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Mahabharata
Sambhava Parva (I)
Narration of race of Aditya. Tradition of offspring of Rishis. Descent of the Celestials, Gandharvas, Danavas.
Vaishampayana said:
Thereupon, Hari held a consultation with Indra regarding his incarnation on earth with all the celestial according to their respective parts.
Having then ordered the celestial, (what they should all do), Indra returned from the abode of Hari (Vaikuntha).
The dwellers of heaven then, one after the other, took birth on earth for the destruction of the Asuras and for the welfare of the three worlds.
O best of kings, the celestial, as each preferred, took birth in the races of Brahmarshis and Rajarshis.
They killed the Danavas, Rakshasas, Gandharvas, Nagas and other calibons and creatures.
O best of the Bharata race, the Danavas, Rakshasas, Gandharvas and Nagas could not kill the (incarnate) celestial, even in their infancy, so strong were they.
Janamejaya said :
I desire to hear the accounts of the births of the Devas, Danavas, Gandharvas, Apsaras, Manavas, Yakshas and Rakshasas from their beginning. Therefore, you should tell me all about the births of creatures
Vaishampayana said :
Bowing down my head to the Self-created (Brahma), I shall narrate to you in detail the origin of the celestial and of all creatures.
Brahma had six mind-born sons, (created out of his mind), namely Marichi, Atri, Angiras, Pulastya, Pulaha and Kratu.
Marichi had a son, named Kashyapa and from Kashyapa have sprung all creatures. Daksha begot thirteen illustrious daughters.
O best of kings, the daughters, of Daksha, were Aditi, Diti, Danu, Kala, Danayu, Sinhika, Krodha, Pradha, Vishva, Vinata, Kapila, Muni and Kadru. The sons and grandsons of these daughters, all of exceeding prowess, were infinite in number.
O descendant of the Bharata race, from Aditi were born the twelve. Adityas, who were all lords of the Universe. I shall now mention them to you according to their names.
(They were) Datha, Mitra, Aryamana, Shakra, Varuna, Angsha, Bhaga, Vivasvana, Pusha and Savitri, the tenth (daughter).
The eleventh was Tvashtri and the twelvth was Vishnu. The youngest, however, was the best in merit.
Diti had one son, named Hiranyakashipu and the illustrious Hiranyakashipu had five sons, famous all over the world.
The eldest was Prahlada, the next was Sanghrada, the third was Anuhrada, the fourth was Sivi and the youngest was Vashkala.
O descendant of the Bharata race, it is known everywhere that Prahlada had three sons, namely Virochana, Kumbha and Nikumbha.
Virochana's son was greatly powerful Vali and the son of Vali was the great Asura Vana.
He (Vana) was blessed with great fortune; he was a follower of Rudra and was, also known by the name of Mahakala.
O descendant of the Bharata race, Danu had forty sons, the eldest of them was the famous King Viprachitti. The others were Samvara, Namuchi, Puloma, Asiloma, Keshi, Durjaya, Ayashiras, Ashvashiras, Ashvashanku, Gaganamurdhan, Vegavan, Ketuman, Svabhanu, Ashva, Ashvapati, Vrishaparva, Ajaka, Ashvagriva, Sukshma, Tuhunda, Ekapada, Ekachakra, Virupaksha, Hara, Ahara, Nichandra, Nikumbha, Kupata, Kapata, Sharabha, Shalabha, Surya and Chandrama.
These were the well-known sons of Danu. Surya and Chandrama (the son and the moon) of the celestial were other persons and they were hot the sons of Danu. Besides the above, there were ten more powerful and great sons of Danu, namely Ekaksha, heroic Mritapa, Pralamba, Naraka.
Vatapi, Shatrutapana, the great Asura Satha, Gavishtha, Vanayu and the Danava, named Dirghajihva.
O descendant of the Bharata race, the sons and grandsons of the above were numberless. Sinhika gave birth to a son, called Rahu, the persecutor of the sun and the moon.
And (she gave birth to) three others, namely Suchandra, Chandraharta and Chandrapramardana. The numberless progeny of Krodha was much wicked as she herself was.
Their race was wrathful, of crooked deeds and the persecutors of foes. Danayu had four sons, the best among the Asuras.
(They were) Vikshara, Bala, Vira and the great Asura Vritra. The sons of Kala were like Yama himself, all the slayers of their enemies.
They were greatly famous and powerful amongst the Danavas and were great oppressors of their enemies.
(They were) Vinashana, Krodha, Krodhahanta and Krodhashatru. These were the sons of Kala. As it is heard, there were also many others among the sons of Kala. Shukra, the son of a Rishi was the great preceptor of all the Asuras.
