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Mahabharata
Svayamvara Parva
Departure of the Pandavas. Word of Dhrishtadyumna. Introduction of the Kings. Discomfiture of the kings. Hitting of the target. Words of Krishna. Return of the Pandavas. Arrival of Balaram and Krishna. Return of Dhrishtaduymna.
Vaishampayana said:
Then those best men, the five Pandava brothers, set out to see Draupadi, the (Panchala) country and the festivities (of Svaimvara.)
Those best of men, those chastisers of foes, saw with their mother many Brahmanas on their way going together (towards Panchala).
O king, those Brahmacharis, those Brahmanas, asked the Pandavas, "Where are you going? Whence have you come?
Yudhishthira said:
O best of the twice born, know, Sirs, that we are five brothers travelling with our mother. We are now coming from Ekachakra.
The Brahmanas said:
Go even this very day to the house of the Panchala Drupada. There will be held a great Svaimvara, in which a large sum of money will be spent.
We are going there; let us go together. Extraordinary festivities will take place there.
The daughter of the illustrious Yajnasena Drupada was born from the sacrificial altar, with eyes like lotus leaves,
With features faultless and with beauty, youth and intelligence; she is the sister of the powerful Dhrishtadyuman, the (would be) slayer of Drona,
Who rose as a mighty-armed hero with natural armour, sword, bow and arrows from the blazing fire, himself looking like a second fire.
His sister is the slender wasted and faultless featured Draupadi, whose body emits the Perfume of lotus over full two miles around.
That daughter of Yajnasena will select a husband in a Svaimvara. We are going there to see her and witness the great celestials-like festivities.
The kings and princes who are performers of sacrifices in which Dakshina is large, who are devoted to study, who are pure, who are high-souled and vow-observing,
Who are young and handsome, who are great car warriors and accomplished in arms, will all be present there from various countries.
Being desirous of victory (to be successful in obtaining Draupadi) those kings, will all give away much wealth, kine, food and other articles of enjoyments.
Taking all that they will give, seeing the Svaimvara and enjoying the festivities, we shall then go wherever we like.
There will come (in that Svaimvara) from many countries, the singers of king's penegeries, the dancers, the reciters of Puranas, the heralds and the powerful athletes.
O high-souled men seeing all these wonderful sights and taking what will be given away, you will also return with us.
You are handsome, you look all like the celestials: it may be that seeing you, Krishna may chose some one amongst you, superior to the rest, ( as her husband),
Your this brother is handsome and is endued with beauty; he is also mighty-armed; engaged in (athletic) encounters,) he may by chance earn great wealth.
Yudhishthira said:
We shall all go with you to see that great festivity, that Svaimvara of (the Panchala) maiden.
Vaishampayana said:
O Janamejaya, having been thus addressed, the Pandavas proceeded towards the Southern Panchala country, ruled over by the king Drupada.
On their way of the heroic Pandavas saw the illustrious, the pure-souled and the perfectly sinless Rishi Dvaipayana.
Duly worshipping the Rishi and being saluted by him, when their conversation came to a close, they proceeded by his command to the palace of Drupada.
Those great car-warriors slowly walked on, stopping on forests and on (the banks of) lakes which they found to be charming.
The sons of Pandu, devoted in study, amiable, sweet-speeched and pure in acts, at last arrived in the country of the Panchalas.
After seeing the city and also the barracks, the Pandavas, took up there quarters in a potter's house.
Adopting the life of the Brahmanas, they begged their food there (in that city). No man recognised those heroes when they stopped there.
Yajnasena always cherished the wish of bestowing (his daughter) Krishna on Kirit (Arjuna), the son of Pandu, but he never spoke it to any body.
O Janamejaya, O descendant of Bharata, thinking of the son of Kunti (Arjuna), the Panchala king caused a very stiff bow to be made incapable of being bent by any man except Arjuna.
Causing a machinery to be erected in the sky, the king set up a mark to be shot through that machinery.
Drupada said:
He, who will string this bow and he who will be able to shoot the mark above the machinery with these ornamented arrows, will obtain my daughter.
Vaishampayana said:
With these words, the king Drupada proclaimed the Svaimvara. O descendant of Bharata, having heard this, all the kings came there.
There came also many illustrious Rishis desirous of seeing the Svaimvara. O king, Duryodhana and the Kurus, accompanied by Karna, also came there.
There came also many illustrious, Brahmanas from many countries. The kings and princes were duly worshipped by the illustrious Drupada.
