Mahabharata

Anudyuta Parva

Re-summoning of Yudhisthira.

Janamejaya said:
How did the sons of Dhritarashtra feel when they came to know that the Pandavas had with Dhritarashtra's permission left Hastinapur with all their wealth and jewels?

Vaishampayana said:
O king, having learnt that the Pandavas had been commanded by the wise Dhritarashtra to return to their capital Dushasana soon went to his brother.

O best of the Bharata race, having come before Duryodhana (sitting) with his counsellors he spoke thus in a sorrowful heart.

Dushasana said:
O great car-warrior, the old man has thrown away, what we earned with so much trouble. Know that he had made over the whole of that wealth to our enemies.

Vaishampayana said:
Thereupon, Duryodhana, and Karna, all exceedingly proud and vain-being united together and wishing to counteract the Pandavas went in haste and saw the king Dhritarashtra, the son of Vichitravirya. They spoke to him these smooth and artful words.

Duryodhana said:
O king, have you not heard what the learned Brihaspati, the preceptor of the celestial, said on morals and politics when advising Shakra (Indra).

O chastiser of foes, (he said), "Those enemies who always harm by force or stratagem should be destroyed by every means".

If we gratify with the wealth of his Pandavas, the kings of the world and then fight with the sons of Pandu, what reverse can overtake us?

When one places on his neck and back angry snakes full of venom, which has come to bring about his destruction, is it possible for him to take them off?

O father, equipped with weapons and seated on cars, the Pandavas will annihilate us like angry and poisonous snakes.

Even now Arjuna, attired in armour and furnished with couple of quivers, is proceeding, frequently taking up the Gandiva (bow) and breathing hard and casting angry glances around.

We are told that Vrikodara (Bhima), hastily ordering his chariot to be made ready and then riding on it, frequently whirling his heavy club is proceeding along.

Nakula also is proceeding with the sword in his grasp and the semicircular shield in his hand; Sahadeva and the king (Yudhisthira) have made signs clearly indicating their intentions.

Having ascended their cars which were full of all kings of weapons, they are all whipping their horses, (so that they might soon reach their capital) to assemble their forces.

Persecuted (as) they are (by us), they cannot forgive us for those injuries. Who is there amongst them who will be able to forgive the insult to Draupadi?

O foremost of all men, be blessed. We shall again gamble with the Pandavas in order to send them to exile in the forest. We are able to bring them under our sway in this way.

Attired in skins, either they or we, having (first) been defeated at dice, shall go into the forest for twelve years.

The thirteenth year shall have to be spent in some inhabited country without being recognised. If recognised, an exile for another twelve years shall be the consequence(of such recognition).

Either they or we shall live (according to this engagement). Let therefore the game begin. Throwing the dice, let the Pandavas once more play.

O best of Bharata race, O king, this is our highest duty. This Shakuni is highly proficient in the whole science of dice-playing.

We shall in the meantime be firmly rooted in the kingdom and making alliances (with other kings), we shall be able to get together a vast and invincible army and to keep them content.

O king, O chastiser of foes, we shall then be able to defeat the Pandavas if they reappear. Let this plan recommend itself to you.

Dhritarashtra said:
Then bring back the Pandavas, even if they have gone a great way off. Let them come and throw dice once again.

Vaishampayana said:
Thereupon, Drona, Somadatta, Vahlika, Goutama, the son of Drona, the powerful son of Vaishya (Vidura).
Bhurisrava,, Bhisma, and the mighty car-warrior Vikarna all said, "Let not the play commence. Let there be peace."

But disregarding the counsels of all his wise friends and relatives, Dhritarashtra ever partial to his sons, (again) summoned the Pandavas.

Vaishampayana said:
O great king, it was then the virtuous Gandhari, afflicted with grief on account other sons, addressed king Dhritarashtra and said.

Gandhari said:
When Duryodhana was born, the high-souled Khattwa (Vidura) said, "It is better to send this disgrace of the race (Duryodhana) to the other world".

For he (Duryodhana) cried repeatedly and dissonantly like a jackal when he was born. It is certain he will prove the destruction of our race. Take this (the words of Vidura) to heart.

O descendant of Bharata, do not sink for your own fault in the ocean of calamity. O lord, do not approve the counsel of these wicked-minded ones who are but boys.

Do not be. the cause of the fearful destruction of this race. Who is there that will break an embankment which has been completed or rekindle a conflagration which has been extinguished?