The illustrious Shukra had four sons who were also the preceptors of the Asuras. Their names were Tvashtadhara and Atri and two others of fearful deeds.
They were as effulgent as the sun himself. They were always engaged in acquiring the regions of Brahma. Thus have I narrated to you, as I heard them from the Purana, the accounts of the progeny of the Devas and the Danavas of great strength and power. The sons and grandsons, of these (Devas and Danavas) were so numberless that I am incapable of counting them.
O protector of the world, the Tarkshya, Arishtanemi, Garuda, Arun, Aruni and Varuni were known to be the sons of Vinata. Shesha of Ananta, Vasuki, Takshaka,
Kurma and Kulika are known to be the sons of Kadru, Bhimasena, Ugrasena, Supama, Varuna,
Gopati, Dhritarashtra, Suryavarcha, Satyavarcha, Arkapama, Prayuta, Bhima and Chitraratha, all greatly famous, learned and self-controlled, then O king, was Shalishira, then fourteenth in the least, Parjanya,
The fifteenth, Kali and the sixteenth Narada; these Devas and Gandharvas were known to be the sons of Muni.
O descendant of Bharata race, I shall now mention many others. Anavadhya, Manu, Vansha, Asura, Marganapriya, Arupa, Subhaga and Bhasi were the daughters of Pradha. Siddha, Puma, Barhi and famous Purnayu, Brahmachari, Ratiguna and Supama, Vishvavasu, Bhanu and Suchandra:
These Devas and Gandharvas were also known to be the progeny of Pradha. It is also known that, that lady of good fortune Pradha, through the celestial Rishi (Kashyapa), brought forth the holy race of Apsaras, namely, Alambusha, Mishrakeshi, Vidyutapama, Tilottama,
Aruna, Rakshita, Rambha, Manorama, Keshini, Subahu, Surata, Suraja and Supriya, these were the daughters (of Pradha). And Atibahu, celebrated Haha-Huhu and Tumburu, these four best of Gandharvas (were also the sons of Pradha.)
The Ambrosia, Brahmana, the kine the Gandharvas and Apsaras were the offspring of Kapila, so is stated in the Purana.
Thus have been narrated to you duly the births of all the creatures and of the Gandharvas, Apsaras.
Nagas, Supamas, Rudras and Maruts, of the kine and of the fortunate and holy Brahmanas.
This history, (if read or heard) extends period of life. It is sacred, it is worthy of all praise, it gives pleasure, if heard. It should be always heard and recited to others in a proper frame of mind.
He, who properly reads in the presence of the deities and Brahmanas, this account of the births of noble creature, obtains large progeny, good fortune and fame. He attains to the higher worlds hereafter.
Vaishampayana said:
It is known that the mind-born sons of Brahma were six great Rishis. There was another (mind-born son of Brahma,) named Sthanu. He had eleven sons gifted with great energy,
Namely, Mrigavyadha, Sarpa, famous Niriti, Ajaikapada, Ahiburdhanya, the chastiser of his foes Pinaki.
Dahana, Ishvara and greatly effulgent Kapali, Sthanu and the illustrious Bhaga. These eleven are called eleven Rudras.
(It has been already said that) Marichi, Angiras, Atari, Pulastya, Pulaha and Kratu, these powerful Rishis were six mind-born sons of Brahma.
It is well-known in the world that the sons of Angiras were three, namely Brihaspati, Utathya and Samvarta, all of great asceticism.
O king, it is said that the sons of Atri were countless, they were all great Rishis and they were all learned in the Vedas, they were crowned with ascetic successes and their souls were in perfect peace.
O best of kings, the offspring of greatly wise Pulastya were the Rakshas, Monkeys, Kinnaras and Yakshas.
O king, the offspring of Pulaha were, it is said, the Sharabhas (the winged-insects) the lions, the Kimpurushas (half lions and half men) figures, bears and wolves.
The son of Kratu (Valkhilyas), who were as sacred as sacrifice, were the companions of Surya. They were known to the three worlds and they were all devoted to truth and vows,
O protector of the world, the illustrious Rishi Daksha, having his soul in complete peace and possessing great asceticism, sprang from the right toe of Brahma.
The wife of the illustrious Daksha sprang from the left toe of Brahma. He then begot fifty daughters on her.
They were all lotus-eyed and of faultless features and limbs. As he (Daksha) had no sons of his own, he made these daughters his Putrikas.
He (Daksha) bestowed in due form, ten of his daughters on Dharma twenty-seven on Chandra and thirteen on Kashyapa.
