply to me? I left thee, it is
true, but I was not happy where I was.'
"Jarita then said, 'What hast you to do with the eldest of these, and
what with him that is next? And what with the third and what with the
youngest? Go now unto that Lapita of sweet smiles and endued with youth,
unto whom you didst go of old, beholding me deficient in everything!'
Mandapala replied, 'As regards females, there is nothing so destructive
of their happiness whether in this or the other world as a co-wife and a
clandestine lover. There is nothing like these two that, inflames the
fire of hostility and causes such anxiety. Even the auspicious and
well-behaved Arundhati, celebrated amongst all creatures, had been
jealous of the illustrious Vasishtha of great purity of mind and always
devoted to the good of his wife. Arundhati insulted even the wise Muni
amongst the (celestial) seven. In consequence of such insulting thoughts
of hers, she has become a little star, like fire mixed with smoke,
sometimes visible and sometimes invisible, like an omen portending no
good (amongst a constellation of seven bright stars representing the
seven Rishis). I look to you for the sake of children. I never wronged
thee, like Vasishtha who never wronged his wife. Thou hast, therefore, by
thy jealousy behaved towards me like Arundhati of old towards Vasishtha.
Men should never trust women even if they be wives. Women, when they have
become mothers, do not much mind serving their husbands.'
"Vaisampayana continued, 'After this, all his children came forward to
worship him. And he also began to speak kindly towards them all, giving
them every assurance.'"
--------------------END OF PARVA 1 : UPA-PARVA 235 ---------------------
(Khandava-daha Parva continued)
"Vaisampayana said, 'O you of Kuru's race, the Rishi Mandapala became
very anxious about his children, although he had spoken of them to the
god of fierce rays. Indeed, his mind was not in peace. Distressed on
account of his sons, he addressed Lapita (his second wife with whom he
then was), saying, 'O Lapita, as my children are incapable of the power
of moving, how are they? When the fire will grow in strength and the wind
begin to blow violently, my children will scarcely be able to save
themselves. How will their mother be able to rescue them? That innocent
woman will be afflicted with great sorrow when she will find herself
unable to save her offspring. Oh, how will she compose herself, uttering
various lamentations on account of my children who are all incapable of
taking wing or rising up into the air. Oh, how is Jaritari, my son, and
how is Sarisrikka, and how is Stamvamitra, and how is Drona, and how also
is their helpless mother?'
"Unto the Rishi Mandapala thus weeping in the forest, Lapita, O Bharata,
thus replied, under the influence of jealousy, 'Thou need not worry for
thy children who, as you hast assured me, are all Rishis endued with
energy and prowess! They can have no fear from fire. Didst you not speak
to Agni in my presence, in their behalf? Has not the illustrious deity
promised to save them? One of the regents of the universe as Agni is, he
will never falsify his speech. Thou hast no anxiety, nor is your heart
inclined towards benefiting friends. It is only by thinking of her--my
rival (Jarita) that you are so distracted! Certain it is that the love
thou bearest to me is not equal to what you had for her at first. He
that hath two parties dividing his attention, can easily behold one of
those suffer all sorts of pangs; but he should not disregard the party
that is next to his heart. Then go you to Jarita, for whom your heart is
sorrowing! As for myself, I shall henceforth wander alone, as a fit
reward for my having attached myself to a wicked person.'
"Hearing these words, Mandapala replied, 'I do not wander over the earth
with such intentions as you conceivest. It is only for the sake of
progeny that I am here. And even those that I have are in danger. He who
casteth off what he hath for the sake of what he may acquire, is a wicked
person. The world disregardeth and insulteth him. (Therefore, go I must).
As for thyself you are free to do what you choosest. This blazing fire
that licketh up the trees causeth sorrow in my anxious heart and raiseth
therein evil presentiments.'
"Vaisampayana continued, 'Meanwhile, after the fire had left the spot
where the Sarngakas dwelt, Jarita, much attached to her children, hastily
came thither to see how they were. She found that all of them had escaped
from the fire and were perfectly well. Beholding their mother, they began
to weep, though safe and sound. She too shed tears upon beholding them
alive. And she embraced, one by one, all her weeping children. Just at
that time, O Bharata, the Rishi Mandapala arrived there. But none of his
sons expressed joy, upon beholding him. The Rishi, however, began to
speak to them one after another and unto Jarita also, repeatedly. But
neither his sons nor Jarita spoke anything well or ill unto him in
return.'
"Mandapala then said, 'Who amongst these is your first born, and who the
next after him? And who is the third, and who the youngest? I am speaking
unto you woefully; why dost you not reply to me? I left thee, it is
true, but I was not happy where I was.'
"Jarita then said, 'What hast you to do with the eldest of these, and
what with him that is next? And what with the third and what with the
youngest? Go now unto that Lapita of sweet smiles and endued with youth,
unto whom you didst go of old, beholding me deficient in everything!'
Mandapala replied, 'As regards females, there is nothing so destructive
of their happiness whether in this or the other world as a co-wife and a
clandestine lover. There is nothing like these two that, inflames the
fire of hostility and causes such anxiety. Even the auspicious and
well-behaved Arundhati, celebrated amongst all creatures, had been
jealous of the illustrious Vasishtha of great purity of mind and always
devoted to the good of his wife. Arundhati insulted even the wise Muni
amongst the (celestial) seven. In consequence of such insulting thoughts
of hers, she has become a little star, like fire mixed with smoke,
sometimes visible and sometimes invisible, like an omen portending no
good (amongst a constellation of seven bright stars representing the
seven Rishis). I look to you for the sake of children. I never wronged
thee, like Vasishtha who never wronged his wife. Thou hast, therefore, by
thy jealousy behaved towards me like Arundhati of old towards Vasishtha.
Men should never trust women even if they be wives. Women, when they have
become mothers, do not much mind serving their husbands.'
"Vaisampayana continued, 'After this, all his children came forward to
worship him. And he also began to speak kindly towards them all, giving
them every assurance.'"
--------------------END OF PARVA 1 : UPA-PARVA 235 ---------------------
Parva 01 234
SECTION CCXXXIV
(Khandava-daha Parva continued)
"Jaritari said, 'The person that is wise remaineth wakeful in view of
death. Accordingly, when the hour of death approacheth, he feeleth no
pangs. But the person of perplexed soul, who remaineth not awake, when
the hour of death comes, feeleth the pangs of death and never attaineth
salvation.'
"The second brother Sarisrikka, said, 'Thou are patient and intelligent.
The time is come when our lives are threatened. Without doubt, one only
amongst many becometh wise and brave.'
"The third brother, Stamvamitra, said, 'The eldest brother is called the
protector. It is the eldest brother that rescueth (the younger ones) from
danger. If the eldest himself faileth to rescue them, what can the
younger ones do?'
"The fourth and the youngest brother, Drona said, 'The cruel god of fire,
with seven tongues and seven mouths quickly cometh towards our
habitation, blazing forth in splendour and licking up everything in his
path.'
"Vaisampayana continued, 'Having addressed one another thus, the sons of
Mandapala then each devotedly addressed an eulogistic hymn to Agni.
Listen now, O monarch, to those hymns as I recite them.'
"Jaritari said, 'Thou art, O fire, the soul of air! Thou are the body of
the Earth's vegetation! O Sukra, water is your parent as you are the
parent of water! O you of great energy, your flames, like the rays of the
sun, extend themselves above, below, behind, and on each side.'
"Sarisrikka said, 'O smoke-bannered god, our mother is not to be seen,
and we know not our father! Our feathers have not grown as yet. We have
none to protect us save thee. Therefore, O Agni, infants that we are
protect us! O Agni, as we are distressed, protect us with that auspicious
form you hast and with those seven flames of thine! We seek protection
at your hands. Thou alone, O Agni, are the giver of heat (in the
universe). O lord, there is none else (save thee) that giveth heat to the
rays of the sun. O, protect us who are young and who are Rishis. O
Havyavaha (carrier of sacrificial butter), be pleased to go hence by some
other route.'
"Stamvamitra said, 'Thou alone, O Agni, are everything! This whole
universe is established in thee! Thou sustainest every creature, and thou
supportest the universe! Thou are the carrier of the sacrificial butter,
and you are the excellent sacrificial butter itself! The wise know thee
to be one (as cause) and many (as effects)! Having created the three
worlds, thou, O Havyavaha, again destroyest them when the time cometh,
swelling thyself forth! Thou are the productive cause of the whole
universe, and you also are the essence in which the universe dissolveth
itself!'
"Drona said, 'O lord of the universe, growing in strength and remaining
within their bodies, you causest the food that living creatures eat to
be digested. Everything therefore, is established in thee. O Sukra, O
thou from whose mouth the Vedas have sprung, it is you who assumests the
form of the sun, and sucking up the waters of the earth and every liquid
juice that the earth yields, givest them back in time in the form of rain
and causest everything to grow! From thee, O Sukra, are these plants and
creepers with green foliage! From you have sprung these tanks and pools,
and the great ocean also that is ever blessed! O you of fierce rays,
this our (human) body dependeth on Varuna (the water-god)! We are unable
to bear your heat. Be thou, therefore, our auspicious protector! O,
destroy us not! O you of copper-hued eyes, O you of red neck, O thou
whose path is marked by a black colour, save us by going along any remote
route, as indeed, the ocean saveth the house on its banks!'
"Vaisampayana continued, 'Thus addressed by Drona--that utterer of
Brahma--Agni, well-pleased at what he heard, and remembering also the
promise he had made to Mandapala, replied unto him, saying, 'Thou are a
Rishi, O Drona! For what you hast said is Brahma (Vedic truth). I shall
do your pleasure. Fear not! Indeed, Mandapala had spoken to me of you to
the effect that I should spare his sons, while consuming the forest. The
words he spoke and your speech also are entitled to great weight to me.
Say what I am to do. O best of Brahmanas, I have been greatly pleased
with your hymn. Blest be thou, O Brahmana!'
"Drona said, 'O Sukra, these cats trouble us every day. O Hutasana;
consume them with their friends and relatives.'
"Vaisampayana continued, 'Then Agni did what the Sarngakas; asked him to
do, telling them of his intentions. And, O Janamejaya, growing in
strength, he began then to consume the forest of Khandava.'"
--------------------END OF PARVA 1 : UPA-PARVA 234 ---------------------
(Khandava-daha Parva continued)
"Jaritari said, 'The person that is wise remaineth wakeful in view of
death. Accordingly, when the hour of death approacheth, he feeleth no
pangs. But the person of perplexed soul, who remaineth not awake, when
the hour of death comes, feeleth the pangs of death and never attaineth
salvation.'
"The second brother Sarisrikka, said, 'Thou are patient and intelligent.
The time is come when our lives are threatened. Without doubt, one only
amongst many becometh wise and brave.'
"The third brother, Stamvamitra, said, 'The eldest brother is called the
protector. It is the eldest brother that rescueth (the younger ones) from
danger. If the eldest himself faileth to rescue them, what can the
younger ones do?'
"The fourth and the youngest brother, Drona said, 'The cruel god of fire,
with seven tongues and seven mouths quickly cometh towards our
habitation, blazing forth in splendour and licking up everything in his
path.'
"Vaisampayana continued, 'Having addressed one another thus, the sons of
Mandapala then each devotedly addressed an eulogistic hymn to Agni.
Listen now, O monarch, to those hymns as I recite them.'
"Jaritari said, 'Thou art, O fire, the soul of air! Thou are the body of
the Earth's vegetation! O Sukra, water is your parent as you are the
parent of water! O you of great energy, your flames, like the rays of the
sun, extend themselves above, below, behind, and on each side.'
"Sarisrikka said, 'O smoke-bannered god, our mother is not to be seen,
and we know not our father! Our feathers have not grown as yet. We have
none to protect us save thee. Therefore, O Agni, infants that we are
protect us! O Agni, as we are distressed, protect us with that auspicious
form you hast and with those seven flames of thine! We seek protection
at your hands. Thou alone, O Agni, are the giver of heat (in the
universe). O lord, there is none else (save thee) that giveth heat to the
rays of the sun. O, protect us who are young and who are Rishis. O
Havyavaha (carrier of sacrificial butter), be pleased to go hence by some
other route.'
"Stamvamitra said, 'Thou alone, O Agni, are everything! This whole
universe is established in thee! Thou sustainest every creature, and thou
supportest the universe! Thou are the carrier of the sacrificial butter,
and you are the excellent sacrificial butter itself! The wise know thee
to be one (as cause) and many (as effects)! Having created the three
worlds, thou, O Havyavaha, again destroyest them when the time cometh,
swelling thyself forth! Thou are the productive cause of the whole
universe, and you also are the essence in which the universe dissolveth
itself!'
"Drona said, 'O lord of the universe, growing in strength and remaining
within their bodies, you causest the food that living creatures eat to
be digested. Everything therefore, is established in thee. O Sukra, O
thou from whose mouth the Vedas have sprung, it is you who assumests the
form of the sun, and sucking up the waters of the earth and every liquid
juice that the earth yields, givest them back in time in the form of rain
and causest everything to grow! From thee, O Sukra, are these plants and
creepers with green foliage! From you have sprung these tanks and pools,
and the great ocean also that is ever blessed! O you of fierce rays,
this our (human) body dependeth on Varuna (the water-god)! We are unable
to bear your heat. Be thou, therefore, our auspicious protector! O,
destroy us not! O you of copper-hued eyes, O you of red neck, O thou
whose path is marked by a black colour, save us by going along any remote
route, as indeed, the ocean saveth the house on its banks!'
"Vaisampayana continued, 'Thus addressed by Drona--that utterer of
Brahma--Agni, well-pleased at what he heard, and remembering also the
promise he had made to Mandapala, replied unto him, saying, 'Thou are a
Rishi, O Drona! For what you hast said is Brahma (Vedic truth). I shall
do your pleasure. Fear not! Indeed, Mandapala had spoken to me of you to
the effect that I should spare his sons, while consuming the forest. The
words he spoke and your speech also are entitled to great weight to me.
Say what I am to do. O best of Brahmanas, I have been greatly pleased
with your hymn. Blest be thou, O Brahmana!'
"Drona said, 'O Sukra, these cats trouble us every day. O Hutasana;
consume them with their friends and relatives.'
"Vaisampayana continued, 'Then Agni did what the Sarngakas; asked him to
do, telling them of his intentions. And, O Janamejaya, growing in
strength, he began then to consume the forest of Khandava.'"
--------------------END OF PARVA 1 : UPA-PARVA 234 ---------------------
Parva 01 233
SECTION CCXXXIII
(Khandava-daha Parva continued)
"Vaisampayana said, 'Hearing those words of her sons Jarita continued,
'The little mouse that had come out of this hole was seized by a hawk
with his claws and carried away hence. Therefore, the may fearlessly enter
this hole now.' The young ones replied, 'We are not by any means certain
of that mouse having been taken away by the hawk. There may be other mice
living here. From them we have every fear. Whereas it is doubtful whether
fire will at all approach us here. Already we see an adverse wind blowing
the flames away. If we enter the hole, death is certain at the hands of
the dwellers in the hole. But if we remain where we are, death is
uncertain. O mother, a position in which death is uncertain is better
than that in which it is certain. It is your duty, therefore, to escape
thyself, for, if you livest you mayest obtain other children as good.'
"Their mother then said, 'Ye children, I myself saw the mighty hawk, that
best of birds, swoop down and fly away with the mouse from the hole. And
while he was flying away swiftly, I followed him behind and pronounced
blessing on him for his having taken away the mouse from the hole. I said
unto him. 'O king of hawks, because you are flying away with our enemy,
the mouse, in your claws, mayest thou, without a foe, live in heaven with
a golden body.' Afterwards when that hawk devoured the mouse, I came
away, obtaining his leave. Therefore, the children, enter this hole
trustfully. Ye have nothing to fear. The mouse that was its inmate was
seized and taken away by the hawk in my sight.' The young ones again
said, 'O mother, we do not by any means know that the mouse hath been
carried away by the hawk. We cannot enter this hole in the ground without
being certain of the fact.' Their mother said, 'I know to a certainty
that the mouse hath been carried away by the hawk. Therefore, ye
children, the have nothing to fear; do what I say.' The young ones again
said, 'We do not, O mother, say that you are dispelling our fears with a
false story. For whatever is done by a person when his reason hath been
disturbed can scarcely be said to be that person's deliberate act. Thou
hast not been benefited by us, nor dost you know who we are. Why dost
thou, therefore, strive to protect us at so much cost to thyself? Who are
we to thee? Thou are young and handsome, and capable of seeking out thy
husband. Go unto your husband. Thou shalt obtain good children again. Let
us by entering the fire attain to regions of felicity. If, however, the
fire consume us not, you mayest come back and obtain us again.'
"Vaisampayana said, 'The parent bird then, thus addressed by her sons,
left them in Khandava and hastily went to the spot where there was no
fire and there was safety. Then Agni in haste and with fierce flames
approached the spot where the sons of Mandapala were. The young birds saw
the blazing fire come towards them. Then Jaritari, the eldest of the
four, in the hearing of Agni, began to speak.'"
--------------------END OF PARVA 1 : UPA-PARVA 233 ---------------------
(Khandava-daha Parva continued)
"Vaisampayana said, 'Hearing those words of her sons Jarita continued,
'The little mouse that had come out of this hole was seized by a hawk
with his claws and carried away hence. Therefore, the may fearlessly enter
this hole now.' The young ones replied, 'We are not by any means certain
of that mouse having been taken away by the hawk. There may be other mice
living here. From them we have every fear. Whereas it is doubtful whether
fire will at all approach us here. Already we see an adverse wind blowing
the flames away. If we enter the hole, death is certain at the hands of
the dwellers in the hole. But if we remain where we are, death is
uncertain. O mother, a position in which death is uncertain is better
than that in which it is certain. It is your duty, therefore, to escape
thyself, for, if you livest you mayest obtain other children as good.'
"Their mother then said, 'Ye children, I myself saw the mighty hawk, that
best of birds, swoop down and fly away with the mouse from the hole. And
while he was flying away swiftly, I followed him behind and pronounced
blessing on him for his having taken away the mouse from the hole. I said
unto him. 'O king of hawks, because you are flying away with our enemy,
the mouse, in your claws, mayest thou, without a foe, live in heaven with
a golden body.' Afterwards when that hawk devoured the mouse, I came
away, obtaining his leave. Therefore, the children, enter this hole
trustfully. Ye have nothing to fear. The mouse that was its inmate was
seized and taken away by the hawk in my sight.' The young ones again
said, 'O mother, we do not by any means know that the mouse hath been
carried away by the hawk. We cannot enter this hole in the ground without
being certain of the fact.' Their mother said, 'I know to a certainty
that the mouse hath been carried away by the hawk. Therefore, ye
children, the have nothing to fear; do what I say.' The young ones again
said, 'We do not, O mother, say that you are dispelling our fears with a
false story. For whatever is done by a person when his reason hath been
disturbed can scarcely be said to be that person's deliberate act. Thou
hast not been benefited by us, nor dost you know who we are. Why dost
thou, therefore, strive to protect us at so much cost to thyself? Who are
we to thee? Thou are young and handsome, and capable of seeking out thy
husband. Go unto your husband. Thou shalt obtain good children again. Let
us by entering the fire attain to regions of felicity. If, however, the
fire consume us not, you mayest come back and obtain us again.'
"Vaisampayana said, 'The parent bird then, thus addressed by her sons,
left them in Khandava and hastily went to the spot where there was no
fire and there was safety. Then Agni in haste and with fierce flames
approached the spot where the sons of Mandapala were. The young birds saw
the blazing fire come towards them. Then Jaritari, the eldest of the
four, in the hearing of Agni, began to speak.'"
--------------------END OF PARVA 1 : UPA-PARVA 233 ---------------------
Parva 01 232
SECTION CCXXXII
(Khandava-daha Parva continued)
"Vaisampayana said, 'When the fire blazed forth in the forest of
Khandava, the infant birds became very much distressed and afflicted.