O best of the Bharata race, who is there that will provoke the peaceful sons of Pritha (Kunti)? O descendant of Ajamida, you remember everything, but I shall still call your attention to this.

The Shastras can never control the wicked-minded men, either in good or in evil acts. A man of boyish intelligence can never act as an old man.

Let your sons follow you as their leader. Let them not for ever be separated from you (by death). Therefore, abandon at my word this disgrace of our race.

O king, O ruler of men, you could not do it before from the affection you bear for your son. Know that the time has come for the destruction of our race through him.

Let your mind, guided by counsels of peace, virtue and true policy, be what it naturally is. Do not err. The prosperity which is acquired by the aid of wicked acts is soon destroyed, while that which is won by honest means takes root and descends from generation to generation.

Vaishampayana said:
Having been thus addressed by Gandhari who pointed out to him the path of virtue, the king replied to her saying, "If the destruction of our race has came, let it take place without any hindrance. I cannot prevent it.

Let it be what they desire. Let the Pandavas return. Let my sons again gamble with the sons of Pandu".

Vaishampayana said:
Thereupon at the command of the intelligent Dhritarashtra Pratikamin, thus spoke to the son of Pritha, king Yudhisthira who had gone (by this time) to a great distance from Hastinapur.

Pratikamin said:
O descendant of Bharata, your father has said, "O Yudhisthira, the assembly is ready. O son of Pandu, O king, O Yudhisthira, come and throw the dice.

Yudhisthira said:
All creatures obtain good or evil fruits according to the appointment of the Ordainer of the creation. Whether I play or I do not play, those fruits are inevitable.

This is a summons to dice, it is also the command of the old king. Though I know it will prove destructive to me, yet I cannot refuse.

Though (a living) animal made of gold was an impossibility, yet Rama suffered himself to be tempted by a (golden) deer. the mind of men over whom calamities hang become deranged and out of order.

Vaishampayana said:
Having said this, the Pandava (Yudhisthira) with his brothers retraced his steps (towards Hastinapur). Knowing full well the deception practised by Shakuni, the son of Pritha (Yudhisthira) came back to sit at dice with him again.

O best of the Bharata race, giving great pain to the hearts of all their friends those great car-warriors again entered that assembly.

Guided by Fate, they once more sat down at ease for gambling in order to bring about the destruction of men.

Shakuni said:
O best of the Bharata race the old king has given you back all your wealth. That is well. But listen to me, there is a stake of great value.

(It is this), If we are defeated by you at dice, we shall enter the great forest attired in deer skins and live there for twelve years and pass the thirteenth years in some inhabited place unrecognised. If recognised, we shall return to the exile of another twelve years.

(On the other hand), if you be defeated by us, you shall with Krishna (Draupadi) live for twelve years in the forest and pass the whole of the thirteenth year unrecognised in an inhabited country. If recognised, an exile of another twelve years is to be the consequence. On the expiry of the thirteenth year, each is to have his kingdom surrendered to the other.

O Yudhishthira, O descendant of Bharata, with such stake, play with us again by throwing the dice.

Vaishampayana said:
Thereupon those that were present in the Sabha raising up their arms, said in great anxiety of mind and in great emotion.

"Alas! Fie on the friends of Dhritarashtra that they do not tell him of his great danger! O best of the Bharata race (Dhritarashtra), whether he understand or not out of his own sense, it is your duty to tell him plainly.

The king, the son of Pritha (Yudhisthira) even hearing these various remarks again sat at dice from shame and sense of (Kshatriyas) duty.

Full you knowing the consequence, the greatly intelligent one (Yudhisthira) again began to play, as if he was fully aware that the destruction of the Kurus were (inevitably near at hand.

Yudhisthira said:
O Shakuni, how can a king like me who always observe the duty of his order refuse when challenged to dice? Therefore, I shall (again) play with you.

Shakuni said:
O son of Pandu, we have many kine and horse and milch cows and innumerable goats and sheep and elephants, treasures, gold and servants, both male and female. All these have been staked by us before. But now let this be our stake, namely exile into forest (for twelve years) and then living in the thirteenth year unrecognised in an inhabited place. O foremost of men, with this stake let us (now ) play.

Vaishampayana said:
O descendant of Bharata, when this proposal about going to the forest was but once uttered, the son of Pritha (Yudhisthira) accepted it; and the son of Subala (Shakuni) (then) took up the dice. (Finally) Shakuni said to Yudhisthira, "Lo! I have won!"

Vaishampayana said:
Thereupon the vanquished sons of Pritha, preparing for their exile in the forest, attired themselves in deer skins and Uttriya (upper garment).

