SECTION CXLIII
Vaisampayana said, "When the high-souled sons of Pandu had proceeded only
two miles, Draupadi unaccustomed to travel on foot, sank down. Weary and
afflicted as she was, the poor daughter of Panchala became faint, on
account of the hailstorm and also of her extreme delicacy. And trembling
with faintness, the black-eyed one supported herself on her thighs with
her plump arms, becoming (her graceful form). And thus resting for
support on her thighs resembling the trunk of an elephant, and which were
in contract with each other, she suddenly dropped upon the ground,
trembling like a plantain tree. And finding that the beautiful one was
falling down like a twisted creeper, Nakula ran forward and supported,
her. And he said, 'O king, this black-eyed daughter of Panchala, being
weary, hath fallen down upon the ground. Do thou, therefore, tend her, O
son of Bharata. Undeserving as she is of misery, this lady of slow pace
hath been subject to great hardships, and she is also worn out with the
fatigues of the journey. O mighty king, do you therefore, comfort her.'"
Vaisampayana said, "Having heard these words of Nakula, the king as also
Bhima and Sahadeva, became sorely afflicted, and hastily ran towards her.
And finding her weak, and her countenance pale, the pious son of Kunti
began to lament in grief, taking her on his lap. Yudhishthira said.
'Accustomed to ease, and deserving to sleep in wellprotected rooms, on
beds spread over with fine sheets, how doth this beautiful one sleep
prostrate on the ground! Alas! On my account (alone), the delicate feet
and the lotus-like face of this one deserving of all excellent things,
have contracted a dark-blue hue. O what have I done! Fool that I am,
having been addicted to dice, I have been wandering in the forest full of
wild beasts, taking Krishna in my company. This large-eyed one had been
bestowed by her father, the king of the Drupadas, in the hope that the
blessed girl would be happy, by obtaining the sons of Pandu for her
lords. It is on account of my wretched self, that without obtaining
anything hoped for, she sleepeth prostrate on the ground, tired with
hardships, sorrow and travel!"
Vaisampayana said, "While king Yudhishthira the just was lamenting thus,
Dhaumya with all the other principal Brahmanas came to the spot. And they
began to console him and to honour him with blessings. And they recited
mantras capable of dispelling Rakshasas and (to that end) also performed
rites. And on the mantras being recited by the great ascetics, in order
to the restoration of (Panchali's) health, Panchali frequently touched by
the Pandavas with their soothing palms and fanned by cool breezes
surcharged with particles of water, felt ease, and gradually regained her
senses. And finding that exhausted poor lady restored to her senses, the
sons of Pritha, placing her on deer-skin, caused her to take rest. And
taking her feet of red soles, bearing auspicious marks, the twins began
to press them gently with their hands, scarred by the bow-string. And
Yudhishthira the just, the foremost of the Kurus, also comforted her and
addressed Bhima in the following words: 'O Bhima, there yet remain many
mountains (before us), rugged, and inaccessible because of snow. How,
long-armed one, will Krishna pass over them?' Thereupon Bhima said, 'O
king, I myself shall carry thee, together with this princess and these
bulls among men, the twins; therefore, O king of kings, resign not thy
mind unto despair. Or, at your bidding, O sinless one, Hidimava's son, the
mighty Ghatotkacha, who is capable of ranging the skies and who is like
unto me in strength, will carry us all.'"
Vaisampayana said, "Then with Yudhishthira's permission, Bhima thought of
his Rakshasa son. And no sooner was he thought of by his father, than the
pious Ghatotkacha made his appearance and, saluting the Pandavas and the
Brahmanas, stood with joined hands. And they also caressed him of mighty
arms. He then addressed his father, Bhimasena of dreadful prowess,
saying, 'Having been thought of by you I have come here with speed, in
order to serve thee. Do thou, O longarmed one, command me. I shall
certainly be able to perform whatever you bidst.' Hearing this,
Bhimasena hugged the Rakshasa to his breast."
--------------------END OF PARVA 3 : UPA-PARVA 143 ---------------------