Hear, O king, the names of the wives of Dharma as I mention them. (They were) Kirti, Lakshmi, Dhriti, Medha, Pushti, Shraddha, Kriya.
Buddhi, Lajja and Mati. These were the ten wives of Dharma, as appointed by the self-created (Brahma).
It is known throughout the world that the wives of Chandra were twenty-seven. They were all of rigid and holy vows, they were employed to indicate time.
They are the Nakshatras and yoginis. They were engaged in assisting the course of nature. The Grandsire (Brahma) had another son, named Manu. Manu had a son, called Prajapati.
The sons of Prajapati were eight and they were called the Vasus. I shall name them in detail. (They were) Dhara, Dhruva, Soma, Aha, Anila, Anala,
Pratyusha and Prabhasa. These are known to be the eight Vasus. Dhara and the Brahma-knowing Dhruva were born of Dhumra.
Soma and Anila were born of the wise Shvasa. Aha was the son of Rata and Anala of Shandilya.
Pratyusha and Prabhasa were the sons of Prabhata. Dhara had two sons, namely, Dravina and Hutahavyavaha.
Dhruva's son was the illustrious Kala, the destroyer of the world. Soma's son was Varcha, Varcha's daughter is Varchi.
The fascinating Varchi had three sons, namely Shishira, Prana and Ramana. The sons of Aha were Jyoti, Shama, Shanta and Muni.
Agni's son was the handsome Kumara who was born in the forest and as he was reared up by Kirtika and others, he was called Kartikeya. After him were (born his three brothers, namely) Shakha, Vishakha and Naigameya, Anila's wife was Shiva and her sons were Manojava.
And Avijnatagati. These two were the sons of Anila. Know, Pratyush's son was the Rishi, named Devala.
And Devala had two sons, both greatly wise and forgiving. The sister of Brihaspati, the first of women, the utterer of the sacred truth.
And an austere ascetic, roamed over the world, having no attraction for the world. She (the sister of Brihaspati) became the wife of the eighth Vasu, Prabhasa.
She gave birth to the illustrious Vishvakarma, the founder of all arts, the creator of thousand arts, the artist of the celestial, the maker of all kinds of ornaments, the best of all artists and the maker of the celestial cars of the gods.
Mankind was enabled to live in consequence of the arts of this illustrious man and for this reason he was worshipped by all men. This Vishvakarma is everlasting and immutable,
The illustrious Dharma, the dispenser of all happiness, came out of the right breast of Brahma, assuming the form of a man.
He (Dharma) had three excellent sons, charming to all creatures. (They were) Shama, Kama and Harsha, who supported the worlds by their energy.
The wife of Kama was Rati, that of Shama was Prapti and that of Harsha was Nanda; upon these the worlds were made to depend.
Kashyapa was the son of Marichi and Kashyapa's offspring were the Suras (celestial) and Asuras. O best of kings, therefore, he is the progenitor of all the worlds.
Tashtri, who had the form of a mare, became me wife of Savita. She gave birth in the sky to a twin Ashvinis.
O king, the sons of Aditi were twelve with Indra at their head. The youngest of the them was Vishnu, upon whom the worlds depend.
These were the thirty-three celestial. I shall now mention to you their progeny according their Pakshas, Kulas and Ganas.
The Rudras, the Sadhyas, the Marutas, the Vasus, the Bhargavas and the Visvadevas were each a Paksha.
Vinata's son, Garuda and the Aruna also and illustrious Brihaspati were counted amongst the Adityas.
The Ashvinis, all annual plants and all beasts were counted among the Guhyakas. O king, these are the Ganas of the celestial, narrated to you.
Which narration cleanses men of all their sins. The illustrious Bhrigu sprang forth, ripping open the breast of Brahma. Bhrigu's son was the learned Shukra, a poet himself and the son of a poet. He, being commanded by the Self-created (Brahma) to pour rain and withhold it and to dispense and remit calamities, became a planet and he (still) traverses the sky in order to sustain the lives of all creatures Yoga philosophy, that greatly intelligent man, that wise and self-controlled Brahmachari became the preceptor of the Devas and the Danavas.
Thus appointed by Brahma to look after the well-fare (of Daityas), Bhrigu's son (Shukra) begot another son.
Named Chyavana, who was greatly famous, very virtuous minded and as effulgent as a sun. O descendant of the Bharata race, he came out of his mother's womb in anger and thus released his mother.
Arushi, the daughter of Manu, became the wife of the wise Chyavana and the greatly illustrious Aurva was born in her, ripping open her thighs.