Seeing those chastisers of foes attired in deer skins and robbed of their kingdom at point of going the forest, Dushasana exclaimed.

Dushasana said:
The absolute sovereignty of son of Dhritarashtra, the high-souled king, (Duryodhana) has (now) commenced. The Pandavas are vanquished, and they have been plunged into great misery.

The gods are propitious to us, whether or not we have proceeded in the very narrow path (of sin); for we are today superior to our enemy in wealth and in every thing.

The sons of Pritha are plunged into eternal hall. They are deprived of happiness and kingdom for ever-lasting days.

Those Pandavas, who being intoxicated with the pride of wealth, laughed at the son of Dhritarashtra, will now have to go to the forest defeated and deprived of their wealth.

Let them abandon their variegated armours, and their resplendent robes of celestial make. Let them all put on deer skins according to the stake they had accepted of the son of Subala (Shakuni).

The Pandavas, who always boasted that they had no equals in all the world, will now know and regard themselves in this their calamity as grains of sesame without kernal.

Though in this dress, the Pandavas appear like wise and powerful men installed in a sacrifice, but see (consider) them as persons not entitled to perform sacrifices.

The greatly wise descendant of Somaka, Yajnasena (Drupada), having bestowed the Panchala princess on the Pandavas, did not act well. The husbands of Yajnaseni (Draupadi) are impotent.

O Yajnaseni, what joy will you get in seeing these your husbands in the forest attired in skins and rags and deprived of their wealth and possessions. Select a husband from these present.

These Kurus, assembled here, are all forbearing and self-controlled. They are all vastly wealthy. Select one amongst these as your husband, so that this calamity may not drag you (in its train).

All the Pandavas are now like grains of sesame that are without kernal or toy animals incased in skins, or the grains of paddy without kernal.

Why do you wait any longer upon the fallen sons of Pandu? The labour is thrown away that is bestowed on pressing the sesame grain that is without the kernal.

Vaishampayana said:
The son of Dhritarashtra (Dushasana) uttered such cruel and harsh words in the hearing of the Pandavas.

Having heard them, the unforbearing Bhimasena suddenly rushed towards that prince in anger like a Himalayan lion does towards a jackal. He loudly rebuked him in these words.

Bhima said:
O crooked-minded wretch, you rave in words that are uttered only by the sinful. Being advanced by the skill of the Gandhara king, you (dare to) boast in the midst of these kings.

As you pierce our hearts with these your words like arrows, so will I pierce your heart in battle, making you recollect all this.

I shall send to the abode of Yama all those with their descendants and relatives who are from anger or covetousness walking behind you as your protectors.

Vaishampayana said:
Dushasana, abandoning all sense of shame, danced around in the midst of the Kurus and loudly said, "O cow," "O cow". Bhima uttered these words of wrath, but did nothing, for he could not deviate from the path of virtue.

Bhima said:
Wretch, do you dare use harsh words ass these? O Dushasana, who should boast having thus won wealth by foul means?

I tell you, if Vrikodara, the son of Pritha, does not drink your life-blood piercing open your breast in battle, let him not attain to regions of blessedness.

I tell you truly that killing the sons of Dhritarashtra in battle in the presence of all the warriors, I shall without the least delay pacify my this anger.

Vaishampayana said:
When the Pandavas were going out of the Sabha, the wicked king Duryodhana from excess of joy mimicked by his own steps the playful and lion-like movements of Bhimasena.

Thereupon, Vrikodara(Bhima), half turning towards him, said. "O fool, do not think that by this you gain any ascendancy over me. I shall soon kill you with all your followers and answer you recalling all this to your mind".

Seeing this insult offered to him, the powerful and proud Bhima, suppressing his rising anger and following the king (Yudhisthira) spoke these words when going out of the Kuru court.

Bhima said:
I shall be the slayer of Duryodhana, Dhananjaya (Arjuna) will be the slayer of Karna. Sahadeva will kill the gambler Shakuni.

I repeat in the midst of this assembly these proud words which the celestial will surely make good, if ever we engage in battle (with the Kurus).

I shall kill this sinful wretch Suyodhana (Duryodhana) in a club-fight. Felling him on the ground, I shall place my foot on his head.

As regards this wicked-minded man Dushasana, who is bold in speech, I will drink his blood like a lion.

Arjuna said:
Bhima, the resolutions of superior men are not known only in words. On the fourteenth year, they will see what will happen.