Filled with anxiety, they saw not any means of escape. Their mother, the
helpless Jarita, knowing that they were too young to escape, was filled
with sorrow and wept aloud. And she said, 'Oh, the terrible
conflagration, illuminating the whole universe and burning the forest
down, approacheth towards us, increasing my woe. These infants with
immature understanding, without feathers and feet, and the sole refuge of
our deceased ancestors, afflict me. Oh, this fire approacheth, spreading
fear all around, and licking with its tongue the tallest trees. But my
unfledged children are incapable of effecting their escape. I myself am
not capable of escaping, taking all these with me. Nor am I capable of
abandoning them, for my heart is distressed on their account. Whom
amongst my sons, shall I leave behind, and whom shall I carry with me?
What (act) should I do now that is consistent with duty? What also do
you, my infant sons, think? I do not, even by reflection, see any way of
escape for you. I shall even cover you with my wings and die with you.
Your cruel father left me some time before, saying, 'Upon this Jaritari,
because he is the eldest of my sons, will my race depend. My second
Sarisrikka will beget progeny for the expansion of my ancestors' race. My
third, Stamvamitra, will be devoted to asceticism, and my youngest,
Drona, will become the foremost of those acquainted with the Vedas.' But
how hath this terrible calamity overtaken us! Whom shall I take with me?
As I am deprived of judgment what should I do that is consistent with
duty? I do not see, by the exercise of my own judgment, the escape of my
children from the fire!'
"Vaisampayana said, 'Unto their mother indulging in these lamentations,
the infant ones said. 'O mother, relinquishing your affection for us, go
thou to a place where there is no fire. If we are killed here, thou
mayest have other children born to thee. If thou, O mother be killed, we
can have no more children in our race. Reflecting upon both these
calamities, the time hath come for thee, O mother, to do that which is
beneficial to our race. Do not be influenced by affection for thy
offspring, which promises to destroy both us and thee. If you savest
thyself, our father, who is even desirous of winning regions of felicity,
may have his wishes gratified.'
"Hearing what the infants said. Jarita replied, 'There is a hole here in
the ground near to this tree, belonging to a mouse. Enter this hole
without loss of time. You shall have then no fear of fire. After the have
entered it, I shall, the children, cover its mouth with dust. This is the
only means of escape that I see from the blazing fire. Then when the fire
will be put out, I shall return hither to remove the dust. Follow my
advice if you are to escape from the conflagration.'
"The infant birds replied, 'Without feathers we are but so many balls of
flesh. If we enter the hole, certain it is that the carnivorous mouse
will destroy us all. Beholding this danger before us, we cannot enter
this hole. Alas, we do not see any means by which we may escape from the
fire or from the mouse. We do not see how our father's act of procreation
may be prevented from becoming futile, and how also our mother may be
saved. If we enter the hole, the mouse will destroy us; we remain where
we are and the sky-ranging fire will destroy us. Reflecting upon both the
calamities, a death by fire is preferable to a death by being eaten up.
If we are devoured by the mouse within the hole, that death is certainly
ignoble, whereas the destruction of the body in fire is approved by the
wise.'"
--------------------END OF PARVA 1 : UPA-PARVA 232 ---------------------
(Khandava-daha Parva continued)
"Vaisampayana said, 'When the fire blazed forth in the forest of
Khandava, the infant birds became very much distressed and afflicted.
Filled with anxiety, they saw not any means of escape. Their mother, the
helpless Jarita, knowing that they were too young to escape, was filled
with sorrow and wept aloud. And she said, 'Oh, the terrible
conflagration, illuminating the whole universe and burning the forest
down, approacheth towards us, increasing my woe. These infants with
immature understanding, without feathers and feet, and the sole refuge of
our deceased ancestors, afflict me. Oh, this fire approacheth, spreading
fear all around, and licking with its tongue the tallest trees. But my
unfledged children are incapable of effecting their escape. I myself am
not capable of escaping, taking all these with me. Nor am I capable of
abandoning them, for my heart is distressed on their account. Whom
amongst my sons, shall I leave behind, and whom shall I carry with me?
What (act) should I do now that is consistent with duty? What also do
you, my infant sons, think? I do not, even by reflection, see any way of
escape for you. I shall even cover you with my wings and die with you.
Your cruel father left me some time before, saying, 'Upon this Jaritari,
because he is the eldest of my sons, will my race depend. My second
Sarisrikka will beget progeny for the expansion of my ancestors' race. My
third, Stamvamitra, will be devoted to asceticism, and my youngest,
Drona, will become the foremost of those acquainted with the Vedas.' But
how hath this terrible calamity overtaken us! Whom shall I take with me?
As I am deprived of judgment what should I do that is consistent with
duty? I do not see, by the exercise of my own judgment, the escape of my
children from the fire!'
"Vaisampayana said, 'Unto their mother indulging in these lamentations,
the infant ones said. 'O mother, relinquishing your affection for us, go
thou to a place where there is no fire. If we are killed here, thou
mayest have other children born to thee. If thou, O mother be killed, we
can have no more children in our race. Reflecting upon both these
calamities, the time hath come for thee, O mother, to do that which is
beneficial to our race. Do not be influenced by affection for thy
offspring, which promises to destroy both us and thee. If you savest
thyself, our father, who is even desirous of winning regions of felicity,
may have his wishes gratified.'
"Hearing what the infants said. Jarita replied, 'There is a hole here in
the ground near to this tree, belonging to a mouse. Enter this hole
without loss of time. You shall have then no fear of fire. After the have
entered it, I shall, the children, cover its mouth with dust. This is the
only means of escape that I see from the blazing fire. Then when the fire
will be put out, I shall return hither to remove the dust. Follow my
advice if you are to escape from the conflagration.'
"The infant birds replied, 'Without feathers we are but so many balls of
flesh. If we enter the hole, certain it is that the carnivorous mouse
will destroy us all. Beholding this danger before us, we cannot enter
this hole. Alas, we do not see any means by which we may escape from the
fire or from the mouse. We do not see how our father's act of procreation
may be prevented from becoming futile, and how also our mother may be
saved. If we enter the hole, the mouse will destroy us; we remain where
we are and the sky-ranging fire will destroy us. Reflecting upon both the
calamities, a death by fire is preferable to a death by being eaten up.
If we are devoured by the mouse within the hole, that death is certainly
ignoble, whereas the destruction of the body in fire is approved by the
wise.'"
--------------------END OF PARVA 1 : UPA-PARVA 232 ---------------------
Parva 01 231
SECTION CCXXXI
(Khandava-daha Parva continued)
"Janamejaya said, 'O Brahmana, tell me why and when that forest burnt in
that way, Agni consumed not the birds called Sarngakas? Thou hast, O
Brahmana, recited (to us) the cause of Aswasena and the Danava Maya not
having been consumed. But you hast not as yet said what the cause was of
the escape of the Sarngakas? The escape of those birds, O Brahmana,
appeareth to me to be wonderful. Tell us why they were not destroyed in
that dreadful conflagration.'
"Vaisampayana said, 'O slayer of all foes, I shall tell you all as to
why Agni did not burn up those birds during the conflagration. There was,
O king, a great Rishi known by the name of Mandapala, conversant with all
the shastras, of rigid vows, devoted to asceticism, and the foremost of
all virtuous persons. Following in the wake of Rishis that had drawn up
their virile fluid, that ascetic, O monarch, with every sense under
complete control, devoted himself to study and virtue. Having reached the
opposite shores of asceticism, O Bharata, he left his human form and went
to the region of the Pitris. But going thither he failed to obtain the
(expected) fruit of his acts. He asked the celestials that sat around the
king of the dead as to the cause of his treatment, saying, 'Why have
these regions become unattainable by me,--regions that I had thought had
been acquired by me by my ascetic devotions? Have I not performed those
acts whose fruits are these regions? Ye inhabitants of heaven, tell me
why these regions are shut against me! I will do that which will give me
the fruit of my ascetic penances.'
"The celestials answered, 'Hear, O Brahmana, of those acts and things on
account of which men are born debtors. Without doubt, it is for religious
rites, studies according to the ordinance, and progeny, that men are born
debtors. These debts are all discharged by sacrifices, asceticism, and
offspring. Thou are an ascetic and hast also performed sacrifices; but
thou hast no offspring. These regions are shut against you only for want
of children. Beget children, therefore! Thou shalt then enjoy
multifarious regions of felicity. The Vedas declared that the son
rescueth the father from a hell called Put. Then, O best of Brahmanas,
strive to beget offspring.'
"Vaisampayana continued, 'Mandapala, having heard these words of the
dwellers in heaven, reflected how best he could obtain the largest number
of offspring within the shortest period of time. The Rishi, after
reflection, understood that of all creatures birds alone were blest with
fecundity. Assuming the form of a Sarngaka the Rishi had connection with
a female bird of the same species called by the name of Jarita. And he
begat upon her four sons who were all reciters of the Vedas. Leaving all
those sons of his with their mother in that forest, while they were still
within eggs, the ascetic went to (another wife called by the name of)
Lapita. And, O Bharata, when the exalted sage went away for the company
of Lapita, moved by affection for her offspring, Jarita became very
thoughtful. Though forsaken by their father in the forest of Khandava,
Jarita, anxious in her affection for them, could not forsake her
offspring, those infant Rishis encased in eggs. Moved by parental
affection, she brought up these children born of her, herself following
the pursuits proper to her own species. Some time after, the Rishi, in
wandering over that forest in the company of Lapita, saw Agni coming
towards Khandava to burn it down. Then the Brahmana Mandapala, knowing
the intention of Agni and remembering also that his children were all
young moved by fear, gratified the god, of the burning element, that
regent of the universe, endued with great energy. And he did this,
desiring to put in a word for his unfledged offspring. Addressing Agni,
the Rishi said, 'Thou art, O Agni, the mouth of all the worlds! Thou art
the carrier of the sacrificial butter! O purifier (of all sins), thou
movest invisible with the frame of every creature! The learned have
spoken of you as an One, and again as possessed of triple nature. The
wise perform their sacrifices before thee, taking you as consisting of
eight (mouths). The great Rishis declare that this universe hath been
created by thee. O you that feedest on sacrificial butter, without thee
this whole universe would be destroyed in a single day. Bowing to thee,
the Brahmanas, accompanied by their wives and children, go to eternal
regions won by them by help of their own deeds. O Agni, the learned
represent you as the clouds in the heavens charged with lightning. O
Agni, the flames put forth by you consume every creature. O you of
great splendour, this universe hath been created by thee. The Vedas are
thy word. All creatures, mobile and immobile, depend upon thee. Water
primarily dependeth on thee, so also the whole of this universe. All
offerings of clarified butter and oblations of food to the pitris have
been established in thee. O god, you are the consumer, and you are the
creator and you are Vrihaspati himself (in intelligence). Thou are the
twin Aswins; you are Surya; you are Soma; you are Vayu.
"Vaisampayana continued, 'O monarch, thus praised by Mandapala, Agni was
gratified with that Rishi of immeasurable energy; and the god,
well-pleased, replied, 'What good can I do to thee?' Then Mandapala with
joined palms said unto the carrier of clarified butter, 'While thou
burnest the forest of Khandava, spare my children.' The illustrious
bearer of clarified butter replied, 'So be it.' It was, therefore, O
monarch, that he blazed not forth, while consuming the forest of
Khandava, for the destruction of Mandapala's children.'"
--------------------END OF PARVA 1 : UPA-PARVA 231 ---------------------
(Khandava-daha Parva continued)
"Janamejaya said, 'O Brahmana, tell me why and when that forest burnt in
that way, Agni consumed not the birds called Sarngakas? Thou hast, O
Brahmana, recited (to us) the cause of Aswasena and the Danava Maya not
having been consumed. But you hast not as yet said what the cause was of
the escape of the Sarngakas? The escape of those birds, O Brahmana,
appeareth to me to be wonderful. Tell us why they were not destroyed in
that dreadful conflagration.'
"Vaisampayana said, 'O slayer of all foes, I shall tell you all as to
why Agni did not burn up those birds during the conflagration. There was,
O king, a great Rishi known by the name of Mandapala, conversant with all
the shastras, of rigid vows, devoted to asceticism, and the foremost of
all virtuous persons. Following in the wake of Rishis that had drawn up
their virile fluid, that ascetic, O monarch, with every sense under
complete control, devoted himself to study and virtue. Having reached the
opposite shores of asceticism, O Bharata, he left his human form and went
to the region of the Pitris. But going thither he failed to obtain the
(expected) fruit of his acts. He asked the celestials that sat around the
king of the dead as to the cause of his treatment, saying, 'Why have
these regions become unattainable by me,--regions that I had thought had
been acquired by me by my ascetic devotions? Have I not performed those
acts whose fruits are these regions? Ye inhabitants of heaven, tell me
why these regions are shut against me! I will do that which will give me
the fruit of my ascetic penances.'
"The celestials answered, 'Hear, O Brahmana, of those acts and things on
account of which men are born debtors. Without doubt, it is for religious
rites, studies according to the ordinance, and progeny, that men are born
debtors. These debts are all discharged by sacrifices, asceticism, and
offspring. Thou are an ascetic and hast also performed sacrifices; but
thou hast no offspring. These regions are shut against you only for want
of children. Beget children, therefore! Thou shalt then enjoy
multifarious regions of felicity. The Vedas declared that the son
rescueth the father from a hell called Put. Then, O best of Brahmanas,
strive to beget offspring.'
"Vaisampayana continued, 'Mandapala, having heard these words of the
dwellers in heaven, reflected how best he could obtain the largest number
of offspring within the shortest period of time. The Rishi, after
reflection, understood that of all creatures birds alone were blest with
fecundity. Assuming the form of a Sarngaka the Rishi had connection with
a female bird of the same species called by the name of Jarita. And he
begat upon her four sons who were all reciters of the Vedas. Leaving all
those sons of his with their mother in that forest, while they were still
within eggs, the ascetic went to (another wife called by the name of)
Lapita. And, O Bharata, when the exalted sage went away for the company
of Lapita, moved by affection for her offspring, Jarita became very
thoughtful. Though forsaken by their father in the forest of Khandava,
Jarita, anxious in her affection for them, could not forsake her
offspring, those infant Rishis encased in eggs. Moved by parental
affection, she brought up these children born of her, herself following
the pursuits proper to her own species. Some time after, the Rishi, in
wandering over that forest in the company of Lapita, saw Agni coming
towards Khandava to burn it down. Then the Brahmana Mandapala, knowing
the intention of Agni and remembering also that his children were all
young moved by fear, gratified the god, of the burning element, that
regent of the universe, endued with great energy. And he did this,
desiring to put in a word for his unfledged offspring. Addressing Agni,
the Rishi said, 'Thou art, O Agni, the mouth of all the worlds! Thou art
the carrier of the sacrificial butter! O purifier (of all sins), thou
movest invisible with the frame of every creature! The learned have
spoken of you as an One, and again as possessed of triple nature. The
wise perform their sacrifices before thee, taking you as consisting of
eight (mouths). The great Rishis declare that this universe hath been
created by thee. O you that feedest on sacrificial butter, without thee
this whole universe would be destroyed in a single day. Bowing to thee,
the Brahmanas, accompanied by their wives and children, go to eternal
regions won by them by help of their own deeds. O Agni, the learned
represent you as the clouds in the heavens charged with lightning. O
Agni, the flames put forth by you consume every creature. O you of
great splendour, this universe hath been created by thee. The Vedas are
thy word. All creatures, mobile and immobile, depend upon thee. Water
primarily dependeth on thee, so also the whole of this universe. All
offerings of clarified butter and oblations of food to the pitris have
been established in thee. O god, you are the consumer, and you are the
creator and you are Vrihaspati himself (in intelligence). Thou are the
twin Aswins; you are Surya; you are Soma; you are Vayu.
"Vaisampayana continued, 'O monarch, thus praised by Mandapala, Agni was
gratified with that Rishi of immeasurable energy; and the god,
well-pleased, replied, 'What good can I do to thee?' Then Mandapala with
joined palms said unto the carrier of clarified butter, 'While thou
burnest the forest of Khandava, spare my children.' The illustrious
bearer of clarified butter replied, 'So be it.' It was, therefore, O
monarch, that he blazed not forth, while consuming the forest of
Khandava, for the destruction of Mandapala's children.'"
--------------------END OF PARVA 1 : UPA-PARVA 231 ---------------------
Parva 01 230
SECTION CCXXX
(Khandava-daha Parva continued)
"Vaisampayana said, 'Then the inhabitants of the forest of Khandava, the
Danavas and Rakshasas and Nagas and wolves and bears and other wild
animals, and elephants with rent temples, and tigers, and lions with
manes and deer and buffaloes by hundreds, and birds, and various other
creatures, frightened at the falling stones and extremely anxious, began
to fly in all directions. They saw the forest (burning all around) and
Krishna and Arjuna also ready with their weapons. Frightened at the
terrible sounds that were audible there those creatures lost their power
of movement. Beholding the forest burning in innumerable places and
Krishna also ready to smite them down with his weapons, they all set up a
frightful roar. With that terrible clamour as also with the roar of fire,
the whole welkin resounded, as it were, with the voice of portentous
clouds. Kesava of dark hue and mighty arms, in order to compass their
destruction, hurled at them his large and fierce discus resplendent with
its own energy. The forest-dwellers including the Danavas and the
Rakshasas, afflicted by that weapon, were cut in hundreds of pieces and
fell unto the mouth of Agni. Mangled by Krishna's discus, the Asuras were
besmeared with blood and fat and looked like evening clouds. And, O
Bharata, he of the Vrishni race moved able like death itself, slaying
Pisachas and birds and Nagas and other creatures by thousands. The discus
itself, repeatedly hurled from the hands of Krishna, that slayer of all
foes, came back to his hands after slaughtering numberless creatures. The
face and form of Krishna that soul of every created thing--became fierce
to behold while he was thus employed in the slaughter of the Pisachas,
Nagas and Rakshasas. No one among the celestials, who had mustered there
could vanquish in battle Krishna and Arjuna. When the celestials saw that
they could not protect that forest from the might of Krishna and Arjuna
by extinguishing that conflagration, they retired from the scene. Then, O
monarch, he of a hundred sacrifices (Indra), beholding the immortals
retreat, became filled with joy and applauded Krishna and Arjuna. And
when the celestials gave up the fight, an incorporeal voice, deep and
loud, addressing him of a hundred sacrifices, said, 'Thy friend Takshaka,
that chief of snakes, hath not been slain! Before the conflagration
commenced in Khandava he had journeyed to Kurukshetra. Know from my
words, O Vasava, that Vasudeva and Arjuna are incapable of being
vanquished in battle by any one! They are Nara and Narayana--those gods
of old heard of in heaven! Thou knowest what their energy is and what
their prowess. Invincible in battle, these best of old Rishis are
unconquerable by any one in all the worlds! They deserve the most
reverential worship of all the celestials and Asuras; of Yakshas and
Rakshasas and Gandharvas, of human beings and Kinnaras and Nagas.
