Mahabharata

Dyuta Parva

Vow of Yudhishthira. Lamentations of Duryodhana. Fetching Yudhishthira. Arrival of Yudhishthira. Colloquy between Yudhishthira and Shakuni. Commencement of the play. The gambling match. Words of Vidura. The sound counsel of Vidura. The losing of Draupadi. Draupad’s question. The dragging of Draupadi. Words of Bhisma. Draupadi's obtaining boon. Wrath of Bhima. Boons of Dhritarashtra.

Vaishampayana said:
When that best of sacrifices, Rajasuya, ever difficult of accomplishment, was completed, Vyasa, surrounded by his disciples, came before him (Yudhishthira).

On his arrival he soon rose from his seat, surrounded by his brothers, and worshipped his grandfather (Vyasa) with offering him a seat and water to wash his feet.

When the illustrious (Rishi) took his seat on a best seat made of gold, he said to Dharmaraja Yudhishthira "to take his seat".

When the king was seated surrounded by his brothers, the illustrious Vyasa, the skillful speaker, thus spoke.

"O son of Kunti, you grow in prosperity for good fortune; you have acquired the imperial dignity which is very difficult to be acquired. O perpetuator of the Kuru race, all the Kurus have grown in prosperity for your sake.

O king, with your permission I shall (now) go. I have been duly worshipped". Having been thus addressed by Krishna (Vyasa), Dharmaraja Yudhishthira,

Saluted his grandfather by touching his feet and thus spoke to him, "O foremost of all men, a very great doubt has arisen in my mind.

O best of the twice-born, there is none else except you who can remove it. The illustrious Rishi Narada said that three kinds of portents, namely celestials, atmospherical and terrestrial, happen (if Rajasuya sacrifice is performed). O grandsire, have these portents been removed by the fall of the Chedi king?

Vaishampayana said:
Having heard these words from the king, the son of Parashara, the lord Krishna Dvaipayana, Vyasa, thus spoke to him.

"O king, for thirteen years those portents will produce great results. O king, they may even cause the destruction of all the Kshatriyas.

O best of the Bharata race, O descendant of Bharata, in course of time, making you the sole cause, the assembled Kshatriya kings will all be destroyed for the fault of Duryodhana and the prowess of Bhima and Arjuna.

O king of kings, in your dream you will see towards the end of this night Vrishadhvaja (Bull-marked), Nilkantha (blue throated), Bhava, Sthanu, (deep in mediation) Kapali, (drinking from human skull), Tripurantaka (slayer to Tripura), fierce and terrible Pashupati (the lord of creatures), Mahadeva (the god of gods), Umapati, (the husband of Uma) Hara, Sharva, Vrisha, Shuli, (holding the trident) Pinaki (armed with Pinaka bow), attired in skin, Shiva, tall and white as the cliff of the Kailasa, seated on his bull and always gazing towards the direction, presided over by the Pitris (South).

O king, you will see such a dream (today). Do not be grieved for it, for none can rise superior of Time.

Be blessed. I shall now (go towards the Kailasa mountain). Rule the earth with vigilance and steadiness and bear patiently all privations".

Having said this, the illustrious Krishna Dvaipayana, Vyasa, accompanied by his disciples, who always followed the dictates of the Vedas, went towards the Kailasa mountain.

On the departure of the grandfather (Vyasa), the king became afflicted with grief and anxiety. He continuously sighed and reflected on what the Rishi said.

He said to himself, "what the great Rishi has said must came to pass. How can fates be warded off by human exertions?

Thereupon, the greatly effulgent Yudhishthira thus spoke to all his brothers. "O best of men, you have heard what Dvaipayana (Vyasa) has said.

Hearing his words, my firm resolve is to die, when I have been ordained to be the cause of the destruction of all the Kshatriyas.

O children, if Time has willed it, what need is there for me to live?" To the king who was thus speaking replied Falguni (Arjuna),

"O king, do not yield yourself to the great depression which destroys one's reason. O great king, mustering fortitude, do what is beneficial".

Thereupon Yudhishthira, ever devoted to truth, thinking all the while the words of Dvaipayana (Vyasa), spoke thus to all his brothers.

"O children, O blessed ones, listen to the vow I make from this day. For what other purpose am I to live for thirteen years?

I shall not speak a harsh word to my brothers or to any of the kings of the earth. I shall remain obedient to my relatives and practice virtue.

If I live in this way, making no distinction between my own sons and those of others, there will be no disagreement in the world. Disagreement is the cause of war.

O best of men, I shall keep war at a distance, and I shall ever do what is agreeable to others. Thus no evil reputation will touch me in the world."

Having heard these words of their elder brother, the Pandavas, ever engaged in doing what is agreeable to Dharmaraja (Yudhishthira), approved of them.

O king, Dharmaraja (Yudhishthira), having thus taken the vow with his brothers in that assembly, gratified the Pitris and the celestial.

O best of the Bharata race, on the departure of all the Kshatriya kings, he (Yudhishthira), surrounded by his brothers, performed the usual auspicious rites.

Yudhishthira then with his ministers entered his excellent palace. O great king, Duryodhana and the son of Subala, Shakuni, (then) lived in that charming Sabha (assembly hall).

Vaishampayana said:
O best of men, Duryodhana lived in their (the Pandava's) that Assembly-Hall. He slowly examined the whole of that mansion with Shakuni.

The Kuru prince saw in it many celestials designs which he had never seen before in the city of Hastinapur.

One day the son of Dhritarashtra, king (Duryodhana) coming to a place made of crystal, mistook it for water and drew up his clothes. Finding his mistake out, he wandered over the Sabha in great sorrow.

Some after, he mistook a lake of crystal water, adorned with crystal water flowers for land and fell into it with all his clothes on.

Seeing him fallen into the water, the greatly strong Bhima laughed aloud, the servants also laughed at Suyodhana (Duryodhana).

Other handsome and dry clothes were soon given to him at the command of the king (Yudhishthira). Seeing his this plight the mighty Bhimasena.

Arjuna, and the twins (Nakula and Sahadeva) all laughed aloud. Ever incapable of putting up with insults, he (Duryodhana) could not bear their laughter.

Concealing his emotions, he even did not cast his eyes on them. Seeing him again draw up his clothes to cross a piece of land (made of crystal), mistaking it for water, all men laughed aloud. Then king (Duryodhana) mistook a closed door made of crystal as open.

And he hurt his head to pass it and stood with his brains swimming. In this way mistaking another open door made of crystal as closed, he attempted to open it with out-stretched hands and tumbled down.

Coming upon another door that was really open, the king, thinking it closed, went away from it.

O king, having thus become the victim of various mistakes there (in that Assembly-hall) and having seen the vast wealth (that was collected) in the great Rajasuya sacrifice, the king Duryodhana, with the permission of the Pandavas, returned to the city of Hastinapur.

As he proceeded (towards the city), reflecting (on all he had seen), the heart of the king Duryodhana, having been afflicted with the sight of the prosperity of the Pandavas, became inclined to sin.

O perpetuator of the Kuru race, seeing the sons of Pritha happy and all the kings of the world obedient to them, and (seeing also) that every body (both) young and old engaged in doing good to them, reflecting also on the splendour and prosperity of the illustrious Pandavas, the son of Dhritarashtra, Duryodhana, became pale.

In proceeding (towards his city) with an afflicted heart, he only reflected on the matchless Assembly-hall and the great prosperity of the intelligent Dharmaraja (Yudhishthira).

The son of Dhritarashtra, Duryodhana, was so much taken up with his own thoughts that he did not speak a word to Subala's son (Shakuni), though he repeatedly spoke to him.

Seeing him very much agitated (in heart), Shakuni thus spoke to him, "O Duryodhana, why are you proceeding, sighing (all the while)?
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Duryodhana said:
O uncle, seeing the whole earth brought under Yudhishthira's sway by the force of the illustrious Arjuna's weapons, and seeing also the sacrifice of the son of Pritha like that of the greatly effulgent Shakra (Indra) among the celestials,

I have been filled with jealousy, and I am burning day and night. I am being dried up like a shallow tank in the summer season.

Behold, when Shishupala was killed by the chief of the Satvata race, there was none to take his side.

The kings appeared (as if) they were consumed by the Pandava fire; therefore they were forgiving, for else who could pardon such an offence?

That greatly improper act of Vasudeva was only successful on account of the prowess of the illustrious sons of Pandu.

Various kings brought with them various kinds of wealth to the son of Kunti, king (Yudhishthira) and worshipped him like the tribute-paying Vaishyas.

Seeing the splendour of the Pandava's prosperity, and being afflicted with jealousy, I am as if on fire although I should not be jealous.

Vaishampayana said:
Having been burnt as if by fire and having made the (following) resolve, he (Duryodhana) thus again spoke to the king of Gandhara (Shakuni).

Duryodhana said:
I shall throw myself into the fire, or I shall drink the poison, or I shall drown myself in water. I am unable to live.

What man is there in the world possessing manliness who can bear to see his foes in prosperity and himself in destitution?

Therefore, I who bear the sight of the prosperity and fortune of my foes, am neither a woman nor on who is not a woman, neither a man nor one who is not a man.

Seeing their lordship over the world, their such vast wealth, and also their that sacrifice, who is there like me that will not smart under it?

I am alone incapable of acquiring such royal prosperity. I do not also see any one who can help me in doing it. Therefore I think of death.

Seeing the great and serene prosperity of the son of Kunti, I consider Fate to be supreme and exertion useless.

O son of Subala, I formerly tried to destroy him, but baffling all my efforts, he has grown in prosperity like the lotus (in the tank).

Therefore, I consider fate to be supreme and (all) exertions useless. The sons of Dhritarashtra are decaying, (but) the sons of Pritha are prospering.

Seeing their prosperity and their that Assembly-hall, and also the laughter of their servants, I am burning (in my heart), as if I am on fire.

O uncle, know me now to be in great grief and full of jealousy, speak of it to Dhritarashtra.

Shakuni said:
O Duryodhana, you should not be jealous of Yudhishthira. the Pandavas are enjoying what their good fortune yields them.

O Chastiser of foes, O great king, you were unable to destroy them by repeatedly adopting various plans, many of which you reduced to practice. These best of men for their good fortune escaped (all) your machinations.

They obtained Draupadi as wife and Drupada with his two sons (as allies); and also the greatly powerful Vasudeva (Krishna) as a help to acquire the whole world.

O ruler of earth, having obtained their paternal share of the kingdom and not being deprived of it, they have grown (in prosperity) by their own energy. What is there to make you sorry in all this?

Having worshipped Hutashana (Fire) Dhananjaya (Arjuna) has obtained the Gandiva (bow), the two inexhaustible quivers and many celestial weapons.

With that best of bow and by the prowess of his arms, he has brought all the rulers of earth under his sway. What is there to be sorry at?

Having saved the Danava Maya from the conflagration of fire, the chastiser of foes, Savyasachi (Arjuna) made him build that Assembly-hall.

At the command of Maya, those fearful Rakshasas, named Kinkaras, guard that Assembly-hall. What is there then be sorry at?

O descendant of Bharata, O king, you have said that you have no one to help you. This is not true. These your brothers are all obedient to you.

The wielder of the great bow the greatly powerful Drona with his son, the Suta's son, Radheya (Karna), the great car-warrior, Goutama (Kripa),

I with my brothers, the king Somadatti, these are all your allies. Conquer the whole earth with them.

Duryodhana said:
O king, if it please you, I shall conquer the Pandavas with you and with these great car-warriors.

If I can conquer them, the whole world will be mine; as also the kings and the Assembly hall which is so full of wealth.

Shakuni said:
Dhananjaya, Vasudeva, Bhimasena, Yudhishthira, Nakula, Sahadeva, Drupada, and his two sons, these (heroes) cannot be conquered in a battle even by the celestials. They are all great car-warriors, and the wielders of great bows; they are accomplished in arms and invincible in war.

But I know the means by which Yudhishthira may be vanquished. O king, listen to it and adopt it.

Duryodhana said:
O uncle, without any danger to our friends and other illustrious men, if there is means to conquer him, tell it to me.

Shakuni said:
The son of Kunti (Yudhishthira) is very much fond of gambling, but he does now know how to play. That king of kings, (Yudhishthira) if asked to play, will not be able to refuse.

I am skillful in the play at dice. There is none equal to me (in this play), on earth, may, not even in the three worlds.
O descendant of Kuru, (therefore) ask him to play.

O king, O best of men, expert as I am in the play at dice, I am certain to win for you his kingdom and his greatly effulgent prosperity.

But, O Duryodhana, tell all this to the king (Dhritarashtra). At the command of your father, I will win the whole of Yudhishthira's possessions without the least doubt.

Duryodhana said:
O son of Subala, tell yourself all this to the chief of the Kurus, Dhritarashtra, I shall not be able to do it.

Vaishampayana said:
O king, having been impressed with the great Rajasuya sacrifice of king Yudhishthira and having also learnt the intentions of Duryodhana, from what he said, and also in order to do what was pleasing to him (Duryodhana), the son of Subala, Shakuni, accompanied by Gandhari's son (Duryodhana) came to the king Dhritarashtra whose knowledge was his eye, seated (on this throne). Approaching that greatly intelligent (king), Shakuni thus spoke to him.

Shakuni said:
O great king, O best of the Bharata race, know that Duryodhana has become colourless, pale, and emaciated with anxiety.

Why do you not after due enquiry ascertain the cause of the grief that is in the heart of your eldest son, the grief caused by the enemy?

Dhritarashtra said:
O Duryodhana, O son, what is the cause of your grief? O Kuru prince, if it is fit for me to hear, tell it to me.

This Shakuni says you are colourless, pale and emaciated. After reflection I can not find any cause for your grief.

O son, all my vast wealth is at your command. Your brothers and our relatives and friends never do anything injurious to you.

You wear the best robes, you eat food prepared with meat, you ride the best horses, why then are you pale and emaciated?

Costly beds, the charming damsels finely furnished mansions and grounds of sport are at pleasure (when you amuse).

All these certainly wait your command as do they in the case of the celestials. O invincible hero, O son, why do you grieve (then) like a destitute person?

Duryodhana said:
I, no doubt, eat and dress but I pass my time all the while like a wretch, for I am a prey to jealousy.

He is called a (true) man who lives after having vanquished his enemy in order to liberate his own subjects from the tyranny of that enemy,

O descendant of Bharata, contentment and pride destroy (one's) prosperity. Being engrossed with compassion and fear he can never rise.

Seeing the prosperity of Yudhishthira, whatever I enjoy does not gratify or please me. The great and splendid prosperity of the son of Kunti makes me pale.

Though I am not now seeing the greatly effulgent prosperity of the son of Kunti, yet knowing the affluence of the foe and my destitution, I (feel as if I) see it before me. For this reason I am colourless melancholy, pale and emaciated.