Bhima said:
The earth will drink the blood of Duryodhana, Karna, he wicked-minded Shakuni and the fourth Dushasana.

Arjuna said:
O Bhimasena, I will as you direct, kill in battle this Karna so malicious, jealous, harsh-speeched and vain.

For doing what is agreeable to Bhima, Arjuna vows that he will kill in battle with his arrows this Karna with all his followers.

I will send to the abode of Yama with my arrows also those other kings that will from foolishness fight against me.

If my this vow be not carried out, then the Himalaya mountains might be removed from where they are, the maker of the day (sun) might lose his rays and the Moon his coolness.

All this will surely happen if on the fourteenth year from this, Duryodhana does not return us our kingdom with proper respect.

Vaishampayana said:
When Arjuna said this, the handsome and powerful son of Madri, Sahadeva, waving his mighty arms,

And sighting like a snake and desiring to kill Shakuni, spoke thus with eyes red with anger.

Sahadeva said:
O fool, O destroyer of the fame of the Gandhara kings, what you are thinking as dice is not dice. They are sharp-pointed arrows which you have invited in battle.

I shall certainly accomplish all which Bhima has said as regards you with all your followers. If you have anything to do, do it before that day comes.

O son of Subala, I shall certainly kill you with all your friends and relatives if you stay in the fight' according to the usage of the Kshatriyas.

Vaishampayana said:
O king, hearing the words of Sahadeva, Nakula, the handsomest of men, spoke thus.

Nakula said:
I shall certainly send to the abode of Yama all those wicked-minded sons of Dhritarashtra, who being desirous of death and impelled by Fate, and also moved by the wish of doing what would please Duryodhana, have used harsh and insulting words towards this Yajnaseni, (Draupadi) at the gambling match.

At the command of the king (Yudhisthira) and remembering the wrongs done to (Draupadi), I shall soon make the earth freed from the sons of Dhritarashtra.

Vaishampayana said:
Having thus taken many vows, those mighty armed and foremost of men (the Pandavas) went to Dhritarashtra.

Yudhisthira said:
I bid farewell to all the descendants of Bharata, to my old grandsire (Bhisma) to king Somadatta, the great king Valhika.

To Drona, to Kripa, to all the other kings, to Ashvathama, Vidura, Dhritarashtra, and to all the sons of Dhritarashtra.

To Yuyutsu, Sanjaya, and all the Sabhasadas (court-officials). I bed you all farewell. I shall see you (again) on my return.

Vaishampayana said:
Those that were present there could not out of shame tell anything to Yudhisthira, but they all prayed for the welfare of the intelligent (king).

Vidura said:
The revered Pritha (Kunti) is a princess. She should not go to the forest. She is delicate and old, and she is ever in happiness.

The blessed lady will remain in my house (well) respected by me. O sons of Pritha, know this, and let safety by yours in every way.

Vaishampayana said:
Thereupon they (the Pandavas) all said, "O sinless one, let it be as you say. You are our uncle, and (therefore) you are the same as our father. We are all obedient to you.

O learned man, you are our most respected Guru (superior). O high-souled one, command us what else is there to be done".

Vidura said:
O Yudhisthira, O best of the Bharata race, know this to be my opinion that he who is defeated by sinful means need not be pained for such defeat.

You know every rule of Dharma. Dhananjaya (Arjuna) is ever victorious in battle. Bhimsena is the slayer of foes, Nakula is the gatherer of wealth.

Sahadeva has administrative talents, Dhaumya is the best of all men learned in the Vedas, and the virtuous Draupadi is learned in Dharma and Artha.

You are all attached to one another and you all feel delight at one another's presence; enemies cannot separate you from one another, and you are all contented.

O descendent of Bharata, for this patient abstraction from the worldly possessions will be great benefit to you. No enemy, even if he be like Shakra (Indra), will be able to stand it.

You were instructed on the mountains of Himalaya by Meru-Savarani. You were instructed in Varanavata by Krishna Dvaipayana (Vyasa).

On the Bhrigu mountain by Rama, on the banks of the Drishadvati by Shambhu (Shiva). You have also received instructions from the great Rishi Asita on the Anajna mountains.

You became a disciple of Bhrigu on the banks of the Kalmashi. Narada and your this priest Dhaumya will be now your instructors.

Do not abandon the excellent lessons, ever adored by the Rishis, as regards the next world. O sons of Pandu, you surpass in intelligence even Pururava, the son of Ila.

In strength all other kings, and in virtue even the Rishis. Resolve earnestly to win the victory which is the attribute of Indra, to control anger which is the attribute of Yama.