Therefore, O Vasava, it behoveth you to go hence with all the
celestials. The destruction of Khandava hath been ordained by Fate!' Then
the chief of the immortals, ascertaining those words to be true abandoned
his wrath and jealousy, and went back to heaven. The dwellers in heaven,
O monarch, beholding the illustrious Indra abandon the fight, followed
him with all their soldiers. Then those heroes, Vasudeva and Arjuna, when
they saw the chief of the celestials retreat accompanied by all the gods,
set up a leonine roar. And, O monarch, Kesava and Arjuna, after Indra had
left the scene, became exceedingly glad. Those heroes then fearlessly
assisted at the conflagration of the forest. Arjuna scattered the
celestials like the wind scattering the clouds, and slew with showers of
his arrows, numberless creatures that dwelt in Khandava. Cut off by
Arjuna's arrows, no one amongst the innumerable creatures could escape
from the burning forest. Far from fighting with him, none amongst even
the strongest creatures mustered there could look at Arjuna whose weapons
were never futile. Sometimes piercing hundred creatures with one shaft
and sometimes a single creature with hundred shafts, Arjuna moved about
in his car. The creatures themselves, deprived of life, began to fall
into the mouth of Agni (god of fire), struck down as it were by death
itself. On the banks of rivers or on uneven plains or on crematoriums, go
where they did, the creatures (dwelling in Khandava) found no ease, for
wherever they sought shelter there they were afflicted by the heat. And
hosts of creatures roared in pain, and elephants and deer and wolves set
up cries of affliction. At that sound the fishes of the Ganges and the
sea, and the various tribes of Vidyadharas dwelling in that forest all
became frightened. O you of mighty arms, let alone battling with them,
no one, could even gaze at Arjuna and Janardana of dark hue. Hari slew
with his discus those Rakshasas and Danavas and Nagas that rushed at him
in bands. Of huge bodies, their heads and trunks were cut off by the
swift motion of the discus, and deprived of life they fell down into the
blazing fire. Gratified with large quantities of flesh, blood, and fat,
the flames rose up to a great height without a curling wreath of smoke.
Hutasana (fire-god) with blazing and coppery eyes, and flaming tongue and
large mouth, and the hair on the crown of his head all fiery, drinking,
with the help of Krishna and Arjuna, that nectar-like stream of animal
fat, became filled with joy. Gratified greatly, Agni derived much
happiness.
"And it so happened that the slayer of Madhu suddenly beheld an Asura of
the name of Maya escaping from the abode of Takshaka. Agni having Vayu
for his car-driver, assuming a body with matted locks on head, and
roaring like the clouds, pursued the Asura, desirous of consuming him.
Beholding the Asura, Vasudeva stood with his weapon upraised, ready to
smite him down, seeing the discus uplifted and Agni pursuing from behind
to burn him, Maya said 'Run to me, O Arjuna, and protect me!' Hearing his
affrighted voice Arjuna said, 'Fear not!' That voice of Arjuna, O
Bharata, seemed to give Maya his life. As the merciful son of Pritha said
unto Maya that there was nothing to fear, he of the Dasarha race no
longer desired to slay Maya who was the brother of Namuchi, and Agni also
burned him not.'
"Vaisampayana continued, 'Protected from Indra by Krishna and Partha,
Agni gifted with great intelligence, burned that forest for five and ten
days. And while the forest burned Agni spared only six of its dwellers,
viz., Aswasena, Maya, and four birds called Sarngakas.'"
--------------------END OF PARVA 1 : UPA-PARVA 230 ---------------------
(Khandava-daha Parva continued)
"Vaisampayana said, 'Then the inhabitants of the forest of Khandava, the
Danavas and Rakshasas and Nagas and wolves and bears and other wild
animals, and elephants with rent temples, and tigers, and lions with
manes and deer and buffaloes by hundreds, and birds, and various other
creatures, frightened at the falling stones and extremely anxious, began
to fly in all directions. They saw the forest (burning all around) and
Krishna and Arjuna also ready with their weapons. Frightened at the
terrible sounds that were audible there those creatures lost their power
of movement. Beholding the forest burning in innumerable places and
Krishna also ready to smite them down with his weapons, they all set up a
frightful roar. With that terrible clamour as also with the roar of fire,
the whole welkin resounded, as it were, with the voice of portentous
clouds. Kesava of dark hue and mighty arms, in order to compass their
destruction, hurled at them his large and fierce discus resplendent with
its own energy. The forest-dwellers including the Danavas and the
Rakshasas, afflicted by that weapon, were cut in hundreds of pieces and
fell unto the mouth of Agni. Mangled by Krishna's discus, the Asuras were
besmeared with blood and fat and looked like evening clouds. And, O
Bharata, he of the Vrishni race moved able like death itself, slaying
Pisachas and birds and Nagas and other creatures by thousands. The discus
itself, repeatedly hurled from the hands of Krishna, that slayer of all
foes, came back to his hands after slaughtering numberless creatures. The
face and form of Krishna that soul of every created thing--became fierce
to behold while he was thus employed in the slaughter of the Pisachas,
Nagas and Rakshasas. No one among the celestials, who had mustered there
could vanquish in battle Krishna and Arjuna. When the celestials saw that
they could not protect that forest from the might of Krishna and Arjuna
by extinguishing that conflagration, they retired from the scene. Then, O
monarch, he of a hundred sacrifices (Indra), beholding the immortals
retreat, became filled with joy and applauded Krishna and Arjuna. And
when the celestials gave up the fight, an incorporeal voice, deep and
loud, addressing him of a hundred sacrifices, said, 'Thy friend Takshaka,
that chief of snakes, hath not been slain! Before the conflagration
commenced in Khandava he had journeyed to Kurukshetra. Know from my
words, O Vasava, that Vasudeva and Arjuna are incapable of being
vanquished in battle by any one! They are Nara and Narayana--those gods
of old heard of in heaven! Thou knowest what their energy is and what
their prowess. Invincible in battle, these best of old Rishis are
unconquerable by any one in all the worlds! They deserve the most
reverential worship of all the celestials and Asuras; of Yakshas and
Rakshasas and Gandharvas, of human beings and Kinnaras and Nagas.
Therefore, O Vasava, it behoveth you to go hence with all the
celestials. The destruction of Khandava hath been ordained by Fate!' Then
the chief of the immortals, ascertaining those words to be true abandoned
his wrath and jealousy, and went back to heaven. The dwellers in heaven,
O monarch, beholding the illustrious Indra abandon the fight, followed
him with all their soldiers. Then those heroes, Vasudeva and Arjuna, when
they saw the chief of the celestials retreat accompanied by all the gods,
set up a leonine roar. And, O monarch, Kesava and Arjuna, after Indra had
left the scene, became exceedingly glad. Those heroes then fearlessly
assisted at the conflagration of the forest. Arjuna scattered the
celestials like the wind scattering the clouds, and slew with showers of
his arrows, numberless creatures that dwelt in Khandava. Cut off by
Arjuna's arrows, no one amongst the innumerable creatures could escape
from the burning forest. Far from fighting with him, none amongst even
the strongest creatures mustered there could look at Arjuna whose weapons
were never futile. Sometimes piercing hundred creatures with one shaft
and sometimes a single creature with hundred shafts, Arjuna moved about
in his car. The creatures themselves, deprived of life, began to fall
into the mouth of Agni (god of fire), struck down as it were by death
itself. On the banks of rivers or on uneven plains or on crematoriums, go
where they did, the creatures (dwelling in Khandava) found no ease, for
wherever they sought shelter there they were afflicted by the heat. And
hosts of creatures roared in pain, and elephants and deer and wolves set
up cries of affliction. At that sound the fishes of the Ganges and the
sea, and the various tribes of Vidyadharas dwelling in that forest all
became frightened. O you of mighty arms, let alone battling with them,
no one, could even gaze at Arjuna and Janardana of dark hue. Hari slew
with his discus those Rakshasas and Danavas and Nagas that rushed at him
in bands. Of huge bodies, their heads and trunks were cut off by the
swift motion of the discus, and deprived of life they fell down into the
blazing fire. Gratified with large quantities of flesh, blood, and fat,
the flames rose up to a great height without a curling wreath of smoke.
Hutasana (fire-god) with blazing and coppery eyes, and flaming tongue and
large mouth, and the hair on the crown of his head all fiery, drinking,
with the help of Krishna and Arjuna, that nectar-like stream of animal
fat, became filled with joy. Gratified greatly, Agni derived much
happiness.
"And it so happened that the slayer of Madhu suddenly beheld an Asura of
the name of Maya escaping from the abode of Takshaka. Agni having Vayu
for his car-driver, assuming a body with matted locks on head, and
roaring like the clouds, pursued the Asura, desirous of consuming him.
Beholding the Asura, Vasudeva stood with his weapon upraised, ready to
smite him down, seeing the discus uplifted and Agni pursuing from behind
to burn him, Maya said 'Run to me, O Arjuna, and protect me!' Hearing his
affrighted voice Arjuna said, 'Fear not!' That voice of Arjuna, O
Bharata, seemed to give Maya his life. As the merciful son of Pritha said
unto Maya that there was nothing to fear, he of the Dasarha race no
longer desired to slay Maya who was the brother of Namuchi, and Agni also
burned him not.'
"Vaisampayana continued, 'Protected from Indra by Krishna and Partha,
Agni gifted with great intelligence, burned that forest for five and ten
days. And while the forest burned Agni spared only six of its dwellers,
viz., Aswasena, Maya, and four birds called Sarngakas.'"
--------------------END OF PARVA 1 : UPA-PARVA 230 ---------------------
Parva 01 229
SECTION CCXXIX
(Khandava-daha Parva continued)
"Vaisampayana said, 'Then Vibhatsu, the son of Pandu, invoking his
excellent weapons, prevented that shower of rain by Indra, by means of a
shower of his own weapons. And Arjuna of immeasurable soul soon covered
the forest of Khandava with innumerable arrows like the moon covering the
atmosphere with a thick fog. When the sky above that forest was thus
covered with the arrows of Arjuna no living creature could then escape
from below. And it so happened that while that forest was burning,
Takshaka, the chief of the Nagas, was not there, having gone at that time
to the field of Kurukshetra. But Aswasena, the mighty son of Takshaka,
was there. He made great efforts to escape from that fire; but confined
by Arjuna's shafts he succeeded not in finding a way. It was then that
his mother, the daughter of a snake, determined to save him by swallowing
him first. His mother first swallowed his head and then was swallowing
his tail. And desirous of saving her son, the sea-snake rose (up from the
earth) while still employed in swallowing her son's tail. But Arjuna as
soon as he beheld her escaping, severed her head from her body by means
of a sharp and keen-edged arrow. Indra saw all this, and desiring to save
his friend's son, the wielder of the thunderbolt, by raising a violent
wind, deprived Arjuna of consciousness. During those few moments,
Aswasena succeeded in effecting his escape. Beholding that manifestation
of the power of illusion, and deceived by that snake, Arjuna was much
enraged. He forthwith cut every animal seeking to escape by the skies,
into two, three, or more pieces. And Vibhatsu in anger, and Agni, and
Vasudeva also, cursed the snake that had escaped so deceitfully, saying,
'Never shalt you be famous!' And Jishnu remembering the deception
practised upon him, became angry, and covering the firmament with a cloud
of arrows, sought to fight with him of a thousand eyes. The chief of the
celestials also, seeing Arjuna in anger, sought to fight with him, and
hurled his own fierce weapons, covering the wide expanse of the
firmament. Then the winds, making a loud roar and agitating all the
oceans, brought together masses of clouds in the sky, charged with
torrents of rain. Those masses of clouds began to vomit thunder and
terrible flashes of lightning charged with the thunderclap. Then Arjuna
possessing a knowledge of means, hurled the excellent weapon called
Vayavya with proper mantras to dispel those clouds. With that weapon the
energy and force of Indra's thunderbolt and of those clouds were
destroyed. And the torrents of rain with which those clouds were charged
were all dried up, and the lightning that played amongst them was also
destroyed. Within a moment the sky was cleared of dust and darkness, and
a delicious, cool breeze began to blow and the disc of the sun resumed
its normal state. Then the eater of clarified butter (Agni), glad because
none could baffle him, assumed various forms, and sprinkled over with the
fat exuded by the bodies of creatures, blazed forth with all his flames,
filling the universe with his roar. Then numerous birds of the Garuda
tribe bearing excellent feathers, beholding that the forest was protected
by Krishna and Arjuna, descended filled with pride, from the upper skies,
desirous of striking those heroes with their thunderlike wings, beaks and
claws. Innumerable Nagas also, with faces emitting fire descending from
high, approached Arjuna, vomiting the most virulent poison all the while.
Beholding them approach, Arjuna cut them into pieces by means of arrows
steeped in the fire of his own wrath. Then those birds and snakes,
deprived of life, fell into the burning element below. And there came
also, desirous of battle, innumerable Asuras with Gandharvas and Yakshas
and Rakshasas and Nagas sending forth terrific yells. Armed with machines
vomiting from their throats (mouths?) iron balls and bullets, and
catapults for propelling huge stones, and rockets, they approached to
strike Krishna and Partha, their energy and strength increased by wrath.
But though they rained a perfect shower of weapons, Vibhatsu, addressing
them reproachfully, struck off their heads with his own sharp arrows.
That slayer of foes, Krishna, also, endued with great energy, made a
great slaughter of the Daitya and the Danava with his discus. Many Asuras
of immeasurable might, pierced with Krishna's arrows and smitten with the
force of his discus, became motionless like waifs and strays stranded on
the bank by the violence of the waves. Then Sakra the lord of the
celestials, riding on his white elephant, rushed at those heroes, and
taking up his thunderbolt which could never go in vain, hurled it with
great force. And the slayer of Asuras said unto the gods, 'These two are
slain.' Beholding the fierce thunderbolt about to be hurled by their
chief, the celestials all took up their respective weapons. Yama, O king,
took up the death-dealing mace, and Kuvera his spiked club, and Varuna
his noose and beautiful missile. And Skanda (Kartikeya) took up his long
lance and stood motionless like the mountain of Meru. The Aswins stood
there with resplendent plants in their hands. Dhatri stood, bow in hand,
and Jaya with a thick club. Tvashtri of great strength took up in wrath,
a huge mountain and Surya stood with a bright dart, and Mrityu with a
battle-axe. Aryaman stalked about with a terrible bludgeon furnished with
sharp spikes, and Mitra stood there with a discus sharp as a razor. And,
O monarch, Pusha and Bhaga and Savitri, in wrath, rushed at Krishna and
Partha with bows and scimitars in hand. And Rudras and the Vasus, the
mighty Maruts and the Viswedevas and the Sadhyas, all resplendent with
their own energy,--these and many other celestials, armed with various
weapons rushed against those exalted of men, Krishna and Partha, for
smiting them down. Then were seen in that great conflict wonderful
portents all around robbing every creature of his sense, and resembling
those that appeared at the time of the universal dissolution. But Arjuna
and Krishna, fearless and invincible in battle, beholding Sakra and the
other celestials prepared for fight, calmly waited, bows in hands.
Skilled in battle, those heroes in wrath assailed the advancing host of
celestials with their own thunderlike arrows. The celestials repeatedly
routed by Krishna and Arjuna, at last left the field of battle for fear
and sought the protection of Indra. The Munis who were witnessing the
battle from the skies, beholding the celestials defeated by Madhava and
Arjuna, were filled with wonder. Sakra also repeatedly witnessing their
prowess in battle, became exceedingly gratified, and once more rushed to
the assault. The chastiser of Paka then caused a heavy shower of stones,
desiring to ascertain the prowess of Arjuna who was able to draw the bow
even with his left hand. Arjuna, in great wrath, dispelled with his
arrows that thick shower. Then he of a hundred sacrifices beholding that
shower baffled, once more caused a thicker shower of stones. But the son
of the chastiser of Paka (viz., Arjuna) gratified his father by baffling
that shower also with his swift arrows. Then Sakra, desirous of smiting
down the son of Pandu, tore up with his hands a large peak from Mandara,
with tall trees on it, and hurled it against him. But Arjuna divided that
mountain-peak into a thousand pieces by his swift-going and fire-mouthed
arrows. The fragments of that mountain, in falling through the skies,
looked as if the sun and the moon and the planets, displaced from their
positions fell down on earth. That huge peak fell down upon that forest
and by its fall killed numerous living creatures that dwelt in Khandava.'"
--------------------END OF PARVA 1 : UPA-PARVA 229 ---------------------
(Khandava-daha Parva continued)
"Vaisampayana said, 'Then Vibhatsu, the son of Pandu, invoking his
excellent weapons, prevented that shower of rain by Indra, by means of a
shower of his own weapons. And Arjuna of immeasurable soul soon covered
the forest of Khandava with innumerable arrows like the moon covering the
atmosphere with a thick fog. When the sky above that forest was thus
covered with the arrows of Arjuna no living creature could then escape
from below. And it so happened that while that forest was burning,
Takshaka, the chief of the Nagas, was not there, having gone at that time
to the field of Kurukshetra. But Aswasena, the mighty son of Takshaka,
was there. He made great efforts to escape from that fire; but confined
by Arjuna's shafts he succeeded not in finding a way. It was then that
his mother, the daughter of a snake, determined to save him by swallowing
him first. His mother first swallowed his head and then was swallowing
his tail. And desirous of saving her son, the sea-snake rose (up from the
earth) while still employed in swallowing her son's tail. But Arjuna as
soon as he beheld her escaping, severed her head from her body by means
of a sharp and keen-edged arrow. Indra saw all this, and desiring to save
his friend's son, the wielder of the thunderbolt, by raising a violent
wind, deprived Arjuna of consciousness. During those few moments,
Aswasena succeeded in effecting his escape. Beholding that manifestation
of the power of illusion, and deceived by that snake, Arjuna was much
enraged. He forthwith cut every animal seeking to escape by the skies,
into two, three, or more pieces. And Vibhatsu in anger, and Agni, and
Vasudeva also, cursed the snake that had escaped so deceitfully, saying,
'Never shalt you be famous!' And Jishnu remembering the deception
practised upon him, became angry, and covering the firmament with a cloud
of arrows, sought to fight with him of a thousand eyes. The chief of the
celestials also, seeing Arjuna in anger, sought to fight with him, and
hurled his own fierce weapons, covering the wide expanse of the
firmament. Then the winds, making a loud roar and agitating all the
oceans, brought together masses of clouds in the sky, charged with
torrents of rain. Those masses of clouds began to vomit thunder and
terrible flashes of lightning charged with the thunderclap. Then Arjuna
possessing a knowledge of means, hurled the excellent weapon called
Vayavya with proper mantras to dispel those clouds. With that weapon the
energy and force of Indra's thunderbolt and of those clouds were
destroyed. And the torrents of rain with which those clouds were charged
were all dried up, and the lightning that played amongst them was also
destroyed. Within a moment the sky was cleared of dust and darkness, and
a delicious, cool breeze began to blow and the disc of the sun resumed
its normal state. Then the eater of clarified butter (Agni), glad because
none could baffle him, assumed various forms, and sprinkled over with the
fat exuded by the bodies of creatures, blazed forth with all his flames,
filling the universe with his roar. Then numerous birds of the Garuda
tribe bearing excellent feathers, beholding that the forest was protected
by Krishna and Arjuna, descended filled with pride, from the upper skies,
desirous of striking those heroes with their thunderlike wings, beaks and
claws. Innumerable Nagas also, with faces emitting fire descending from
high, approached Arjuna, vomiting the most virulent poison all the while.
Beholding them approach, Arjuna cut them into pieces by means of arrows
steeped in the fire of his own wrath. Then those birds and snakes,
deprived of life, fell into the burning element below. And there came
also, desirous of battle, innumerable Asuras with Gandharvas and Yakshas
and Rakshasas and Nagas sending forth terrific yells. Armed with machines
vomiting from their throats (mouths?) iron balls and bullets, and
catapults for propelling huge stones, and rockets, they approached to
strike Krishna and Partha, their energy and strength increased by wrath.
But though they rained a perfect shower of weapons, Vibhatsu, addressing
them reproachfully, struck off their heads with his own sharp arrows.
