| Philosophy and Religion / Harivamsa |
Harivaṃśa
168. Arjuna describes another wonderful work
JANAMEJAYA said:-O you of large arms, O foremost of the twice-born, I wish again to listen to an account of the glorious deeds of Krishna, the lord of the world.
I have not been satiated with listening to the extensive works of the high-souled, intelligent and ancient Purusha Krishna (1-2).
VAISHAMPAYANA said:-O king, it is impossible to finish, even in hundred years, the account of the glorious deeds of Govinda (3).
Hear now of the highly wonderful deeds of Keshava which Vibhatsu (Arjuna), the holder of Gāndiva bow, described excited by Bhisma lying on the bed of arrows (4).
O royal descendant of Kuru, hear what he told his eldest brother Yudhisthira who had vanquished all his enemies, in the presence of the kings (5).
ARJUNA said:—Formerly to see my relations I had gone to the city of Dwārakā and entertained by the Bhojas, Vrishnis and Andhakas I had lived there for some time (6).
At that time the virtuous-souled and large-armed slayer of Madhu undertook the celebration of a sacrifice extending over a day according to Shastric rites.
When Krishna sat for the celebration of that sacrifice, one Brāhmana, describing his own affairs, sought for protection (7-8).
THE BRĀHMANA said:-O lord, thou art now in charge of the protection (of subjects); besides a saviour is entitled to the one fourth share of the piety acquired by a good work (9).
VASUDEVA said:-"O foremost of the twice-born, may you farewell. Do not fear (any body). I will protect you from him, even if it be a difficult task, who is the cause of your fear. Tell me who is the spring of you fear (10).”
The Brāhmana said:—“O thou of large arms, my sons are stolen away as soon as they are born. O sinless Krishna, three of my sons were stolen away as soon as they were born.
Thou shouldst now protect the fourth son. O Janārddana, my wife is under the labour pain. Thou shouldst so arrage that my child may not be stolen away” (11-12).
ARJUNA said:—Thereupon Govinda said to me “I am to day celebrating a sacrifice. But a Brāhmana should be protected by us in whatever circumstances we may be.”
Hearing those words of Krishna I said to Govinda:—“Appoint me, I will remove the fear of the Brāhmana” (13–14).
Thus addressed Janārddana, smiling a little, said:—“Will you be able to save him?” O kings, I was greatly ashamed hearing those words of Krishna.
Seeing me thus ashamed Janārddana again said “Go, if you are capable of protecting him. Except the large-armed Rāma and the great car warrior Pradyumna, let all other members of the Vrishni and Andhaka families follow you.”
Thereupon encircled by the Vrishni army, I set out with the Brāhmana before me (13–18).
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