To give in charity which is the attribute of Kuvera, and to control all passions which is the attribute of Varuna. Obtain the power of gladdening from the moon, the power of sustaining all from the water.

Forbearance from earth, energy from the whole of the solar disc, strength from the winds, and affluence from the creatures.

Welfare and immunity from disease by yours. I hope to see you return (in all safety). O Yudhisthira, act properly and duly in all seasons-in the time of distress, in that of difficulty, and in respect of every thing, O son of Kunti, O descendant of Bharata, with our permission depart. Blessings be on you.

None can say that you have done any thing sinful before. We hope to see you return in safety and crowned with success.

Vaishampayana said:
Thus addressed the greatly powerful Pandava (Yudhisthira), saying, "Be it so" and bowing low to Bhisma and Drona, went away.

Vaishampayana said:
Thereupon, when Krishna (Draupadi) was about to start, she went to the illustrious Pritha (Kunti) and asked her leave and that of the other ladies who were all plunged in grief.

Saluting and embracing every one of them as each deserved, she desired to go away. Thereupon loud lamentations rose within the inner apartments of the Pandavas.

Kunti, being greatly afflicted on seeing Draupadi on the eve of her journey, uttered these words in a voice choked with grief.

Kunti said:
O child, do not grieve that this great calamity has overtaken you. You are well aware of all the duties of the female sex. Your character and conduct are as they should be.

O lady of sweet smiles, I need not instruct you as to your duties towards your lords. You are chaste and accomplished; your qualifications and accomplishments have adorned our two races (those of the Kurus and the Pandavas).

The Kurus are (very) fortunate that they have not been burnt by your wrath. O sinless one, go away in safety, blessed by my prayer.

The hearts of good woman never moved by what is inevitable. Protected by great virtue, you will soon obtain good fortune.

While living in the woods, keep your eyes always on my child Sahadeva, so that his mind may not sink under this great calamity.

Vaishampayana said:
Saying, "so be it," the lady Draupadi clad in one cloth stained with blood, and with dishevelled hair, came out (of the inner apartment) in tears.

As she went away weeping and lamenting, Pritha (Kunti) herself in grief, followed her. She saw her sons, shorn of their ornaments and robes.

Their body clad in deer skins and their heads cast down. They were surrounded by rejoining foes and they were pitied by friends.

Kunti, possessing excess of parental affection, approached her sons who were in that state. Embracing them all, she spoke thus her voice choked with grief.

Kunti said:
You are virtuous and well-conducted; you are adorned with all excellent qualities; your behaviours is (always) respectful. You are all high minded, you are (always).

Engaged in the service of your superiors; you are ever devoted to the gods and the performance of sacrifices, why then this calamity has overtaken you? Whence in this your reverse of fortune? I do not see whose wickedness and sin have fallen on you.

All this must be due to my bad fortune, for I have given birth to you. It is for this you have been overtaken by this calamity, notwithstanding your possessing excellent accomplishments.

Your are nor wanting in energy prowess, strength, firmness and might. How will you live in great wilderness shorn of your wealth and possession?

If I had known before that you were destined to live in the forest, I would not have (then) come after Pandu's death from the mountains of Shatashringa to Hastinapur.

Fortunate was your father; I consider it now, for he recapped the fruit of asceticism and there fore did not meet with the misery appertaining to one's sons. He considered the desire to attain to heaven as the most delightful.

I consider today the virtuous and the blessed Madri as very fortunate, for she had, a fore-knowledge of what would happen and had thus obtained the great emancipation.

Madri looked upon me as her stay and her mind and her affections were ever fixed on me. Fie on my desire of life? I suffer all this woe for it.

O sons, you are all excellent; and you are all dear to me. I have obtained you after much suffering. I cannot leave you; I will go with you. O Krishna, alas, why do you leave me so?

Every thing possessing life is sure to perish. Has Dhatra (creator) forgotten to ordain my death? Perhaps it is so; and that is why life does not quit me.

O Krishna, O dweller of Dwarka, O younger brother of Sankarshana (Baladeva), where are you? Why do you not save me and these best of men (the Pandavas)?

The men say that you are without beginning and without end and that you save those who think of you. Why does this saying now turn to be false?

These my sons are ever attached to virtue, nobility, good fame and prowess. They do not deserve to suffer afflictions. Show kindness towards them.

When such leaders of our race as Bhisma, Drona, and Kripa, all learned in morality and Artha, are present how could such a calamity (at all) happen?