That slayer of foes, Krishna, also, endued with great energy, made a
great slaughter of the Daitya and the Danava with his discus. Many Asuras
of immeasurable might, pierced with Krishna's arrows and smitten with the
force of his discus, became motionless like waifs and strays stranded on
the bank by the violence of the waves. Then Sakra the lord of the
celestials, riding on his white elephant, rushed at those heroes, and
taking up his thunderbolt which could never go in vain, hurled it with
great force. And the slayer of Asuras said unto the gods, 'These two are
slain.' Beholding the fierce thunderbolt about to be hurled by their
chief, the celestials all took up their respective weapons. Yama, O king,
took up the death-dealing mace, and Kuvera his spiked club, and Varuna
his noose and beautiful missile. And Skanda (Kartikeya) took up his long
lance and stood motionless like the mountain of Meru. The Aswins stood
there with resplendent plants in their hands. Dhatri stood, bow in hand,
and Jaya with a thick club. Tvashtri of great strength took up in wrath,
a huge mountain and Surya stood with a bright dart, and Mrityu with a
battle-axe. Aryaman stalked about with a terrible bludgeon furnished with
sharp spikes, and Mitra stood there with a discus sharp as a razor. And,
O monarch, Pusha and Bhaga and Savitri, in wrath, rushed at Krishna and
Partha with bows and scimitars in hand. And Rudras and the Vasus, the
mighty Maruts and the Viswedevas and the Sadhyas, all resplendent with
their own energy,--these and many other celestials, armed with various
weapons rushed against those exalted of men, Krishna and Partha, for
smiting them down. Then were seen in that great conflict wonderful
portents all around robbing every creature of his sense, and resembling
those that appeared at the time of the universal dissolution. But Arjuna
and Krishna, fearless and invincible in battle, beholding Sakra and the
other celestials prepared for fight, calmly waited, bows in hands.
Skilled in battle, those heroes in wrath assailed the advancing host of
celestials with their own thunderlike arrows. The celestials repeatedly
routed by Krishna and Arjuna, at last left the field of battle for fear
and sought the protection of Indra. The Munis who were witnessing the
battle from the skies, beholding the celestials defeated by Madhava and
Arjuna, were filled with wonder. Sakra also repeatedly witnessing their
prowess in battle, became exceedingly gratified, and once more rushed to
the assault. The chastiser of Paka then caused a heavy shower of stones,
desiring to ascertain the prowess of Arjuna who was able to draw the bow
even with his left hand. Arjuna, in great wrath, dispelled with his
arrows that thick shower. Then he of a hundred sacrifices beholding that
shower baffled, once more caused a thicker shower of stones. But the son
of the chastiser of Paka (viz., Arjuna) gratified his father by baffling
that shower also with his swift arrows. Then Sakra, desirous of smiting
down the son of Pandu, tore up with his hands a large peak from Mandara,
with tall trees on it, and hurled it against him. But Arjuna divided that
mountain-peak into a thousand pieces by his swift-going and fire-mouthed
arrows. The fragments of that mountain, in falling through the skies,
looked as if the sun and the moon and the planets, displaced from their
positions fell down on earth. That huge peak fell down upon that forest
and by its fall killed numerous living creatures that dwelt in Khandava.'"
--------------------END OF PARVA 1 : UPA-PARVA 229 ---------------------
Parva 01 228
SECTION CCXXVIII
(Khandava-daha Parva continued)
"Vaisampayana said, 'Then those foremost of car-warriors (Krishna and
Arjuna), riding in their cars and placing themselves on opposite sides of
that forest, began a great slaughter, on all sides, of the creatures
dwelling in Khandava. At whatever point any of the creatures residing in
Khandava could be seen attempting to escape, thither rushed those mighty
heroes (to prevent its flight). Indeed those two excellent cars seemed to
be but one, and the two warriors also therein but one individual. And
while the forest was burning, hundreds and thousands of living creatures,
uttering frightful yells, began to run about in all directions. Some had
particular limbs burnt, some were scorched with excessive heat, and some
came out, and some ran about from fear. And some clasping their children
and some their parents and brothers, died calmly without, from excess of
affection, being able to abandon these that were dear to them. And many
there were who biting their nether lips rose upwards and soon fell
whirling into the blazing element below. And some were seen to roll on
the ground with wings, eyes, and feet scorched and burnt. These creatures
were all seen to perish there almost soon enough. The tanks and ponds
within that forest, heated by the fire around, began to boil; the fishes
and the tortoises in them were all seen to perish. During that great
slaughter of living creatures in that forest, the burning bodies of
various animals looked as if fire itself had assumed many forms. The
birds that took wings to escape from that conflagration were pierced by
Arjuna with his shafts, and cut into pieces, they fell down into the
burning element below. Pierced all over with Arjuna's shafts, the birds
dropped down into the burning forest, uttering loud cries. The denizens
of the forest, struck with those shafts, began to roar and yell. The
clamour they raised was like unto the frightful uproar heard during the
churning of the ocean (in days of yore). The mighty flames of the blazing
fire reaching the firmament, caused great anxiety to the celestials
themselves. Then all the illustrious dwellers in heaven went in a body
unto him of a hundred sacrifices and thousand eyes, viz., their chief,
that grinder of Asuras. Approaching Indra, the celestial said, 'Why, O
lord of immortals, doth Agni burn these creatures below? Hath the time
come for the destruction of the world?'
"Vaisampayana continued, 'Hearing these words of the gods, and himself
beholding what Agni was doing, the slayer of Vritra set out for the
protection of the forest of Khandava. And Vasava, the chief of the
celestials soon covering the sky with masses of clouds of every kind
began to shower upon the burning forest. Those masses of clouds by
hundreds and thousands, commanded by Indra began to pour rain upon
Khandava in showers thick as the flag-staffs of battle-cars. But the
showers were all dried up in the sky itself by the heat of the fire and
could not, therefore, reach the fire at all! Then the slayer of Namuchi,
getting angry with Agni, collected huge masses of clouds and caused them
to yield a heavy downpour. Then with the flames contending with those
heavy showers, and with masses of clouds overhead, that forest, filled
with smoke and flashes of lightning, became terrible to behold.'"
--------------------END OF PARVA 1 : UPA-PARVA 228 ---------------------
(Khandava-daha Parva continued)
"Vaisampayana said, 'Then those foremost of car-warriors (Krishna and
Arjuna), riding in their cars and placing themselves on opposite sides of
that forest, began a great slaughter, on all sides, of the creatures
dwelling in Khandava. At whatever point any of the creatures residing in
Khandava could be seen attempting to escape, thither rushed those mighty
heroes (to prevent its flight). Indeed those two excellent cars seemed to
be but one, and the two warriors also therein but one individual. And
while the forest was burning, hundreds and thousands of living creatures,
uttering frightful yells, began to run about in all directions. Some had
particular limbs burnt, some were scorched with excessive heat, and some
came out, and some ran about from fear. And some clasping their children
and some their parents and brothers, died calmly without, from excess of
affection, being able to abandon these that were dear to them. And many
there were who biting their nether lips rose upwards and soon fell
whirling into the blazing element below. And some were seen to roll on
the ground with wings, eyes, and feet scorched and burnt. These creatures
were all seen to perish there almost soon enough. The tanks and ponds
within that forest, heated by the fire around, began to boil; the fishes
and the tortoises in them were all seen to perish. During that great
slaughter of living creatures in that forest, the burning bodies of
various animals looked as if fire itself had assumed many forms. The
birds that took wings to escape from that conflagration were pierced by
Arjuna with his shafts, and cut into pieces, they fell down into the
burning element below. Pierced all over with Arjuna's shafts, the birds
dropped down into the burning forest, uttering loud cries. The denizens
of the forest, struck with those shafts, began to roar and yell. The
clamour they raised was like unto the frightful uproar heard during the
churning of the ocean (in days of yore). The mighty flames of the blazing
fire reaching the firmament, caused great anxiety to the celestials
themselves. Then all the illustrious dwellers in heaven went in a body
unto him of a hundred sacrifices and thousand eyes, viz., their chief,
that grinder of Asuras. Approaching Indra, the celestial said, 'Why, O
lord of immortals, doth Agni burn these creatures below? Hath the time
come for the destruction of the world?'
"Vaisampayana continued, 'Hearing these words of the gods, and himself
beholding what Agni was doing, the slayer of Vritra set out for the
protection of the forest of Khandava. And Vasava, the chief of the
celestials soon covering the sky with masses of clouds of every kind
began to shower upon the burning forest. Those masses of clouds by
hundreds and thousands, commanded by Indra began to pour rain upon
Khandava in showers thick as the flag-staffs of battle-cars. But the
showers were all dried up in the sky itself by the heat of the fire and
could not, therefore, reach the fire at all! Then the slayer of Namuchi,
getting angry with Agni, collected huge masses of clouds and caused them
to yield a heavy downpour. Then with the flames contending with those
heavy showers, and with masses of clouds overhead, that forest, filled
with smoke and flashes of lightning, became terrible to behold.'"
--------------------END OF PARVA 1 : UPA-PARVA 228 ---------------------
Parva 01 227
SECTION CCXXVII
(Khandava-daha Parva continued)
"Vaisampayana, said, 'Thus addressed by Arjuna, the smoke-bannered
Hutasana, desirous of an interview with Varuna, recollected that son of
Aditi,--that deity protecting one of the points of the heavens and having
his home in the water and ruling that element. Varuna, knowing that he
was thought of by Pavaka, immediately appeared before that deity. The
smoke-bannered celestial welcoming with reverence the ruler of the
waters, that fourth of the Lokapalas, said unto that eternal god of gods,
'Give me without loss of time that bow and quiver, and that ape-bannered
car also, which were obtained from king Soma. Partha will achieve a great
task with Gandiva, and Vasudeva also with the discus! Give both,
therefore, unto me today.' Hearing these words, Varuna replied unto
Pavaka, saying, 'Well, I am giving them.' He then gave that wonderful
jewel of a bow that was endued with great energy. That bow was the
enhancer of fame and achievements, and was incapable of being injured by
any weapon. It was the chief of all weapons, and the grinder of them all.
And it was the smiter of hostile armies and was alone equal to a hundred
thousand bows. It was the multiplier of kingdoms, and was variegated with
excellent colours. It was well-adorned, and beautiful to behold, and
without a mark of weakness or injury anywhere. And it was always
worshipped both by the celestials and the Gandharvas. Varuna also gave
two inexhaustible quivers, and he also gave a car furnished with
celestial weapons and whose banner bore a large ape. Yoked unto that car
were steeds white as silver of the fleecy clouds, and born in the region
of the Gandharvas, and decked with golden harness, and resembling in
fleetness the wind or the mind. And it was equipped with implement of
war, and was incapable of being vanquished by the celestials or the
Asuras. Its splendour was great and the sounds of its wheels was
tremendous. It delighted the heart of every creature that looked at it.
It had been made by Viswakarman, the architect of the universe and one of
the lords of creation, after severe ascetic meditation. Its splendour,
like that of the sun, was so great that no one could gaze at it. It was
the very car from which the lord Soma had vanquished the Danavas.
Resplendent with beauty, it looked like an evening cloud reflecting the
effulgence of the setting sun. It was furnished with an excellent
flag-staff of golden colour and great beauty. And there sat upon that
flag-staff a celestial ape of form fierce like that of a lion or a tiger.
Stationed on high, the ape seemed bent upon burning everything it beheld.
And upon the (other) flags were various creatures of large size, whose
roars and yells caused the enemy's soldiers to faint. Then Arjuna,
accoutred in mail and armed with the sword, and his fingers cased in
leathern gloves, walking round that excellent car adorned with numerous
flags and bowing unto the gods, ascended it like a virtuous man riding in
the celestial car that bears him to heaven. And taking up that celestial
and first of bows created by Brahman of old and called Gandiva, Arjuna
was filled with joy. And bowing unto Hutasana, Partha endued with great
energy, took up the bow and strung it forcibly. Those who heard the noise
that was made while the mighty Pandava strung that bow, quaked with fear.
And having obtained that car and that bow, and the two inexhaustible
quivers, the son of Kunti became glad and thought himself competent to
assist at the task. And Pavaka then gave unto Krishna a discus with an
iron pole attached to a hole in the centre. And it was a fiery weapon and
became his favourite. Having obtained that weapon, Krishna also became
equal to the task. Pavaka then, addressing Krishna, said, 'With this, O
slayer of Madhu, you shalt be able without doubt to vanquish in battle
even foes that are not human. With this weapon, without doubt, you shalt
be superior in battle to men and gods, and Rakshasas and Pisachas, and
Daityas and Nagas. And you shalt certainly be able with this to smite
all. And, O Madhava, hurled by you in battle at your foes, this weapon
will irresistibly slay the enemy and again come back into your hands.' And
the lord Varuna, after this, gave unto Krishna a mace, of name Kaumodaki,
capable of slaying every Daitya and producing, when hurled, a roar like
that of the thunder. Then Arjuna and Achyuta, filled with joy said unto
Pavaka, 'O exalted one, furnished with weapons and knowing their use,
possessed of cars with flags and flagstaffs, we are now able to fight
with even all the celestials and the Asuras (together), let alone the
wielder of the thunderbolt desirous of fighting for the sake of the Naga
(his friend Takshaka).' Arjuna also said, 'O Pavaka, while Hrishikesa,
endued with abundant energy, moves on the field of battle with this
discus in hand, there is nothing in the three worlds that he will not be
able to consume by hurling this weapon. Having obtained the bow Gandiva
and this couple of inexhaustible quivers I also am ready to conquer in
battle the three worlds. Therefore, O lord, blaze you forth as thou
likest, surrounding this large forest on every side. We are quite able to
help thee.'
"Vaisampayana continued, 'Thus addressed both by Dasarha and Arjuna, the
illustrious god then put forth his most energetic form, and prepared to
consume the forest. Surrounding it on all sides with his seven flames, he
began to consume the forest of Khandava, exhibiting his all-consuming
form like that at the end of the Yuga (cycle). And, O bull of Bharata's
race, surrounding that forest and catching it from all sides with a roar
like that of the clouds, Agni made every creature within it tremble. And,
O Bharata, that burning forest then looked resplendent like the king of
mountains, Meru, blazing with the rays of the sun fallen thereupon.'"
--------------------END OF PARVA 1 : UPA-PARVA 227 ---------------------
(Khandava-daha Parva continued)
"Vaisampayana, said, 'Thus addressed by Arjuna, the smoke-bannered
Hutasana, desirous of an interview with Varuna, recollected that son of
Aditi,--that deity protecting one of the points of the heavens and having
his home in the water and ruling that element. Varuna, knowing that he
was thought of by Pavaka, immediately appeared before that deity. The
smoke-bannered celestial welcoming with reverence the ruler of the
waters, that fourth of the Lokapalas, said unto that eternal god of gods,
'Give me without loss of time that bow and quiver, and that ape-bannered
car also, which were obtained from king Soma. Partha will achieve a great
task with Gandiva, and Vasudeva also with the discus! Give both,
therefore, unto me today.' Hearing these words, Varuna replied unto
Pavaka, saying, 'Well, I am giving them.' He then gave that wonderful
jewel of a bow that was endued with great energy. That bow was the
enhancer of fame and achievements, and was incapable of being injured by
any weapon. It was the chief of all weapons, and the grinder of them all.
And it was the smiter of hostile armies and was alone equal to a hundred
thousand bows. It was the multiplier of kingdoms, and was variegated with
excellent colours. It was well-adorned, and beautiful to behold, and
without a mark of weakness or injury anywhere. And it was always
worshipped both by the celestials and the Gandharvas. Varuna also gave
two inexhaustible quivers, and he also gave a car furnished with
celestial weapons and whose banner bore a large ape. Yoked unto that car
were steeds white as silver of the fleecy clouds, and born in the region
of the Gandharvas, and decked with golden harness, and resembling in
fleetness the wind or the mind. And it was equipped with implement of
war, and was incapable of being vanquished by the celestials or the
Asuras. Its splendour was great and the sounds of its wheels was
tremendous. It delighted the heart of every creature that looked at it.
It had been made by Viswakarman, the architect of the universe and one of
the lords of creation, after severe ascetic meditation. Its splendour,
like that of the sun, was so great that no one could gaze at it. It was
the very car from which the lord Soma had vanquished the Danavas.
Resplendent with beauty, it looked like an evening cloud reflecting the
effulgence of the setting sun. It was furnished with an excellent
flag-staff of golden colour and great beauty. And there sat upon that
flag-staff a celestial ape of form fierce like that of a lion or a tiger.
Stationed on high, the ape seemed bent upon burning everything it beheld.
And upon the (other) flags were various creatures of large size, whose
roars and yells caused the enemy's soldiers to faint. Then Arjuna,
accoutred in mail and armed with the sword, and his fingers cased in
leathern gloves, walking round that excellent car adorned with numerous
flags and bowing unto the gods, ascended it like a virtuous man riding in
the celestial car that bears him to heaven. And taking up that celestial
and first of bows created by Brahman of old and called Gandiva, Arjuna
was filled with joy. And bowing unto Hutasana, Partha endued with great
energy, took up the bow and strung it forcibly. Those who heard the noise
that was made while the mighty Pandava strung that bow, quaked with fear.
And having obtained that car and that bow, and the two inexhaustible
quivers, the son of Kunti became glad and thought himself competent to
assist at the task. And Pavaka then gave unto Krishna a discus with an
iron pole attached to a hole in the centre. And it was a fiery weapon and
became his favourite. Having obtained that weapon, Krishna also became
equal to the task. Pavaka then, addressing Krishna, said, 'With this, O
slayer of Madhu, you shalt be able without doubt to vanquish in battle
even foes that are not human. With this weapon, without doubt, you shalt
be superior in battle to men and gods, and Rakshasas and Pisachas, and
Daityas and Nagas. And you shalt certainly be able with this to smite
all. And, O Madhava, hurled by you in battle at your foes, this weapon
will irresistibly slay the enemy and again come back into your hands.' And
the lord Varuna, after this, gave unto Krishna a mace, of name Kaumodaki,
capable of slaying every Daitya and producing, when hurled, a roar like
that of the thunder. Then Arjuna and Achyuta, filled with joy said unto
Pavaka, 'O exalted one, furnished with weapons and knowing their use,
possessed of cars with flags and flagstaffs, we are now able to fight
with even all the celestials and the Asuras (together), let alone the
wielder of the thunderbolt desirous of fighting for the sake of the Naga
(his friend Takshaka).' Arjuna also said, 'O Pavaka, while Hrishikesa,
endued with abundant energy, moves on the field of battle with this
discus in hand, there is nothing in the three worlds that he will not be
able to consume by hurling this weapon. Having obtained the bow Gandiva
and this couple of inexhaustible quivers I also am ready to conquer in
battle the three worlds. Therefore, O lord, blaze you forth as thou
likest, surrounding this large forest on every side. We are quite able to
help thee.'
"Vaisampayana continued, 'Thus addressed both by Dasarha and Arjuna, the
illustrious god then put forth his most energetic form, and prepared to
consume the forest. Surrounding it on all sides with his seven flames, he
began to consume the forest of Khandava, exhibiting his all-consuming
form like that at the end of the Yuga (cycle). And, O bull of Bharata's
race, surrounding that forest and catching it from all sides with a roar
like that of the clouds, Agni made every creature within it tremble. And,
O Bharata, that burning forest then looked resplendent like the king of
mountains, Meru, blazing with the rays of the sun fallen thereupon.'"
--------------------END OF PARVA 1 : UPA-PARVA 227 ---------------------
Parva 01 226
SECTION CCXXVI
(Khandava-daha Parva continued)
"Vaisampayana said, 'Then Havyavahana (Agni) in anger and disappointment,
with his ailment uncured, went back to the Grandsire. And he represented
unto Brahman all that had happened: The illustrious deity, reflecting for
a moment, said unto him, 'O sinless one. I see a way by which you mayest
consume the forest of Khandava today in the very sight of Indra. Those
old deities, Nara and Narayana, have become incarnate in the world of men
to accomplish the business of the celestials. They are called on earth
Arjuna and Vasudeva. They are even now staying in the forest of Khandava.