All the citizens, making a deep noise as that of the ocean, took their seats on the platforms with the desire of seeing the Svayamvara.
The kings and princes entered the palace (of Svaimvara) through the north east gate. The arena was built on a plane and on an auspicious ground on the north east of the city. The Samajavata (arena) was surrounded by palaces and it was enclosed on all sides by a wall and a moat, it was ornamented with gates and arches and covered all over with a beautiful canopy.
It resounded with the notes of thousands of trumpets, it was scented with Aguru (back aloe), ornamented with garlands and sprinkled with the Sandal water paste.
It was surrounded on all sides by high and white mansions looking like the cloud-kissing peaks of the Kailasa (mountain).
Their windows were covered with networks of gold and their walls set with diamonds and precious stones. Their staircases were easy of ascent and the floors were covered with rich carpets and robes.
They were scented with Aguru and adorned with wreaths and garlands of flowers; they were all white and spotless like the necks of the swans. Their fragrance could be perceived from a Yojana.
Each of them contained one hundred doors wide enough to admit a crowd all at once; they were adorned with costly beds ornamented with various metals; they looked like the peaks of the Himalayas.
In them lived all the kings, adorned with various kinds of ornaments and each boasting to get possession of the maiden.
When those best of kings, who were adorned with the fragrant paste of Aguru, who were greatly powerful, noble minded, liberal, devoted to Brahmanas, beloved of the whole world for their good deeds and the protectors of their kingdoms, took their respective seats, the people of the city and the country who had come to see Krishna and who had already taken their seats on the excellent platforms all around saw them.
The Pandavas sat there in the arena with the Brahmanas and saw the great affluence of the Panchala king.
O king, that assemblage daily increased (in bulk,) and it looked gay with (the performances of) actors and dancers. Large presents of wealth were also made.
When this grand assembly continued (for 15 days,) then on the sixteenth day, O best of the Bharata race, Draupadi, having bathed, attired in the best robes and adorned with all ornaments entered the arena carrying in her hand a golden dish on which there were a garland of flowers and other offerings of the Arghya.
The priest of the lunar race, that holy Brahmana learned in the Mantras, kindling the sacrificial fire in all due forms poured libations of ghee.
Gratifying Agni and making the Brahmanas utter the formula of benediction, he stopped all the musical instruments (that were then being played) all around.
O king, when they are became perfectly still, Dhrishtadyumna, possessing a voice like that of kettle-drums or clouds, taking hold of his sister's arm, stood in the midst of the assembly and spoke these sweet words of excellent import with a voice as that of the clouds.
Dhrishtadyumna said:
Hear, O you assembled kings, this is the bow, that is the mark and these are the arrows. Shoot the mark through the orifice of the machine with these fine sharp arrows.
Truly do I say, he who possessing noble birth, beauty and strength will achieve this great feat, shall obtain today for his wife this my sister Krishna.
Vaishampayana said:
Having thus addressed the assembled kings, Drupada's son (Dhrishtadyumna) then spoke thus to his sister, reciting to her the names and the lineage and the achievements of those assembled potentates.
Dhrishtadyumna said:
Duryodhana, Durvishaha, Durmukha, Dushpradharshana, Vivignshati, Vikama, Saha, Dushasana, Yuyutsu, Vayuvega, Bhima, Vegarava, Ugrayudha, Balaki, Karakayu, Virochana,
Sukundala, Chitrasena, Suvarcha, Kanakadhvaja, Nandaka, Bahushali, Tuhunda, Vikata,
These and others are the greatly powerful sons of Dhritarashtra. These heroes have all come with Karna for your hands.
Numerous other illustrious kings, the best of Kshatriyas, (have also come for you). Shakuni, Saubala, Vrishaka, Brihadbala,
These sons of the king of Gandhara have also come. The foremost of all wielders of arms, Ashvathama and Bhoja.