Yudhishthira supports by giving thirty servant maids to each of eighty eight thousands Snataka Brahmanas who lead domestic life.

Besides these, ten thousand other Brahmanas daily eat well cooked food from golden plates at the palace of Yudhishthira.

The king of Kamboja sent to him hundreds and thousands of black darkish and red skins of the deer called Kadali, and also blankets of excellent texture. Hundreds and hundreds and thousands and thousands of female elephants, horses and cows and thirty thousand female camels wander (within his palace); the kings brought them all as tribute when they assembled there.

O lord of earth, the kings brought to that foremost of sacrifice heaps of gems and jewels for the son of Kunti.

I never heard or saw such enormous wealth as was brought to the sacrifice of the intelligent (son) of Pandu (Yudhishthira).

O king, seeing that enormous collection of wealth belonging to the enemy. I cannot enjoy peace of mind. I am afflicted with their thoughts. O king.

Being stopped there by the gatekeepers hundreds of Brahmanas, supported by the land presented to them (by Yudhishthira) and possessing wealth of kine, waited at the palace gate with three thousands of millions of tribute.

Even having brought with them Ghee in golden Kamandalus (sort of water pot), they could not get admission into the palace.

Ocean himself brought to him in vessels of white copper Ambrosia which was generated within his waters and which was superior to that which the wives of the immortal (Soma, i.e. flowers and annual plants) produce for Shakra (Indra)

Having brought an excellent conch, Vasudeva bathed him (Yudhishthira at the conclusion of the sacrifice) with they holy water brought in one thousand golden jars inlaid with numerous gems.

Seeing all this, I felt myself as if attacked with fever. O best of men, O sire, they (jars) were taken to the eastern and the southern seas. They were also taken to the western sea. But none can go to the northern sea except birds.

Arjuna, however, went there and exacted as tribute a vast quantity of wealth. There happened another wonderful incident, which I shall describe to you. Listen to it.

When (full) one lac Brahmanas were every day fed, it was arranged (to notify) the fact by blowing conchs in a chorus.

O descendant of Bharata, I continually heard (choruses of) conchs blown; and that too often repeatedly. It each time indicated that one lac Brahmanas had been fed. Having heard these sounds, my hairs stood on end.

O great king, that palatial grounds crowded with many kings who came there as spectators, looked as beautiful as the cloudless sky studded with stars.

O ruler of men, O great king, the monarchs came to the sacrifice of the wise son of Pandu, bringing with them every king of wealth.

Like the Vaishyas the kings became the distributors of food to the Brahmanas. Such wealth does not belong even to the king of the celestials (Indra) or to Yama or to Varuna,

Or to the lord of the Guhyakas, as belongs to Yudhishthira. O king, seeing that great prosperity of the son of Pandu, my heart is burning. I cannot get peace (of mind).

Shakuni said:
O hero whose prowess is truth, hear the means by which you can obtain the matchless prosperity that you have seen in the Pandava.

O descendant of Bharata, I am an adept in dice, superior to all in the world. I can ascertain the success or otherwise of every throw, and also when to stake and when not to stake. I have special knowledge of the play.

The son of Kunti (Yudhishthira) is also fond of the play, although he possesses little skill in it. He is sure to come, if challenged to pay or to fight.

O lord, I shall always defeat him at every throw by practising deception. I shall win all his celestial-like wealth; and you will (then) be able to enjoy it.

Vaishampayana said:
Having been thus addressed by Shakuni, the king Duryodhana, without allowing a moment to elapse, spoke thus to Dhritarashtra.

O king, this (Shakuni) is an adept in dice; he is ready to win at dice the wealth of the sons of Pandu. You should grant him permission.

Dhritarashtra says
I always follow the counsel of greatly intelligent Khattwa (Vidura), my minister. Having consulted with him, I shall inform you my decision (in this matter).

He is endued with great foresight; keeping the rules of morality before his eyes, he will point out what is good and what is proper for both parties and what should be done in this matter.

Duryodhana said:
If you consult with Khattwa (Vidura) he will make you desist (from it). O king of kings, if you desist (from this), I will certainly kill myself.

O king, when I am dead, be happy with Vidura. Enjoy then the whole earth. What need you have with me?

Vaishampayana said:
Hearing his (Duryodhana's) words of affection. Dhritarashtra, ever ready to do what Duryodhana said, commanded his servant thus.

Dhritarashtra said:
Let artifices be employed to erect without delay a delightful, charming and spacious Sabha with one hundred doors and with one thousand pillars.

Having brought carpenters and joiners, set jewels and precious stones all over its walls. Make it handsome and easy of access; and then inform me when every thing is complete.

Vaishampayana said:
O great king, having resolved to pacify Duryodhana the ruler of earth, Dhritarashtra, sent men to Vidura to summon him (before his presence).

Because without asking Vidura, he (Dhritarashtra) never framed any resolution. Knowing (full well) the evils of gambling, he was still attracted towards it out of his fondness for his son.

Having heard this, the intelligent Vidura knew that the arrival of Kali (Yuga) is near at hand. Seeing also the way to destruction (of the Kuru race) about to the opened, he soon came to Dhritarashtra.

Coming to his illustrious eldest brother and bowing his head to his feet, he thus spoke to him.

Vidura said:
O king, O lord, I do not approve of the resolution you have formed. You should act in such a way that no dispute may arise amongst your sons on account of this gambling.

Dhritarashtra said:
O Khattwa, there is no doubt that if the gods are propitious to us, no dispute will ever arise amongst my children.

Auspicious or not auspicious, beneficial or not beneficial, let this friendly gambling match be held. This is certainly what Fate has ordained (for us).

O descendant of Bharata, when Drona, Bhishma, you and I will be near at hand, no evil, can possible happen, even if Fate has ordained it.

Go ascending a car yoked with horses possessing the speed of wind, so that you may reach Khandavaprastha to day. Bring Yudhishthira with you.

O Vidura, I tell you, this is my resolution. Do not tell me any thing. I regard Fate as supreme; she brings all this.

Vaisharnpayana said:
Having heard this, and having concluded that his race was doomed, the intelligent Vidura went to the greatly wise Bhishma in great sorrow.

Janamejaya said:
How did that gambling take place, the play which was full of such evils to the brothers and which plunged my grandsires into such sorrow?

O best of all Veda-knowing men, who were the kings that were present in that Sabha and who amongst them approved of the play and who forbade it?

O sinless one, O foremost of the twice borne. I desire to hear narrated by you in detail all this which became the cause of the destruction of all the world.

Sauti said:
Having been thus addressed by the king, the powerful disciple of Vyasa, (Vaishampayana), learned in all the Vedas, narrated every thing as it happened.

Vaishampayana said:
O best of the Bharata race, O great king, if you desire to hear it, listen to it. I narrate all this in detail.

Knowing the opinion of Vidura, the son of Ambika, Dhritarashtra, thus spoke to Duryodhana in private.

Dhritarashtra said:
O son of Gandhara, there is no need of playing dice. Vidura does not praise it. That greatly intelligent man will never give me advice that is not good for me.

I consider that what Vidura said is greatly beneficial to me. O son, do it; for I consider it to be for your good also.

The greatly learned man, Vidura, knows all the sciences with their mysteries which the illustrious, learned and wise Brihaspati, the great Rishi who is the preceptor of Vasava (Indra), taught to the intelligent king of the immortals.

O son, I always follow his counsel. The greatly wise Vidura is considered to be the foremost of the Kurus.

As the greatly intelligent Udhava (is considered to be the foremost) of the Vrishnis. O son, O prince, have nothing with gambling. Dissension is the evident result of gambling.

Dissension causes ruin to a kingdom. O son, therefore, abandon (the idea of gambling). O son, you have obtained all that is hard to be obtained from the father and the mother. You have obtained the rank and the possessions of your ancestors, you are taught, you are made learned in the Shastras, you were carefully brought up in the house.

You are the eldest amongst all your brothers, you are placed over the kingdom; why do you not consider yourself fortunate and happy? You get the very best kind of food and robes, unobtainable by ordinary men.

O mighty armed hero, O son, having obtained all this, why do you grieve? O mighty armed hero, ruling over your large ancestral kingdom swelling with people and wealth, you shine as splendidly as the chief of the celestials in heaven. O possessor of knowledge, you should tell me what can be the root of your grief which has made you so melancholy.

Duryodhana said:
I am a sinful wretch that I eat and dress, though see the prosperity of the enemy. It has been said that a man is a wretch who does not feel jealousy at the sight of his enemy's prosperity.

O king of kings, O lord, this ordinary prosperity does not please me. I am greatly pained on seeing the burning prosperity of the son of Kunti.

I tell you, my life must be very hard to be parted with from my body, and therefore I am still alive after seeing all the kings of the world enduring the sway of Yudhishthira.

The Nipas, the Chitrakas, the Kukuras, the Karaskaras and the Lohajanghas are living in the Yudhishthira’s palace like bondsmen.

The Himalayas, the ocean, the regions on the sea-shore and the numberless other regions that yield gems and jewels have all acknowledged their inferiority to the palace of Yudhishthira.

O king, on consideration of my being the eldest and the foremost. I was engaged in receiving the gems and jewels (brought as tribute by the kings).

O descendant of Bharata, the limit and the like of the excellent and the invaluable jewels that were brought there have never been seen.

O king, my hands were tired to receive that wealth. When I became tired they that brought that wealth from distant places waited (till I could resume my task).

Having brought jewels from Bindu lake, Maya built a lake-like ground made of crystal. O descendant of Bharata, seeing the place full of lotuses, I mistook it for waster.

Seeing me draw up my clothes, Vrikodara (Bhima) laughed at me, considering me as destitute of jewels and deprived of my reason at the affluence of the enemy.

"O king, if I had the ability, I would have instantly killed Vrikodara (for his laughter), O king, if we now try to kill Bhima.

Our fate will be certainly as that of Shishupala. O descendant of Bharata, that insult by the enemy burns me.

O king, again seeing a similar lake full of water, I mistook it for a crystal surface, and I fell into it.

At this Bhima with Partha (Arjuna) laughed aloud, and Draupadi with other females laughed also. This greatly pains my heart.

My robes having been wet, the servants gave me other clothes at the command of the king (Yudhishthira). That also is my great sorrow.

O king, listen to another mistake (I made) which I speak of. In attempting to pass through what was exactly of the shape of a door, but which was not really a door, I struck my forehead against it and injured myself. Thereupon the twins (Nakula and Sahadeva), seeing from a distance that I was struck, came and supported me in their arms, and expressed great concern (for my injury).

Sahadeva then again and again told me with smiles, "O king, this is the door. Go this way."

O king, Bhimasena laughed aloud, and addressing me, he spoke thus to me. "O son of Dhritarashtra, this is the door".

I had not even heard the names of the gems that I saw in that palace. It is for this reason my heart is so much burning.

Duryodhana said:
O descendant of Bharata hear about all the best of wealth that belongs to the Pandavas and that was brought by the kings of earth one after another.

Seeing that wealth of the enemy, I lost my reason, and I scarcely knew myself. O descendant of Bharata, hear as I describe that wealth consisting of both manufactures and the produce of land. The king of Kamboja gave many of the best kinds of skins, woollen blankets, blankets made of the soft fur of mice and other animals living in holes and blankets made of the wool of cats, all inlaid with threads of gold;

Also three hundred horses of the Tittiri and Kalmasha kinds, all possessing nose like the parrots; also three hundred camels, three hundred female asses, all fattened with olive and Pilusha.

O great king, many Brahmanas, who rear cattle and who are fit to be engaged in menial service, in order to gratify the illustrious Dharmaraja (Yudhishthira) waited,

At the gate with hundred millions of tribute and were denied admittance. Hundreds of Brahmanas, possessing wealth of kine and living upon the lands that Yudhishthira gave them, came there with their handsome golden Kamandalus (water-pot) filled with Ghee. Though they brought such tribute, yet they were refused admittance. Hundred thousands of serving maids of the Karpasika country.

All of beautiful features of slender waist, and of long hair, and all adorned with golden ornaments, also many skins of Ranku deer worthy of the best Brahmanas, and also horses of the Gandhara country, were brought by the Shudra kings who lived in the regions on the coast of the sea. O great king,

The Vairamas, the Paradas, the Tungas and the Kitavas who lived upon crops that depended on water from the sky or of the river, and those who were born in regions on these shore, in woodlands or in countries on the other side of the sea, being refused admittance waited at the gate, though they brought with them goats and kine, asses and camels, vegetable honey and blankets, jewels and gems of various kinds.

The brave ruler of Pragjyotisha, and the powerful king of the Mlecchas the car-warrior king Bhagadatta, waited at the gate at the head of a large number of Yavanas. He too was unable to enter, though he brought a large tribute comprising of horses of the best breed and of the speed of the wind

Thereupon the king of Pragjyotisha Bhagadatta had to go away from the gate, giving away a number of swords with handles made of the purest ivory and well-adomed with diamonds and every kind of gems.

Many races, coming from various regions, some with eyes on the forehead, and also the Aushnikas, the Nishadas, the Romakas, also those that were cannibals.

And also those that possessed only one leg. I saw, were refused admittance at the gate. These kings brought as tribute ten thousand celebrated asses of various and innumerable colours, with black necks and huge bodies, with great speed and much docility.

They were all of good size and delightful colour; they were all born on the coast and shore the Vanku, of all these kings gave much gold and silver.

Having given so much, tribute they got admission to the palace of Yudhishthira. the one legged people who came there gave him (Yudhishthira) many wild horses, some red as coccinella (a sort of red insect) and some white, some of the rain-bow colour, some looking like evening clouds and some of variegated colour, and all possessing the speed of mind. They also gave to the king much gold of superior quality. Innumerable chins, Shakas, Aodaras and many barbarians and dwellers of forest,

The Vrishnis, the Harahunas, the dark people of the Himalayas, the Nipas and the people living on the sea coast, were all refused admittance at the gate.

They gave as tribute ten thousand various asses of good size and black necks and capable of daily running two thousand miles, all of many shapes and all well-trained and celebrated over the world, all possessing symmetrical proportion and excellent colour, they skins being pleasant to the touch, also many woollen blankets made in chin, also many skins of Ranku deer, and also many clothes made of Jute and many others made of the threads of insects.

They also gave thousands of other cloths not made of cotton and all possessing the colour of the lotus, being made of smooth and soft texture. They also gave thousands of soft sheepskins, also many sharp and long swords and scimitars, hatches and fine-edged battle-axes, manufactured in the western countries also thousands of perfumes, jewels and gems. But being refused admittance they all waited at the gate.

The Shakas, the Tusharas, the Kankas, the Romakas and the men with horns, bringing with them (as tribute) many large elephants which could go long distance, and also ten thousand horses and also hundreds of millions of gold, waited at the gate being refused admittance.