Solicit them for aiding you in consuming that forest. Thou shalt then
consume the forest even if it be protected by the celestials. They will
certainly prevent the population of Khandava from escaping, and thwart
Indra also (in aiding any one in the escape). I have no doubt of this!'
Hearing these words, Agni came in haste unto Krishna and Partha. O king,
I have already told you what he said, having approached the illustrious
pair. O tiger among kings, hearing those words of Agni who was desirous
of consuming the forest of Khandava against the will of Indra, Vibhatsu
said unto him these words well-suited to the occasion, I have numberless
excellent celestial weapons with which I can fight even many wielders of
the thunderbolt. But, O exalted one, I have no bow suited to the strength
of my arms, and capable of bearing the might I may put forth in battle.
In consequence of the lightness of my hands also I require arrows that
must never be exhausted. My car also is scarcely able to bear load of
arrows that I would desire to keep by me. I desire celestial steeds of
pure white, possessing the speed of the wind; and a car possessing the
splendour of the sun and the clatter of whose wheels should resemble the
roar of the clouds. Then, there is no weapon suited to Krishna's energy
and with which Madhava can slay Nagas and Pisachas. O exalted one, it
behoveth you to give us the means by which success may be achieved and
by which we may thwart Indra in pouring his showers upon that extensive
forest. O Pavaka, we are ready to do all that manliness and prowess can
do. But, O exalted one, it behoveth you to give us the adequate means.'"
--------------------END OF PARVA 1 : UPA-PARVA 226 ---------------------
(Khandava-daha Parva continued)
"Vaisampayana said, 'Then Havyavahana (Agni) in anger and disappointment,
with his ailment uncured, went back to the Grandsire. And he represented
unto Brahman all that had happened: The illustrious deity, reflecting for
a moment, said unto him, 'O sinless one. I see a way by which you mayest
consume the forest of Khandava today in the very sight of Indra. Those
old deities, Nara and Narayana, have become incarnate in the world of men
to accomplish the business of the celestials. They are called on earth
Arjuna and Vasudeva. They are even now staying in the forest of Khandava.
Solicit them for aiding you in consuming that forest. Thou shalt then
consume the forest even if it be protected by the celestials. They will
certainly prevent the population of Khandava from escaping, and thwart
Indra also (in aiding any one in the escape). I have no doubt of this!'
Hearing these words, Agni came in haste unto Krishna and Partha. O king,
I have already told you what he said, having approached the illustrious
pair. O tiger among kings, hearing those words of Agni who was desirous
of consuming the forest of Khandava against the will of Indra, Vibhatsu
said unto him these words well-suited to the occasion, I have numberless
excellent celestial weapons with which I can fight even many wielders of
the thunderbolt. But, O exalted one, I have no bow suited to the strength
of my arms, and capable of bearing the might I may put forth in battle.
In consequence of the lightness of my hands also I require arrows that
must never be exhausted. My car also is scarcely able to bear load of
arrows that I would desire to keep by me. I desire celestial steeds of
pure white, possessing the speed of the wind; and a car possessing the
splendour of the sun and the clatter of whose wheels should resemble the
roar of the clouds. Then, there is no weapon suited to Krishna's energy
and with which Madhava can slay Nagas and Pisachas. O exalted one, it
behoveth you to give us the means by which success may be achieved and
by which we may thwart Indra in pouring his showers upon that extensive
forest. O Pavaka, we are ready to do all that manliness and prowess can
do. But, O exalted one, it behoveth you to give us the adequate means.'"
--------------------END OF PARVA 1 : UPA-PARVA 226 ---------------------
Parva 01 225
SECTION CCXXV
(Khandava-daha Parva continued)
"Vaisampayana said, 'Then that Brahmana addressed Arjuna and Vasudeva of
the Satwata race, saying, 'Ye who are now staying so near unto Khandava
are the two foremost of heroes on earth. I am a voracious Brahmana that
always eateth much. O you of the Vrishni race, and O Partha, I solicit
you to gratify me by giving me sufficient food.' Thus addressed by the
Brahmana, Krishna and the son of Pandu answered him, saying, 'O, tell us
what kind of food will gratify you so that we may endeavour to give it
thee.' The illustrious Brahmana, thus replied to, said unto those heroes
who were enquiring after the kind of food he sought, 'I do not desire to
eat ordinary food. Know that I am Agni! Give me that food which suiteth
me. This forest of Khandava is always protected by Indra. And as it is
protected by the illustrious one, I always fail to consume it. In that
forest dwelleth, with his followers and family, a Naga, called Takshaka,
who is the friend of Indra. It is for him that the wielder of the
thunderbolt protecteth this forest. Many other creatures also are thus
protected here for the sake of Takshaka. Desiring to consume the forest I
succeed not in my attempts in consequence of Indra's prowess. Beholding
me blazing forth, he always poureth upon me water from the clouds.
Therefore, I succeed not in consuming the forest of Khandava, although I
desire very much to do so. I have now come to you--you who are both
skilled in weapons! If you help me I will surely consume this forest: for
even this is the food that is desired by me! As the are conversant with
excellent weapons, I pray you to prevent those showers from descending
and any of the creatures from escaping, when I begin to consume this
forest!'
"Janamejaya said, 'Why did the illustrious Agni desire to consume the
forest of Khandava that was filled with various living creatures and
protected by the chief of the celestials? When Agni consumed in wrath the
forest of Khandava, it is evident there was a grave cause. I desire, O
Brahmana, to hear all this in detail from thee. Tell me, O sage, how the
Khandava forest was consumed in days of yore.'
"Vaisampayana said, 'O chief of men, I will narrate to you the story of
the conflagration of Khandava as told by Rishis in the Purana. It hath
been heard, O king, in the Purana that there was a celebrated king of the
name of Swetaki who was endued with strength and prowess and who was
equal unto Indra himself. No one on earth has equalled him in sacrifices,
charity, and intelligence. Swetaki performed the five great sacrifices
and many others, at all of which the presents unto Brahmanas were large.
The heart of that monarch, O king, was always set upon sacrifices,
religious rites, and gifts of all kinds. And king Swetaki of great
intelligence, assisted by his Ritwiks performed sacrifices for many long
years, till those sacrificial priests with eyes afflicted by the
continued smoke and becoming very weak, left that monarch, wishing never
more to assist at his sacrifices. The king, however, repeatedly asked
those Ritwiks to come to him. But they came not to his sacrifice in
consequence of the painful state of their eyes. The king, therefore,
invited at the command of his own Ritwiks, others like unto them, and
completed the sacrifice that he had begun. After some days had elapsed,
king Swetaki desired to perform another sacrifice which should extend for
a hundred years. But the illustrious monarch obtained not any priest to
assist him in it. The celebrated king then, with his friends and
relatives, casting off all sloth, repeatedly courted his priests with
great persistence, by bowing down unto them, by conciliatory speeches,
and by gifts of wealth. All of them, however, refused to accomplish the
purpose which that king of immeasurable energy had in view. Then that
royal sage, getting angry, addressed those Brahmanas sitting in their
asylums, and said, 'If, the Brahmanas, I were a fallen person, or, if, I
were wanting in homage and service to you, I should then deserve to be
abandoned without scruple by you and by other Brahmanas at the same time.
But as I am neither degraded nor wanting in homage to you, it behoveth
you not to obstruct the performance by me of my sacrifice or to abandon
me thus, the foremost of Brahmanas, without adequate reason. I seek, ye
Brahmanas, your protection! It behoveth you to be propitious unto me.
But, the foremost of Brahmanas, if you abandon me from enmity alone or any
improper motive, I shall go unto other priests for their assistance in
this sacrifice of mine, and conciliating them by sweet words and gifts, I
shall represent unto them the business I have on hand, so that they may
accomplish it.' Having said this, the monarch became silent. And, O
chastiser of foes, when those priests well knew that they could not
assist at the king's sacrifice, they pretended to be angry, and
addressing that best of monarchs said, 'O best of kings, your sacrifices
are incessant! By assisting you always, we have all been fatigued. And
as we have been wearied in consequence of these labours, it behoveth thee
to give us leave. O sinless one, from loss of judgment you canst not
wait (but urgest us repeatedly). Go unto Rudra! He will assist at thy
sacrifice!' Hearing those words of censure and wrath, king Swetaki became
angry. And the monarch wending to the mountains of Kailasa, devoted
himself to asceticism there. And, O king, the monarch began to worship
Mahadeva, with fixed attention, and by observing the most rigid vows. And
foregoing all food at times, he passed a long period. The monarch ate
only fruits and roots sometimes at the twelfth and sometimes at the
sixteenth hour of the whole day. King Swetaki stood for six months, rapt
in attention, with arms upraised and steadfast eyes, like the trunk of a
tree or a column rooted to the ground. And, O Bharata, Sankara at last
gratified with that tiger among kings, who was undergoing such hard
penances, showed himself unto him. And the god spake unto the monarch in
a calm and grave voice, saying, 'O tiger among kings, O chastiser of
foes, I have been gratified with you for your asceticism! Blest be thou!
Ask now the boon that thou, O king, desirest.' Hearing these words of
Rudra of immeasurable energy, the royal sage bowed unto that deity and
replied, saying, 'O illustrious one, O you that are worshipped by the
three worlds, if you hast been gratified with me, then, O god of gods,
assist me thyself, O lord of the celestials, in my sacrifice!' Hearing
these words spoken by the monarch, the illustrious god was gratified, and
smilingly said, 'We do not ourselves assist at sacrifices: but as thou, O
king, hast undergone severe penances, desirous of obtaining a boon, I
will, O chastiser of foes, assist at your sacrifice, upon, O king, this
condition.' And Rudra continued, 'If, O king of kings, you canst, for
twelve years, pour without intermission libations of clarified butter
into the fire, thyself leading all the while the life of a Brahmacharin
with rapt attention, then you shalt obtain from me what you askest.'
King Swetaki, thus addressed by Rudra, did all that he was directed to do
by the wielder of the trident. And after twelve years had elapsed, he
again came unto Maheswara. And Sankara, the Creator of the worlds upon
seeing Swetaki, that excellent monarch, immediately said, in great
gratification, 'I have been gratified by thee, O best of kings, with this
thy own act! But, O chastiser of foes, the duty of assisting at
sacrifices properly belongeth to Brahmanas. Therefore, O oppressor of
foes, I will not myself assist at your sacrifice today. There is on earth
an exalted Brahmana who is even a portion of my own self. He is known by
the name of Durvasa. Even that Brahmana endued with great energy will
assist you in your sacrifice. Let, therefore, every preparation be made.'
Hearing these words uttered by Rudra, the king, returning to his own
capital, began to collect all that was necessary. After everything had
been collected, the monarch again presented himself before Rudra and
said, 'Every necessary article hath been collected, and all my
preparations are complete, through your grace, O god of gods! Let me,
therefore, be installed at the sacrifice tomorrow.' Having heard these
words of that illustrious king, Rudra summoned Durvasa before him and
said. 'This, O Durvasa, is that best of monarchs called Swetaki. At my
command, O best of Brahmanas, assist even this king in his sacrifice.'
And the Rishi Durvasa said unto Rudra, 'So be it.' Then the sacrifice for
which king Swetaki had made those preparations, took place. And the
illustrious monarch's sacrifice was performed according to the ordinance
and in proper season. And the gifts, on that occasion, unto the Brahmanas
were large. And after that monarch's sacrifice had come to an end, all
the other priests who had come to assist at it went away with Durvasa's
leave. All other Sadasyas also of immeasurable energy, who had been
installed at that sacrifice, then went away. That exalted monarch then
entered his own palace, worshipped by exalted Brahmanas conversant with
the Vedas, eulogised by chanters of panegyrical hymns and congratulated
by the citizens.
"Such was the history of that best of monarchs, the royal sage Swetaki,
who, when the time came, ascended to heaven, having won great renown on
earth, and accompanied by the Ritwiks and the Sadasyas that had helped
him in life.'
"Vaisampayana continued, 'At that sacrifice of Swetaki, Agni had drunk
clarified butter for twelve years. Indeed, clarified butter had been
poured into Agni's mouth in a continuous stream for that period. Having
drunk so much butter, Agni, satiated, desired not to drink butter again
from the hand of anybody else at any other sacrifice. Agni became pale,
having lost his colour, and he could not shine as before. He felt a loss
of appetite from surfeit, and his energy itself decreased and sickness
afflicted him. Then when the drinker of sacrificial libations perceived
that his energy was gradually diminishing, he went to the sacred abode of
Brahman that is worshipped by all. Approaching the great Deity seated on
his seat, Agni said, 'O exalted one, Swetaki hath (by his sacrifice)
gratified me to excess. Even now I am suffering from surfeit which I
cannot dispel. O Lord of the universe, I am being reduced both in
splendour and strength. I desire to regain, through your grace, my own
permanent nature.' Hearing these words from Hutavaha, the illustrious
Creator of all things smilingly replied unto him, saying, 'O exalted one,
thou hast eaten, for twelve years, a continuous stream of sacrificial
butter poured into your mouth! It is for this that illness hath seized
thee. But, O Agni, grieve not for it. Thou shalt soon regain your own
nature. I shall dispel this surfeit of yours and the time for it is even
come. The dreadful forest Khandava, that abode of the enemies of the
gods, which you had of old once consumed to ashes at the request of
the gods, hath now become the home of numerous creatures. When you will
have eaten the fat of those creatures, you shalt regain your own nature.
Proceed thither in haste to consume that forest with its living
population. Thou wilt then be cured of your malady.' Hearing the words
that fell from the lips of the Supreme Deity, Hutasana proceeded with
great speed and soon reached the forest of Khandava in great vigour.
Arrived there, he suddenly blazed forth in anger, assisted by Vayu.
Beholding Khandava on fire the dwellers (in the forest) that were there,
made great efforts to extinguish the conflagration. Elephants by hundreds
of thousands, speeding in anger, brought water in their trunks and
scattered it upon the fire. Thousands of many-hooded snakes, mad with
anger, hastily began to scatter upon fire much water from those many
hoods of theirs. And so, O bull of Bharata's race, the other creatures
dwelling in that forest, by various appliances and efforts, soon
extinguished the fire. In this way, Agni blazed forth in Khandava
repeatedly, even for seven times. And it was in this way that the blazing
fire was extinguished there as often by the denizens of that forest.'"
--------------------END OF PARVA 1 : UPA-PARVA 225 ---------------------
(Khandava-daha Parva continued)
"Vaisampayana said, 'Then that Brahmana addressed Arjuna and Vasudeva of
the Satwata race, saying, 'Ye who are now staying so near unto Khandava
are the two foremost of heroes on earth. I am a voracious Brahmana that
always eateth much. O you of the Vrishni race, and O Partha, I solicit
you to gratify me by giving me sufficient food.' Thus addressed by the
Brahmana, Krishna and the son of Pandu answered him, saying, 'O, tell us
what kind of food will gratify you so that we may endeavour to give it
thee.' The illustrious Brahmana, thus replied to, said unto those heroes
who were enquiring after the kind of food he sought, 'I do not desire to
eat ordinary food. Know that I am Agni! Give me that food which suiteth
me. This forest of Khandava is always protected by Indra. And as it is
protected by the illustrious one, I always fail to consume it. In that
forest dwelleth, with his followers and family, a Naga, called Takshaka,
who is the friend of Indra. It is for him that the wielder of the
thunderbolt protecteth this forest. Many other creatures also are thus
protected here for the sake of Takshaka. Desiring to consume the forest I
succeed not in my attempts in consequence of Indra's prowess. Beholding
me blazing forth, he always poureth upon me water from the clouds.
Therefore, I succeed not in consuming the forest of Khandava, although I
desire very much to do so. I have now come to you--you who are both
skilled in weapons! If you help me I will surely consume this forest: for
even this is the food that is desired by me! As the are conversant with
excellent weapons, I pray you to prevent those showers from descending
and any of the creatures from escaping, when I begin to consume this
forest!'
"Janamejaya said, 'Why did the illustrious Agni desire to consume the
forest of Khandava that was filled with various living creatures and
protected by the chief of the celestials? When Agni consumed in wrath the
forest of Khandava, it is evident there was a grave cause. I desire, O
Brahmana, to hear all this in detail from thee. Tell me, O sage, how the
Khandava forest was consumed in days of yore.'
"Vaisampayana said, 'O chief of men, I will narrate to you the story of
the conflagration of Khandava as told by Rishis in the Purana. It hath
been heard, O king, in the Purana that there was a celebrated king of the
name of Swetaki who was endued with strength and prowess and who was
equal unto Indra himself. No one on earth has equalled him in sacrifices,
charity, and intelligence. Swetaki performed the five great sacrifices
and many others, at all of which the presents unto Brahmanas were large.
The heart of that monarch, O king, was always set upon sacrifices,
religious rites, and gifts of all kinds. And king Swetaki of great
intelligence, assisted by his Ritwiks performed sacrifices for many long
years, till those sacrificial priests with eyes afflicted by the
continued smoke and becoming very weak, left that monarch, wishing never
more to assist at his sacrifices. The king, however, repeatedly asked
those Ritwiks to come to him. But they came not to his sacrifice in
consequence of the painful state of their eyes. The king, therefore,
invited at the command of his own Ritwiks, others like unto them, and
completed the sacrifice that he had begun. After some days had elapsed,
king Swetaki desired to perform another sacrifice which should extend for
a hundred years. But the illustrious monarch obtained not any priest to
assist him in it. The celebrated king then, with his friends and
relatives, casting off all sloth, repeatedly courted his priests with
great persistence, by bowing down unto them, by conciliatory speeches,
and by gifts of wealth. All of them, however, refused to accomplish the
purpose which that king of immeasurable energy had in view. Then that
royal sage, getting angry, addressed those Brahmanas sitting in their
asylums, and said, 'If, the Brahmanas, I were a fallen person, or, if, I
were wanting in homage and service to you, I should then deserve to be
abandoned without scruple by you and by other Brahmanas at the same time.
But as I am neither degraded nor wanting in homage to you, it behoveth
you not to obstruct the performance by me of my sacrifice or to abandon
me thus, the foremost of Brahmanas, without adequate reason. I seek, ye
Brahmanas, your protection! It behoveth you to be propitious unto me.
But, the foremost of Brahmanas, if you abandon me from enmity alone or any
improper motive, I shall go unto other priests for their assistance in
this sacrifice of mine, and conciliating them by sweet words and gifts, I
shall represent unto them the business I have on hand, so that they may
accomplish it.' Having said this, the monarch became silent. And, O
chastiser of foes, when those priests well knew that they could not
assist at the king's sacrifice, they pretended to be angry, and
addressing that best of monarchs said, 'O best of kings, your sacrifices
are incessant! By assisting you always, we have all been fatigued. And
as we have been wearied in consequence of these labours, it behoveth thee
to give us leave. O sinless one, from loss of judgment you canst not
wait (but urgest us repeatedly). Go unto Rudra! He will assist at thy
sacrifice!' Hearing those words of censure and wrath, king Swetaki became
angry. And the monarch wending to the mountains of Kailasa, devoted
himself to asceticism there. And, O king, the monarch began to worship
Mahadeva, with fixed attention, and by observing the most rigid vows. And
foregoing all food at times, he passed a long period. The monarch ate
only fruits and roots sometimes at the twelfth and sometimes at the
sixteenth hour of the whole day. King Swetaki stood for six months, rapt
in attention, with arms upraised and steadfast eyes, like the trunk of a
tree or a column rooted to the ground. And, O Bharata, Sankara at last
gratified with that tiger among kings, who was undergoing such hard
penances, showed himself unto him. And the god spake unto the monarch in
a calm and grave voice, saying, 'O tiger among kings, O chastiser of
foes, I have been gratified with you for your asceticism! Blest be thou!