Have come hero adorned with every ornament. The kings, Brihanta, Manimana, Dandadhara, Sahadeva, Jayatsena, Meghasandhi, Virata with his two sons, Sankhya and Uttara,
Vardhakshemi, Susharma, Senabindu, Suketu with his two sons, Sunamana and Suvarcha, Suchitra, Sukumara, Vrika, Satyadhriti, Suryadhvaja, Rochamana, Nila, Chitrayudha,
Angshumana, Chekitana, the mighty Srinimana, Chandrasena, the son of the mighty Subhadrasena both the father and the son,
Jalasandha, Vidanda, Danda, Paundraka, Vasudeva, the mighty Bhagadatta,
Kalinga, Tamralipta, the king of Pattana, the king of Madra, the great car-warrior Shalya with his son,
The heroic Rukmangada, Rukmaratha, Somadatta of the Kuru race with his three sons,
All great heroic and car-warriors, all these have assembled here. Bhuri, Bhurishrava, Sala, Sudakshina, Kamboja, the Paurava Dridadhnava,
Brihadbala, Sushena, Shibi, the son of Ushinara, Patacchamihanta, the king of Karusha,
Sankarshana, (Baladeva) Vasudeva (Krishna), the mighty son of Rukmini, Samba, Charudeshna, the son of Pradyumna, Gada,
Akrura, Satyaki, the high-souled Uddhava, Kritavarma, the son of Hridika, Pritha, Vipritha,
Viduratha, Kamka, Shanku, Gaveshna, Ashavaha, Aniruddha, Shamika, Sarimejaya,
Heroic Vatapati, Jhilli, Pindaraka, the powerful Ushinara, all these are known as Vrishnis,
Bhagiratha, Brihatkshatra, the son of Sindhu, Jayadratha, Brihadratha, Balhika, the great car-warrior Shrutayu,
Uluka, Kaitava, Chitrangada, Subhangada, the intelligent Vatsaraja, the king of Kosala,
Shishupala, the Powerful Jarasandha, these and many other kings, of many countries,
And all the Kshatriyas celebrated in the world, O amiable sister, have come for your hand. O blessed girl, these powerful men will (try to) shoot the mark. Among these (heroes) you shall choose him as your husband who will (be able to) shoot the mark.
Vaishampayana said:
These youthful princes, adorned with earrings, boasted at one another; and each regarding himself as the most accomplished in arms and endued with prowess, they stood up brandishing their weapons.
Intoxicated with the pride of beauty, prowess, lineage, knowledge, wealth and youth, they were like the Himalayan elephants mad in the season of rut. Staring at one another with jealousy and being influenced by the god of desire, they suddenly rose up from their royal seats, each exclaiming, "Krishna will be mine."
Those Kshatriyas, assembled in that arena, each eagerly desiring to win the daughter of Drupada, appeared like the celestials standing round Uma, the daughter of the Mountain king.
Their bodies afflicted with the arrows of the god of love and their hearts completely lost in Krishna (Draupadi), the kings descended into the arena; and they felt jealousy against even their own friends for the sake of the daughter of Drupada.
There came also (in the sky) the celestials on their cars, with the Rudras, the Adityas, the Vasus, the twin Ashvinis, the Sadhyas, all the Marutas and the lord of wealth (Kubera) with Yama at their head.
There came also the Daityas, the Suparnas, the great Nagas, the celestials Rishi, the Guhyakas, the Charanas, Vishvavasu, Narada, Parvata and the chief Gandharvas with the Apsaras.
Halayudha, (Balarama) Janardana (Krishna), the chiefs of Vrishni, Andhaka and Yadava tribes, all ever obedient to Krishna, were also there viewing the scene.
Seeing these five (Pandavas) like mad elephants, the best of their species, which come attracted towards a lake overgrown with lotuses, like fire covered with ashes and the foremost of the Yadus, Krishna began to reflect.
He said to Rama (Balarama), "That is Yudhishthira, that is Bhima with Jishnu (Arjuna) and these are the two heroic twins (Nakula and Sahadeva). "Observing them slowly (one after the other) (Bala) Rama cast a pleased glance on Janardana (Krishna).
Biting their nether lips in wrath, the other heroes, those sons and grandsons of kings, with their eyes, hearts and thoughts set on Krishna alone, looked at Drupada only with their explained eyes and did not notice the Pandavas.
On seeing Draupadi the mighty armed sons of Pritha and also the heroic and the illustrious twins were all struck with the arrows of the god of love.
Crowed with celestials, Rishis Gandharvas, Supamas, Nagas, Asuras and Siddhas, filled with the celestials perfumes, scattered over with celestials flowers, resounding with the kettle drums and the deep hum of infinite voices and echoing with the softer music of the flute, the Vina and the tabor, the cars of the celestials could scarcely find a way through the firmament.
Then those kings, Karna, Duryodhana, Shalva, Shalya, Ashvathama, Kratha, Sunitha, Vakra, the ruler of Kalinga and Vanga, Pandya, Paundra, the ruler of Videha, the chief of the Yavanas and many other sons and grandsons of kings, the rulers of countries with eyes like lotus leaves, one after the other exhibited their own prowess for (winning) that maiden of matchless beauty.