His (Aurva's) son was Richika, who became, even in his boyhood, very powerful, energetic and virtuous. He (Richika) begot Jamadagni.
The illustrious Jamadagni had four sons, the youngest of them was Parshurama. He was superior to all his other brothers in good qualities.
He was self-controlled, but was expert in the use of all weapons and he became the destroyer of the Kshatriyas. Aurva had one hundred sons, the eldest of them being Jamadagni.
These hundred sons begot offspring by thousands and filled the whole world. Brahma
had two other sons, who had victory as their signification.
They are known as Dhata and Vidhata, who lived with Manu. Their sister is the auspicious Lakshmi who lives in the abode of lotuses.
The mind-born sons of Lakshmi are the sky-ranging horses. Varuna's eldest wife was the daughter of Shukra, named Devi.
She gave birth to a son, called Bala and a daughter, named Shura, who gives joy to the celestial. And all destroying Adharma was born (of her), when creatures began to devour one another. Niriti was his wife, from whom were born the Rakshasas, called Nairitas.
She had also three other fearful and cruel sons, always engaged in sinful deeds. (They were) Bhaya, Mahabhaya and Mrityu, the destroyer of every created thing.
This all-destroying being (Mrityu) had no wife or son. Kaki, Shyeni, Bhasi, Dhritarashtra and Shuki.
These five are known in the world as the daughters of Tamara. Kaki brought forth the crows, Shyeni the hawks,
Bhasi gave birth to the cocks and the vultures and Dhritarashtra all ducks and swans.
And she gave birth to also the Chakrvakas. The fair and illustrious Shuki of amiable qualities and auspicious signs gave birth to all parrots. Krodha gave birth to nine daughters of wrathful temper.
They were Mrigi, Mrigamada, Hari, Bhadramana, Matangi, Sharduli, Shveta, Surabhi.
And the beautiful Surasa of every auspicious sign. O best of men, the offspring of Mrigi are all beasts of deer species.
O chastiser of foes, the offspring of Mrigamada are all beasts of bear species and also of those beasts, called Srimara. Bhadramana gave birth to her son Airavata.
And Airavata is the great celestial elephant. The offspring of Hari are the horses and the beasts of the monkey kind which are endued with great activity.
Those animals that are called Golangula also are said to be the offspring of Hari. Sharduli gave birth to innumerable lions and tigers,
And also to leopards and all other animals. O king, the offspring of Matangi are all elephants.
And Shveta gave birth to the large elephant, known by the name of Shveta which possesses great speed. O king, Surabhi gave birth to two daughters,
Namely, the beautiful Rohini and illustrious Gandharvi. O descendant of the Bharata race, she had two other daughters, named, Vimala and Anala. All kine were born from Rohini and all horses from Gandharvi. And Anala gave birth to the seven kinds of trees which produce pulpy fruits.
Anala had another daughter named Shuki. Surasa gave birth to a son, named Kanka. Aruna's wife Shyeni gave birth to two very energetic and powerful sons, named Sampati and the mighty Jatayu. Surasa also gave birth to the Nagas and Kadru the Pannagas.
Vinata had two sons, the world known Garuda and Aruna. O king of men, O best of all wise men, thus have I fully described to you the genealogy of all the principal creatures. He who hears it is cleansed of all his sins. He acquires great knowledge and finally attains to the highest state in after-life.
Janamejaya said:
Worshipful Sir, I desire to hear from you in detail the accounts of the births and deeds and achievements among men, of the Devas, the Danavas, the Rakshasas, the Gandharvas, the lions, the tigers, the snakes, the birds and other animals and in short of all creatures, that became incarnate in human forms.
Vaishampayana said:
O king of men, I shall first tell you all about those Devas and the Danavas who were born amongst men.
The best of the Danavas, who was known by the name of Viprachitti, became that best of men who is known as Jarasandha.
O king, that son of Diti, who was known by the name of Hiranyakashipu, became (that king) who was known in this world by the name of powerful Shishupala.
The younger brother of Prahlada who was known as Sanghrada, became among men that best of Balhikas, known as famous Shalya.
The youngest (brother of Prahlada) known as Anuhrada, became famous in this world as Dhristaketu.
O king, that son of Diti who was known as Shibi, became the famous monarch Druma on earth.
O best of men, that best of Asuras, who was known as Vashkala, became the great Bhagadatta on earth.
The five powerful and swift Asuras, namely Ayashira, Ashvashira, Ayashanku, Gaganmurdha and Vegavan,
O king, these powerful great Asuras were all born in the illustrious dynasty of Kekaya and became great kings.