Ask now the boon that thou, O king, desirest.' Hearing these words of
Rudra of immeasurable energy, the royal sage bowed unto that deity and
replied, saying, 'O illustrious one, O you that are worshipped by the
three worlds, if you hast been gratified with me, then, O god of gods,
assist me thyself, O lord of the celestials, in my sacrifice!' Hearing
these words spoken by the monarch, the illustrious god was gratified, and
smilingly said, 'We do not ourselves assist at sacrifices: but as thou, O
king, hast undergone severe penances, desirous of obtaining a boon, I
will, O chastiser of foes, assist at your sacrifice, upon, O king, this
condition.' And Rudra continued, 'If, O king of kings, you canst, for
twelve years, pour without intermission libations of clarified butter
into the fire, thyself leading all the while the life of a Brahmacharin
with rapt attention, then you shalt obtain from me what you askest.'
King Swetaki, thus addressed by Rudra, did all that he was directed to do
by the wielder of the trident. And after twelve years had elapsed, he
again came unto Maheswara. And Sankara, the Creator of the worlds upon
seeing Swetaki, that excellent monarch, immediately said, in great
gratification, 'I have been gratified by thee, O best of kings, with this
thy own act! But, O chastiser of foes, the duty of assisting at
sacrifices properly belongeth to Brahmanas. Therefore, O oppressor of
foes, I will not myself assist at your sacrifice today. There is on earth
an exalted Brahmana who is even a portion of my own self. He is known by
the name of Durvasa. Even that Brahmana endued with great energy will
assist you in your sacrifice. Let, therefore, every preparation be made.'
Hearing these words uttered by Rudra, the king, returning to his own
capital, began to collect all that was necessary. After everything had
been collected, the monarch again presented himself before Rudra and
said, 'Every necessary article hath been collected, and all my
preparations are complete, through your grace, O god of gods! Let me,
therefore, be installed at the sacrifice tomorrow.' Having heard these
words of that illustrious king, Rudra summoned Durvasa before him and
said. 'This, O Durvasa, is that best of monarchs called Swetaki. At my
command, O best of Brahmanas, assist even this king in his sacrifice.'
And the Rishi Durvasa said unto Rudra, 'So be it.' Then the sacrifice for
which king Swetaki had made those preparations, took place. And the
illustrious monarch's sacrifice was performed according to the ordinance
and in proper season. And the gifts, on that occasion, unto the Brahmanas
were large. And after that monarch's sacrifice had come to an end, all
the other priests who had come to assist at it went away with Durvasa's
leave. All other Sadasyas also of immeasurable energy, who had been
installed at that sacrifice, then went away. That exalted monarch then
entered his own palace, worshipped by exalted Brahmanas conversant with
the Vedas, eulogised by chanters of panegyrical hymns and congratulated
by the citizens.
"Such was the history of that best of monarchs, the royal sage Swetaki,
who, when the time came, ascended to heaven, having won great renown on
earth, and accompanied by the Ritwiks and the Sadasyas that had helped
him in life.'
"Vaisampayana continued, 'At that sacrifice of Swetaki, Agni had drunk
clarified butter for twelve years. Indeed, clarified butter had been
poured into Agni's mouth in a continuous stream for that period. Having
drunk so much butter, Agni, satiated, desired not to drink butter again
from the hand of anybody else at any other sacrifice. Agni became pale,
having lost his colour, and he could not shine as before. He felt a loss
of appetite from surfeit, and his energy itself decreased and sickness
afflicted him. Then when the drinker of sacrificial libations perceived
that his energy was gradually diminishing, he went to the sacred abode of
Brahman that is worshipped by all. Approaching the great Deity seated on
his seat, Agni said, 'O exalted one, Swetaki hath (by his sacrifice)
gratified me to excess. Even now I am suffering from surfeit which I
cannot dispel. O Lord of the universe, I am being reduced both in
splendour and strength. I desire to regain, through your grace, my own
permanent nature.' Hearing these words from Hutavaha, the illustrious
Creator of all things smilingly replied unto him, saying, 'O exalted one,
thou hast eaten, for twelve years, a continuous stream of sacrificial
butter poured into your mouth! It is for this that illness hath seized
thee. But, O Agni, grieve not for it. Thou shalt soon regain your own
nature. I shall dispel this surfeit of yours and the time for it is even
come. The dreadful forest Khandava, that abode of the enemies of the
gods, which you had of old once consumed to ashes at the request of
the gods, hath now become the home of numerous creatures. When you will
have eaten the fat of those creatures, you shalt regain your own nature.
Proceed thither in haste to consume that forest with its living
population. Thou wilt then be cured of your malady.' Hearing the words
that fell from the lips of the Supreme Deity, Hutasana proceeded with
great speed and soon reached the forest of Khandava in great vigour.
Arrived there, he suddenly blazed forth in anger, assisted by Vayu.
Beholding Khandava on fire the dwellers (in the forest) that were there,
made great efforts to extinguish the conflagration. Elephants by hundreds
of thousands, speeding in anger, brought water in their trunks and
scattered it upon the fire. Thousands of many-hooded snakes, mad with
anger, hastily began to scatter upon fire much water from those many
hoods of theirs. And so, O bull of Bharata's race, the other creatures
dwelling in that forest, by various appliances and efforts, soon
extinguished the fire. In this way, Agni blazed forth in Khandava
repeatedly, even for seven times. And it was in this way that the blazing
fire was extinguished there as often by the denizens of that forest.'"
--------------------END OF PARVA 1 : UPA-PARVA 225 ---------------------
Parva 01 224
SECTION CCXXIV
(Khandava-daha Parva)
"Vaisampayana said, 'The Pandavas, after they had taken up their abode at
Indraprastha at the command of Dhritarashtra and Bhishma began to bring
other kings under their sway. All the subjects (of the kingdom) lived
most happily depending upon Yudhishthira the just, like a soul living
happily depending upon a body blest with auspicious marks and pious
deeds. And, O bull in Bharata's race, Yudhishthira paid homage unto
virtue, pleasure, and profit, in judicious proportion, as if each were a
friend dear unto him as his own self. It seemed as if the three
pursuits--virtue, pleasure, and profit--became personified on earth, and
amongst them the king shone as a fourth. The subjects having obtained
Yudhishthira as their king, obtained in their monarch one that was
devoted to the study of the Vedas, one that was performer of the great
sacrifices, and one that was protector of all good people. In consequence
of Yudhishthira's influence, the good fortune of all the monarchs of the
earth became stationary, and their hearts became devoted to the
meditation of the Supreme Spirit, and virtue itself began to grow every
way all round. And in the midst of and assisted by his four brothers, the
king looked more resplendent (than he would have done if he were alone),
like a great sacrifice depending upon and assisted by the four Vedas.
Many learned Brahmanas with Dhananjaya at their head, each like unto
Vrihaspati, waited upon the monarch, like the celestials waiting upon the
Lord of the creation. From excess of affection, the eyes and hearts of
all the people equally took great delight in Yudhishthira who was even as
the full moon without a stain. The people took delight in him not only
because he was their king but also from sincere affection. The king
always did what was agreeable to them. The sweet-speeched Yudhishthira of
great intelligence never uttered anything that was improper or untrue or
unbearable or disagreeable. The best of monarchs of the Bharata race,
endued with great energy, passed his days happily for the welfare of all
as his own. His brothers also bringing by their energy other kings under
their sway, passed their days in happiness, without a foe to disturb
their peace.
"After a few days, Vibhatsu, addressing Krishna, said, 'The summer days
have set in, O Krishna! Therefore, let us go to the banks of the Yamuna.
O slayer of Madhu, sporting there in the company of friends, we will, O
Janardana, return in the evening'. Thereupon Vasudeva said, 'O son of
Kunti, this is also my wish. Let us, O Partha, sport in the waters as we
please, in the company of friends.'
"Vaisampayana continued, 'Then, O Bharata, having consulted thus with
each other, Partha and Govinda, with Yudhishthira's leave, set out,
surrounded by friends. Reaching a fine spot (on the banks of the Yamuna)
suitable for purposes of pleasure, overgrown with numerous tall trees and
covered with several high mansions that made the place look like the
celestial city and within which had been collected for Krishna and Partha
numerous costly and well-flavoured viands and drinks and other articles
of enjoyment and floral wreaths and various perfumes, the party entered
without delay the inner apartments adorned with many precious gems of
pure rays. Entering those apartments, everybody, O Bharata, began to
sport, according to his pleasure. The women of the party, all of full
rotund hips and deep bosoms and handsome eyes, and gait unsteady with
wine began to sport there at the command of Krishna and Partha. Some
amongst the women sported as they liked in the woods, some in the waters,
and some within the mansions, as directed by Partha and Govinda. Draupadi
and Subhadra, exhilarated with wine, began to give away unto the women so
sporting, their costly robes and ornaments. And some amongst those women
began to dance in joy, and some began to sing; and some amongst them
began to laugh and jest, and some to drink excellent wines. Some began to
obstruct one another's progress and some to fight with one another, and
to discourse with one another in private. Those mansions and the woods,
filled with the charming music of flutes and guitars and kettledrums,
became the scene of Prosperity personified.
"When such was the state of things there, Arjuna and Vasudeva went to a
certain charming spot (in those woods) not far from the place where the
others were. O monarch, the high-souled Krishna, and that subjugators of
hostile cities, viz., Arjuna, going thither, sat down upon two very
costly seats. Vasudeva and Partha amused themselves there with
discoursing upon many past achievements of prowess and other topics. Unto
Vasudeva and Dhananjaya happily sitting there like the Aswins in heaven,
a certain Brahmana came. The Brahmana that came there looked like a tall
Sala tree. His complexion was like unto molten gold; his beard was bright
yellow tinged with green; and the height and the thickness of the body
were in just proportion. Of matted locks and dressed in rags, he
resembled the morning sun in splendour. Of eyes like lotus-petals and of
a tawny hue, he seemed to be blazing with effulgence. Beholding that
foremost of Brahmanas blazing with splendour approach towards them both
Arjuna and Vasudeva, hastily rising from their seats, stood, waiting (for
his commands).'"
--------------------END OF PARVA 1 : UPA-PARVA 224 ---------------------
(Khandava-daha Parva)
"Vaisampayana said, 'The Pandavas, after they had taken up their abode at
Indraprastha at the command of Dhritarashtra and Bhishma began to bring
other kings under their sway. All the subjects (of the kingdom) lived
most happily depending upon Yudhishthira the just, like a soul living
happily depending upon a body blest with auspicious marks and pious
deeds. And, O bull in Bharata's race, Yudhishthira paid homage unto
virtue, pleasure, and profit, in judicious proportion, as if each were a
friend dear unto him as his own self. It seemed as if the three
pursuits--virtue, pleasure, and profit--became personified on earth, and
amongst them the king shone as a fourth. The subjects having obtained
Yudhishthira as their king, obtained in their monarch one that was
devoted to the study of the Vedas, one that was performer of the great
sacrifices, and one that was protector of all good people. In consequence
of Yudhishthira's influence, the good fortune of all the monarchs of the
earth became stationary, and their hearts became devoted to the
meditation of the Supreme Spirit, and virtue itself began to grow every
way all round. And in the midst of and assisted by his four brothers, the
king looked more resplendent (than he would have done if he were alone),
like a great sacrifice depending upon and assisted by the four Vedas.
Many learned Brahmanas with Dhananjaya at their head, each like unto
Vrihaspati, waited upon the monarch, like the celestials waiting upon the
Lord of the creation. From excess of affection, the eyes and hearts of
all the people equally took great delight in Yudhishthira who was even as
the full moon without a stain. The people took delight in him not only
because he was their king but also from sincere affection. The king
always did what was agreeable to them. The sweet-speeched Yudhishthira of
great intelligence never uttered anything that was improper or untrue or
unbearable or disagreeable. The best of monarchs of the Bharata race,
endued with great energy, passed his days happily for the welfare of all
as his own. His brothers also bringing by their energy other kings under
their sway, passed their days in happiness, without a foe to disturb
their peace.
"After a few days, Vibhatsu, addressing Krishna, said, 'The summer days
have set in, O Krishna! Therefore, let us go to the banks of the Yamuna.
O slayer of Madhu, sporting there in the company of friends, we will, O
Janardana, return in the evening'. Thereupon Vasudeva said, 'O son of
Kunti, this is also my wish. Let us, O Partha, sport in the waters as we
please, in the company of friends.'
"Vaisampayana continued, 'Then, O Bharata, having consulted thus with
each other, Partha and Govinda, with Yudhishthira's leave, set out,
surrounded by friends. Reaching a fine spot (on the banks of the Yamuna)
suitable for purposes of pleasure, overgrown with numerous tall trees and
covered with several high mansions that made the place look like the
celestial city and within which had been collected for Krishna and Partha
numerous costly and well-flavoured viands and drinks and other articles
of enjoyment and floral wreaths and various perfumes, the party entered
without delay the inner apartments adorned with many precious gems of
pure rays. Entering those apartments, everybody, O Bharata, began to
sport, according to his pleasure. The women of the party, all of full
rotund hips and deep bosoms and handsome eyes, and gait unsteady with
wine began to sport there at the command of Krishna and Partha. Some
amongst the women sported as they liked in the woods, some in the waters,
and some within the mansions, as directed by Partha and Govinda. Draupadi
and Subhadra, exhilarated with wine, began to give away unto the women so
sporting, their costly robes and ornaments. And some amongst those women
began to dance in joy, and some began to sing; and some amongst them
began to laugh and jest, and some to drink excellent wines. Some began to
obstruct one another's progress and some to fight with one another, and
to discourse with one another in private. Those mansions and the woods,
filled with the charming music of flutes and guitars and kettledrums,
became the scene of Prosperity personified.
"When such was the state of things there, Arjuna and Vasudeva went to a
certain charming spot (in those woods) not far from the place where the
others were. O monarch, the high-souled Krishna, and that subjugators of
hostile cities, viz., Arjuna, going thither, sat down upon two very
costly seats. Vasudeva and Partha amused themselves there with
discoursing upon many past achievements of prowess and other topics. Unto
Vasudeva and Dhananjaya happily sitting there like the Aswins in heaven,
a certain Brahmana came. The Brahmana that came there looked like a tall
Sala tree. His complexion was like unto molten gold; his beard was bright
yellow tinged with green; and the height and the thickness of the body
were in just proportion. Of matted locks and dressed in rags, he
resembled the morning sun in splendour. Of eyes like lotus-petals and of
a tawny hue, he seemed to be blazing with effulgence. Beholding that
foremost of Brahmanas blazing with splendour approach towards them both
Arjuna and Vasudeva, hastily rising from their seats, stood, waiting (for
his commands).'"
--------------------END OF PARVA 1 : UPA-PARVA 224 ---------------------
Parva 01 223
SECTION CCXXIII
(Haranaharana Parva)
"Vaisampayana said, 'When the heroes of the Vrishni race began to speak
repeatedly in this strain, Vasudeva uttered these words pregnant with
deep import and consistent with true morality. Gudakesa (the conqueror of
sleep or he of the curly hair), by what he hath done, hath not insulted
our family. He hath without doubt, rather enhanced our respect. Partha
knoweth that we of the Satwata race are never mercenary. The son of Pandu
also regardeth a self-choice as doubtful in its results. Who also would
approve of accepting a bride in gift as if she were an animal? What man
again is there on earth that would sell his offspring? I think Arjuna,
seeing these faults in all the other methods took the maiden away by
force, according to the ordinance. This alliance is very proper. Subhadra
is a renowned girl. Partha too possesseth renown. Perhaps, thinking of
all this, Arjuna hath taken her away by force. Who is there that would
not desire to have Arjuna for a friend, who is born in the race of
Bharata and the renowned Santanu, and the son also of the daughter of
Kuntibhoja? I do not see, in all the worlds with Indra and the Rudras,
the person that can by force vanquish Partha in battle, except the
three-eyed god Mahadeva. His car is well-known. Yoked thereunto are those
steeds of mine. Partha as a warrior is well-known; and his lightness of
hand is well-known. Who shall be equal to him? Even this is my opinion:
go the cheerfully after Dhananjaya and by conciliation stop him and bring
him back. If Partha goes to his city after having vanquished us by force,
our fame will be gone. There is no disgrace, however, in conciliation.'
Hearing, O monarch, those words of Vasudeva, they did as he directed.
Stopped by them, Arjuna returned to Dwaraka and was united in marriage
with Subhadra. Worshipped by the sons of Vrishni's race, Arjuna, sporting
there as he pleased, passed a whole year in Dwaraka. The last year of his
exile the exalted one passed at the sacred region of Pushkara. After the
twelve years were complete he came back to Khandavaprastha. He approached
the king first and then worshipped the Brahmanas with respectful
attention. At last the hero went unto Draupadi. Draupadi, from jealousy,
spoke unto him, saying, 'Why tarriest you here, O son of Kunti? Go where
the daughter of the Satwata race is! A second tie always relaxeth the
first one upon a faggot!' And Krishna lamented much in this strain. But
Dhananjaya pacified her repeatedly and asked for her forgiveness. And
returning soon unto where Subhadra, attired in red silk, was staying,
Arjuna, sent her into the inner apartments dressed not as a queen but in
the simple garb of a cowherd woman. But arrived at the palace, the
renowned Subhadra looked handsomer in that dress. The celebrated Bhadra
of large and slightly red eyes first worshipped Pritha. Kunti from excess
of affection smelt the head of that girl of perfectly faultless features,
and pronounced infinite blessing upon her. Then that girl of face like
the full moon hastily went unto Draupadi and worshipped her, saying, 'I
am your maid!' Krishna rose hastily and embraced the sister of Madhava
from affection, and said, 'Let your husband be without a foe!' Bhadra
then, with a delighted heart, said unto Draupadi, 'So be it!' From that
time, O Janamejaya, those great warriors, the Pandavas, began to live
happily, and Kunti also became very happy.'
"Vaisampayana continued, 'When that scorcher of foes, viz., Kesava of
pure soul and eyes, like lotus-petals, heard that the foremost of the
Pandavas, viz., Arjuna, had reached his own excellent city of
Indraprastha, he came thither accompanied by Rama and the other heroes
and great warriors of the Vrishni and the Andhaka tribes, and by his
brothers and sons and many other brave warriors. And Saurin came
accompanied by a large army that protected him. And there came with
Saurin, that oppressor of foes, viz., the exceedingly liberal Akrura of
great intelligence and renown, the generalissimo of the brave Vrishni
host. And there also came Anadhrishti of great prowess, and Uddhava of
great renown, of great intelligence, of great soul, and a disciple of
Vrihaspati himself. And there also came Satyaka and Salyaka and
Kritavarman and Satwata; and Pradyumna and Samva and Nisatha and Sanku;
and Charudeshna, and Jhilli of great prowess, and Viprithu also and
Sarana of mighty arms and Gada, the foremost of learned men. These and
many other Vrishnis and Bhojas, and Andhakas came to Indraprastha,
bringing with them many nuptial presents. King Yudhishthira, hearing that
Madhava had arrived, sent the twins out to receive him. Received by them,
the Vrishni host of great prosperity entered Khandavaprastha well-adorned
with flags and ensigns. The streets were well-swept and watered and
decked with floral wreaths and bunches. These were, again, sprinkled over
with sandalwood water that was fragrant and cooling. Every part of the
town was filled with the sweet scent of burning aloes. And the city was
full of joyous and healthy people and adorned with merchants and traders.
That best of men, viz., Kesava of mighty arms, accompanied by Rama and
many of the Vrishnis, Andhakas and Bhojas, having entered the town, was
worshipped by the citizens and Brahmanas by thousands. At last Kesava
entered the palace of the king which was like unto the mansion of Indra
himself. Beholding Rama, Yudhishthira received him with due ceremonies.