Adorned with crowns, garlands, bracelets and other ornaments, possessing mighty arms, prowess and vigour and full of strength and energy,
Those kings could not even in their imagination string that bow of extraordinary stiffness. And those kings, in exerting with swelling lips to string that bow each according to his strength, education, skill and energy, were all tossed on the ground and lay motionless for some time. Their strength gone and their crowns and garlands loosened from their persons, they panted for breath. Their ambition for wining that maiden was soon cooled down. Tossed by that stiff bow, their garlands and bracelets and other ornaments, were disordered and they uttered exclamations of woe. Having their hope of obtaining Krishna gone that assemblage of kings looked sad and woeful.
Seeing the plight of all those kings, that foremost of all wielders of bow, Karna, went to the place where the bow was. He quickly raised it up, stringed it and placed the arrows on the string.
Seeing the son of Surya, Karna of the Suta tribe, who was like a fire or moon or the sun, resolved to shoot the mark, those foremost of bowmen, the Pandavas, considered that the mark had already been shot and brought down to the ground.
Seeing him Draupadi said in a loud voice, "I shall not choose a Suta for my husband." Laughing in vexation and casting a glance towards the sun, Karna threw aside the bow already drawn to a circle.
When all those assembled Kshatriyas gave up the task, the heroic king of the Chedis as powerful as Yama,
The high-souled and determined son of Damaghosha, Shishupala, attempted to string the bow, but he himself fell on his knees on the ground.
Thereupon the greatly strong and powerful king Jarasandha came to the bow and stood there for some time, fixed and motionless like a mountain.
Tossed by the bow he too fell upon his knees on the ground. Rising up, he (at once) left for his own kingdom.
Then in attempting to string the bow the great hero Shalya, the greatly powerful king of Madra, also fell upon his knees on the ground.
At last when that assemblage of kings of noble births became the subjects of derisive talk, that foremost of heroes Jishnu (Arjuna), the son of Kunti, desired to string the bow and place the arrows on the string.
Vaishampayana said:
When all the kings desisted from the attempt to string the bow, the high-souled Jishnu (Arjuna) rose from among the Brahmanas.
Seeing him (Arjuna) possess the complexion of Indra's banner and observing that he was advancing towards the bow, the chief Brahmanas made a loud uproar by shaking their deer skins.
While some of them were pleased, others were displeased and some among them possessing intelligence and foresight talked to one another thus,
"How can a stripping of a Brahmana unpractised in arms and weak a strength, string that bow which such celebrated Kshatriyas like Shalya and others endued with great might and accomplished in the science and practice of arms could not string?
If he fails to achieve success in the act which he has undertaken by his boyish restlessness the Brahmanas will be ridiculous in the eyes of all the kings.
Therefore stop this Brahmana and prevent him from attempting to string the bow, which he (surely) desires to do out of vanity, childish daring and mere restlessness.
The Brahmana said:
We shall not be ridiculous, nor shall we incur the disrespect of any body, or the displeasure of the sovereigns.
Vaishampayana said:
The others said. This handsome youth, who is like a truck of a mighty elephant, whose shoulders, arms and thighs are so well built, who is patience looks like the Himalayas,
Whose gait is like that of the lion, whose prowess is like that of a mad elephant and who is so resolute, will probably accomplish the feat.
He has (surely great) strength and great energy, else he would not have gone of his own accord. There is nothing in the three worlds that Brahmanas among all mortal men cannot accomplish. Abstaining from food, living on air, eating fruits, observing severe vows,
And becoming emaciated and weak the Brahmanas are ever strong in their own energy. A Brahmana should never be disregarded whether his acts be right or wrong,
None should consider him incapable of achieving any task that is great or little, blissful or woeful. All the Kshatriyas were defeated in battle by Rama, the son of Jamadagni.
Agastya drank up the unfathomable ocean by his Brahma might. Therefore say, "Let this youth bend the bow and string it with ease." The best of the Brahmanas said, "Be it so." The Brahmanas continued to talk thus to one another and on various matters.
Arjuna came to the bow and stood there like a mountain. Walking round that row in due form, bowing his head to the giver of boons, lord Ishana and remembering Krishna in his mind, he took up the bow.