Costly carpets, vehicles and beds, armours of various colours, decked with jewels, gems and ivory, and also weapons of various kinds and cars of various shapes handsomely made and adorned with gold.

Well-trained horses covered with the tiger skins, rich and variegated blankets for covering elephants, various kinds of gems and jewels,

Long and short arrows, and various other kinds of weapons such valuable things were presented by the eastern kings. They then entered the sacrificial palace of the illustrious Pandava.

Duryodhana said:
O sinless one, listen to me as I describe that large mass of wealth, consisting of various kinds of tributes presented to him (Yudhishthira) by the kings of the earth.

Those, that live on the banks of the river Shailoda flowing between the mountains Meru and Mandara and enjoy the delicious shade of the groves of Kichaka bamboo,

Namely (the kings) of the khasas, the Ekasanas, the Arhas, the Pradaras, the Dirghavenus, the Paradas, the Kulindas, the Tanganas, and the other Tanganas,

Brought as tribute heaps of gold measured in Dronas (jars) and raised from underneath the earth by ants, and therefore called after the ants.

The powerful mountain tribes, having brought as tribute many soft and black Chamaras and many others as white as the moon-beam, and also sweet honey extracted from the flowers growing on the Himalayas and also from the Mechelia champaka, and also garlands of flowers brought from the land of the northern Kurus, and also various kinds of plants from the north, even from the Kailasa (mountain), waited at the gate with their heads down, being refused admittance.l

O lord, I also saw many Kirata kings, armed with cruel weapons and ever engaged in cruel deeds, living on fruits and roots and wearing skins, who live on the slopes of the Himalayas and the mountain from behind which the sun rises and in the Karusha country on the sea coast and on the both sides of the Lohitya mountain.

O king, having brought loads of Chandana and alone and also black aloes and heaps of valuable skins and much wealth and perfumes, and also ten thousand serving maids of the Kirata race, and many beautiful birds and animals of remote countries.

And also much gold of great splendour procured from the mountains, waited at the gate, being refused admittance.

The Kiratas, the Daradas, the Darvas, the Shuras, the Vaiamakas, the Audumbaras, the Durvibhagas, the Paradas the Valhikas.

The Kashmiras, the Kumaras, the Ghorakas, the Hansakayanas, the Shibis the Trigartas, the Yaudheyas, the rulers of the Madras, the Kaikeyas,

The Ambashthas, the Kaukuras, the Tarkshyas, the Vastrapas, with the Pahlvas the Vashatalas, the Mauleyas, the Kshudrakas, the Malavas,

O king, the Paundrayas, the Kukkuras, the Shakas, the Angas, the Vangas, the Pundras, the Shanavatyas and the Gayas,

These well-born, greatly fortunate excellent and well-skilled in arms Kshatriyas brought tribute by hundreds and thousands.

The Vangas, the Kalingas, the Magadhas, the Tamraliptas, the Sapundrakas the Dauvalikas, the Sagarakas, the Patrornas, the Shaishavas,

O descendant of Bharata, innumerable Karnapravaranas who came to the gate were told by the gate-keepers at the command of the king (Yudhishthira) that if they could wait and bring good tribute, they would (then) get admittance.

They (therefore) each gave one thousand elephants with tusks like the shafts of plough and girdles made of gold and with coverlets of fine blankets of the colour of lotus. They were darkish like rocks and they were always rusty, they were all procured from the banks of the Kamyaka lake and they were covered with defensive armour. They were also very patient and they were all of the best breed. Having made these presents,, the kings were admitted (into the sacrificial ground).

These and many other (kings), coming from various regions, and also others who brought a great mass of gems and jewels, all assembled there.

The king, named Chitraratha, the friend of Indra, gave five hundred horses with the spread of wind.

The Gandharva Tumburu cheerfully gave one hundred horses of the colour of the mango leaf, all adorned with gold (ornaments).

O king, O descendant of Kuru, the renowned king of the Shukaras gave many hundreds of valuable elephants.

The king of Matsya, Virata, gave as tribute two thousand elephants adorned with gold (ornaments).

O monarch, king Vasudana from the kingdom of Panshu gave twenty six elephants and two thousand horses all adorned with gold (ornaments).

O king, they were all endued with speed and strength and they were all in the full vigour of their youth. These and many other wealth he offered to the Pandavas.

O king, Yajnasena presented to the sons of Pritha for their sacrifice fourteen thousand serving maids and ten thousands serving men with their wives. O great king, also many hundreds of excellent elephants, twenty six cars with elephants yoked to them and also his whole kingdom. Vasudeva of the Vrishni race (Krishna) in order to increase the dignity of Kiriti Arjuna.

Gave fourteen thousand excellent elephants. Krishna is the soul of Partha (Arjuna), and Dhananjaya (Arjuna) is the soul of Krishna.

Whatever Arjuna may say Krishna is certain to accomplish. Krishna can abandon heaven itself for the sake of Dhananjaya (Arjuna).

Partha also can sacrifice his life for the sake of Krishna. Though, numberless golden jars filled with fragrant Chandana.

From the Malaya hills and loads of sandals and alone woods from the Daraduras hills, many very costly gems and many fine cloths inlaid with gold.

Were brought by the kings of Chola and Pandya yet they could not get admittance. That best of sea-born gems, Vaidurya and heap of pearls.

And hundreds of coverlets for elephants were presented by the kings of the Singhalas. Innumerable dark-coloured men with copper coloured eyes, attired with robes adorned with gems.

Waited at the gate with their presents being refused admittance. In order to gratify (Yudhishthira) many Brahmanas and many Kshatriyas who have been vanquished, Vaishyas and serving Shudras brought tribute from the love and respect of Yudhishthira even all the Mlecchas came to his palace. Men of all orders, good, indifferent and low belonging to various tribes came from various regions.

And made the palace of Yudhishthira an epitom of all the world, seeing the king offer such excellent and valuable presents, I wish for death from grief. O king, I shall now tell you about the servants of the Pandavas,

To whom Yudhishthira supplies both cooked and uncooked food. There are a hundred thousand billions of soldiers mounted on elephants, and also horsemen.

And also a hundred million of cars and numberless foot-soldiers. At one place raw food grains are being measured out and at another they all being cooked.

At another place they are distributed; the sound of festivity is heard every where. I have not seen a single man amongst the four orders who had not got in Yudhishthira's palace food, drink, ornament and reception. Eighty eight thousand Snatakas leading domestic life.

Were all supported by Yudhishthira who presented each with thirty serving girls. They being thus gratified always pray for the destruction of his foe.

Ten thousand Ascetics with their passions under complete control daily eat in golden plates in Yudhishthira's palace.

O king, Yajnaseni (Draupadi) without herself taking any food, daily sees whether everybody, including even the dwarfs and the deformed has eaten.

O descendant of Bharata, only two (race) do not pay tribute to the son of Kunti, the Panchalas on account of their relationship by marriage and the Andhakas and the Vrishnis on account of their friendship (with the Pandavas).

Duryodhana said:
Those high-souled kings, who are devoted to truth, who are greatly observant of vows, who are vastly learned, who are eloquent, who are learned in the Vedas and their branches and in sacrifices.

Who have piety and modesty, who are virtuous-minded, who are renowned and on whom the grand rites of coronation have been performed, all these worship the king.

I saw many thousands of wild kine with as many vessels of white copper for milking them, brought there by the kings of the earth to be given away as Dakshina (sacrificial presents) by Yudhishthira.

O descendant of Bharata, many kings with greatest alacrity themselves brought there many excellent jars(of water) for the purpose of bathing the king at the end of the sacrifice.

Valhika himself brought there a car decked with gold. Sudakshina himself yoked to it four white horses of the Kamboja kind.

The greatly strong Sunitha gladly fitted its lower pole and the ruler of Chedi with his own hands took up and fitted its flag-staff.

The king of the southern country stood ready with the coat of mail and the Magadha king with garlands of flowers and the heads-dress. The great bow-man Vasudeva stood with a sixty years old elephant, the king of Matsya with side-fittings of the cars decked with gold, Ekalavya with the shoes, the king of Avanti with various kinds of water for the final bath.

Chekitana with the Quiver, the king of Kashi with the bow, Shalya with a sword, the hilt and straps of which were inlaid with gold.

Dhaumya and greatly ascetic Vyasa with Narada and Asita's son, Rishi Devala at the head, performed the ceremony of sprinkling sacred water over the king.

The great Rishis sat with cheerful heart at the place where the sprinkling ceremony took place. As the seven Rishis approached the chief of the celestials Indra in heaven, so the illustrious Rishis, learned in the Vedas, with the son of Jamadagni, came uttering Mantras to the great Dakshina-giving (Yudhishthira).

The greatly powerful Satyaki held the umbrella and Dhananjaya (Arjuna) and Bhima fanned the Pandava (Yudhishthira).

The twins (Nakula and Sahadeva) held two excellent chamaras in their hands which was presented by Prajapati to Indra in a former Kalpa.

That big conch of Varuna which Vishvakarma had constructed with a thousand Nishkas of gold was brought by the Ocean himself.

With it Krishna bathed Yudhishthira after the conclusion of the sacrifice, Seeing this I partly lost my senses. People go to the eastern and the western and also the southern seas;

But, O father, except birds none can go the northern seas. They have spread their dominion even there - for I heard hundreds of conches that had been brought from that region blown indicating auspicious rejoicing. While those conches were simultaneously blown, my hair stood on end; and those among the kings who were weak in strength fell down in a swoon.

O descendant of Bharata Dhrishtadyumna, Satyaki, the Pandavas and Keshava (Krishna), these eight handsome and greatly powerful men having seen the kings deprived of consciousness and myself in that state, laughed aloud. Then Bibhatsu (Arjuna) gave to the foremost of Brahmanas with a cheerful heart five hundred bullocks with their horns covered with gold, Rantideva, Nabhaga, Yauvanashva, Manu.

King Pritha, the son of Vena, Bhagiratha, Yayati or Nahusha was not like the king Yudhishthira.

The son of Kunti (Yudhishthira), having completed the Rajasuya sacrifice, obtained the prosperity as was obtained by the lord Harishchandra.

O descendant of Bharata, O lord, seeing such prosperity in the son of Pritha as that of Harishchandra, I do not find any good in my living any longer.

O king, a yoke tied by a blind man becomes loosened. Such is the case with us. The younger ones are growing, while the elder ones are decaying.

O chief of the Kurus, seeing all this, however, I try to console my mind by thoughts. I cannot enjoy peace. It is for this I am plunged into grief; and I am becoming pale and emaciated.

Dhritarashtra said:
You are my eldest son, born of my eldest wife. Therefore, O son, be not jealous of the Pandavas. He who is jealous is always unhappy and suffer the death pangs.

O best of the Bharata race, Yudhishthira does not know what deception is; he possesses wealth equal to yours; he has your friends for his; and he is not jealous of you. Why then are you jealous of him?

O prince, you are equal to Yudhishthira in friends and allies. Why should you then out of folly covet the property of your cousin? Be not so. Cease to be jealous. Do not grieve.

O best of the Bharata race, if you desire to possess the dignity of performing a sacrifice, let Ritvijas arrange for you the great sacrifice, called Saptatantu.

The kings will then gladly bring (for you) much wealth and many gems and ornaments.

O son, to covet other's property is exceedingly mean. He, who is contended and is engaged in the practices of his own order, enjoys happiness.

Not to try to get the wealth of others, to perseveres in one's own affairs and to protect what has been earned, these are the indications of true greatness.

He who is unmoved in calamity, is skilled in his own business, is ever exerting, vigilant, and humble will always meet with prosperity.

The Pandavas are like your arms; do not chop off your those arms. do not plunge yourself into internal dissensions coveting the wealth of your brothers.

O prince, do not be jealous of the Pandavas. Your wealth is equal to that of your cousins. To quarrel with one's own friends is a great sin. They who are your grandsires are their grandsires also.

O best of the Bharata race, give away (wealth) in charity on the occasions of sacrifices; gratify every dear object of your desire; sport freely in the company of women, and enjoy peace.

Duryodhana said:
He, who has not personal knowledge, but has merely heard of many things cannot understand the real meaning of the Shastras, like the spoon which has no perception of the taste of the soup it touches.

You know every thing, but you still confound me. Like a boat tied to another boat, you and I are tied to each other. Are you unmindful of your own interest? Do yo entertain hostile feelings towards me?

The sons of Dhritarashtra are doomed to destruction in as much as they are ruled by you. That which should be done at once, you say should be done in future.

He often loses his way whose guide follows the instruction of others. How can those who follow him obtain the right path?

O king, you are of mature wisdom; you wait on the old, and your passions are also under complete control. You should not confound us, when we are ready to seek our own interest.

Brihaspati has said that the usage of kings are different from those of common people. Therefore, kings should always look to their interest with vigilance.

O great king, the character of a Kshatriya is to be known from (his) success. Whether sinful or virtuous, what scruples can there be in performing the duties of one's own (caste).

O best of the Bharata race, he, who is desirous of securing the blazing prosperity of his enemy, should bring all directions under his subjection, as the charioteer does his steeds with his whip.

The men, skilled in arms, say that the means, either covered or open, which can vanquish the enemy, is to be called the (true) weapon and not that which cuts.

O king, there is no figure or dimension to know who is one's friend and who is one's foe. He who gives pain to tlie other is to be called by him his enemy.

O king, discontent is the root of prosperity. Therefore, I desire to have it. O king, he who tries to acquire prosperity is truly a man of policy.

None should love his wealth and affluence, for the wealth, that has been earned and hoarded, might be plundered. This (such plundering) is the usage of the kings.

It was during an armistice and also at the time when a pledge was given (not to fight) that Shakra (Indra) cut off the head of Namuchi. As he approved of this eternal usage towards the enemy, he did act in this way.

Like a snake that swallows up frogs and other animals living in holes, the earth swallows up a king who is peaceful and (also) a Brahmana who does not stir out of his house.

O king, none can by nature by any person's foe. He, and none else, is one's enemy who has common pursuits with another.

He who foolishly neglects a growing foe cuts off his root, as a disease which he keeps without treatment (destroys his body).

If a foe, however insignificant he is, be allowed to grow in prowess, he swallows one as the white ants at the root of a tree eat up the tree itself.

O descendant of Ajamida, O descendant of Bharata, let not the enemy's prosperity be acceptable to you. The wise men should carry on their heads this policy like a load.

He. who always wishes for the increase of his wealth, grows and prospers amongst his relatives, as the body naturally grows from the day of birth. Prowess brings speedy growth.

Covet as much as I do the wealth and prosperity of the Pandavas, they have not as yet become my own. I am doubtful about my ability; I am, however, determined to remove my doubt. I will either obtain their wealth or lay my own life in battle.

O king, when the state of my mind is such, when the Pandavas are daily growing in prosperity and our possessions are daily decreasing, what do I care for life?