The king smelt the head of Kesava and embraced him. Govinda, gratified
with the reception, humbly worshipped Yudhishthira. He also paid homage
unto Bhima, that tiger among men. Yudhishthira the son of Kunti then
received the other principal men of the Vrishni and the Andhaka tribes
with due ceremonies. Yudhishthira reverentially worshipped some as his
superiors, and welcomed others as equals. And some he received with
affection and by some he was worshipped with reverence. Then Hrishikesa
of great renown gave unto the party of the bridegroom much wealth. And
unto Subhadra he gave the nuptial presents that had been given to her by
her relatives. Krishna gave unto the Pandavas a thousand cars of gold
furnished with rows of bells, and unto each of which were put four steeds
driven by well-trained charioteers. He also gave unto them ten thousand
cows belonging to the country of Mathura, and yielding much milk and all
of excellent colour. Well-pleased, Janardana also gave them a thousand
mares with gold harnesses and of colour white as the beams of the moon.
He also gave them a thousand mules, all well-trained and possessing the
speed of the wind, of white colour with black manes. And he of eyes like
lotus-petals also gave unto them a thousand damsels well-skilled in
assisting at bathing and at drinking, young in years and virgins all
before their first-season, well-attired and of excellent complexion, each
wearing a hundred pieces of gold around her neck, of skins perfectly
polished, decked with every ornament, and well-skilled in every kind of
personal service. Janardana also gave unto them hundreds of thousands of
draft horses from the country of the Valhikas as Subhadra's excellent
dower. That foremost one of Dasarha's race also gave unto Subhadra as her
peculium ten carrier-loads of first class gold possessing the splendour
of fire, some purified and some in a state of ore. And Rama having the
plough for his weapon and always loving bravery gave unto Arjuna, as a
nuptial present, a thousand elephants with secretions flowing in three
streams from the three parts of their bodies (the temple, the ears, and
the anus) each large as a mountain summit, irresistible in battle, decked
with coverlets and bells, well-adorned with other golden ornaments, and
equipped with excellent thrones on their backs. And that large wave of
wealth and gems that the Yadavas presented, together with the cloths and
blankets that represented its foam, and the elephants its alligators and
sharks, and the flags its floating weeds swelling into large proportions,
mingled with the Pandu ocean and filled it to the brim, to the great
sorrow of all foes. Yudhishthira accepted all those presents and
worshipped all those great warriors of the Vrishni and the Andhaka races.
Those illustrious heroes of the Kuru, the Vrishni, and the Andhaka races
passed their days in pleasure and merriment there like virtuous men
(after death) in the celestial regions. The Kurus and the Vrishnis with
joyous hearts amused themselves there, setting up at times loud shouts
mingled with clappings of the hand. Spending many days in sports and
merriment there, and worshipped by the Kurus all the while, the Vrishni
heroes endued with great energy then returned to the city of Dwaravati.
And the great warriors of the Vrishni and the Andhaka races set out with
Rama in the van, carrying with them those gems of the purest rays that
had been given them by those foremost ones of Kuru's race. And, O
Bharata, the high-souled Vasudeva remained there with Arjuna in the
delightful city of Indraprastha. And the illustrious one wandered over
the banks of the Yamuna in search of deer. And he sported with Arjuna
piercing with his shafts deer and wild boars. Then Subhadra, the
favourite sister of Kesava, gave birth to an illustrious son, like
Puloma's daughter, (the queen of heaven) bringing forth Jayanta. And the
son that Subhadra brought forth was of long arms, broad chest, and eyes
as large as those of a bull. That hero and oppressor of foes came to be
called Abhimanyu. And the son of Arjuna, that grinder of foes and bull
among men, was called Abhimanyu because he was fearless and wrathful. And
that great warrior was begotten upon the daughter of the Satwata race by
Dhananjaya, like fire produced in a sacrifice from within the sami wood
by the process of rubbing. Upon the birth of this child, Yudhishthira,
the powerful son of Kunti, gave away unto Brahmanas ten thousand cows and
coins of gold. The child from his earliest years became the favourite of
Vasudeva and of his father and uncles, like the moon of all the people of
the world. Upon his birth, Krishna performed the usual rites of infancy.
The child began to grow up like the Moon of the bright fortnight. That
grinder of foes soon became conversant with the Vedas and acquired from
his father the science of weapon both celestial and human, consisting of
four branches and ten divisions.
"Endued with great strength, the child also acquired the knowledge of
counteracting the weapons hurled at him by others, and great lightness of
hand and fleetness of motion forward and backward and transverse and
wheeling. Abhimanyu became like unto his father in knowledge of the
scriptures and rites of religion. And Dhananjaya, beholding his son,
became filled with joy. Like Maghavat beholding Arjuna, the latter beheld
his son Abhimanyu and became exceedingly happy. Abhimanyu possessed the
power of slaying every foe and bore on his person every auspicious mark.
He was invisible in battle and broad-shouldered as the bull. Possessing a
broad face as (the hood of) the snake, he was proud like the lion.
Wielding a large bow, his prowess was like that of an elephant in rut.
Possessed of a face handsome as the full-moon, and of a voice deep as the
sound of the drum or the clouds, he was equal unto Krishna in bravery and
energy, in beauty and in features. The auspicious Panchali also, from her
five husbands, obtained five sons all of whom were heroes of the foremost
rank and immovable in battle like the hills. Prativindhya by
Yudhishthira, Sutasoma by Vrikodara, Srutakarman by Arjuna, Satanika by
Nakula, and Srutasena by Sahadeva,--these were the five heroes and great
warriors that Panchali brought forth, like Aditi bringing forth the
Adityas. And the Brahmanas, from their foreknowledge, said unto
Yudhishthira that as the son of his would be capable of bearing like the
Vindhya mountains the weapons of the foe, he should be called
Prativindhya. And because the child that Draupadi bore to Bhimasena was
born after Bhima had performed a thousand Soma sacrifices, he came to be
called Sutasoma. And because Arjuna's son was born upon his return from
exile during which he had achieved many celebrated feats, that child came
to be called Srutakarman. While Nakula named his son Satanika after a
royal sage of that name, in the illustrious race of Kuru. Again the son
that Draupadi bore to Sahadeva was born under the constellation called
Vahni-daivata (Krittika), therefore was he called after the generalissimo
of the celestial host, Srutasena (Kartikeya). The sons of Draupadi were
born, each at the interval of one year, and all of them became renowned
and much attached to one another. And, O monarch, all their rites of
infancy and childhood, such as Chudakarana and Upanayana (first shave of
the head and investiture with the sacred threads) were performed by
Dhaumya according to the ordinance. All of them, of excellent behaviour
and vows, after having studied the Vedas, acquired from Arjuna a
knowledge of all the weapons, celestial and human. And, O tiger among
kings, the Pandavas, having obtained sons all of whom were equal unto the
children of the celestials and endued with broad chests, and all of whom
became great warriors, were filled with joy.'"
--------------------END OF PARVA 1 : UPA-PARVA 223 ---------------------
(Haranaharana Parva)
"Vaisampayana said, 'When the heroes of the Vrishni race began to speak
repeatedly in this strain, Vasudeva uttered these words pregnant with
deep import and consistent with true morality. Gudakesa (the conqueror of
sleep or he of the curly hair), by what he hath done, hath not insulted
our family. He hath without doubt, rather enhanced our respect. Partha
knoweth that we of the Satwata race are never mercenary. The son of Pandu
also regardeth a self-choice as doubtful in its results. Who also would
approve of accepting a bride in gift as if she were an animal? What man
again is there on earth that would sell his offspring? I think Arjuna,
seeing these faults in all the other methods took the maiden away by
force, according to the ordinance. This alliance is very proper. Subhadra
is a renowned girl. Partha too possesseth renown. Perhaps, thinking of
all this, Arjuna hath taken her away by force. Who is there that would
not desire to have Arjuna for a friend, who is born in the race of
Bharata and the renowned Santanu, and the son also of the daughter of
Kuntibhoja? I do not see, in all the worlds with Indra and the Rudras,
the person that can by force vanquish Partha in battle, except the
three-eyed god Mahadeva. His car is well-known. Yoked thereunto are those
steeds of mine. Partha as a warrior is well-known; and his lightness of
hand is well-known. Who shall be equal to him? Even this is my opinion:
go the cheerfully after Dhananjaya and by conciliation stop him and bring
him back. If Partha goes to his city after having vanquished us by force,
our fame will be gone. There is no disgrace, however, in conciliation.'
Hearing, O monarch, those words of Vasudeva, they did as he directed.
Stopped by them, Arjuna returned to Dwaraka and was united in marriage
with Subhadra. Worshipped by the sons of Vrishni's race, Arjuna, sporting
there as he pleased, passed a whole year in Dwaraka. The last year of his
exile the exalted one passed at the sacred region of Pushkara. After the
twelve years were complete he came back to Khandavaprastha. He approached
the king first and then worshipped the Brahmanas with respectful
attention. At last the hero went unto Draupadi. Draupadi, from jealousy,
spoke unto him, saying, 'Why tarriest you here, O son of Kunti? Go where
the daughter of the Satwata race is! A second tie always relaxeth the
first one upon a faggot!' And Krishna lamented much in this strain. But
Dhananjaya pacified her repeatedly and asked for her forgiveness. And
returning soon unto where Subhadra, attired in red silk, was staying,
Arjuna, sent her into the inner apartments dressed not as a queen but in
the simple garb of a cowherd woman. But arrived at the palace, the
renowned Subhadra looked handsomer in that dress. The celebrated Bhadra
of large and slightly red eyes first worshipped Pritha. Kunti from excess
of affection smelt the head of that girl of perfectly faultless features,
and pronounced infinite blessing upon her. Then that girl of face like
the full moon hastily went unto Draupadi and worshipped her, saying, 'I
am your maid!' Krishna rose hastily and embraced the sister of Madhava
from affection, and said, 'Let your husband be without a foe!' Bhadra
then, with a delighted heart, said unto Draupadi, 'So be it!' From that
time, O Janamejaya, those great warriors, the Pandavas, began to live
happily, and Kunti also became very happy.'
"Vaisampayana continued, 'When that scorcher of foes, viz., Kesava of
pure soul and eyes, like lotus-petals, heard that the foremost of the
Pandavas, viz., Arjuna, had reached his own excellent city of
Indraprastha, he came thither accompanied by Rama and the other heroes
and great warriors of the Vrishni and the Andhaka tribes, and by his
brothers and sons and many other brave warriors. And Saurin came
accompanied by a large army that protected him. And there came with
Saurin, that oppressor of foes, viz., the exceedingly liberal Akrura of
great intelligence and renown, the generalissimo of the brave Vrishni
host. And there also came Anadhrishti of great prowess, and Uddhava of
great renown, of great intelligence, of great soul, and a disciple of
Vrihaspati himself. And there also came Satyaka and Salyaka and
Kritavarman and Satwata; and Pradyumna and Samva and Nisatha and Sanku;
and Charudeshna, and Jhilli of great prowess, and Viprithu also and
Sarana of mighty arms and Gada, the foremost of learned men. These and
many other Vrishnis and Bhojas, and Andhakas came to Indraprastha,
bringing with them many nuptial presents. King Yudhishthira, hearing that
Madhava had arrived, sent the twins out to receive him. Received by them,
the Vrishni host of great prosperity entered Khandavaprastha well-adorned
with flags and ensigns. The streets were well-swept and watered and
decked with floral wreaths and bunches. These were, again, sprinkled over
with sandalwood water that was fragrant and cooling. Every part of the
town was filled with the sweet scent of burning aloes. And the city was
full of joyous and healthy people and adorned with merchants and traders.
That best of men, viz., Kesava of mighty arms, accompanied by Rama and
many of the Vrishnis, Andhakas and Bhojas, having entered the town, was
worshipped by the citizens and Brahmanas by thousands. At last Kesava
entered the palace of the king which was like unto the mansion of Indra
himself. Beholding Rama, Yudhishthira received him with due ceremonies.
The king smelt the head of Kesava and embraced him. Govinda, gratified
with the reception, humbly worshipped Yudhishthira. He also paid homage
unto Bhima, that tiger among men. Yudhishthira the son of Kunti then
received the other principal men of the Vrishni and the Andhaka tribes
with due ceremonies. Yudhishthira reverentially worshipped some as his
superiors, and welcomed others as equals. And some he received with
affection and by some he was worshipped with reverence. Then Hrishikesa
of great renown gave unto the party of the bridegroom much wealth. And
unto Subhadra he gave the nuptial presents that had been given to her by
her relatives. Krishna gave unto the Pandavas a thousand cars of gold
furnished with rows of bells, and unto each of which were put four steeds
driven by well-trained charioteers. He also gave unto them ten thousand
cows belonging to the country of Mathura, and yielding much milk and all
of excellent colour. Well-pleased, Janardana also gave them a thousand
mares with gold harnesses and of colour white as the beams of the moon.
He also gave them a thousand mules, all well-trained and possessing the
speed of the wind, of white colour with black manes. And he of eyes like
lotus-petals also gave unto them a thousand damsels well-skilled in
assisting at bathing and at drinking, young in years and virgins all
before their first-season, well-attired and of excellent complexion, each
wearing a hundred pieces of gold around her neck, of skins perfectly
polished, decked with every ornament, and well-skilled in every kind of
personal service. Janardana also gave unto them hundreds of thousands of
draft horses from the country of the Valhikas as Subhadra's excellent
dower. That foremost one of Dasarha's race also gave unto Subhadra as her
peculium ten carrier-loads of first class gold possessing the splendour
of fire, some purified and some in a state of ore. And Rama having the
plough for his weapon and always loving bravery gave unto Arjuna, as a
nuptial present, a thousand elephants with secretions flowing in three
streams from the three parts of their bodies (the temple, the ears, and
the anus) each large as a mountain summit, irresistible in battle, decked
with coverlets and bells, well-adorned with other golden ornaments, and
equipped with excellent thrones on their backs. And that large wave of
wealth and gems that the Yadavas presented, together with the cloths and
blankets that represented its foam, and the elephants its alligators and
sharks, and the flags its floating weeds swelling into large proportions,
mingled with the Pandu ocean and filled it to the brim, to the great
sorrow of all foes. Yudhishthira accepted all those presents and
worshipped all those great warriors of the Vrishni and the Andhaka races.
Those illustrious heroes of the Kuru, the Vrishni, and the Andhaka races
passed their days in pleasure and merriment there like virtuous men
(after death) in the celestial regions. The Kurus and the Vrishnis with
joyous hearts amused themselves there, setting up at times loud shouts
mingled with clappings of the hand. Spending many days in sports and
merriment there, and worshipped by the Kurus all the while, the Vrishni
heroes endued with great energy then returned to the city of Dwaravati.
And the great warriors of the Vrishni and the Andhaka races set out with
Rama in the van, carrying with them those gems of the purest rays that
had been given them by those foremost ones of Kuru's race. And, O
Bharata, the high-souled Vasudeva remained there with Arjuna in the
delightful city of Indraprastha. And the illustrious one wandered over
the banks of the Yamuna in search of deer. And he sported with Arjuna
piercing with his shafts deer and wild boars. Then Subhadra, the
favourite sister of Kesava, gave birth to an illustrious son, like
Puloma's daughter, (the queen of heaven) bringing forth Jayanta. And the
son that Subhadra brought forth was of long arms, broad chest, and eyes
as large as those of a bull. That hero and oppressor of foes came to be
called Abhimanyu. And the son of Arjuna, that grinder of foes and bull
among men, was called Abhimanyu because he was fearless and wrathful. And
that great warrior was begotten upon the daughter of the Satwata race by
Dhananjaya, like fire produced in a sacrifice from within the sami wood
by the process of rubbing. Upon the birth of this child, Yudhishthira,
the powerful son of Kunti, gave away unto Brahmanas ten thousand cows and
coins of gold. The child from his earliest years became the favourite of
Vasudeva and of his father and uncles, like the moon of all the people of
the world. Upon his birth, Krishna performed the usual rites of infancy.
The child began to grow up like the Moon of the bright fortnight. That
grinder of foes soon became conversant with the Vedas and acquired from
his father the science of weapon both celestial and human, consisting of
four branches and ten divisions.
"Endued with great strength, the child also acquired the knowledge of
counteracting the weapons hurled at him by others, and great lightness of
hand and fleetness of motion forward and backward and transverse and
wheeling. Abhimanyu became like unto his father in knowledge of the
scriptures and rites of religion. And Dhananjaya, beholding his son,
became filled with joy. Like Maghavat beholding Arjuna, the latter beheld
his son Abhimanyu and became exceedingly happy. Abhimanyu possessed the
power of slaying every foe and bore on his person every auspicious mark.
He was invisible in battle and broad-shouldered as the bull. Possessing a
broad face as (the hood of) the snake, he was proud like the lion.
Wielding a large bow, his prowess was like that of an elephant in rut.
Possessed of a face handsome as the full-moon, and of a voice deep as the
sound of the drum or the clouds, he was equal unto Krishna in bravery and
energy, in beauty and in features. The auspicious Panchali also, from her
five husbands, obtained five sons all of whom were heroes of the foremost
rank and immovable in battle like the hills. Prativindhya by
Yudhishthira, Sutasoma by Vrikodara, Srutakarman by Arjuna, Satanika by
Nakula, and Srutasena by Sahadeva,--these were the five heroes and great
warriors that Panchali brought forth, like Aditi bringing forth the
Adityas. And the Brahmanas, from their foreknowledge, said unto
Yudhishthira that as the son of his would be capable of bearing like the
Vindhya mountains the weapons of the foe, he should be called
Prativindhya. And because the child that Draupadi bore to Bhimasena was
born after Bhima had performed a thousand Soma sacrifices, he came to be
called Sutasoma. And because Arjuna's son was born upon his return from
exile during which he had achieved many celebrated feats, that child came
to be called Srutakarman. While Nakula named his son Satanika after a
royal sage of that name, in the illustrious race of Kuru. Again the son
that Draupadi bore to Sahadeva was born under the constellation called
Vahni-daivata (Krittika), therefore was he called after the generalissimo
of the celestial host, Srutasena (Kartikeya). The sons of Draupadi were
born, each at the interval of one year, and all of them became renowned
and much attached to one another. And, O monarch, all their rites of
infancy and childhood, such as Chudakarana and Upanayana (first shave of
the head and investiture with the sacred threads) were performed by
Dhaumya according to the ordinance. All of them, of excellent behaviour
and vows, after having studied the Vedas, acquired from Arjuna a
knowledge of all the weapons, celestial and human. And, O tiger among
kings, the Pandavas, having obtained sons all of whom were equal unto the
children of the celestials and endued with broad chests, and all of whom
became great warriors, were filled with joy.'"
--------------------END OF PARVA 1 : UPA-PARVA 223 ---------------------
Parva 01 222
SECTION CCXXII
(Subhadra-harana Parva continued)
"Vaisampayana said, 'Then Dhananjaya, informed of the assent of
Yudhishthira, and ascertaining, O Janamejaya, that the maiden had gone to
the Raivataka hill, obtained the assent of Vasudeva also, after having
settled in consultation with him all that required to be done. Then that
bull of Bharata's race, that foremost of men, with Krishna's assent,
riding in his well-built car of gold equipped with rows of small bells
and with every kind of weapon and the clatter of whose wheels resembled
the roar of the clouds and whose splendour was like unto that of a
blazing fire and which struck terror into the hearts of all foes and unto
which were yoked the steeds Saivya and Sugriva, himself accoutred in mail
and armed with sword and his fingers encased in leathern gloves, set out,
as it were, on a hunting expedition. Meanwhile Subhadra, having paid her
homage unto that prince of hills, Raivataka and having worshipped the
deities and made the Brahmanas utter benedictions upon her, and having
also walked round the hill, was coming towards Dwaravati. The son of
Kunti, afflicted with the shafts of the god of desire, suddenly rushed
towards that Yadava girl of faultless features and forcibly took her into
his car. Having seized that girl of sweet smiles, that tiger among men
proceeded in his car of gold towards his own city (Indraprastha).