Alas Pandu! Alas, lord where are you? How could you see your good children sent into exile thus persecuted by gambling?

Sahadeva, you do not go. You are dearer to me than my own body. O son of Madri, do not forsake me; you should be kind to me.

If they are bound by the dictates of virtue, let these your (elder) brothers go. You earn that virtue which is the fruit of waiting upon me (a mother).

Vaishampayana said:
Consoling their weeping (mother) Kunti and bowing to her, the Pandavas set for the forest in great grief.

Vidura, himself greatly grieved, consoled the afflicted Kunti with reasons; and Khattwa (Vidura) then led her slowly to his house.

The ladies of Dhritarashtra's house hold, hearing every thing as it had happened namely the exile (of the Pandavas) and the dragging of Krishna (Draupadi) in the assembly of gambling.

Loudly wept, all greatly censuring the Kurus. The ladies of the royal household sat silent for a long time covering their lotus like faces with their hands.

King Dhritarashtra, thinking of the dangers that threatened his sons, became a prey to anxiety and could not get any peace of mind.

Anxious meditating on everything and with mind deprived of its equanimity by grief, he sent for Khattwa (Vidura) asking him to come (to him) without delay.

Thereupon Vidura went to Dhritarashtra's palace and the ruler of men Dhritarashtra asked him in great anxiety.

Vaishampayana said:
As soon as Vidura of great foresight came, the king Dhritarashtra, the son of Ambika, asked him timidly.

Dhritarashtra said:
How does the son of Kunti, and Dharma, Yudhisthira, proceed along? How does Bhimasena also Savyasachi (Arjuna) and the two Pandavas, the sons of Madri?

O Khattwa, how does Dhaumya? How does the illustrious Draupadi (proceed along)? I desire to hear everything. Describe to me all their acts.

Vidura said:
The son of Kunti (has gone away), covering his face with cloth, the Pandava Bhima has proceeded along looking at his mighty arms.

Savyasachi (Arjuna) has followed the king, (Yudhisthira) scattering sands along. The son of Madri, Sahadeva proceeds (the way) besmearing his face.

That handsomest of men in the world, Nakula, has gone following the king in great grief, staining himself with dust.

The large eyed and beautiful Krishna (Draupadi) has followed the king, covering her face with her dishevelled hair and bathing in tears.

O king, Dhaumya proceeds along with Kusha grass in hand, uttering the fearful Mantras of the Sama Veda relating to Yama.

Dhritarashtra said:
The Pandavas are going assuming various guise. O Vidura, tell me why they are going in this way.

Vidura said:
Through persecuted by your sons, and robbed off his kingdom and wealth, the mind of the wise Dharmaraja (Yudhisthira) has not deviated from the path of virtue.

O descendant of Bharata, the king (Yudhisthira) is always kind to the sons of Dhritarashtra. Deprived of kingdom by foul means, he does not open his eyes in anger.

"I shall not consume men by looking at them with fearful eyes," thinking this, the Pandava king proceeds along with covered face.

Hear, I tell you, why Bhima goes in this way. O best of the Bharata race, thinking "There is none equal to me in strength of arms."

O king Bhima ever proud of his strength of arms, goes repeatedly stretching forth his mighty arms and exhibiting them and desiring to do to his enemies, deeds worthy of those arms. The son of Kunti, Arjuna, capable of using both his arms (in throwing weapon),

That Savyasachi, O descendant of Bharata, follows the king, scattering dust emblematical of the arrows he will shower in the battle. O descendant of Bharata, it indicated that as the sand grains are scattered by him with ease, so will he rain arrows with ease on the enemy. O lord, thinking "None may recognise me in this day of calamity,"

Sahadeva proceeds along besmearing his face. Nakula goes with his body besmeared with ashes, thinking, "I may steal the hearts of the ladies that may look at me."

Draupadi, attired in one piece of cloth, stained with blood, and her hair dishevelled (proceeds along) weeping and saying.

'The wives of those for whom I have been reduced to such a plight shall, on the fourteenth year hence, deprived of their husbands, sons, relatives and dear ones smeared all over with blood, all in their seasons, and with hair dishevelled enter Hastinapur having offered oblations of water to the manes of their dead husbands.

O descendant of Bharata, the learned and self controlled priest Dhaumya. holding the Kusha (grass) in his hand and pointing them towards the south west, walk before (the Pandavas) singing the Mantras of the Samaveda.

