Mahabharata

Sabhakriya Parva

Choice of land for the assembly-hall. Departure of Srikrishna to Dwarka. The construction of the assembly-hall. Entry to the assembly-hall.

Having saluted the Supreme Deity (Narayana) and the highest of all male beings (Nara) and also the Goddess of Learning (Sarasvati), let us cry "success".

Vaishampayana said:
Thereupon again and again worshipping Partha before Vasudeva, Maya spoke to him with joined hands and in sweet words.

Maya said:
O son of Kunti, I have been saved by you from this angry Krishna and this Pavaka fire who was desirous of consuming me. Tell me what I shall do for you.

Arjuna said:
O great Asura, every thing has been done by you. Be blessed. Go (wherever you like). Be always well-disposed towards me as we are well-disposed towards you.

Maya said:
O lord, O best of men, what you have said fully deserves you. O descendant of Bharata, I gladly desire to do something (for you).

I am a great artist, (in fact I am) the Vishvakarma of the Danavas. Therefore, O son of Pandu, I desire to do something for you.

Arjuna said:
O sinless one, you consider that your life has been saved by me from instant death. Such being the case, I cannot make you do anything for me.

O Danava, I am not willing to frustrate your intention also. Do something for Krishna; that will be sufficient requital for my services to you.

Vaishampayana said:
O best of the Bharata race, thus requested by Maya, Vasudeva (Krishna) reflected for a moment thus, "what should be done for me?"

Thereupon the lord of the universe the creator of things, Krishna, having reflected (for a moment), thus commanded Maya.

Krishna said:
O best of artists, O son of Diti, if you desire to do some good to me, build a large assembly-hall for Dharmaraja (Yudhishthira), a hall to your own liking.

Build such an assembly-hall that persons belonging to this world may not be able to build another like it, though he sits within it and observed it carefully.

O Maya, build an assembly-hall in which we may see all the celestials, Asura, and human designs of architecture.

Vaishampayana said:
Having heard these word, Maya became exceedingly glad. He drew up a design of an auspicious palace for the Pandavas.

Then Krishna and Partha, having told every things to Dharmaraja Yudhishthira, introduced Maya to him.

O descendant of Bharata, Yudhishthira received him with all the honour he deserved; and Maya accepted them showing all respects (to Yudhishthira).

O king, O descendant of Bharata, then that son of Diti (Maya) narrated before the sons of Pandu the old history of (Vrishaparva).

After resting for some time, that Vishvakarma (Maya) commenced after much reflection to build an assembly-hall for the illustrious Pandavas.

According to the wishes of the illustrious sons of Pritha (the Pandavas) and of Krishna, the greatly energetic (Maya) performed on an auspicious day initiatory rites of propitiation.

That greatly powerful (Danava) gratified thousands of excellent Brahmanas with Payasa (sweetened milk and rice) and with presents of various kinds of wealth.

He then measured out a piece of land five thousand cubits square; it was well suited to the exigencies of every season, it was celestials-like and it was delightful.

Vaishampayana said:
Janardana, (Krishna) who deserved the worship of all, lived for sometime at Khandavaprastha, worshipped with love and affection by the sons of Pritha.

The receiver of the worship of all the world, the possessor of large eyes, Keshava (Krishna) being desirous of seeing his father, made up his mind to go to (Dwarka). He saluted both Dharmaraja (Yudhishthira) and Pritha and bowed down to his aunt with his head touching her feet. She smelt his head and embraced him.

The greatly illustrious Hrishikesha Krishna, coming with affection and with tears in his eyes to the sweet-speeched and amiable Subhadra, his sister, spoke to her words of best import and truth, words that were terse, proper and full of good.

She too saluted him in return and worshipped him with bowing down her head. She then told him all that she desired to be told to her relatives.

Bidding her farewell and uttering blessings on that beautiful lady, the hero of the Vrishni race Janardana (Krishna) then saw Krishna (Draupadi) and Dhananjaya.

That best of men (Krishna) then duly worshipped Dhananjaya; then consoling Draupadi he obtained her leave.

The learned and heroic (Krishna) then went with Partha (Arjuna) to his (other) cousins (the Pandavas). Surrounded by the five brothers Krishna looked like Shakra (Indra) surrounded by the celestials.

Being desirous of performing the due rites of departure, the Garuda-bannered hero (Krishna), purified himself by a bath and adorned himself with ornaments.

The best of the Yadu race, (Krishna) then worshipped the celestials and the Brahmanas with garlands, with mantras, with various kinds of excellent perfumes and with bowing down his head.