Shakuni said:
O foremost of all virtuous men, I shall win by dice the prosperity of the son of Pandu, Yudhishthira, seeing which you so much grieve.

O king, let the son of Kunti, Yudhishthira, be summoned. A skilfull man, keeping himself uninjured, and by throwing dice may vanquish one that has no skill.

O descendant of Bharata, know that betting is my bow, the dice are my arrows, the marks of them (dice) are my bow-strings, and the dice-board is my car.

Duryodhana said:
O king, this expert in dice (Shakuni) is ready to win the prosperity of the son of Pandu by means of dice. You ought to give him permission.

Dhritarashtra said:
I am always obedient to the counsel of my brother, the high-souled Vidura. After consulting with him, I shall settle what should be done in this matter.

Duryodhana said:
O descendant of Kuru, Vidura is always engaged in doing good to the Pandavas. His feelings towards me is not so.

O descendant of Kuru, he is sure to withdraw your mind from the proposed act. No man should engage in doing a thing by depending on the .counsel of another, for the minds of two persons seldom agree in any thing.

The fool who cherishes himself by shunning all causes of fear destroys himself like an insect in the rainy season.

Neither disease nor Yama (Death) waits till one is in prosperity. Therefore, so long there is life and breath, let us accomplish this purpose.

Dhritarashtra said:
O son, enmity with those that are strong is never liked by me. Enmity brings about a change of feelings, and it is itself a weapon, though not made of steel.

O prince, you consider an act, which will bring in its train the fearful consequences of war and which is really fraught with mischief, as a great blessing. If it once begins, it will produce sharp swords and pointed arrows.

Duryodhana said:
The dice has been created and used by the men of ancient time. There is neither destruction nor striking with weapons in it.

Therefore, let the counsel of Shakuni be accepted by you today. Let your commands be soon issued for the construction of the Assembly-hall.

The door of heaven will be opened to us by gambling. It will lead us to great happiness. They that be take to gambling (truly) deserve such good fortune. The Pandavas will be then our equal therefore (allow us to) gamble with them.

Dhritarashtra said:
The words uttered by you do not recommend themselves to me. (However) O ruler of men, do what is agreeable to you. You shall have to repent for acting according to these words, for words fraught with such impiety cannot bring.in prosperity.

All this has been foreseen by the learned Vidura, who follows the path of learning end wisdom, the great calamity which would cause the destruction of the Kshatriya-lives comes as willed by Fate.

Vaishampayana said:
Having said this the weak-minded Dhritarashtra considered that Fate was supreme (in this world). The king (Dhritarashtra), deprived of his (good) sense by Fate and obedient to the words of his son, loudly commanded his men (saying),

"Build with all care as soon as possible an Assembly-hall of the most beautiful description to be called" crystal-gate palace" with one thousand pillars and one thousand gates, decked with gold and Vaidurya gems and extending two miles in length and two miles in breadth".

Hearing (the command), thousands of wise and skillful artificial soon built the palace with the greatest alacrity. Having built it, they brought there every king of article.

They (then) gladly informed the king that the Sabha was ready, it has been made delightful and beautiful, and it had been furnished with every king of gems and covered with many coloured carpets inlaid with gold.

Thereupon the ruler of men, Dhritarashtra, thus spoke to his chief minister, the learned Vidura, "Going (to Indraprastha), soon bring the prince Yudhishthira here at my command.

Coming here with his brothers, let him see my this beautiful Assembly-hall furnished with countless gems and jewels and with costly beds and carpets. Let then a friendly match at dice by played in that Hall."

Vaishampayana said:
The king Dhritarashtra, knowing the inclinations of his son and considering also that Fate was unavoidable, acted in this way.

The foremost of all learned men, Vidura, did not approve the words of his brothers so unjustly uttered; and he then thus spoke to him.

Vidura said:
O king, I do not approve of your this command. Do not act thus. I am afraid this will bring about the destruction of our race. O ruler of men, I apprehend that your sons will lose unity from this match at dice; and dissension will certainly arise amongst them.

Dhritarashtra said:
O Khattwa, if fate be not unfavourable to me, this quarrel will not certainly grieve me. The whole universe moves at the will of its creator, but (it moves) under the controlling influence of Fate. It is not free.

Therefore O Vidura, going to the king (Yudhishthira), soon bring (here) the invincible son of Kunti, Yudhishthira.

Vaishampayana said:
Thus commanded against his will by king Dhritarashtra, Vidura started for (the palace of) the wise Pandavas by means of quiet and patient horses of best species, possessing great speed and strength.

The greatly intelligent (Vidura) proceeded by the way leading to the city of the Pandavas; and having arrived there, he, being duly worshipped by the Brahmanas, entered the city.

Coming to the royal palace which was like the palace of Kubera, the virtuous minded (Vidura) went to the son of Dharma, Yudhishthira.

The illustrious and enemiless descendant of Ajamida, ever devoted to truth, reverentially saluted Vidura and asked him about the welfare of Dhritarashtra and his sons.

Yudhishthira said:
O Khattwa, your mind seems to be cheerless. Do you come in peace? Are the sons (of Dhritarashtra) obedient to their old father? Are the people obedient to his (Dhritarashtra's) rule?

Vidura said:
The illustrious king with his sons is well. Surrounded by his relatives, he reigns like Indra. O king, the illustrious monarch is happy with his sons who are all obedient to him. But he is bent upon his own aggrandisement.

The Kuru king has commanded me first to enquire after your peace and prosperity, and then to tell you on his behalf the following. (He says to you), "The Assembly-hall of your cousin (built by me) is equal to your Sabha. Therefore, (come) and see it.

O son of Pritha, coming there enjoy the palace and play a friendly match at dice with your cousins. We shall be very happy at your arrival, so will be all the Kurus assembled there."

O king, you will see there all those gamblers, those cheats who have been brought there by the illustrious king Dhritarashtra. I have come here for this. Let the king,s command be approved by you.

Yudhishthira said:
O Khattwa, gambling may produce quarrel. Knowing this, who is there who will consent to gamble? What do you think proper for us to do? We are all obedient to your advice.

Vidura said:
I know gambling is the root of all misery. I tried to dissuade the king from it. The king, however, has sent me to you. O learned man, knowing all this, do what is good.

Yudhishthira said:
Besides the sons of king Dhritarashtra who are the other dishonest gamblers that are present there to play? O Vidura, I ask you, tell us who are the men with whom we shall have to play staking hundreds upon hundreds.

Vidura said:.
O king, expert in dice, with great skill of hand, even desperate at stakes the Gandhara king, Shakuni, Vivingshati, Chitrasena, king Satyavrata, Purumitra and Jaya (these are present there).

Yudhishthira said:
It appears that some of the most desperate and terrible gamblers who always depend on deceit (in their play) are present there. The whole universe, however, is at the will of its creator under the control of Fate. It is not free.

O leaned man, I do not desire to engage in gambling at the command of king Dhritarashtra, for a father always wishes to benefit his son. You are our master, O Vidura, tell me what is proper (for us to do).

I am unwilling to gamble. I will not do it (gamble) unless the wicked Shakuni does not challenge me in the Sabha. If however he challenges me, I will never refuse. This is my settled and eternal vow.

Vaishampayana said:
Having said this to Vidura, Dharmaraja (Yudhishthira) commanded that preparations for his journey might be soon made. The next day accompanied by his relatives and attendants and taking with his Draupadi and the women of the household he started (for Hastinapur).

"As a brilliant body falling before the eye deprives the power of seeing so does Fate our reason. Man, tied as it were with a cord, submits to the sway of providence".

Having said this, the chastiser of foes Yudhishthira, went with Khattwa (Vidura) without deliberating over the summons (of Dhritarashtra).

The slayer of hostile hosts, the son of Pritha, the Pandava (Yudhishthira) attired in royal robes and riding on the car presented to him by the Valhika king started with his brothers.

Summoned by Dhritarashtra and impelled by what has been ordained by Time and blazing with royal prosperity, the king with the Brahmanas walking before him went (from his city).

Arriving at Hastinapur he went in the Dhritarashtra's palace. The high-souled Pandava (Yudhishthira) then that Dhritarashtra,

Bhishma, Drona, Karna and Kripa, the lord (Yudhishthira) also met the son of Drona (Ashvathama) he duly saluted and embraced all of them and was saluted and embraced by them in return.

The greatly powerful and mighty armed (hero) them met Somadatta, Duryodhana, Shalya the son of Subala (Shakuni).

And the other monarchs that had arrived there before him; and also the brave Dushasana and all his other cousins;

Also Jayadratha and all other Kurus. Then the mighty armed hero, surrounded by all his brothers,

Entered the palace of the wise king Dhritarashtra, and saw there lady Gandhari ever obedient to her husband.

Surrounded by her daughters-in-law like Rohini by the stars. Having saluted Gandhari and having been blessed by her in return.
He saw his old father (uncle, Dhritarashtra), the great lord whose knowledge was his eye.

O king, the monarch (Dhritarashtra) smelt his head as also those of the four other Kuru princes, the Pandavas, Bhima being at their head.

O king, seeing those best of men, the handsome Pandavas, all the Kurus became exceedingly glad.

Commanded by the king Dhritarashtra, the Pandavas retired to rooms, adorned with gems and jewels. Here the ladies of the household with Dushala (Duryodhana' sister) at their head visited them.

Seeing the blazing and splendid beauty and prosperity of Yajnaseni (Draupadi), Dhritarashtra’s daughters-in-law were filled with jealousy and became cheerless.

Having conversed with the ladies, those best of men (then) went through their daily physical exercises, and they then performed the usual daily religious rites.

Having performed their daily rites and decked their body with excellent Chandana and having desired to secure good luck and prosperity they caused Brahmanas to utter benedictions. Then having eaten best food, they retired to the sleeping apartments.

Those best of the Kurus, those subjugators of hostile towns, were sung into sleep by beautiful damsels. Receiving what came in due succession, they passed that delicious night in pleasure and sport. Having awakened by the sweet music of the bards, they rose from their bed after rest.

Having passed the day in happiness, they rose in the morning and having performed the usual rites, they entered the Sabha and were saluted by those who assembled there for gambling.

Vaishampayana said:
Having entered the Sabha, the sons of Pritha with Yudhishthira at their head met all the kings that were present there. Worshipping all those that deserved to be worshipped and saluting others as each deserved according to his age, they took their seats on pure seats covered with costly carpets.

When they were seated, and when the kings took their seats also, the son of Subala, Shakuni, thus spoke to Yudhishthira.

Shakuni said:
O king, the Assembly is full. All was waiting for you. O Yudhishthira, let now the dice be cast and the rules of play be fixed.

Yudhishthira said:
O king, deceitful gambling is a sin. there is no Kshatriya prowess (to be found) in it. There is certainly no morality in it; why then are you praising gambling?

O Shakuni, the wise men do not praise the pride that gamesters feel in deceitful play. Do not like a cruel man defeat us by deceitful means.

Shakuni said:.
That high minded player, who knows the secrets of winning and losing, who is skilled in baffling the deceitful arts of those with whom he plays, and who is united with the various operations which gambling consists of, knows truly the play and suffers all in course of it. O son of Pritha, it is the staking of dice that may be lost and won, and which may injure us. And it is for this reason gambling is considered to be a fault. Therefore, O king, let us begin the play. Fear not, let the stakes be fixed. Do not make any further delay.

Yudhishthira said:
That best of Rishis, the son of Asita, Devala, who always instructs us about all those acts that may lead (men) to heaven, hell or to the other regions, has said this it is sinful to play deceitfully with a gamester. The best sport is to obtain victory in a righteous battle. Gambling is not a sport.

Those that are respectable do not use the Mleccha language, nor do they adopt deceitfulness in their behaviours. The act of honest men is to carry on a war without crookedness of cunning.

O Shakuni, by playing disparately do not deceitfully win from us that wealth with which according to our ability we try to benefit the Brahmanas. Even enemies should not be vanquished by desperate stakes in a deceitful play.

I do not desire to have happiness or wealth by means of cunning. The conduct of one that is a gamester, even if his playing be without deceitfulness, should still never be praised.

Shakuni said:
O Yudhishthira, it is with the desire of vanquishing, which is (of course) not a very honest motive, that a high-born man approaches another (like him); so does a learned man an ignorant one;

O Yudhishthira, so also a man skilled in dice approaches one who is not so from the desire of vanquishing (his opponent). One who is conversant with the truths of science approaches another that is not from the desire of victory, which is scarcely an honest motive.

O Yudhishthira, so also a man skilled in weapons approaches one who is not so; so does a strong man a weak one. This is the practice in every contest. The victory is (always) the motive.

If, therefore, in approaching me to play, you consider that I am actuated by dishonest motives, and if you are afraid then desist from the play.

Yudhishthira said:
O king, challenged, I do not withdraw; this is my established vow. (I know) fate is (all) powerful. We are all under the sway of Fate.

In this assembly with whom am I to play? Who is there who can stake equally with me? Let the play begin (with him).

Duryodhana said:
O king, I shall supply gems and jewels and wealth, and my uncle, Shakuni, will play the dice on my behalf.

Yudhishthira said:
Gambling by one on another's behalf seems to me to be contrary to rule. O learned man, you too will admit this. If however, you still desire it, let the play begin.

Vaishampayana said:
When the play commenced, all the kings, Dhritarashtra being at their head, took their seats in that Assembly hall.

O descendant of Bharata, Bhishma, Drona, Kripa, the high-souled Vidura followed their example with cheerless heart.

Those lion-necked and greatly effulgent (kings) took their seats separately and in praise on may high (royal) seats of various make and colour.

O king, that Assembly-hall looked beautiful with the assembled monarchs like the heaven with a conclave of greatly fortunate celestials.

O great king, they were all heroes, they were all learned in the Vedas, and they all bore resplendent countenances. The friendly match at dice then commenced (in due form).

Yudhishthira said:
O king, this excellent and most valuable chain of pearls, so beautiful and adorned with gold and procured from the ocean by churning it,

O king, is my stake. O great king, what is your counter stake, the wealth with which you wish to play with me?

Duryodhana said:
I have many jewels and much wealth, but I am not proud of them. However, let yourself win this stake.

Vaishampayana said:
Thereupon Shakuni, well-skilled in dice, took up the dice and said to Yudhishthira, "Lo, I have won it".

Yudhishthira said:
O Shakuni, you have won this stake by unfair means. Do you feel pride for it? Let us play, staking thousands and thousands.

O king, I have many beautiful jars each filled with one thousand Nishkas (gold coins) I have in my treasury inexhaustible gold, and much silver and other minerals, this is the wealth with which I shall (now) stake with you.

Vaishampayana said:
Having been thus addressed, Shakuni thus spoke to the perpetuator of the Kuru race, the eldest Pandava of undeteriorating glory, "Lo, I have whom?"