Meanwhile, the armed attendants of Subhadra, beholding her thus seized
and taken away, all ran, crying towards the city of Dwaraka. Reaching all
together the Yadava court called by the name of Sudharma, they
represented everything about the prowess of Partha unto the chief officer
of the court. The chief officer of the court, having heard everything
from those messengers, blew his gold-decked trumpet of loud blare,
calling all to arms. Stirred up by that sound, the Bhojas, the Vrishnis,
and the Andhakas began to pour in from all sides. Those that were eating
left their food, and those that were drinking left their drink. Those
tigers among men, those great warriors of the Vrishni and the Andhaka
tribes, took their seats upon their thousand thrones of gold covered with
excellent carpets and variegated with gems and corals and possessed of
the lustre of blazing fire. Indeed they took their seats upon those
thrones, like blazing fires receiving faggots to increase their
splendour. And after they were seated in that court which was like unto a
conclave of the celestials themselves, the chief officer of the court,
assisted by those that stood at his back, spoke of the conduct of Jishnu.
The proud Vrishni heroes, of eyes red with wine, as soon as they heard of
it, rose up from their seats, unable to brook what Arjuna had done. Some
amongst them said, 'Yoke our cars', and some, 'Bring our weapons' and
some said, 'Bring our costly bows and strong coats of mail; and some
loudly called upon their charioteers to harness their cars, and some,
from impatience, themselves yoked their horses decked with gold unto
their cars. And while their cars and armours and standards were being
brought, loud became the uproar of those heroes. Then Valadeva, white and
tall as the peak of Kailasa, decked with garlands of wild flowers and
attired in blue robes, and proud and intoxicated with drink, said these
words:
'Ye senseless men, what are the doing, when Janardana sitteth silent?
Without knowing what is in his mind, vainly do we roar in wrath! Let the
high-souled Krishna give out what he proposeth. Accomplish promptly what
he desireth to do.' Then all of them, hearing those words of Halayudha
that deserved to be accepted, exclaimed, 'Excellent! Excellent!' They
then all became silent. Silence having been restored by the words of the
intelligent Valadeva, they took their seats once more in that assembly.
Then Rama, that oppressor of foes, spoke unto Vasudeva, saying, 'Why, O
Janardana, sittest thou, gazing silently? O Achyuta, it was for your sake
that the son of Pritha had been welcomed and honoured by us. It seemeth,
however, that that vile wretch deserved not our homage. What man is there
born of a respectable family that would break the plate after having
dined from it! Even if one desireth to make such an alliance, yet
remembering all the services he hath received, who is there, desirous of
happiness, that acts so rashly? That Pandava disregarding us and you too
hath today outraged Subhadra, desiring (to compass) his own death. He
hath placed his foot on the crown of my head. How shall I, O Govinda,
tamely bear it? Shall I not resent it, even like a snake that is trodden
upon? Alone shall I today make the earth destitute of Kauravas! Never
shall I put up with this transgression by Arjuna.' Then all the Bhojas,
Vrishnis, and Andhakas, present there, approved of everything that
Valadeva had said, deeply roaring like unto a kettle-drum or the clouds.'"
--------------------END OF PARVA 1 : UPA-PARVA 222 ---------------------
(Subhadra-harana Parva continued)
"Vaisampayana said, 'Then Dhananjaya, informed of the assent of
Yudhishthira, and ascertaining, O Janamejaya, that the maiden had gone to
the Raivataka hill, obtained the assent of Vasudeva also, after having
settled in consultation with him all that required to be done. Then that
bull of Bharata's race, that foremost of men, with Krishna's assent,
riding in his well-built car of gold equipped with rows of small bells
and with every kind of weapon and the clatter of whose wheels resembled
the roar of the clouds and whose splendour was like unto that of a
blazing fire and which struck terror into the hearts of all foes and unto
which were yoked the steeds Saivya and Sugriva, himself accoutred in mail
and armed with sword and his fingers encased in leathern gloves, set out,
as it were, on a hunting expedition. Meanwhile Subhadra, having paid her
homage unto that prince of hills, Raivataka and having worshipped the
deities and made the Brahmanas utter benedictions upon her, and having
also walked round the hill, was coming towards Dwaravati. The son of
Kunti, afflicted with the shafts of the god of desire, suddenly rushed
towards that Yadava girl of faultless features and forcibly took her into
his car. Having seized that girl of sweet smiles, that tiger among men
proceeded in his car of gold towards his own city (Indraprastha).
Meanwhile, the armed attendants of Subhadra, beholding her thus seized
and taken away, all ran, crying towards the city of Dwaraka. Reaching all
together the Yadava court called by the name of Sudharma, they
represented everything about the prowess of Partha unto the chief officer
of the court. The chief officer of the court, having heard everything
from those messengers, blew his gold-decked trumpet of loud blare,
calling all to arms. Stirred up by that sound, the Bhojas, the Vrishnis,
and the Andhakas began to pour in from all sides. Those that were eating
left their food, and those that were drinking left their drink. Those
tigers among men, those great warriors of the Vrishni and the Andhaka
tribes, took their seats upon their thousand thrones of gold covered with
excellent carpets and variegated with gems and corals and possessed of
the lustre of blazing fire. Indeed they took their seats upon those
thrones, like blazing fires receiving faggots to increase their
splendour. And after they were seated in that court which was like unto a
conclave of the celestials themselves, the chief officer of the court,
assisted by those that stood at his back, spoke of the conduct of Jishnu.
The proud Vrishni heroes, of eyes red with wine, as soon as they heard of
it, rose up from their seats, unable to brook what Arjuna had done. Some
amongst them said, 'Yoke our cars', and some, 'Bring our weapons' and
some said, 'Bring our costly bows and strong coats of mail; and some
loudly called upon their charioteers to harness their cars, and some,
from impatience, themselves yoked their horses decked with gold unto
their cars. And while their cars and armours and standards were being
brought, loud became the uproar of those heroes. Then Valadeva, white and
tall as the peak of Kailasa, decked with garlands of wild flowers and
attired in blue robes, and proud and intoxicated with drink, said these
words:
'Ye senseless men, what are the doing, when Janardana sitteth silent?
Without knowing what is in his mind, vainly do we roar in wrath! Let the
high-souled Krishna give out what he proposeth. Accomplish promptly what
he desireth to do.' Then all of them, hearing those words of Halayudha
that deserved to be accepted, exclaimed, 'Excellent! Excellent!' They
then all became silent. Silence having been restored by the words of the
intelligent Valadeva, they took their seats once more in that assembly.
Then Rama, that oppressor of foes, spoke unto Vasudeva, saying, 'Why, O
Janardana, sittest thou, gazing silently? O Achyuta, it was for your sake
that the son of Pritha had been welcomed and honoured by us. It seemeth,
however, that that vile wretch deserved not our homage. What man is there
born of a respectable family that would break the plate after having
dined from it! Even if one desireth to make such an alliance, yet
remembering all the services he hath received, who is there, desirous of
happiness, that acts so rashly? That Pandava disregarding us and you too
hath today outraged Subhadra, desiring (to compass) his own death. He
hath placed his foot on the crown of my head. How shall I, O Govinda,
tamely bear it? Shall I not resent it, even like a snake that is trodden
upon? Alone shall I today make the earth destitute of Kauravas! Never
shall I put up with this transgression by Arjuna.' Then all the Bhojas,
Vrishnis, and Andhakas, present there, approved of everything that
Valadeva had said, deeply roaring like unto a kettle-drum or the clouds.'"
--------------------END OF PARVA 1 : UPA-PARVA 222 ---------------------
Parva 01 221
SECTION CCXXI
(Subhadra-harana Parva)
"Vaisampayana said, 'O best of monarchs, within a few days after this,
there commenced on the Raivataka mountain, a grand festival of the
Vrishnis and the Andhakas. At the mountain-festival of the Bhojas, the
Vrishnis and the Andhakas, the heroes of those tribes began to give away
much wealth unto Brahmanas by thousands. The region around that hill, O
king was adorned with many a mansion decked with gems and many an
artificial tree of gaudy hue. The musicians struck up in concert and the
dancers began to dance and the vocalists to sing. And the youth of the
Vrishni race, endued with great energy, adorned with every ornament, and
riding in their gold-decked cars, looked extremely handsome. The
citizens, some on foot and some in excellent cars, with their wives and
followers were there by hundreds and thousands. And there was the lord
Haladhara (Valarama), roving at will, hilarious with drink, accompanied
by (his wife) Revati, and followed by many musicians and vocalists. There
came Ugrasena also, the powerful king of he Vrishni race, accompanied by
his thousand wives and followed by sweet singers. And Raukmineya and
Shamva also, ever furious in battle, roved there, excited with drink and
adorned with floral wreaths of great beauty and with costly attires, and
disported themselves like a pair of celestials. And Akrura and Sarana and
Gada, and Vabhru, and Nisatha, and Charudeshna, and Prithu, Viprithu, and
Satyaka, and Satyaki, and Bhangakara, and Maharava, and Hardikya, and
Uddhava, and many others whose names are not given, accompanied by their
wives that followed by bands of singers, adorned that mountain-festival.
When that delightful festival of immense grandeur commenced, Vasudeva and
Partha went about, together, beholding everything around. While wandering
there, they saw the handsome daughter of Vasudeva, Bhadra by name, decked
with every ornament, in the midst of her maids. As soon as Arjuna beheld
her he was possessed by the god of desire. Then, O Bharata, that tiger
among men, Krishna, observing Partha contemplate her with absorbed
attention, said with a smile, 'How is this? Can the heart of one that
rangeth the woods be agitated by the god of desire? This is my sister, O
Partha, and the uterine sister of Sarana. Blest be thou, her name is
Bhadra and she is the favourite daughter of my father. Tell me if thy
heart is fixed upon her, for I shall then speak to my father myself.'
"Arjuna answered, 'She is Vasudeva's daughter and Vasudeva's (Krishna)
sister; endued with so much beauty, whom can she not fascinate? If this
thy sister, this maid of the Vrishni race, becometh my wife, truly may I
win prosperity in everything. Tell me, O Janardana, by what means I may
obtain her. To get her I will achieve anything that is achievable by man.'
"Vasudeva answered, 'O bull amongst men, self-choice hath been ordained
for the marriage of Kshatriyas. But that is doubtful (in its
consequences), O Partha, as we do not know this girl's temper and
disposition. In the case of Kshatriyas that are brave, a forcible
abduction for purposes of marriage is applauded, as the learned have
said. Therefore O Arjuna, carry away this my beautiful sister by force,
for who knows what she may do at a self-choice.' Then Krishna and Arjuna,
having thus settled as to what should be done sent some speedy messengers
unto Yudhishthira at Indraprastha, informing him of everything. The
strong-armed Yudhishthira, as soon as he heard it, gave his assent to
it.'"
--------------------END OF PARVA 1 : UPA-PARVA 221 ---------------------
(Subhadra-harana Parva)
"Vaisampayana said, 'O best of monarchs, within a few days after this,
there commenced on the Raivataka mountain, a grand festival of the
Vrishnis and the Andhakas. At the mountain-festival of the Bhojas, the
Vrishnis and the Andhakas, the heroes of those tribes began to give away
much wealth unto Brahmanas by thousands. The region around that hill, O
king was adorned with many a mansion decked with gems and many an
artificial tree of gaudy hue. The musicians struck up in concert and the
dancers began to dance and the vocalists to sing. And the youth of the
Vrishni race, endued with great energy, adorned with every ornament, and
riding in their gold-decked cars, looked extremely handsome. The
citizens, some on foot and some in excellent cars, with their wives and
followers were there by hundreds and thousands. And there was the lord
Haladhara (Valarama), roving at will, hilarious with drink, accompanied
by (his wife) Revati, and followed by many musicians and vocalists. There
came Ugrasena also, the powerful king of he Vrishni race, accompanied by
his thousand wives and followed by sweet singers. And Raukmineya and
Shamva also, ever furious in battle, roved there, excited with drink and
adorned with floral wreaths of great beauty and with costly attires, and
disported themselves like a pair of celestials. And Akrura and Sarana and
Gada, and Vabhru, and Nisatha, and Charudeshna, and Prithu, Viprithu, and
Satyaka, and Satyaki, and Bhangakara, and Maharava, and Hardikya, and
Uddhava, and many others whose names are not given, accompanied by their
wives that followed by bands of singers, adorned that mountain-festival.
When that delightful festival of immense grandeur commenced, Vasudeva and
Partha went about, together, beholding everything around. While wandering
there, they saw the handsome daughter of Vasudeva, Bhadra by name, decked
with every ornament, in the midst of her maids. As soon as Arjuna beheld
her he was possessed by the god of desire. Then, O Bharata, that tiger
among men, Krishna, observing Partha contemplate her with absorbed
attention, said with a smile, 'How is this? Can the heart of one that
rangeth the woods be agitated by the god of desire? This is my sister, O
Partha, and the uterine sister of Sarana. Blest be thou, her name is
Bhadra and she is the favourite daughter of my father. Tell me if thy
heart is fixed upon her, for I shall then speak to my father myself.'
"Arjuna answered, 'She is Vasudeva's daughter and Vasudeva's (Krishna)
sister; endued with so much beauty, whom can she not fascinate? If this
thy sister, this maid of the Vrishni race, becometh my wife, truly may I
win prosperity in everything. Tell me, O Janardana, by what means I may
obtain her. To get her I will achieve anything that is achievable by man.'
"Vasudeva answered, 'O bull amongst men, self-choice hath been ordained
for the marriage of Kshatriyas. But that is doubtful (in its
consequences), O Partha, as we do not know this girl's temper and
disposition. In the case of Kshatriyas that are brave, a forcible
abduction for purposes of marriage is applauded, as the learned have
said. Therefore O Arjuna, carry away this my beautiful sister by force,
for who knows what she may do at a self-choice.' Then Krishna and Arjuna,
having thus settled as to what should be done sent some speedy messengers
unto Yudhishthira at Indraprastha, informing him of everything. The
strong-armed Yudhishthira, as soon as he heard it, gave his assent to
it.'"
--------------------END OF PARVA 1 : UPA-PARVA 221 ---------------------
Parva 01 220
SECTION CCXX
(Arjuna-vanavasa Parva continued)
"Vaisampayana said, 'Then Arjuna of immeasurable prowess saw, one after
another, all the sacred waters and other holy places that were on the
shores of the western ocean. Vibhatsu reached the sacred spot called
Prabhasa. When the invisible Arjuna arrived at that sacred and delightful
region, the slayer of Madhu (Krishna) heard of it. Madhava soon went
there to see his friend, the son of Kunti. Krishna and Arjuna met
together and embracing each other enquired after each other's welfare.
Those dear friends, who were none else than the Rishis Nara and Narayana
of old, sat down. Vasudeva asked Arjuna about his travels, saying, 'Why,
O Pandava are you wandering over the earth, beholding all the sacred
waters and other holy places?' Then Arjuna told him everything that had
happened. Hearing everything, that mighty hero of Vrishni's race said,
'This is as it should be.' And Krishna and Arjuna having sported as they
liked, for some time at Prabhasa, went to the Raivataka mountain to pass
some days there. Before they arrived at Raivataka, that mountain had, at
the command of Krishna been well-adorned by many artificers. Much food
also had, at Krishna's command, been collected there. Enjoying everything
that had been collected there for him, Arjuna sat with Vasudeva to see
the performances of the actors and the dancers. Then the high-souled
Pandava, dismissing them all with proper respect, laid himself down on a
well-adorned and excellent bed. As the strong-armed one lay on that
excellent bed, he described unto Krishna everything about the sacred
waters, the lakes and the mountains, the rivers and the forests he had
seen. While he was speaking of these, stretched upon that celestial bed,
sleep, O Janamejaya, stole upon him. He rose in the morning, awakened, by
sweet songs and melodious notes of the Vina (guitar) and the panegyrics
and benedictions of the bards. After he had gone through the necessary
acts and ceremonies, he was affectionately accosted by him of the Vrishni
race. Riding upon a golden car, the hero then set out for Dwaraka, the
capital of the Yadavas. And, O Janamejaya, for honouring the son of
Kunti, the city of Dwaraka, was well-adorned, even all the gardens and
houses within it. The citizens of Dwaraka, desirous of beholding the son
of Kunti, began to pour eagerly into the public thoroughfares by hundreds
of thousands. In the public squares and thoroughfares, hundreds and
thousands of women, mixing with the men, swelled the great crowd of the
Bhojas, the Vrishnis, and the Andhakas, that had collected there. Arjuna
was welcomed with respect by all the sons of Bhojas, the Vrishnis, and
the Andhakas. And he, in his turn, worshipped those that deserved his
worship, receiving their blessings. The hero was welcomed with
affectionate reception by all the young men of the Yadava tribe. He
repeatedly embraced all that were equal to him in age. Wending then to
the delightful mansion of Krishna that was filled with gems and every
article of enjoyment, he took up his abode there with Krishna for many
days.'"
--------------------END OF PARVA 1 : UPA-PARVA 220 ---------------------
(Arjuna-vanavasa Parva continued)
"Vaisampayana said, 'Then Arjuna of immeasurable prowess saw, one after
another, all the sacred waters and other holy places that were on the
shores of the western ocean. Vibhatsu reached the sacred spot called
Prabhasa. When the invisible Arjuna arrived at that sacred and delightful
region, the slayer of Madhu (Krishna) heard of it. Madhava soon went
there to see his friend, the son of Kunti. Krishna and Arjuna met
together and embracing each other enquired after each other's welfare.
Those dear friends, who were none else than the Rishis Nara and Narayana
of old, sat down. Vasudeva asked Arjuna about his travels, saying, 'Why,
O Pandava are you wandering over the earth, beholding all the sacred
waters and other holy places?' Then Arjuna told him everything that had
happened. Hearing everything, that mighty hero of Vrishni's race said,
'This is as it should be.' And Krishna and Arjuna having sported as they
liked, for some time at Prabhasa, went to the Raivataka mountain to pass
some days there. Before they arrived at Raivataka, that mountain had, at
the command of Krishna been well-adorned by many artificers. Much food
also had, at Krishna's command, been collected there. Enjoying everything
that had been collected there for him, Arjuna sat with Vasudeva to see
the performances of the actors and the dancers. Then the high-souled
Pandava, dismissing them all with proper respect, laid himself down on a
well-adorned and excellent bed. As the strong-armed one lay on that
excellent bed, he described unto Krishna everything about the sacred
waters, the lakes and the mountains, the rivers and the forests he had
seen. While he was speaking of these, stretched upon that celestial bed,
sleep, O Janamejaya, stole upon him. He rose in the morning, awakened, by
sweet songs and melodious notes of the Vina (guitar) and the panegyrics
and benedictions of the bards. After he had gone through the necessary
acts and ceremonies, he was affectionately accosted by him of the Vrishni
race. Riding upon a golden car, the hero then set out for Dwaraka, the
capital of the Yadavas. And, O Janamejaya, for honouring the son of
Kunti, the city of Dwaraka, was well-adorned, even all the gardens and
houses within it. The citizens of Dwaraka, desirous of beholding the son
of Kunti, began to pour eagerly into the public thoroughfares by hundreds
of thousands. In the public squares and thoroughfares, hundreds and
thousands of women, mixing with the men, swelled the great crowd of the
Bhojas, the Vrishnis, and the Andhakas, that had collected there. Arjuna
was welcomed with respect by all the sons of Bhojas, the Vrishnis, and
the Andhakas. And he, in his turn, worshipped those that deserved his
worship, receiving their blessings. The hero was welcomed with
affectionate reception by all the young men of the Yadava tribe. He
repeatedly embraced all that were equal to him in age. Wending then to
the delightful mansion of Krishna that was filled with gems and every
article of enjoyment, he took up his abode there with Krishna for many
days.'"
--------------------END OF PARVA 1 : UPA-PARVA 220 ---------------------
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