Having performed all (those) ceremonies, that foremost of all virtuous men, the best of the Yadu race (Krishna), wishing to start, came out to the outer apartments.

By presenting vessels of curd, fruits and fried rice, he made the Brahmanas utter blessings on him. Presenting them wealth, he walked round them.

Ascending on his golden and Garuda-bannered swift chariot, to which was yoked Shaibya and Sugriva (his two horses) and taking also his mace, discus, sword, his bow Sharanga and other auspicious weapons, the lotus-eyed hero (Krishna) started on an excellent moment of a lunar day in an auspicious constellation.

The king of the Kurus, Yudhishthira, ascended the chariot after him (Krishna), and out of love for him he made that best of charioteers (Dwarka) to stand aside, and himself took the reins. The long-armed Arjuna walked round him (Krishna) and he then got on the car and waved a golden-handled Chamara over him.

The heroic Bhimasena with the twins (Nakula and Sahadeva), the Ritvikas and the citizens walked behind Krishna. That slayer of hostile heroes, Keshava (Krishna), thus followed by all the brothers,

Shone like a preceptor followed by his beloved pupils. After bidding farewell to Partha (Arjuna) Govinda (Krishna) embraced him firmly (with all the ardour of love).

He then worshipped Yudhishthira and also Bhimasena and he embraced the twins. Being embraced in return (by the sons of Pritha) and worshipped by the twins (Nakula and Sahadeva).

O Descendant of Bharata, that vanquisher of hostile cities, Krishna, bade Yudhishthira farewell and requested him to return, when he had gone about half aYojana.

Govinda (Krishna) learned in all the precepts of virtue, then worshipped Dharmaraja (Yudhishthira) and touched his feel. The (Yudhishthira) raised Keshava up and smelt his head.

The Pandava Dharamraja Yudhishthira then gave permission to the best of Yadava race, the lotus-eyed Krishna to go be saying "Go".

After duly making an appointment (for again coming to Indraprastha) and after preventing the Pandavas with great deal of difficulty from following him the slayer of Madhu (Krishna).

Went to his own city with a cheerful heart like Shakra (Indra) towards Amaravati (the celestials city). Out of love for him, they the Pandavas gazed at him so long he was within the sight; and when he went out of sight, their minds followed him, but they were not satiated with seeing Keshava (Krishna).

The handsome hero (Krishna) soon disappeared from their view. The sons of Pritha, those best of men with their minds fixed on Govinda (Krishna) desisted (from following him); and they then soon returned to their own city, although they were not (at all) willing (to return). Riding on his car Krishna also soon started for Dwarka.

Followed by the hero, Satyaki, the son of Devaki, Sauri (Krishna) with his charioteer Daruka reached Dwarka with the speed of Garuda.

The king Dharmaraja of unfading glory and his brothers, surrounded by their friends and relatives, entered the excellent city (Indraprastha).

That virtuous king, that best of men (Yudhishthira) then sent away all his friends and relatives, his brothers and sons; he then amused himself with Draupadi.

Keshava also, having been welcomed by the Chief Yadus with Ugrasena at their head, entered the excellent city (Dwarka) with joy.

Worshipping his old father and his illustrious mother, and saluting Baladeva (his brother) also, the lotus-eyed (hero) took his seat.

He embraced Pradyumna, Samba, Nishatha, Charudeshna, Gada, Aniruddha and Bhanu. Receiving leave of the elderly men, Janardana then went to the house of Rukmani (his wife).

Vaishampayana said:
Then Maya spoke thus to the son of Pritha, Arjuna, the foremost of all victorious warriors, "I shall now go away with your permission, but I shall soon come back.

When the Danavas were engaged in a sacrifice on the banks of the Bindu lake, in the north of the Kailasa near the Mainaka mountains I gathered a charming and variegated Bhanda (mass of rough stones) of jewels and gems. I kept it in the house of Vrishaparva.

O descendant of Bharata, if it still exists there, I shall come back with it. I shall then build a renowned, delightful and beautiful assembly-hall for the Pandavas, which will be adorned with all gems and jewels. O descendant of Kuru, there is also a club in the Bindu lake.

Kept there by the king (of the Danavas) who killed with it all his foes in battle. It is hard and strong and variegated with golden knobs, it is capable of standing great weight.

It can kill all foes, and it is equal in strength to one hundred thousand clubs. It is a fit weapon for Bhima as the Gandiva (bow) is yours.

(There is also in that lake) a large conch-shell of loud sound, named Devadatta which was produced by Varuna (Ocean). There is no doubt I shall give all these to you."

Having said this to Partha, that Asura (Maya) went away in a north-eastern direction. On the north of the Kailasa near the Mainaka mountains.