The mighty Asura, who was known as Ketuman, became the king Amitauja of terrible deeds.
The great and fortunate Asura, who was known as Svarbhanu, became the king Ugrasena of fearful deeds.
The great and fortunate Asura who was known as Ashva, became the invincible king Ashoka of great prowess.
O king, that son of Diti, the younger brother of Ashva, who was known as Ashvapati, became the mighty king Hardikya.
The great and fortunate Asura who was known as Vishaparva, became king Dhirghaprajna on earth.
O king, the younger brother of Vrishaparva, who was known as Ajaka, became Shalva on earth.
The great Asura who was known as Ashvagriva, became king Rochamana on earth.
O king, the intelligent and illustrious Asura who was known as Sukshma, became the illustrious king Brihadratha on earth.
That best of Asuras, who was known as Tuhunda, became the king Senabindu on earth.
That great strong Asura, who was known as Ishupada, became king Nagnajita of world-known prowess.
The great Asura who was known as Ekachakra, became known on earth as Prativindhya.
The great Asura, capable of displaying various modes of fight and known as Virupaksha, became known as king Chitradharmana on earth.
That best of Danavas, known as the heroic Hara, became the famous and fortunate king Subahu on earth..
That Asura of great prowess, the chastiser of his foes, known as Ahara, became king Balhika on earth.
That best of Asuras, who was known as Nichandra and whose face was as beautiful as the moon, became the fortunate king Munjake-sha on earth.
That great intelligent and invincible Asura, who was known as Nikumbha, became the best of kings Devadhipa on earth.
That Asura who was known as Sarva amongst the sons of Diti, became the royal sage Pourava on earth.
O king, that greatly powerful and fortunate Asura who was as Kupata, became the famous king Suparshva on earth.
O king, the great Asura who was known as Kupata, became the royal sage Parvateya, as effulgent as a golden mountain.
That Asura, who was known as Shalabha the second, became king Prahlada in the land of the Bahlikas on earth.
That best of the Dili's sons, who was known as Chandra and who was as handsome as the lord of the stars (moon), became Chandravarmana, the king of Kambojas on earth.
O king, that best of Danavas, who was known as Arka, became the royal sage Rishika on earth.
O best of kings, that best of Asuras, who was known as Mritapa, became king Paschimanupaka on earth.
That greatly powerful Asura, known as Gavishtha, became king Drumasena on earth.
That great and fortunate Asura, who was known as Mayura, became king Vishva on earth.
That Asura who was the younger brother of Mayura and who was known as Suparna, became king Kalakirti on earth.
The greatly powerful, Asura, who was known as Chandrahanta, became king Sunaka on earth.
The great Asura, who was known as Chandravinashana, became king Janaki on earth.
O king of the Kuru race, that best of the Danavas who was known as Dirgajihva, became king Kashiraja on earth.
That Asura (Rahu) who was born of Singhika and who persecuted the sun and the moon, became king Kratha on earth.
The eldest of the four sons of Danayu, who was known as Vikshara, became the powerful king Vasumitra of earth.
The second brother of Vikshara, the great Asura, became the king of the country called Pandya.
That best of Asuras, who was known as Viranama, became king Paundramatsyaka on earth.
O king, that great Asura who was known as Vritra became the royal sage Manimala on earth.
That Asura, who was the younger brother of Vritra and was known as Krodhahanta, became king Danda on earth.
That Asura who was known as Krodhavardhana became king Dandadhara on earth.
O best of kings, the eight sons of the Asura Kaleyas were all born on earth and they all became great kings as powerful as tigers.
Of the eight great Kaleya Asuras, the eldest Jayatsena became the king of Magadha.
The second, as powerful as Indra, became king Aparajita on earth.
The third was a great Asura, endued with great prowess and power of deception, (Magical powers) and he became the greatly powerful king of the Nishadas.
The fourth of the brothers became the best of royal sages, Shrenimana.
That great Asura, the fifth (brother) became king Mahauja, the oppressor of his foes on earth.
That greatly intelligent and powerful Asura who was the sixth (brother) became the best of royal sages Abhiru on earth.
The seventh of the (brothers) became king Samudrasena, famous all over the earth from its centre to the sea and he was learned in the Shastras.
O king, the eighth of the Kaleyas, who was known as Brihata became a virtuous king, ever engaged in doing good to all creatures.
That mighty Danava, who was known as Kukshi, became king Parvatiya, as effulgent as a golden mountain.
That mighty and powerful Asura, who was known as Krathana, became king Suryaksha on earth.