Yudhishthira said:
This my sacred, victorious and royal car, which gladdens the heart and which brought us here, which is equal to one thousand cars, which is symmetrical in make and covered with tiger's skins, which is furnished with excellent wheels and flag-staff, which is beautiful and adorned with small bells, the clatter of the wheel of which is like the roars of clouds or the ocean and which is drawn by eight noble steeds renowned all over the kingdom, (the steeds) that are white as the moon-beam and from whose hoofs no earthly being can escape, this, O king, is my wealth with which I shall (now) stake with you.

Vaishampayana said:
Having heard this, and adopting unfair means, Shakuni, ever ready with the dice said: to Yudhishthira, "Lo, I have won?"

Yudhishthira said:
I have one hundred thousand serving girls, who are all you and all adorned with golden bracelets on their wrists and upper arms, who have Nishkanthas and other ornaments,

And also costly garlands round their necks, who are attired in rich garments and anointed with sandal paste, who are well-skilled in sixty four elegant arts, specially in dancing and singing, and who wait upon and serve at my command the celestials, the snatakas and the kings. With this wealth, I shall (now) stake with you.

Vaishampayana said:
Having heard this and adopting unfair means, Shakuni, ever ready with the dice, sand to Yudhishthira, "Lo, I have won?"

Yudhishthira said:
I have thousands of serving men, skilled in waiting upon guests, who are always attired in silken robes.

Who possess wisdom and intelligence, who are self-controlled, young, adorned with ear-rings and who feed all guests with plates and dishes in hand. With this wealth, O king, I shall (now) stake with you.

Vaishampayana said:
Having heard this and adopting unfair means, Shakuni, ever ready with the dice, sand to Yudhishthira, "Lo, I have won?"

Yudhishthira said:
O son of Subala, I have one thousand musty elephants with golden girdles, who are adorned with ornaments, who have the marks of the lotus on their temples necks and other parts and who are adorned with golden garlands.

Who possess fine (white) tusks, tusks like plough-shafts, who are worthy of carrying kings and capable of withstanding every kind of noise on the field of battle, who have huge bodies, who are capable of battering down the walls of the hostile cities,, who are of the colour of newly formed clouds and each of whom possesses eight female elephants. With this wealth, O king, I shall (now) stake with you.

Vaishampayana said:
Having heard this and adopting unfair means, Shakuni, ever ready with the dice, said to Yudhishthira, "Lo, I have won?"

Yudhishthira said:
I have as many cars as elephants, all furnished with golden poles and flat-staffs, and also well trained horses and car-warriors who fight wonderfully.

And each of whom receives one thousand coins as his monthly salary whether he fights or not. With this wealth, O king, I shall (now) stake with you.

Vaishampayana said:
Having heard this and adopting unfair means, Shakuni, ever ready with the dice, said to Yudhishthira, "Lo, I have won?"

Yudhishthira said:
The steeds of the Tittiri, Kalmasha and Gandharva breeds, adorned with golden garlands, all of whom were gladly presented to the wielder of the Gandiva (Arjuna) by the chastiser of foes, Chitraratha, who was vanquished and subdued in battle, with this wealth, O king, I shall (now) stake with you.

Vaishampayana said:
Having heard this and adopting unfair means, Shakuni, ever ready with the dice, said to Yudhishthira, "Lo, I have won?"

Yudhishthira said:
I have ten thousand wagons and vehicles to which are yoked draught animals of the foremost breed.

I have soldiers picked up by thousands from each order who are all brave and who are endued with the prowess of (great) heroes.

And who drink milk and eat good rice. They are sixty thousands in number, and all of them possess broad cheats. With this wealth, O king, I shall (now stake with you.)

Vaishampayana said:
Having heard this and adopting unfair means Shakuni, ever ready with the dice, said to Yudhishthira, "Lo, I have won?"

Yudhishthira said:
I have four hundred Nidhis (very valuable jewels) encased in sheets of copper and iron; each one of them is equal to five Draunikas of the costliest and purest gold leaf of the Jatarupa kind. With this wealth, O king, I shall (now) stake with you.

Vaishampayana said:
Having heard this and adopting unfair means, Shakuni, ever ready with the dice, said to Yudhishthira, "Lo, I have won?"

Vaishampayana said:
During the course of this fearful gambling, which was certain to bring about utter twin, that dispeller of all doubts, Viduia, thus spoke (to Dhritarashtra).

Vidura said:
O great, O descendant of Bharata, attend to what I say, although it may not be agreeable to you like medicine to one who is at the point of death.

When this sinful wretch Duryodhana, this destroyer of the Bharata race, cried like jackal immediately after his, it was well-known that he had been ordained to bring about the destruction of you all.

A jackal is in your house in the form of Duryodhana. You do not know this out of folly. Listen to what Kavya (Shukra) said.

Those that collect honey, having received what they seek, do not (at all) mark that they are about to fall (down from the tree). Ascending dangerous heights and being deeply engaged in what they seek, they fall down and perish.

He (Duryodhana) too maddened with the gambling, is absent-indeed (in the pursuit of the play) like the collector of honey, he dose not mark its (future) consequences. Creating hostilities with these great car-warriors, he dose not see the fall (which is before him).

O greatly wise one, it is known to you, that amongst the Bhojas, (there is a custom) of abandoning a son who is unworthy of there race, for (the sake of the general) good of the people.

The Andhakas, the Yadavas the Bhojas, uniting together, abandoned Kansa. At the request (of the whole tribe) Kansa was kill by that slayer of foes, Krishna.

Knowing this all became exceedingly happy for one hundred years. Let Savyasachi (Arjuna) kill Suyodhana (Duryodhana) at your command.

Let the Kurus be glad and pass their time in happiness by the death of this wrench. O king, purchase these peacocks (Pandavas) at the exchange of this crow (Duryodhana); and buy these tiger, the Pandavas, at the exchange of this jackal (Duryodhana). Do not sink into the ocean of grief.

For the sake of a family a member (of that family) may be sacrificed; for the sake of a village, a family may be scarified; for the sake of a town, village may be sacrificed; and for the sake of one's own soul, the earth may be sacrificed.

The omniscient, the knower of all creatures' thoughts, the terror to all foes, Kavya, thus spoke to the great Asuras (to induce them) to abandon Jambha (Asura).

It is said that a (certain) king, having (first) made some wild birds which used to vomit gold to take up their quarters in his own house, killed them afterwards from temptation. O chastiser of foes, blinded by temptation and by the desire of enjoyment he destroyed both his present and future for the sake of the gold. O king, O monarch like that king, do not persecute the Pandavas from the desire of gain.

O descendant of Bharata, from (this) folly you will have to repent afterwards like the man who killed the birds. Like the flower-seller who plucks (flowers) from trees that he cherishers with affection from day to day, continue. O king, to pluck flowers from the Pandavas. Do not bum them to their roots like the fire-producing wind which reduces every thing to charcoal. Do not go to the abode of Yama with your sons, ministers, and forces.

O descendant of Bharata, who is capable of fighting with the sons of Pritha if they stand together? O king, not to speak of others, even the chief of the celestial with all the celestial cannot do it.

Vidura said:
Gambling is the root of dissensions. It brings about disunion. Its consequences are frightful. Taking recourse to it, Dhritarashtra's son creates for himself fearful hostility.

The descendants of Pratipa and Shantanu with the Valhikas and their fearful troops all will be destroyed for the fault of Duryodhana.

In consequence of this intoxication, Duryodhana forcibly drives away luck and prosperity from his kingdom like an infuriated bull who breaks his own hours.

O king, that brave and learned man, who follows another man's heart disregarding his own foresight, sinks into terrible affliction like the man who goes into the sea in a boat guided by a child.

Duryodhana is gambling with the Pandava (Yudhisthira), and you are in ecstasy of joy that he is winning. It is such success that begets war which (finally) ends in the destruction of men.

This fascination that you have well-devised will lead to fearful results. You have by these counsels brought on great affliction to your heart. This quarrel with Yudhisthira, who is so nearly related to you, even if you have not foreseen it, is still approved by you.

O descendant of Shantanu, O descendant of Pratipa, listen in this assembly of the Kurus, to the words of wisdom. By following a wretch, do not enter into the terrible fire that has blazed forth.

When the Pandava, Ajatashatru (Yudhisthira), intoxicated with dice, will be angry, so will be Bhima, Arjuna and the twins (Nakula and Sahadeva), who (I say) will be your island (refuse) in that hour of confusion?

O great king, you are yourself a mine of wealth. You can earn as much wealth as you desire to earn by not taking recourse to gambling. What will you gain by winning the vast wealth of the Pandavas? Win the sons of Pritha, who will be more than all the wealth they have?

We all know the skill of the son of Subala (Shakuni) in play. This mountain king knows many nefarious methods of gambling. Let Shakuni go back to the place whence he has come. O descendant of Bharata, do not rage a war with the Pandavas.

Duryodhana said:
O Khattwa, you are always boasting of the fame of our foes. You always depreciate the sons of Dhritarashtra. O Vidura, we know whose friend you really are. You always disregard us as if we are children.

That man who wishes for the success of those that are dear to him and defeat of those that are not dear to him stands confessed. He is known by his praise and blame. Your tongue and mind betray your heart.

You are kept by us on our lap as a serpent. Like a cat you wish to injure him who cherishes you. The wise men have said that there is no sin greater than that of injuring one's supporter. O Khattwa, how is it that you do not fear sin?

O Khattwa, having vanquished our enemies we have gained great advantage. Do not use harsh words towards us. You are always willing to make friendship with the foes, and it is for this reason that you always hate us.

A man becomes a foe by speaking words that are unpardonable. In praising the enemy, the secrets of one's own party is never to be divulged. Therefore, O shameless man, why do you obstruct us in this way? You are speaking whatever comes to your mind.

O Vidura, do not disregard us; we know your mind. Go, learn sitting at the feet of the old. Save the reputation that you have won. Do not middle with other men's affairs.

O Vidura, do not disregard us. Imagining that you are our master, do not always tell us harsh words. O Vidura, we do not ask you (to say) what is for our good. O Khattwa, do not irritate those that have already suffered much (at your hand),

There is but one controller (of men's Destiny), and there is no second. He controls even (the Destiny of) the child which is in its mother's womb. I am controlled by Him. Like water that always flows in a downward course, I am acting in the way. He is directing me.

He also breaks his head against a stone-wall and he that feeds a serpent, is guided in those acts of his by his own reason. He who wants to control another by force becomes his enemy.

When advice is offered in a friendly spirit, the learned man does not (very much) mind it. O descendant of Bharata, he who sets fire to such a highly inflammable object as camphor, can not see its ashes, if he does not hasten to extinguish the fire.

O be should not give shelter to one who is a friend of his enemy, or to one who is always jealous of his protector. O Vidura, therefore go away wherever you like. An unchaste wife, however well-treated, (always) forsakes her husband.

Vidura said:
O king, tell us (impartially) like a witness what you think of the conduct of those who abandon men that give them such instruction (as I give you). The hearts of kings are unsteady. Granting protection first, they strike with clubs afterwards.

O princes, you regard yourself as mature in intellect. O wicked hearted man, you consider me a child. But consider him a child who, having first accepted one as a friend, afterwards finds fault with him.

Like an unchaste wife in the house of a well-born man, a wicked-minded man can never be brought to the path of rectitude. As a husband of sixty years can never be agreeable to a young wife, so instruction is not agreeable to this chief of the Bharata race.

O king, if you hereafter wish to hear words that are agreeable to you as regards all good or bad acts, you should ask (for it to) women, idiots, cripples or all persons of such descriptions.

Many sinful men who speak agreeable words may be had in this world, but a man, who will speak words that are disagreeable through fit as regimen or a man who will hear such words, is very rare.

He is a king's true friend who, disregarding what is agreeable or disagreeable to his master, conducts himself virtuously and utters what may be disagreeable, but what may be required as regimen.

O great king, drink that which is drunk by the honest and shunned by the dishonest, that (drink of) humility which is like a medicine that is bitter, pungent, burning, unintoxicating, disagreeable and revolting. Drinking it (humility), regain your sobriety.

I always wish prosperity and affluence to the son of Vichitravirya (Dhritarashtra) and his sons. Happen what may to you, here I bow to you. Let the Brahmanas wish me sell.

O descendant of Kuru, this is the moral I carefully inculcate, that the learned men should never enrage such adders as have venom in their eyes.

Shakuni said:
O Yudhisthira, you have lost much wealth of the Pandavas. O son of Kunti, if you have any other wealth which is not yet lost, tell us.

Yudhisthira said:
O Shakuni, O son of Subala, I know my wealth is untold. Why do you ask me of my wealth?

You can bet (with me) tens of thousands, and millions, tens of millions and billions, hundreds of billions and trillions, tens of trillions and hundreds of trillions, tens of quadrillions and hundreds of quadrillions and even more. O king, I will bet such wealth. With this wealth at stake I shall play with you.

Vaishampayana said:
Having heard this and adopting unfair means, Shakuni, ever ready with the dice said to Yudhisthira, "Lo, I have won!"

Yudhisthira said:
O son of Subala, I have innumerable kine, horses, milch cows with claves, goats and sheep in the country extending from the Parnasha to the eastern ,bank of the Sindhu (river). With this wealth I shall (now) play with you.

Vaishampayana said:
Having heard this and adopting unfair means, Shakuni, ever ready with the dice, said to Yudhisthira, "Lo, I have won!"

Yudhisthira said:
O king, I have my city, the country, land, the wealth of horses thereon, except those belonging to the Brahmanas, and also all those persons, except Brahmanas living therein-the wealth which still belongs to me. With all this wealth, O king, I shall (now) play with you.

Vaishampayana said:
Having heard this and adopting unfair means, Shakuni, ever ready with the dice; said to Yudhisthira; "Lo, I have won!"

Yudhisthira said:
O king, these princes here, who look resplendent in their ornaments and their earrings, and Nishkas and the royal ornaments on their persons are still my wealth. With this wealth, O king, I shall (now) play with you.

Vaishampayana said:
Having heard this and adopting unfair means, Shakuni, ever ready with the dice, said to Yudhisthira, Lo, I have won?"

Yudhisthira said:
This youthful, fair-coloured Nakula with mighty arms, with lion-like necks, and with red eyes is now one of my stakes.

Shakuni said:
O king, O Yudhisthira, the prince Nakula is dear to you. (Know) he is already under our subjection (won by us). With what will you now play?

Vaishampayana said:
Having said this, Shakuni cast the dice and thus spoke to Yudhisthira, Lo, I have won!"

Yudhisthira said:
This Sahadeva administers justice, he has acquired a reputation for learning in this world. Though this prince does not deserve to be staked in play, yet with such dear object as my stake, I shall play, as if he is not so.

