Philosophy and Religion / Mahabharata

Mahabharata

Mriga Svapnodbhava Parva

Entering Kamyaka

Janamejaya said:
After having rescued Duryodhana, what did the mighty Pandavas do in that forest? You should tell me all this.

Vaishampayana said:
One day, when Yudhishthira was sleeping at night in the Dvaitavana, some deer with accents choked in tears appeared before him in his dreams.

To them standing with joined hands, their bodies trembling all over, that foremost of kings said, 'Tell me what you wish to say. Who are you and what do you desire."

Having been thus addressed by the son of Kunti, the illustrious Pandava (Yudhishthira), those deer, the remaining ones of the herd that had been slaughtered, thus spoke to him,

O descendant of Bharata, we are deer of Dvaitvana, those that are alive after the rest has been slaughtered. We shall completely be exterminated. Therefore change your abode (from this forest to some other).

Your brothers are all heroes, learned in weapons. They have thinned the dwellers of the forest (animals).

O high-minded one, O Yudhishthira, we few only remain as seed. O king of kings, through your favour let us multiply.

Seeing those deer which remained like seed after the rest had been destroyed, trembling and afflicted with fear, Dharamaraja (Yudhishthira) was greatly affected with grief.

The king, ever intent on the welfare of all creatures, said to them "So be it". I shall act as you say.

Awakening after the dream that foremost of kings, moved by pity towards the deer, thus spoke to his brothers assembled there. "Those deer that are still alive after the rest have been slaughtered all appeared before me last night and said "we remain as the seed of our species. Be blessed. Have compassion on us."

They spoke truly. We ought to have compassion for the dwellers of the forest (animals). We have been feeding on them for one year and eight months.

Therefore let us again go to the charming forest of Kamyaka, that foremost of forests abounding in wild animals, situated at the head of the desert near the lake Trinabindu. Let us there pleasantly pass the rest of our time."

Then the Pandavas learned in Dharma soon went away (from the Dvaitavana). O king, with the Brahmanas and all those that lived with them. They were followed by Indrasena and other servants.

Proceeding along the road furnished with excellent corn and clear water they at last saw the sacred hermitage of Kamyaka.

As virtuous men enter the celestials regions, those foremost of the Bharata race, those descendants of Kuru, surrounded by the excellent Brahmanas, entered that forest.

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