That handsome Asura, who was known as Surya, became on earth that best of all kings Darada the king of the Bahlikas.
O king, many heroic monarchs, were born on earth form the race of Asuras, called Krodhavasha, of whom I have already spoken to you.
(They were) Madraka, Karnaveshta, Siddhartha, Kitaka, Suvira, Subahu, Mahavira, Bahlika, Kratha, Vichitra, Suratha, handsome Nila, Chiravasa, Bhumipala, Dantavakra, Durjaya, Rukmi, Janamejaya, Ashada, Vayuvega, Bhuriteja, Ekalavya, Sumitra, Vatadhana, Gomukha, Karushakas, Kshemdhurti, Shrutayu, Udvaha, Brihatsena, Kshema, Ugratirtha, the king of Kalinga and Matimana, the king who was known as Ishvara.
These greatly fortunate, powerful and illustrious and best of monarchs were all born on earth of the race of Asuras, called Krodhavasha.
That great Danavas who was known as Kalnemi became the son of Ugrasena, king Kansa, on earth.
That Asura who was known as Devaka and who was effulgent as Indra himself, became the best of the kings of the Gandharvas on earth.
O descendant of the Bharata race, Drona, the son of Bharadvaja, who was not born of any woman, sprang from the celestial Rishi Brihaspati.
O best of kings, he was a hero of great achievements and the best of all those that were learned in the ways of using arms. He was most illustrious and most powerful.
He was called learned, in the Vedas, as well as in the Science of arms by all men well-versed in the Vedas. He was a doer of wonderful deeds and a pride of his race.
O descendant of the Bharata race, O king, his son, the heroic, surpassingly energetic and lotus-eyed Ashvathama, the terror of all his foes and the great oppressor of all enemies, was born on earth from the united portions of Mahadeva, Yama, Kama and Medha.
Begot by her husband Shantanu, the eight Vasus were given birth to by Ganga, on account of the curse of Rishi Vasistha and also from the command of Indra.
The youngest of them was Bhishma, who was the dispeller of the fears of the Kurus, who was greatly intelligent, who was a great scholar in the Vedas and a best of speakers and the destroyer of the enemy's ranks.
That best of men, being learned in the science of arms and endued with great energy, fought with the illustrious (Parshu) Rama, the son of Jamadagni.
O king, that Brahmana Rishi, who was known in the world as Kripa, was the embodiment of all manliness, was born of the Rudras.
O king, that king and great car-warrior, that chastiser of foe, who was known as Shakuni in the world, know him to be the Dvapara himself.
He who was known as Satyaki, the upholder of the pride of Vrishnis and the chastiser of foes, was born of the portion of celestial Marutas.
That royal sage, king Drupada, the best of all the wielder of arms, was also born the portions of the same celestial (Manilas).
O king, know that Kritavarma that king of men, that man of matchless deeds, that best of best Kshatriyas,
That chastiser of foes, was also born of the same celestial. The king Virata, the conqueror of other kingdoms, was also born of the same celestial.
That son of Arishta, known as Hansa, the king of the Gandharvas, was born to increase the Kuru race.
He was known on earth as Dhritarashtra, the son of Krishna Dvaipayana; he had long arms, he was greatly powerful and he was a king with prophetic eyes.
He became blind for the fault of his mother and anger of the Rishi. His younger brother was greatly wrathful and strong. He was known as Pandu and was devoted to truth, virtue and purity.
Know, that he who was known as Vidura, he who was the best of all virtuous men, he who was the god of justice himself, was the excellent and greatly fortunate son of Atri.
The evil and wicked-minded king Duryodhana, the destroyer of the fame of the Kuru dynasty, was born of the portion of the Kali.
O king, It was he who was the cause of the slaughter of all creatures and of the world, he ruined the earth.
It was he who fanned the fire of hostility, the great fire of destruction. The sons of Pulastya became on earth the brothers of Duryodhana.
They were one hundred, Dushasana Durmukha, Dusaha and others, all wicked to the extreme. I do not mention their names.
All of them supported Duryodhana in his wicked acts. O best of the Bharata race, they were all sons of Pulastya (Rakshas). Over and above these one hundred sons, Dhritarashtra had another son, begot on a Vaisya woman.
Janamejaya said :
O Lord, tell me the names of all the sons of Dhritarashtra beginning from the eldest, according to the order of their births.