There is a great peak full of many gems and jewels, called Hiranya Shringa. (There is) a charming lake named Bindusara where (once dwelt) king Bhagiratha.

He lived there for a long period with the desire of seeing the Ganges which is called Bhagirathi (after him). Here the illustrious lord of all creatures.

O best of the Bharata race, performed one hundred great sacrifices. There were placed at this spot for beauty, many sacrificial stakes made of gems, and many sacrificial ultras made of gold though not according to the ordinance. Here after performing those sacrifices the deity of one thousand eyes, the husband of Sachi, acquired Siddhi (final success).

Here the greatly effulgent lord of spirits (Shiva), the eternal lord of all creatures lived after creating all the worlds and here he was worshipped by all the sprites.

Here Nara and Narayana, Brahma, Yama and the fifth Sthanu performed sacrifices after the expiration of one thousand Yugas.

Here for the establishment of virtue and religion Vasudeva with pious devotion performed his sacrifices with extended for many long years.

Where Keshava placed thousands and tens of thousands of sacrificial stakes adorned with garlands of gold and innumerable (sacrificial) altars of great splendour.

O descendant of Bharata, going there he (Maya) brought the club, the conch shall and the various articles of crystal which belonged to Vrishaparva, (the Danava king).

Going there thereat Asura, Maya, took all the great wealth which was guarded by the Takshas and Rakshasas and Kinkaras.

Bringing them away, the Asura (Maya) built with them a matchless assembly-hall. It was celebrated throughout the three worlds, it was beautiful, it was celestials, and it was full of gems and jewels.

He gave to Bhimasena that best of clubs (that was in the lake) he also gave to Arjuna that excellent and the best conch.

The sound of that conch used to make all creatures tremble in feat. O great king, the assembly-hall that Maya built, stood on golden pillars, and it occupied an area of five thousand cubits square, possessing an most beautiful form. It (the hall) shone in great splendour like the fire, the sun or the moon. By its great effulgence it seemed to darken even the rays of the sun.

With its effulgence which was the mixture of both celestials and terrestrial light, it appeared as if it was on fire. Like a mass of new clouds rising in the sky, it filled the whole of the view. It was spacious large, charming, soothing, full of celestials effulgence, and filled with all sorts of excellent things, it was adorned with jeweled walls and gates, with many pictures and much wealth. It appeared like the work of Vishvakarma himself.

The Sudharma (the assembly-hall) of the Dasharhas (Vrishnis)-nay even the abode of Brahma was not so grand and endued with so much beauty as this assembly-hall built by the intelligent Maya.

Being appointed by Maya, eight thousand Rakshasas, named Kinkaras, guarded and supported this assembly-hall.

They were capable of ranging the sky, they were fearful, huge-bodied, and greatly strong; they had blood-like red and coppery eyes and arrowy-ears, they were all well-armed.

In that assembly-hall Maya built a matchless tank, and in that tank were lilies with leaves made of dark-coloured gems and with stalks made of brilliant gems; there were also other aquatic flowers of golden leaves. Various kinds of water-fow4s played in its water; it was adorned with full-blossomed lotuses; its water was transparent; and golden-coloured tortoises and fishes played in its bottom which was without mud. A flight of crystal steps rose from the edge of the water to the banks.

The gentle breeze shook the flowers that sudden its waters; its banks were adorned with costly marble slabs set with pearls.

Seeing that tank thus adorned with jewels and precious stones, many kings that came there mistook it for land, and they fell into it with their eyes open.

The assembly-hall was adorned with many charming, large and ever blossoming trees with green foliage and cool-shade.

And with many gardens, emitting a delicious fragrance. There was many tanks adorned with swans, Karandavas and Chakravakas. The breezes carried the fragrance of lotuses that grew in the waters and flowers that grew in the land and ministered to the pleasures of the Pandavas.

O king, having built such an assembly-hall in fourteen months, Maya informed Dharmaraja (Yudhishthira) that it had been completed.

Vaishampayana said:
Having fed thousands of Brahmanas with sweetened milk mixed with rice, honey and Ghee, with fruits and roots and with the meat of boar and deer the ruler of men king Yudhishthira entered into it (the palace). With food seasoned with sesame, with Tabanti (a sort of vegetable), with rice mixed with Ghee.

With the various preparations of meat, with various kinds of other food, with various suckable and drinkable viands, with unused robes and clothes, and with excellent garlands, the king gratified the superior Brahmanas that had assembled there from various directions.

He also gave them each one thousand kine. O descendant of Bharata, their cry of "What an auspicious day" rose to the sky.