Vaishampayana said:
Having heard this and adopting unfair means, Shakuni, ever ready with the dice, said to Yudhisthira, "Lo, I have won!"

Shakuni said:
O king, the two sons of Madri are dear to you; but (know it for certain,) they have already) been won by me. It appears Bhimasena and Dhananjaya (Arjuna), are more loved by you (than these two).

Yudhisthira said:
Fool, disregarding morality you sinfully act in thus trying to create disunion amongst us who are all of one heart.

Shakuni said:
O king, one who is intoxicated falls into a pit and remains there, being deprived of his power of motion. O best of the Bharata race, you are senior to us in age and in everything, I bow to you.

O Yudhisthira, know, gamesters in the excitement of the play utter such raving as they would never do in their waking moments or in their dreams.

Yudhisthira said:
He who takes us like a boat to the other shore of the sea of battle, who is ever victorious over foes, who is endued with great activity and who is the only one hero in this world (in Arjuna). With that Falguni as stake,

O Shakuni, though he does not deserve it, I shall (now) play.

Vaishampayana said:
Having heard this and adopting unfair means, Shakuni, ever ready with the dice, said to Yudhisthira, "Lo, I have won?"

Shakuni said:
This foremost of all wielders of bows, this Pandava Savyasachi (Arjuna) has been won by me. O king, O Pandava play now with (staking) your beloved Bhima, the only wealth that is now left to you.

Yudhisthira said:
Though he does not deserve to be made a stake, I shall now play with staking Bhimasena, the prince who is our leader, who is foremost in fight like the wielder of thunder (Indra), the enemy of the Danavas, who is the illustrious hero with lion-like neck, arched eye-brows and expansive eyes, who is incapable of putting up with an insult, who is matchless in prowess in all the world, who is the foremost of all wielders of clubs and who grinds all foes.

Vaishampayana said:
Having heard this and adopting unfair means, Shakuni, ever ready with the dice, said to Yudhisthira, "Lo I have won?"

Shakuni said:
O son of Kunti, you have lost much wealth, heroes and elephants with your brothers. Tell us if you have anything else which you have not as yet lost.

Yudhisthira said:
I alone, the eldest of my brothers and beloved of all of them, am still not won (by you). If won by you, I shall do that which one who is won is bound to do.

Vaishampayana said:
Having heard this and adopting unfair means, Shakuni even ready with the dice, said to Yudhisthira; "Lo I have won!"

Shakuni said:
O king, you have allowed yourself to be won, an act which is worthy of a sinful man. When there is still wealth belonging to you, it is sinful to lose one's own self.

Vaishampayana said:
Having said this, (Shakuni), well-skilled in dice, spoke to all the brave kings present there of having won all the Pandavas one after the other.

Shakuni said:
O king, there is still one stake dear to you which is not yet won. Bet Krishna, (Draupadi), the princess of Panchala. By her, win yourself back.

Yudhisthira said:
I shall (now) play with you staking her who is neither short nor tall, neither lean nor corpulent, who possesses blue curly hair,

And eyes are like the leaves of the autumn lotus, and fragrance like that of the lily, who is like Sree herself in symmetry and grace,

Who is such that for her softness of heart, wealth of beauty and virtue, one may desire her for a wife.

Who possesses every accomplishment, who is compassionate and sweet speeched, who is such that for the acquisition of Dharma, Artha and Kama one may desire her for his wife.

Who, retiring to bed last and rising from bed first, looks after the comforts of the cowherds and shepherds,

Whose face when covered with sweat looks like the lotus or the wasp, who possesses flowing hair, red lips and body without down;

O king, O son of Subala, making that princess of Panchala, the slender-waisted Draupadi, as my stake, I shall (now) play with you.

Vaishampayana said:
When this was said by the wise Dharmaraja (Yudhisthira), "Fie! Fie!" were the words uttered by all the elders that were present in the assembly.

O king, the whole assembly was agitated. The kings began to grieve. Bhisma, Drona and Kripa were covered with perspiration.

Vidura, holding his head between his hands, sat like one who has lost his reason. He sat with down cast face giving away to his own thoughts and sighing like a snake.

(But) Dhritarashtra, being glad at heart, could not conceal his emotions and asked again and again, "is the stake won?" "Is the stake won?"

Karna with Dushasana and others laughed aloud, but tears began to flow from the eyes of all those that were present in the assembly.

The son of Subala (Shakuni), proud of success, and flurried with excitement, repeating "You have still one stake dear to you" said, "Lo, I have won!" He then took up the dice that had been cast.

Duryodhana said:
Come Khattwa, bring here Draupadi, the dear and the beloved wife of the Pandavas. Let her be forced to sweep the chambers, and let the unfortunate women remain where our serving women are.

Vidura said:
O wicked man, do you not know that by uttering such words you are tying yourself with cords? Do you not feel that you are standing on the edge of the precipice? Do you not know that being but a deer you are provoking to anger so many tigers?

O greatly wicked-minded man, deadly venomous and angry snakes are on your head. Do not provoke them any further and go to the land of Yama.

I my opinion the slavery cannot attach to Krishna (Draupadi), as she was staked by the king (Yudhisthira) after he lost himself and ceased to be his own master.

Like bamboo which bears fruits when it is about to die, this king, this son of Dhritarashtra, wins this treasure at play. Intoxicated (in play), he does not perceive in his these last moments what enmity and frightful terrors the dice bring in.

No man should utter harsh words, and thus pierce the heart of others. No man should subjugate his enemies by dice and by such other foul means. No one should utter such words as give pain and lead men to hell and annoys others.

One man utters from his lips words that are harsh. Stung by them the other bums day and night. Those words pierce the very heart of another. Therefore, the learned men should never utter such (harsh) words towards others.

Once at a time a goat swallowed a hook, and when it was pierced with it, the hunter placed its head on the ground and frightfully tore its throat in drawing it out. Like it do not create a terrible enmity with the Pandavas.

The sons of Pritha never use such words. It is only low men who are like dogs that use harsh words towards all classes of people, namely towards those that live in the forest, those that lead domestic life, those that are employed in asceticism, and those that are greatly learned.

The son of Dhritarashtra does not know that dishonesty is one of the fearful doors of hell. Many Kurus with Dushasana amongst them have followed him in the path of dishonesty in this play at dice.

Even grounds may sink and stone may float and boats may always sink in water, but still this foolish king (Duryodhana) the son of Dhritarashtra, will not listen to my words which are like regimen to him.

He will certainly be the cause of the destruction of the Kurus. When the worlds of wisdom spoken by friends, words of wisdom spoken by friends, words that are like the proper regimen, are not listened to, when temptation is on the increase, a fearful and universal destruction is sure to overtake all the Kurus.

Vaishampayana said:
Intoxicated with pride, the son of Dhritarashtra (Duryodhana) spoke. "Fie on Khattwa." Casting his eye on the Pratikamin, he spoke thus in the Sabha and in the midst of (all) the revered elders.

Duryodhana said:
Go, Pratikamin and bring Draupadi here. You have no fear from the Pandavas. It is only Khattwa (Vidura) who savers in fear. He never wishes for our prosperity.

Vaishampayana said:
Having been thus commanded and having heard the words of the king, the Pratikamin, the man of the Suta caste, went with (great haste). As a dog enters a lion's den, he (entered the house) and came to the queen of the Pandavas.

Pratikamin said:
O Draupadi, Yudhisthira having been intoxicated with dice you have been won by Duryodhana. Therefore, O Yajnaseni, come now to the house of Dhritarashtra. I shall menial work.

Draupadi said:
O Pratikamin, why do you say so? Is there any prince who plays staking his (own) wife? The king was certainly intoxicated with dice, or else could he not find any other object or stake?

Pratikamin said:
When he had nothing else to stake, it was then that Ajatasatru (Yudhisthira), the son of Pandu, staked you. The king had first staked his brothers, then himself, and then, O princess, he staked you.

Draupadi said:
O son of Suta, go (back) to the Sabha and ask that gambler (Yudhisthira) whom he lost first, himself or me.

Ascertaining, this, O son of Suta, come here and then take me with you. Knowing the desire of the king (Yudhisthira), I shall go with a sorrowful heart.

Vaishampayana said:
Having returned to the Sabha, he (Pratikamin) told all present there the words of Draupadi. He spoke these words to Yudhisthira sitting in the midst of the kings.

Pratikamin said:
Draupadi has asked you, "Whose lord were you at the time when you lost me in play? Did you lose yourself first or me?

Vaishampayana said:
Yudhishthira sat like one demented and deprived of reason. He did not find any reply to the Suta, good or ill.

Duryodhana said:
Let the princess of Panchala come here and put her question. Let every one here in this Sabha hear the worlds that pass between them (her and Yudhisthira).

Vaishampayana said:
Going back to the palace, himself much distressed, the Suta, Pratikamin obedient to the command of Duryodhana, spoke thus to Draupadi.

Pratikamin said:
O princess, those that are in the assembly are summoning you. It seems the destruction of the Kurus is near at hand. O princess, when the weak-brained (Duryodhana) is for taking you before the assembly, he will no longer be able to protect his prosperity.

Draupadi said:
The great ordainer of the world has ordained this. Happiness and misery come to both the old and the young (the wise and the unwise). Dharma has been said to be the highest object in the world. If cherished, it certainly pours blessings on us.

Let not Dharma now abandon the Kurus. Going back to the Sabha, speak these my words conformable to virtue and morality. I am ready to do what those virtuous-minded elder conversant with the precepts of morality, definitely tell me (to do).

Vaishampayana said:
Having heard these words of Yajnaseni (Draupadi), the Suta returned to the Sabha and repeated her words. But all sat with downcast faces, knowing the eagerness and resolution of the son of Dhritarashtra (Duryodhana).

O best of the Bharata race, having heard of the intentions of Duryodhana, Yudhisthira sent a trusted messenger to Draupadi,

(Saying) "Panchali should appear before her father-in-law by coming to the Sabha, though she is weeping and attired in one piece of cloth with her naval exposed in consequence other season having came."

O king, having gone to Krishna's (Draupadi's) house in great speed, the intelligent (messenger) informed her of the intentions of Dharmaraja (Yudhisthira).

The illustrious Pandavas, distressed and sorrowful and bound by promise, could not settle what they should do.

Looking at their countenance, the king Duryodhana with cheerful heart thus addressed the Suta, "O Pratikamin, bring her here. Let the Kurus give their answer before her presence."

Thereupon the Suta, ever obedient to his command and at the same time afraid of the anger of Drupada's daughter, giving up his pride, again spoke thus in the assembly, "What shall I say to Krishna (Draupadi)?

Duryodhana said:
O Dushasana, this foolish son of Suta is afraid of Vrikodara (Bhima). Go you yourself and forcibly bring Yajnaseni (Draupadi) here. Our enemies are now dependant on our will. What can they do?

Vaishampayana said:
Having heard the command of his brother, that prince (Dushasana) rose with blood red eyes. Entering the house of those great car-warriors (the Pandavas), he thus spoke to the princess, Draupadi.

Dushasana said:
O Panchali, O Krishna, come you have been won by us. Behold Duryodhana (now) casting aside your modesty. O lady of eyes like the wide lotus leaves, accept the Kurus as your lords. You have been virtuously won by us, therefore come to the Sabha.

Vaishampayana said:
Thereupon she, being (much) distressed, rose up in great affliction, and covering her pale face with her hands, ran to the place where were the ladies of the old king, the foremost of the Kurus (Dhritarashtra.)

Thereupon Dushasana, roaring in anger, ran after her and seized the queen (Draupadi) by her long, blue and wavy hair.

The hair that was (once) sprinkled with the water sanctified with Mantras in the great Rajasuya sacrifice were now forcibly seized by the son of Dhritarashtra who disregarded the prowess of the Pandavas.

Dragging the greatly long-haired Krishna (Draupadi) as if she was protectorless, although she had great protectors, Dushasana brought her into the Sabha trembling like the banian tree in a storm.

Having been thus dragged by him, she best her body down and spoke in a low voice "O wretch, O rude one, you should not take me before the assembly. I am in my season. I am attired only in one cloth."

While she was piteously praying to Krishna and Vishnu (Arjuna) who were Hari (Narayana) and Nara (on earth), he (Dushasana) dragged her forcibly by her black hair.

Dushasana said:
O Yajnaseni, whether you are in your season, whether you are attired in one cloth, or whether you are naked, when you have been won (by us) at dice and made our slave, you are to live amongst our serving women as you best can.

Vaishampayana said:
With dishevelled hair and her attire half loosened on account of the cruel dragging of Dushasana, the modest Krishna (Draupadi), being consumed as it were by anger, thus spoke in a low voice.

Draupadi said:
All these persons in this assembly are men learned in all the Shastras, all devoted to the performances of sacrifices and other rites and all equal to Indra (in prowess). Some of them are my Gurus (superiors) and some who stand to me as such. I cannot stay before them in this state.

O Wretch, O man of cruel deeds, do not make me uncovered. Do not drag me in this way. The princes (the Pandavas) will not pardon you, even if the celestial with Indra become your allies.

The high-souled son of Dharma (Yudhisthira) is (now) bound by the obligation of the rules of morality. The ways of Dharma is subtle. Those only can ascertain them who possess great clearness of vision. Forgetting his virtue, I am unwilling to admit even an atom of fault in my husband (Yudhisthira.)

It is a most unworthy act that you are dragging me before these Kuru heroes, though I am in my season. But none rebukes you here; they are certainly of the same mind with you.

O Fie! When all the Kurus in this assembly look silently on this act which transgresses the shore of the Kuru morality; the morality of the Bharatas have certainly been destroyed and the usage of those conversant with the Kshatriya practices have surely disappeared.

Drona and Bhisma, Khattwa and also the king (Dhritarashtra) have lost their greatness, else why do these best of the Kuru elders look silently on this great crime.

Vaishampayana said:
The slender-waisted (Draupadi) thus cried in distress in that Sabha and cast a glance on her enraged husbands, the Pandavas, who were filled with fearful wrath. She inflamed them more by her that glance.

They were not so much pained at the robbing of their kingdom, their wealth, and their costly gems, as they were by that glance of Krishna (Draupadi), full of modesty and anger.

Seeing Krishna (Draupadi) looking at her helpless husbands, Dushasana dragged her more forcibly and repeatedly called her "slave" "slave," and he laughed aloud.

At these words, Karna became vary glad and approved them by laughing aloud. The Gandhara king, the son of Subala (Shakuni), similarly applauded Dushasana.

Amongst all those that were present in the assembly, except these three and the son of Dhritarashtra (Duryodhana), every one was filled with great sorrow on seeing Krishna (Draupadi) thus dragged in the Sabha.

Bhisma said:
O blessed lady, knowing that one who has no wealth of his own cannot stake the wealth belonging to others and (knowing also) that wives are always at the command and disposals of their husbands, I am unable to decide properly the point put forward by you. The ways of morality is subtle.