Vaishampayana said :
(They are) Duryodhana, Yuyutsa, Dushasana, Dussaha, Dushala, Durmukha, Vivingshati, Vikarna, Jalasandha, Sulochana, Vinda, Anuvinda, Durdharsha, Subahu, Dushpradharshana, Durmarshana, Durmukha, Dushkarna, Kama, Chitra, Upachitra, Chitraksha, Charu, Chitrangada, Durmada, Dushpradharsha, Vivitsu, Vikata, Sama, Umanabha, Padmanabha, Nanda, Upananda, Senapati, Shushena, Kundodara, Mahodara, Chitrabahu, Chitravarma, Suvarmana, Durvirochana, Ayobahu, Mahabahu, Chitrachapa, Sukundala, Bhimavega, Bhimabala, Balaki, Bhima,Vikrama, Ugrayudha, Bhimashara, Kanakayu, Drindayudha, Drindavarmana, Drindakshetra, Somakirti, Anudara, Jarasandha, Drindasandha, Satyasandha, Sahasravaka, Ugrashrava, Ugrasena, Kshemamurti, Aparajita, Panditaka, Vishalaksha, Duradhana, Drindahasta, Suhasta, Vatavega, Suvarcha, Adityaketu, Bahvashi, Nagadatta, Anuyayi, Nishangi, Kavachi, Dandi, Dandadhara, Dhanugraha, Ugra, Bhimaratha, Vira, Virabahu, Alolupa, Abhaya, Raudrakarma, Drindaratha, Anadhrishya, Kundabhedi, Viravi, Dirghalochana, Dirghbahu, Mahabahu, Vyudhoru, Kanakangada, Kundaja and Chitraka. He (Dhritarashtra) had also a daughter, named Dushala, above and over these one hundred sons. Dhritarashtra had another son, named Yuyutsa, born of a Vyasa woman, who was also above and ovey these one hundreds.
O king, thus have I told you the names of the one hundred sons (of Dhritarashtra) and also of the name of his daughter. You have now known their names according to the orders of their births.
They were all heroes, great car-warriors and learned in the use of arms. They were also well-versed in the Vedas and experts in statesmanship.
O king, all of them were mighty in attack and defence and all of them were learned. They married wives suitable to them in beauty and accomplishments.
At the marriageable age, the king of the Kurus at the advice of Shakuni bestowed his daughter Dushala on Jayadratha, the king of the Sindhus.
Know, O king, king Yudhishthira was a portion of Dharma; Bhima was that of Maruta; Arjuna was that of the king of the celestial (Indra).
The most handsome men amongst all men and the matchless beauties on earth, Nakula and Sahadeva were the portions of the Ashvinas.
He, who was known as Varcha the son of Soma, became Abhimanyu of wonderful deeds, the son of Arjuna.
O king, before his (Varcha) incarnation on earth, Soma thus spoke to the celestial, “Icannot part with my son; he is dearer to me than life.
Let this agreement be made and let not that agreement be violated. The destruction of the Asuras is the work of the celestial, therefore it is our work also.
Let this Varcha go, but let him not stay long on earth. Nara will born as Indra's son and he will have Narayana as his friend.
He will be known on earth as powerful Arjuna, the son of Pandu. My boy will be his son and even in his boyhood will be a great car-warrior.
O best of immortals, let him remain on earth only for sixteen years. On his sixteenth year, will take place that great fight.
In which your incarnations will kill innumerable heroes. And in the fight in which Nara and Narayana (Arjuna and Krishna) will not be present,
And in which, O celestial, the (Kuru) heroes will fight, with constructing a Chakravyuha, (in that fight) my son will defeat all foes and compete them to retreat.
The boy will enter into that impenetrable Vyuha and will walk about the place. He will defeat and kill many heroes and great car-warriors.
The mighty-armed hero, within the course of half a day, will send the one-fourth part of the foes, to the land of the dead.
Then towards the close of the day, many heroes and great car-warriors will return to the charge and attack my son. Thereupon, my mighty-armed son will come back to me.
He will beget one heroic son who will keep alive the almost extinct Bharata dynasty."
Having heard these words of Soma, the celestial said, "Be it so." They then all worshipped and praised the lord of the stars (Soma).
O king, thus have I told you the accounts of the births of your father and his father (and so on). Know, O king, the great car-warrior Dhrishtadyumna was born of a portion of Agni.
Know that Shikhandi, who was previously a woman, was born of a portion of a Rakshasa. O best of the Bharata race, those that became the five sons of Draupadi,
Know, O best of the Bharata race, were the celestial called Vasus. (They were) Prativindhyas, Sutasoma, Shrutakirti.
Shatanika, the son of Nakula and the powerful Shrutasena. The best of the Yadus, Shura, became the father of Vasudeva.