Having worshipped the gods with various kinds of music and with numerous sorts of costly perfumes, that best of the Kurus (Yudhishthira) entered (the hall).

The athletes, actors, prize-fighter bards and praise-singers exhibited their skill to amuse the illustrious son of Dharma (Yudhishthira).

Having thus performed many ceremonies, the Pandava (Yudhishthira) with his brothers sported in that charming assembly hall as Shakra (Indra) in heaven.

On the seats in that assembly-hall sat with the Pandavas the Rishis and the kings that came from various countries.

Asita, Devala, Satya, Sarpamali, Mahashira, Arvavasa, Sumitra, Maitreya, Shunaka, Bali, Baka, Dalbhya, Sthulashira, Krishna Dvaipayana, Shuka, Sumanta, Gemini, Paila, the pupils of Vyasa, namely ourselves, Tittri, Yajnavalkya, Lomaharsana with his on, Apsuhomya, Dhaumya, Animandavya, Kaushika, Damoshnisha, Traibali, Pamada, Varajanuka, Maunjayana, Vayubhaksha, Parasarya, Sarika, Balivaka, Sinivaka, Satyapala, Kritashrama, Jatukama, Shikhavana, Alamba, Parijataka, the high-souled Parvata, the great Rishi Markandeya, Pavitrapani, Savarna, Bhaluki, Galava, Janghabandhu, Raibhya, Kopavega, Bhrigu, Haribabhru, Kaundinya, Babhrumali, Sanatana, Kakshivana, Aushija, Nachiketa, Gautama, Painga, Varaha, greatly ascetic Shandilya, Kukkura, Venujangha, Kalapa and Katha. All were Rishis of great virtue and learning with their souls under complete control and passions under complete subjugation.

These and many others, as numerous as the above, all learned in the Vedas and the Vedangas, conversant with all moralities, all pure and spotless in conduct, waited upon the illustrious (king) and pleased him with their sacred discourses. Many chief Kshatriyas also waited upon Dharmaraja (Yudhishthira).

The fortunate and virtuous Munjaketu, Vivardhana, Sangramjit, Durmukha, the powerful Ugrasena, Kakshasena, the lord of the Earth, the invincible Kshemaka, the king of Kamboja, Kamatha the mighty Kampana who made the javanas tremble at his name as the wielder of thunder Indra made the Asuras Kalkeyas tremble at his name.

Jatasura, the king of the Madrakas, Kunti, the king of the Kiratas, Pulinda, the kings of Anga and Banga, Pundraka and Pandya, the king of Udhara and Andhaka, Sumitra, the slayer of foes Shaivya, the king of the Kiratas, Sumana, the king of the Yavanas Chanur, Devarata, Bhoja, Bhimaratha, the king of Kalinga, Shrutayudha, the king of Magadha, Jayasena, Sukarman, Chekitana, that slayer of foes Puru, Ketumana, Vasudana, Videha, Kritakshana, Sudharma, Aniruddha, the greatly strong Shrutayu, the invincible Anuparaja, the handsome Kramajit, Sisupala with his son, the king of Karusha, the invincible and celestials-like young heroes of the Vrishni race, namely Ahuka, Viprithu, Gada, Sarana, Akrura, Kritavarman, the son of Sini, Satyaka, Bhishmaka, Akriti, the powerful Dyumtsena, those chiefs of bow men, the Kaikeyas and Yajnasena of the Somaka race.

These greatly powerful and all well-armed and wealthy, Ketuman and Vasumana and many other Kshatriya, as numerous as the above, and all considered to be the foremost (men among the Kshatriyas waited on that assembly-hall upon the son of Kunti Yudhishthira. O king, those powerful princes that learnt science of arms from Arjuna, dressing themselves in deer skins, and those princes of the Vrishni race,

Namely, the son of Rukmani (Pradyumna), Samba, Yuyudhana, the son of Satyaka (Satyaki), Sudharmana, Anirudha, Shaivya, these foremost of men (all waited upon Yudhishthira).

O lord of the earth, these and many other kings, (waited upon Yudhishthira) the friend of Dhananjaya (Arjuna) Tumbaru, Chitrasena with his ministers, and many other Gandharvas and Apsaras, all well-skilled in singing and playing music, and expert in cadence, and also the Kinnaras, well-skilled in measures and motions, all at the command of Tumbaru waited upon and amused the sons of Pandu and so did also the Rishis (that were present there) by singing celestials songs in proper and charming voice. Those best of men, those best of men, those men of rigid vows, those men with heart devoted to truth all waited upon Yudhishthira, as the celestials wait upon Brahma in heaven.

Mahabharata

Sabhakriya Parva

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