Yudhishthira can abandon the whole world full of wealth, but he will never sacrifice morality. The Pandavas (Yudhisthira) himself has said, "I am won'. Therefore, I am unable to decide this matter.

Shakuni is matchless in dice. The son of Kunti has still willfully staked with him. The illustrious (Yudhisthira) does not consider that Shakuni played with him deceitfully. Therefore, I am unable to decide this matter.

Draupadi said:
The king (Yudhisthira) was summoned to this assembly, and through he does not possess any skill in dice, yet he was made to play with skillful, wicked, deceitful and desperate gamblers. How then can he be said to have staked voluntarily?

The chief of the Kurus and the Pandavas was deprived of his senses by the wretches of deceitful conduct and unholy instincts acting in concert. He could not understand their tricks through vanquished, but he has now understood all.

Here in this assembly are present the Kurus who are the lords of their sons and daughter-in-law. Let all of them, after duly reflecting on my words, properly answer me the question I have asked.

Vaishampayana said:
Dushasana spoke many disagreeable and harsh words to Krishna (Draupadi) who was thus piteously weeping and bewailing and casting glances on her helpless husbands.

Seeing her who was in her season thus dragged and her upper garments loosened, seeing her in that condition which she did not deserve, Vrikodara (Bhima), afflicted beyond endurance, cast his eyes on Yudhisthira and gave vest to his anger.

Bhima said:
O Yudhisthira, the gamblers have in their house many loose women. They do not play staking even those women. They have kindness even towards them.

Whatever wealth and other excellent articles which the king of Kashi gave, and the gems and jewels, animals, wealth, armours, and weapons which the other kings, presented, nay even our kingdom, yourself and ourselves, have all been won by our enemies at play.

Even at all this, my anger was not excited, for you are our lord. But I consider it a highly improper act, this your staking Draupadi.

Having obtained the Pandavas as her husband, this innocent girl does not deserve this (treatment). It is only for you that she is persecuted by these low, despicable, cruel and mean-minded Kurus.

O king, it is for her sake that my anger falls on you. I shall burn your hands. Sahadeva, bring some fire?

Arjuna said:
O Bhimasena, you have never before uttered such swords as these. Your high morality has certainly been destroyed by these cruel foes.

You should not fulfill the wishes of the enemy. Practise the highest morality. Should any body transgress his virtuous elders brother?

Having been summoned by the Kurus and having remembered the Kshatriyas Dharma (usage), the king played at dice against his will. This is certainly conductive to one's great fame.

Bhima said:
O Dhananjaya, if I had not know what the king did, he did according to the Kshatriyas usage, I would have long ago snatched his arms by force and burnt them in a blazing fire.

Vaishampayana said:
Seeing the Pandavas thus distressed and the Panchala princess thus afflicted, the son of Dhritarashtra, Vikarna, thus spoke.

Vikarna said:
O kings, answer the question that has been asked by Yajnaseni (Draupadi). If we do not decide a matter referred to us, we shall certainly have to go to hell without delay.

Bhishma and Dhritarashtra, the two eldest of the Kurus, and the high-souled Vidura, uniting together, do not say any thing.

The 'son of Bharadvaja (Drona), the preceptor of all of us and also Kripa, why these best of Brahmanas do not answer her question?

Let the kings that have assembled here from all directions, leaving aside all motives of anger and desire, speak our according to their judgement.

O kings, answer the question asked by Draupadi and say after due reflection on which side each of you is.

Vaishampayana said:
Thus did he (Vikarna) repeatedly appeal to those that were present in the assembly to answer Draupadi's question. But the kings present did not say a word good or ill.

Repeatedly appealing to the kings, rubbing his palms and sighing like a snake, Vikarna thus (again) spoke.

Vikarna said:
O kings, O Kurus, whether you answer this question or not, I shall say what I consider just and proper.

O best of men, it has been said that hunting, drinking, gambling, and enjoying women are the four vices of the kings.

The man who is addicted to those vices lives by forsaking virtue. People do not consider the acts done by a person who is thus improperly engaged as of any authority.

This son of Pandu (Yudhisthira), white madly engaged in one of these vicious acts (namely gambling) and urged thereto by deceitful gamblers, staked Draupadi.

The faultness Draupadi is the common wife of all the sons of Pandu. Having first lost himself, the Pandava (Yudhisthira) offered her as a stake.

The son of Subala (Shakuni), himself being desirous of a stake, prevailed upon the king to stake Krishna (Draupadi). Considering all these circumstances, I consider Draupadi as not won.

Vaishampayana said:
Hearing these words, a loud uproar rose from those present in the assembly. They all applauded Vikarna and censured the son of Subala (Shakuni).

The son of Radha (Karna) became out of sense from anger. Waving his well sapped arms he spoke thus.

Karna said:
O Vikarna, I observed many opposite and inconsistent conditions in this assembly. As the fire, produced from a faggot, itself, so you will be consumed by you this anger.

These (great) personages (present) here, through (repeatedly) urged by Krishna (Draupadi), have not uttered a single word. They'all consider that the daughter ofDrupada has been righteously won.

O son of Dhritarashtra, you alone for your boyish age are bursting into rage. Though you are but a boy, you speak as if you are an old man.

O younger brother of Duryodhana, you know not what really the rules of morality are. You say like a fool that this Krishna (Draupadi), who has been won, as not won (at all).

O son of Dhritarashtra, how do you consider that Krishna (Draupadi) is not won, when the eldest of the Pandavas have staked all his possessions in this assembly?

O best of the Bharata race, Draupadi is (surely) included in his possessions. Why do you consider that Krishna (Draupadi) who has been righteously won as not won?

Draupadi was mentioned (by Shakuni) in conversation, and she was approved of as a stake by the Pandava, why is it (then) your opinion that she is not won?

If you consider it wrong to bring her in the Sabha attired in only one piece of cloth, listen to the excellent words I say.

O descendant of Kuru, it has been ordained by the gods that a woman should have only one husband; she (Draupadi) has (however) many husbands; therefore it is certain that she is an unchaste woman.

In my opinion there is nothing surprising if she is brought before the assembly in one cloth or if she be made naked.

Whatever wealth the Pandavas had, including her and also the Pandavas themselves, have been righteously won by the son of Subala (Shakuni).

O Dushasana, this Vikarna, speaking words of wisdom, is but a boy. Take off the robes of the Pandavas and also that of Draupadi.

Vaishampayana said:
O descendant of Bharata, having heard this, the Pandavas took off their upper garments; and throwing them down, they sat (silently) in the Sabha.

O king, thereupon Dushasana, in the sight of all (present) in the assembly, began to drag forcibly the cloth of Draupadi.

When the cloth of Draupadi was being thus dragged, she thought of Hari.

Draupadi said:
O Govinda, O dweller of Dwarika, O Krishna, O favourite of the milk maids,

O Keshava, do you not see that I am persecuted by the Kurus. O lord, O husband of Lakshmi O lord of Vraja, O destroyer of all affliction, O Janardana, save me who am sinking in the Kuru ocean!

O Krishna, O great Yogi, O soul of the universe, O creator of the world, O Govinda, save me who am distressed, who am losing her senses in the midst of the Kurus!

Vaishampayana said:
O king, thus being afflicted, the lady, covering her face, cried aloud thinking of Krishna (Hari), the lord of the three worlds.

Hearing the words of Yajnaseni (Draupadi), Krishna was deeply moved. Leaving his seat, the kind Deity from compassion came there on foot.

When Yajnaseni (Draupadi) was crying for protection to Krishna, Vishnu and Hari and also Nara, the illustrious (Deity) Dharma, remaining unseen, covered her with many excellent cloths.

O king, as the cloth of Draupadi was being dragged, after one was taken off, another of the same kind appeared and covered her.

O lord, in consequence of the protection (extended towards Draupadi) by Dharma, hundreds and hundreds of cloths of many colour appeared.

Thereupon there rose a great uproar. All the kings (present there), seeing this most extraordinary sight in the world, applauded Draupadi and endured the son of Dhritarashtra.

Thereupon Bhima, squeezing his palms, and his lips quivering in anger, took a terrible oath in a loud voice in the midst of the kings.

Bhima said:
O Kshatriyas, O men of the world, listen to my these words, words never before uttered by any man or will be (ever) uttered by any man in future.

O lords of earth, if having spoken these words, I do not accomplish them hereafter, and if I do not forcibly tearing open the breast of this sinful wretch, this wicked minded scoundrel of the Bharata race, drink his life blood in the field of battle, let me not obtain the path of my ancestors.

Vaishampayana said:
Hearing his these terrible and hair stirring words, every one present there applauded him and censured the son of Dhritarashtra.

When a mass of cloths were heaped in the assembly, Dushasana, becoming fatigued and ashamed, sat down.

Seeing the sons of Kunti in that state, all those gods among men who were present there cried hair stirring words of "Fie!" "Fie?"' (on the son of Dhritarashtra).

All the good men who were present there exclaimed, "Alas, the Kurus do not answer the question asked to them." They all censured Dhritarashtra.

Thereupon Vidura, learned in all the precepts of religion, waving his hands and silencing every one in the assembly, spoke these words.

Vidura said:
O men present in the assembly Draupadi, having put her question, is piteously weeping. You do not answer her question. Dharma is here persecuted.

A person in distress comes to an assembly of good men like a man in a blazing fire. Those that are in the assembly extinguish that fire and cool him by means of truth and morality.

The person in distress asks the assembly about his rights as sanctioned by morality. Those that are in the assembly should answer his question without being unmoved by anger of desire.

O kings, Vikarna has answered the question according to his knowledge and judgement. You should also answer it as you think proper.

The man who knows the rules of morality and sits in an assembly, incurs half the demerit that attaches to a lie, if he does not answer a question put to him.

The man who knows the rules of morality and sits in an assembly, certainly incurs the sin of lie, if he answers falsely a question put to him.

The learned men quote as an example in connection with this matter the old history of Prahlada and the son of Angirasa.
There was a chief of the Daityas named Prahlada, whose son was Virochana. He (Virochana) quarrelled with Sudhanva, the son ofAngirasa, for the sake of a bride.

We have heard that they wagered even their own lives saying "I am superior," "I am superior," for the sake of obtaining a bride.

When they thus quarrelled with each other, they both asked Prahlada, saying "Who amongst us is superior? Answer this question, don't speak falsely,"

He (Prahlada), being alarmed at their quarrel, looked at Sudhanva. (Thereupon) Sudhanva thus spoke to him burning in rage as the Brahmadanda (club of Brahma).

"O Prahlada, if you answer falsely, or do not answer at all, your head will then be spilt into a hundred pieces by the wielder of thunder (Indra) with his thunder."

When Sudhanva thus spoke, the Daitya (Prahlada) trembling like a leaf of the fig tree went to the greatly effulgent Kashyapa, to consult with him.

Prahlada said:
O exalted one, you are learned in the precepts of morality which should guide the celestial, the Asuras and the Brahmanas. Here is a great dilemma in respect of a duty. Hear it.

Tell me, I ask you, what regions are obtained by men who, being asked a question, does not give answer to it or answer it falsely.

Kashyapa said:
He, who knows but answers not a question from temptation, anger or fear, brings upon himself one thousand Pashas (a sort of weapons) of Varuna upon his person.

A man, who is cited as a witness with respect to any matter of ocular or auricular knowledge, speaks falsely, brings upon him one thousand Pashas of Varuna.

On the completion of one full year, one such Pasha is loosened (from his body). Therefore, he, who knows, should speak the truth without concealment.

If virtue, pierced with sin, goes to an assembly, it is the duty of every man in that assembly to take off the dart. If they fail to do it, they themselves are pierced with it.

In an assembly where a truly censurable act is not rebuked, half the demerit of that act attaches to the head of that assembly, fourth to the person who acts censurably, and fourth to all men present there.

On the other hand, in an assembly in which he that deserves censure is rebuked, the head of that assembly becomes freed from all sins, and others that are present there incurs none. It is only the perpetrator of the (sinful) act, who becomes responsible for it.

O Prahlada, those who, being asked about morality, answer falsely, destroy the meritorious acts of their ancestors seven generations upwards and downwards.

The grief of one who has lost all his wealth, of one who has lost a son, of one who is in debt, of one who is separated from his companions, of a woman who has lost her husband, of one who has lost all in consequence of the king's demand, of a woman who is sterile, of one who is being devoured by a tiger, of one who is a co-wife, and of one who has been deprived of his property by false witnesses, is said by the celestial to be uniform in degree.

He who speaks false gets all these sorts of grief. A man becomes a witness in consequence of his having seen, heard and understood a thing.

Therefore a witness should always tell the truth. A witness should always tell the truth never loses his .religious merits and earthly possessions.

Vidura said:
Having heard the words of Kashyapa, Prahlada thus spoke to his son.

Prahlada said:
Sudhanva is superior to you as Angirasa (his father) is to me. The mother of Sudhanva is superior to your mother. Therefore, O Virochana, Sudhanva is now the lord of your life.

Sudhanva said:
As without being moved by affection for your son you have adhered to virtue, I command that your this son will live for one hundred years.

Vidura said:
Hearing these great truths of Dhanna, let all persons present in this Sabha reflect upon what should be the answer to the question asked by Krishna (Draupadi).

Vaishampayana said:
Even hearing the words of Vidura, the kings did not answer a word. Karna said to Dushasana, "Take away the servant woman Krishna in the inner apartment."

Thereupon Dushasana began to drag in the assembly the helpless, modest and ascetic Draupadi who was trembling and weeping piteously to the Pandavas.

Draupadi said:
I have a duty to perform. I have not as yet performed that great work. Forcibly dragged by this strong man (Dushasana), I am deprived of my senses.

I salute all my superiors in this assembly of the Kurus. It is not my fault if I have not done it before.

Vaishampayana said:
Dragged with greater force the afflicted and ascetic lady (Draupadi) who did not deserve such treatment, fell on the ground and wept in the assembly.

Draupadi said:
I was once seen on the occasion of my Svamavara by the assembled kings in the arena. I was never before seen (by them) any where else. I am to day been brought before the assembly.

She, who is never before seen by even the wind and the sun in her house, is seen to day in the assembly and is exposed before all men.

We have never heard before that a wedded wife is brought before an assembly. That old and eternal rule is to day destroyed by the Kurus.

She, whom the Pandavas did not suffer to be touched (even) by the wind before, is to day suffered by them to be persecuted by the wicked men.

It appears the time has became out of joint, when the Kurus suffer their daughter and daughter-in-law, who is so unworthy of such treatment, to be thus persecuted.

What could be more digressing to me than that through I am high born and chaste, yet I should be brought into the assembly. Where is the Dharma of these kings?

How is it that the chaste wife of the Pandavas, the sister of the son of Prishata, the friend of Vasudeva (Krishna), is brought before the assembly of the kings?