His daughter was named Pritha, who was matchless on earth in beauty. Her father (Shura) promised before Fire that he would give his first-born child to the son of his paternal aunt, king Kuntibhoja, who was childless. He gave his daughter (Pritha) to that king, expecting to get his favour. And king Kuntibhoja, adopted her as his daughter. She was engaged in her (foster) father's house in attending upon Brahmanas and guests.
One day she attended upon the terrible and wrathful ascetic, vow-observing Durvasa, who was learned in the mysteries of religion and well-acquainted with truth. She, with all possible care, gratified that self-controlled ascetic.
The illustrious man said, "O fortunate girl, I am much pleased with you. To those of the celestial whom you will call by this Mantra (that I teach you).
(They will instantly come) and by their grace you will give birth to offspring." Thus addressed that girl, being much curious (to see the effect of the Mantra).
Called Surya when she was a maid. The illustrious god of light (Surya) made her conceive.
And she begot a son, who became the best of all wielders of arms. He was born with a coat of arms and a pair of ear-rings and he looked as handsome as a celestial child.
And as effulgent as the sun and every part of his body was well embellished. From the fear other friends and relatives, privately.
Did she throw that illustrious son into water (river). But the child, thus thrown into the water, was taken up by the illustrious husband of Radha.
Adhiratha (the husband of Radha) made the child his son. And the couple then gave him the name of Vasusena, by which name he soon became known all over the country. As he grew up, he became very strong and excelled in the use of all weapons.
He became the best victor and learned in all the Vedangas. When that wise and truth-loving man studied the Vedas,
Then there was nothing to that high-souled man which he could not give to the Brahmanas. To do good to his son (Arjuna), illustrious Indra, one day assuming the form of a Brahmana,
Begged from him his ear-rings and his natural coat of arms. Removing the ear-rings and coat of arms from his ear and breast.
He gave it to Indra, who being much surprised (for his liberality), presented him with a dart and spoke to him thus, "The Devas, Asuras, Gandharvas, Rakshasas, Uragas or men,
At whomever, O hero, you will hurt this weapon, he will certainly be killed. He (the son of Pritha) was previously known by the name of Vasusena,
But for his mighty deeds, he was subsequently called Karna. Because the greatly illustrious hero removed his natural coat of Arms (from his breast).
He, the eldest son of Pritha, was called Karna. O best of kings, he thus began to grow up in the Suta caste.
Karna, the best of kings, expert in the use of all arms, the destroyer of his foes, became the friend and counsellor of Duryodhana, Know, O king, he was born of a portion of the sun. Of that god of gods, that everlasting Being, whose name is Narayana. The powerful Vasudeva (Krishna), was a portion in the world of men.
Baladeva was a portion of the Naga, Shesha. O king, know that the greatly energetic Pradyumna was a portion of Sanatkumara. In this was many dwellers of heaven became great men on earth. In the race of Vasudeva, thus increasing its glory.
O king, the Apsaras, of whom I have already spoken, was also born on earth in portions as ordered by Indra.
O king, sixteen thousand portions of these celestial ladies, became in the world of men the wives of Vasudeva. A portion of Sree (Lakshmi), herself became incarnate on earth out of love (for Narayana).
She was born in the race of Bhishvaka and that illustrious lady was named Rukmani. Draupadi was born from a portion of Sachi, (the wife of Indra) in the race of Drupada and from the altar of the sacrifice.
She was neither tall nor short, she had the fragrance of blue lotus. Her eyes were like the lotus leaves, her thighs were fair and round and her dense masses of hair were black and curly.
She was endued with all auspicious marks and her complexion was like the emerald. She was the charmer of the hearts of the five kings of men (the Pandavas).
The goddess Siddhi and Dhriti became the mothers of the five (Pandavas). They were named Kunti and Madri. And the goddess, who was Mati, became the daughter of Suvala (Gandhari, the wife of Dhritarashtra).
Thus, O king, have I described to you the births and incarnations of the portions of the Devas, Asuras, Gandharvas, Apsaras and Rakshasas, those that appeared on earth as invincible kings. Those illustrious ones that were born in the extensive race of the Yadus, those that were born as Brahmanas, Kshatriyas and Vaishyas, have all been described. This Anshavatarana (accounts of incarnations), which is capable of bestowing wealth, fame, long-life, offspring and victory, should be heard with proper frame of mind.
Hearing the incarnations of the Devas, the Asuras and the Gandharvas, the learned men, thus knowing the mystery of creation, preservation and destruction, do not feel depressed, even in the greatest sorrow.
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