Dhaumya is preceding, saying "When the descendant of Bharata will be killed in battle, the priests and preceptors of the Kurus will thus sing the Sama Mantras."

"Alas, alas, our lords are going away! O fie on the Kuru chiefs who have acted liken children.

In thus banishing the heirs of Pandu from covetousness! We shall be masterless, being thus separated from the Pandavas,

What love can we bear for the wicked and covetous Kurus"? The citizens repeatedly bewailed thus in great grief.

The son of Kunti, all possessing great energy of mind, has gone away to the forest indicating by signs the resolution that were in their minds.

At the departure of those foremost of men from Hastinapur, lightning flashed in the cloudless sky, earth began to tremble,

Rahu came to devour the sun, although it was not the day of an eclipse, meteors began to fall, keeping the city to their right.

Jackals, vultures, ravens, and other carnivorous beasts and birds began to shriek from the temples of the gods, from the tops of sacred trees and from walls and housetops.

O king, thus extraordinary and fearful protents were seen and heard, indicating the destruction of the Bharata race as the consequence of your evil counsels;

Vaishampayana said:
O king, when the king Dhritarashtra and the intelligent Vidura were thus talking, there came.

To the Sabha (and stood) in the midst of the Kurus, Narada surrounded by great Rishis. He then uttered these terrible words.

Narada said:
On the fourteenth year hence, for the fault of Duryodhana will be destroyed the Kurus by the prowess of Bhima and Arjuna.

Vaishampayana said:
Having said this, that foremost of all celestial Rishis, adorned with surprising Vedic grace, disappeared from the scene, passing into the sky.

Thereupon Duryodhana, Karna and the son of Subala, Shakuni, considering Drona as the island (refuse) offered him the kingdom.

Then Drona spoke thus to the wicked Duryodhana, Dushasana, Karna and all the other Bharatas.

Drona said:
The Brahmanas have said that the Pandavas of celestial origin are incapable of being killed. The sons of Dhritarashtra, with all their forces, heartily and with reverence have sought my protection; I shall look after them to the best of my power. I cannot abandon them. Destiny is Supreme.

The sons of Pandu, being defeated at dice, are going to the forest to save their virtue. The Pandavas will live for twelve years in the forest.

Practising Brahmacharya. The Pandavas will to our great grief return in anger (at the end of the thirteenth) to take great ngeanceve on their foes.

I formerly deprived Drupada of his kingdom in a quarrel over friendship. O descendant of Bharata, robbed of his kingdom, the king (Drupada) performed a sacrifice to obtain a son who would kill me.

By the ascetic power of Yaja and Upayaja, he has obtained a son from (the sacrificial) fire, (namely) Dhristadyumna and (a daughter) the faultless Krishna (Draupadi), both risen from the sacrificial alter.

Dhristadyumna is the brother-in-law of the sons of Pritha by marriage; he is ever engaged in doing the favourite works of the Pandavas. I have, therefore, a great fear.

Of celestial origin and of effulgence as that of fire, he was born with bow, arrows and armour. I have great fear from him.

The slayer of hostile heroes, the son of Prishata (Drupada), has taken the side of that your hero who stands at the head of all great car warriors.

I shall have to lose my life if he and I have ever to meet each other in battle. O Kurus, what could be a greater grief to me than this in the world?

"Dhristadyumna is the slayer of Drona" is the general belief. I have heard that he is born to kill me. This is also widely known in the world.

For your sake, that fearful time of destruction has come, Do without any loss of time what may be beneficial to you.

Your happiness will last but for a moment as the shadow of the top of the palm tree rests in winter only but a moment at its base. Perform various sacrifices; enjoy and give away every thing at your heart's content.

On the fourteenth year a great calamity will overwhelm you. (Vaishampayana said) Having heard the words of Drona, Dhritarashtra said.

Dhritarashtra said:
O Kshatta (Vidura), the preceptor has said what is true. Go and back the Pandavas. If they do not come back, let them go, but after being treated with respect and affection; let my these children (the Pandavas) go with arms, soldiers and cars, enjoying every good thing.

Vaishampayana said:
At the departure of the Pandavas to the forest after being defeated at dice, the great king Dhritarashtra was afflicted with great anxiety.

When the ruler of men, Dhritarashtra was thus seated in anxiety and restlessness and sighing in grief, Sanjaya came to him and spoke thus.

Sanjaya said:
O lord of the world, you have (now) obtained the whole earth with all its wealth; you have banished the Pandavas, why then do you grieve so?