O Kauravas, I am the wife of Dharmaraja (Yudhisthira), born in the same order to which the king belongs. Tell me whether I am a servant woman or not. I shall cheerfully do what you would say.

O Kurus, this low man, this destroyer of the Kuru fame, is cruelly persecuting me. I cannot bear it any longer.

O kings, O Kurus, I desire you to answer whether you consider me as won or unwon. I shall do what you would say.

Bhisma said:
O blessed lady, I have said the course of Dharma is subtle. Even the illustrious wise men cannot understand it in the world.

What a powerful man says morality in the world is regarded as such by others, however otherwise it may really be. What a weak man says, however morality it may be, is not regarded as such.

From the importance of the issue involved, from its intricacy and subtility, I am unable to answer with certainly the question you have asked.

It is certain that as all the Kurus have become the slaves of covetousness and folly, the destruction of this our race will happen on no distant date.

O blessed one, the family into which you have been admitted as a daughter-in-law is such that there are men and women born in it, however they might be afflicted by calamities, they never deviate from the path of virtue.

O Panchali, your this conduct, namely through persecuted, you still cast your eyes on Dharma, is certainly worthy of you.

These men of mature years, learned in the precepts of morality, (namely) Drona and others, sit with down cast heads like men who are dead and whose lives have departed from their bodies.

My opinion is that Yudhisthira himself is an authority in this question. He should say whether you are won or not won.

Vaishampayana said:
Through the kings present there saw the lady (Draupadi) crying piteously in affliction like a female osprey, yet they, out of the fear for the son of Dhritarashtra (Duryodhana), did not utter a word good or evil.

Seeing the sons and grandsons of kings sitting silent, the son of Dhritarashtra (Duryodhana) smiled and spoke thus to the daughter of the Panchala king.

Duryodhana said:
O Yajnaseni, the question you have asked depends on the greatly powerful Bhima, on Arjuna, on Nakula and on Sahadeva. Let them answer your question.

O Panchali, let them for them for your sake declare in the midst of these most noblemen (present here) that Yudhisthira is not their lord and that he is a liar; you will then be freed from the slavery.

Let the illustrious son of Dharma (Yudhisthira), ever devoted to virtue, who is like Indra himself, declare whether he is or is not your lord. At his words, accept us or accept the Pandavas without (further) delay.

All the Kurus present in this assembly are floating in the sea of your affliction. They are endued with magnanimity and looking at your husbands they are unable to answer your question.

Vaishampayana said:
Hearing these words of the Kuru king (Duryodhana), all persons present in the assembly loudly applauded him. Some shouting approvingly made signs to one another by motions of their eyes and lips and some made sounds of distress such as "Oh," "Alas."

Hearing his these delightful words, the Kurus present in the assembly become exceedingly glad. All the kings, becoming much pleased, applauded the virtuous chief of the Kurus.

All the kings, turning their faces sideways, looked at Yudhisthira, learned in the precepts of morality, and they all became curious to learn what he would say,

And they became curious to learn also what the invincible Pandavas, Bibhatsa (Arjuna), Bhimasena and the twins (Nakula and Sahadeva) would say.

When the noise was silenced, Bhimasena, waving his strong and well armed arms smeared with sandal paste, thus spoke (in the assembly).

Bhima said:
If our this Guru (superior), this high-souled Dharmaraja, were not our lord, we would not have pardoned this (Kuru) race.

He is the lord of our all religions and ascetic merits, he is the lord even of our lives. If he considers himself won, then we are all won.

If it were not so, who is there amongst creatures that touch the earth with his feet or amongst the mortals that would escape from me with life after having touched the hair of the Panchala princess?

Look at my powerful and well formed arms like two iron clubs, if once within them, even Shatakratu (Indra) cannot escape.

Bound by the ties of virtue, for the reverence that is due to our elder brother and repeatedly urged by Arjuna to remain silent, I am doing nothing awful.

If I am once commanded by Dharmaraja (Yudhisthira), I would, by making my slaps do the work of swords, kill these sinful sons of Dhritarashtra as a lion kills a number of small animals.

Vaishampayana said:
Thereupon Bhisma, Drona, and Vidura spoke thus to Bhima, "Forbear, everything is possible in you."

Karna said:
Of all the persons in this assembly, Bhisma, Khattwa (Vidura) and the preceptor of the Kurus (Drona) appear to be independent (men), for they always speak of their master as wicked, they always censure him and never wish for his prosperity.

The slave, the son, and the wife, (these three) are always dependent. They can have no wealth, for whatever they possess belong to their master. You are (now) the wife of a slave incapable of possessing anything other own.

Go to the inner apartments of the king and serve his relatives. This is the work that is now justify assigned to you. O princess, the sons of Dhritarashtra, and not the sons of Pritha (the Pandavas), are now your masters.

O beautiful lady, select now another husband who will not make you a slave by gambling. It is well known that it is not censurable in a slave to proceed with freedom in selecting her husband.

O Yajnaseni, Nakula, Bhimasena, Yudhisthira, Sahadeva and Arjuna are all won (by us). You are (also) now a slave. Your husbands who are slaves cannot be now your masters.

Did not the son of Pritha (Yudhisthira) consider life as useless, did he not care for prowess and manhood, that he offered the daughter of Drupada, the Panchala king, as a stake at dice in the presence of all this assembly.

Vaishampayana said:
Hearing these words, the wrathful Bhima breathed hard; he became a very picture of woe. But obedient to the king (Yudhisthira) and bound by the ties of virtue and duty, (he still did nothing awful). But as if burning every thing with his eyes inflamed with anger, he thus spoke.

Bhima said:
I cannot be angry at these words of the Suta's son (Karna), for we have really entered the state not played staking this princess, could our enemies ever dare to speak thus to me?

Vaishampayana said:
Hearing these words of Bhimasena, king Duryodhana thus addressed Yudhisthira who was sitting silent as one who is deprived of his senses.

"O king, Bhima, Arjuna, and the twins (Nakula and Sahadeva) are ever under your seat. Answer this question. Say whether you regard Krishna as won".

Having spoken thus to the son of Kunti, Duryodhana proud of his affluence, and desirous of encouraging the son of Radha (Karna) and of insulting Bhima, uncovered his right thigh, which was like a stem of the plantain tree or like the trunk of an elephant and which was graced with every auspicious mark, and endued with the strength of thunder; he showed it to Draupadi in her very sight.

Seeing this Bhimasena, expanding his red eyes, thus spoke to him (Duryodhana) in the midst of the kings, as if piercing them (with his words).

"Let not Vrikodara go to the regions obtained by his ancestors, if he does not break that thigh in a great battle."

Like the fire that comes out of every crevice of a burning tree, sparkles of fire emitted from every part of angry Bhima's body.

Vidura said:
O kings of Pratipa's race, look at the great danger that arise from Bhimasena. Know for certain that this great calamity that threatens to overtake the descendants of Bharata has been sent by Destiny itself.

The sons of Dhritarashtra have gambled disregarding every proper consideration. They are now quarrelling in the Sabha over a lady. Your kingdom's prosperity is at an end. Alas! The Kurus are engaged in sinful consultation.

O Kurus, take to your heart this high precept that I declare to you. If virtue is persecuted (in an assembly,) the whole assembly becomes polluted. If he (Yudhisthira) had staked her before he was himself won, he would have certainly been regarded as her master.

If a man stakes any thing at a time when he has no wealth, to win from him any wealth (then) is like obtaining wealth in a dream. O Kurus, listening to the words of the Gandhara king, do not fall from the path of virtue.

Duryodhana said:
I am willing to abide by the words of Bhima, Arjuna and the twins. Let them say that Yudhisthira is not their master; and Yajnaseni will (then) be freed from slavery.

Arjuna said:
This illustrious son of Kunti, Dhannaraja (Yudhisthira) was certainly our lord and master before he began to play. But having lost himself, let all the Kurus decide whose master he is now.

Vaishampayana said:
Thereupon a jackal cried in the Homa chamber of king Dhritarashtra. O king asses began to bray responsively (with the jackal), and fearful birds from all quarters joined with them in their cries.

At this sound, Vidura, learned in everything, and also the daughter of Subala (Gandhari), knew what it meant. Bhisma, Drona, and the learned Goutama (Kripa) also knowing it, loudly cried, "Svasti" "Svasti" (peace).

Seeing that fearful omen, Gandhari and the learned Vidura told everything in great affliction to the king (Dhritarashtra). Then the king thus spoke.

Dhritarashtra said:
O wicked minded Duryodhana, O wretch, destruction has already overtaken you when you insult in such language a wife of the Kuru chief, especially this wedded wife (of the Pandavas) Draupadi.

Vaishampayana said:
Having said this, the wise Dhritarashtra, who possessed great knowledge, reflecting (on the matter) with the aid of his wisdom and being desirous of saving his relatives and friends from destruction, consoled the Panchala princes Krishna and thus spoke to her.

Dhritarashtra said:
O Panchali ask from me any boon you desire. Chaste and devoted to virtue, you are the foremost of all my daughters-in-law.

Draupadi said:
O best of the Bharata race, if you grant me a boon, I say, let the handsome Yudhisthira, ever obedient to all duties, be freed from slavery.

Let not unthinking children speak of my greatly intelligent son Prativindhya as the son of a slave.

Having been born a prince, to whom there is no man superior, and nurtured by kings, it is not proper that he should be called the son of a slave.

Dhritarashtra said:
O blessed girl, what you have said, let it be so. O excellent one, ask for a second boon. I shall grant it to you. My heart desires to give you a second boon. You do not deserve to get only one boon.

Draupadi said:
O king, grant me this boon that Bhimasena, Arjuna and the twins with their bows and cars be freed from slavery and gain their liberty.

Dhritarashtra said:
O greatly blessed girl, let it be what you say. O daughter, ask for a third boon, you have not been sufficiently honoured with two boons. Ever trading the path of virtue, you are the foremost of all my daughters-in-law.

Draupadi said:
O illustrious one, covetousness destroys virtue. O foremost of kings, I do not deserve a third boon; I dare not ask any.

O king of kings, it is ordained that a Vaisya may ask one boon, a Kshatriya woman two, a Kshatriya three and a Brahmana one hundred.

O king, these my husbands, freed from the wretched state of slavery, will be able to achieve prosperity by their own virtuous acts.

Karna said::
We have not heard of such an act performed by any woman who are noted in this world for their beauty.

When the sons of Pandu and Dhritarashtra were excited with anger, this Krishna, the daughter of Drupada, become their salvation.

The sons of Pandu were sinking boatless in an ocean of distress, this Panchali, becoming a boat to them, brought them safely to the shore.

Vaishampayana said:
Hearing the words, "A woman is the refuge for the sons of Pandu, "uttered in the midst of the Kurus (by Karna), the angry Bhima in great affliction said:

Bhima said:
(O Arjuna), Devala has said that offspring, acts and learning, these are the three lights that is in every person, for from these (three) has sprung the creation.

When life becomes extinct and the body becomes impure and is cast off by the relatives, these three (offspring, acts and learning) become of service to every person.

But the light that is in us has been dimmed by this act of insult done to our wife. O Dhananjaya, how can a son born from this insulted wife of ours prove serviceable to us?

Arjuna said:
O descendant of Bharata, great men never care about the harsh words that may or may not be uttered by inferior men. Persons that have earned respects for themselves, even if they are able to retaliate, do not remember the acts of hostility done by their enemies, but they treasure up only their good deeds.

Bhima said:
O king of kings, shall I here at once kill all these foes assembled together, or O descendant of Bharata, shall I destroy them all by the roots outside the palace?

O descendant of Bharata, what need is there for discussion (in this matter) or what need is there for (your) command? I shall kill all these (men) even now, and O king, (then) rule the whole earth without a rival.

Vaishampayana said:
Having said this Bhima with his younger brothers repeatedly cast his angry glances around as a lion does towards a herd of small animals.

Partha (Arjuna) of pure deeds pacified him with appealing looks, but the mighty armed and powerful (Bhima) began to burn in the fire of his anger.

O king, fire with smokes, sparks and flames began to issue out of his ears and other senses, so much angry he became.

His face became terrible to look at in consequence of his furrowed brows as that of Yama himself at the time of universal destruction.

O descendant of Bharata, thereupon Yudhisthira embracing him with his arms asked the mighty armed hero to forbear, telling him "Be not so. Remain in silence and peace." And

Having pacified the mighty armed (Bhima) with eyes red in anger, the king (Yudhisthira) approached his sire Dhritarashtra.

Yudhisthira said:
O king, you are our lord. Command us what we shall do. O descendant of Bharata, we desire to remain always under your sway.

Dhritarashtra said:
O Ajatasatru, be blessed. Go in peace and safety. Rule your kingdom with your wealth at my command.

Take to heart the command of an old man, the wholesome advice that I give and which is like a nutritive regimen.

O child, O greatly wise Yudhisthira, you are full of humility, and you wait upon the old. You know the path of Dharma is subtle.

O descendant of Bharata, where there is intelligence there is forbearance. Therefore follow the path of peace. Axe falls upon wood, it does not fall upon stone.

Those are superior men who do not remember tlie acts of hostility of their enemies, who see only the merits and not the faults of their enemies, and who themselves never enter into hostilities.

Those that are good remember only the good deeds of their enemies and not any act of hostility that their enemies might do. The good men do good to others without any expectation of getting a return.

O Yudhisthira, only the worst of men use harsh words in quarrel. Men of indifferent character reply to such words when spoken by others. But superior men do not think of such words or recapitulate them.

Those that are good, taking their own feelings under consideration, can understand the feelings of others. Therefore, they remember only the good deeds and not the acts of hostility, of their enemies. You have acted, as is done by good men of possessing appearance who does not transgress Dharma, Artha and Kama.

O child, do not remember the harshness of Duryodhana. If you desire to remember what is only good look at your mother Gandhari and myself.

O descendant of Bharata, look at me, your father, present here who am old, and blind. It was for meeting with our friends, and also for examination the strength and weakness of my children that I allowed out of policy this match at dice to proceed. O king, there is no fear for those Kurus who are under your sway and who follow the counsel of the greatly intelligent Vidura learned in all Shastras. In you is virtue, in Arjuna is patience, and in Bhimasena is prowess,

And in those foremost of men, the twins (Nakula and Sahadeva), are pure reverence and service to superiors. O Ajatasatru, be blessed. Return to Khandavaprastha. Let there be brotherly love between you and your cousins. Let your mind be always fixed in virtue.

Vaishampayana said:
Having been thus addressed, and performing all the ceremonies of politeness, the best of the Bharata race, Dharmaraja Yudhisthira, started with his brothers.

Accompanied with Krishna, and ascending their cars of colour of clouds, (Draupadi), they started for that best of cities, Indraprastha.

Mahabharata

Dyuta Parva

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