Dhritarashtra said:
What have they not to grieve for who will have to meet in battle those foremost of heroes, the Pandavas those great car warriors aided by allies.

Sanjaya said:
O king, this is assuredly a great act of yours, this great hostility which is inevitable and which will cause the destruction of the whole world.

Forbidden by Bhisma, Drona, and Vidura, your wicked minded and shameless son, Duryodhana sent his Pratikamm, born in the Suta caste, commanding him to bring into the Sabha the beloved and virtuous wife of the Pandavas.

The celestial first deprive that man of his reason to whom they ordain defeat and disgrace. It is for this, he sees every thing in a strange light.

When destruction is at hand, evil, appearing as good to the mind polluted by sin, remains stuck to it. That which is improper appears as proper, and that which is proper appears as improper to a man overwhelmed by destruction. And this he (always) likes.

The Time that brings on destruction does not come with upraised club to smash one's head. Peculiarity of Time is this that it makes a man see evil in good and good in evil.

The wretches have brought on themselves this fearful, wholesale and horrible destruction by dragging into the Sabha the ascetic princess of Panchala.

Who else than that false player at dice (Duryodhana) could bring into the Sabha with insults the daughter of Drupada, possessing beauty and intelligence, being conversant with every rule of morality and duty, and sprung not from any woman's womb but from the sacred fire. That beautiful lady was in her season covered with blood.

And in one cloth. Panchali (Draupadi) saw the Pandavas, plunged in slavery and robbed of their wealth, of their kingdom, of their attire, of their beauty, and of every object of enjoyment. Bound by the tie of virtue, they were then unable to exert their prowess.

In the midst of the Kuru assembly, Duryodhana and Karna spoke cruel and harsh words to the distressed and enraged Krishna (Draupadi) who did not deserve such treatment.

Dhritarashtra said:
O Sanjaya, the glances of the affected Draupadi may consume the whole world. Is their any chance of any of my son's living?

The ladies of the Bharata race, with Gandhari, seeing the virtuous, young and beautiful Krishna (Draupadi), the wedded wife (of the Pandavas), dragged into court wept aloud. They are even now weeping every day along with all (my) subjects.

Enraged at the persecution on Draupadi, all the Brahmanas refrained from performing the Agnihotra in the evening.

The winds frightful begun to blow as they do at the universal destruction. A fearful thunder storm raged, Metros fell from the sky and devoured the sun, and unseasonably and fearfully alarmed all the people. The fire came blazing out from the chariot house.

All their flag staffs fell down, foreboding evil to the Bharatas. Jackals fearfully cried out within the sacred fire chamber of Duryodhana.

Asses from all directions began to bray in response (to the jackal). O Sanjaya, then left the assembly Bhisma, Drona with

Kripa, Somadatta, and the high souled Valhika. It was then at the advice of Vidura, I spoke thus (to Draupadi).

"O Krishna, I shall grant you boons whatever you desire to have." Panchali (Draupadi) begged of me the liberation of the Pandavas.

I then set free the Pandavas and commanded them to go away with their cars, bows and arrows. It was then the greatly intelligent Vidura spoke thus.

Vidura said:
This will prove the destruction of the Bharata race, namely the dragging of Krishna into the Sabha. This excellent daughter of the Panchala is Sree (the goddess of wealth) herself.

Of celestial origin, Panchali is the wedded wife of the Pandavas. The wrathful sons of Pritha will never forgive the insult offered to her.

The mighty bowmen of the Vrishni race, and the mighty Panchala car warriors will not suffer this in silence. Supported by Vasudeva (Krishna),

Vivatsu (Arjuna) will certainly come back surrounded by the Panchala heroes. Among them, the great bowman and greatly powerful Bhimsena.

Will also come back whirling his club like Yama himself his mace. There will be no kings who will be able to stand the sound of the Govinda (bow) of the intelligent Partha (Arjuna) and the terrible force of the club of Bhima. Therefore it seems to me to be the best to have peace and not hostility with the sons of Pritha.

]The Pandavas are always stronger than the Kurus. The greatly effulgent king Jarasandha.

Was killed in battle in Bhima with his bare arms. O best of the Bharata race, you should therefore make peace with the Pandavas.

O great king, without scruples of any kind, unite the two parties. If it is done, you are sure to obtain good fortune."

Dhritarashtra said:
The son of Gavalgana, Khattwa (Vidura) spoke in words replete with Dharma and Artha. I did not accept his words moved by the affection I bear for my sons.

End of the SABHA PARVA

Mahabharata

Anudyuta Parva

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