The bow which Rukma, Sunitha, Vakra, Radha's son (Karna), Duryodhana, Shalya and many other kings, accomplished in the science and practice of arms, could not string, even with great exertion, was stringed within the twinkling of an eye,
By Arjuna, the son of Indra, that foremost of all powerful men, that hero as powerful as the younger brother of Indra. He took up the five arrows,
Shot the mark and caused it to come down on the ground through the orifice the machinery above over which it had been placed. Thereupon rose a great uproar in the sky and also a great clamour in the arena.
The celestials showed celestials flowers on the head of that slayer of foes Arjuna.
Thousands of Brahmanas waved their upper garments in joy. The assembled kings uttered exclamations of grief and despair. Flowers were rained from the sky all over the arena. The musicians struck up in concert hundreds of drums and trumpets. The bard and the herald began to chant the praise of the hero in sweet stain.
Seeing him (Arjuna), that chastiser of foes, Draupada, became exceedingly glad and he desired to assist Partha with his army in occasion arose.
When the uproar was at its highest, that foremost of all virtuous men Yudhishthira accompanied by those foremost of men, the twins, soon left the arena to return to his lodging.
Seeing the mark shot and seeing also Partha who had shot the mark like Indra himself, Krishna (Draupadi) was filled with joy; and she came to the son of Kunti with a white robe and a garland of flowers.
That accomplisher, of inconceivable feats, having won her in the arena, was saluted with reverence by all the Brahmanas. He soon after left arena and was followed by her who thus became his wife.
Vaishampayana said :
When the king expressed his desire to bestow his daughter on that Brahmana, all the assembled kings looked at one another and were filled with wrath.
The kings said :
Passing us by and regarding the assembled potentates as straw, this Draupada desires to bestow his daughter, the best of women, on a Brahmana.
Having planted the tree, he cuts it down when it is about to bear fruits. The wretch does not respect us, therefore let us kill him.
He does not deserve our respect or he veneration due to his age. On account of such conduct, we shall kill this wretch who insult kings with their sons.
After inviting all the kings and entertaining them with excellent food, he at last insult them all.
In this assemblage of monarchs which is like a conclave of the celestials, does he not find a single king who is equal to himself?
The Shruti says that the Svaimvara is for the Kshatriyas; the Brahmanas have no claim in a selection of husband (by a Kshatriyas lady).
O kings, if this maiden does not desire to select one of us as her husband, let us throw her into fire and return to our kingdoms.
Though this Brahmana has done this injury to the kings out of his officiousness or avarice, he should not be still killed.
For our kingdoms, lives, wealth, sons and grandsons and whatever other wealth we have (in this world) all exist for the Brahmanas.
Something must be done (however) so that from the fear of disgrace and from the desire of maintaining that which properly belongs to the respective orders, (the impertinent interference of Brahmanas) may not cause other Svaimvaras to end thus.
Having said this, those best of kings, having arms like the spiked iron maces, took up their weapons and rushed upon Drupada to kill him.
Seeing those kings all rushing upon him in anger with bows and arrows, Drupada sought the protection of the Brahmanas from fear.
But those great bowmen, those two sons of Pandu (Bhima and Arjuna), those chastisers of foes, (at once) advanced to oppose those kings rushing towards Drupada like mad elephants.
Thereupon all those kings and princes with their figures cased in leather and their weapons upraised, rushed in anger towards the Kuru princes, Bhima and Arjuna.
Then the powerful Bhima of extraordinary deeds, possessing the strength of thunder, tore up a large tree like an elephant and then desisted in of its all leaves.
Taking that tree, the mighty-armed Bhima, the son of Pritha, the chastiser of all foes, stood, like Yama with his fearful staff, near that best of man Partha (Arjuna.)
Seeing that feat of his brother, the greatly intelligent Jishnu (Arjuna), himself being of inconceivable feats, became very much astonished. Being equal to Indra in achievements, he cast off all his fears; and he stood ready with his bow to receive those assailants.
Seeing the feats of both Jishnu (Arjuna) and his brother, Damodara (Krishna) of superhuman intelligence and in conceivable feats, spoke thus to his brother Halayudha (Balarama) of fearful energy.
O Sankarshana, that hero who has the gait like that of a great lion, who draws the large bow in his hand, which is full four cubits in length, is undoubtedly Arjuna. If I am the son of Vasudeva there is no doubt about it.
That hero, who has suddenly torn up the tree and who has within a moment become ready to drive away the monarchs, is undoubtedly Vrikodara (Bhima). None else in the world could have performed today such after in the field of battle.
O Achyuta, the other youth, having eyes like lotus leaves, who is full four cubits tall, who has the gait of mighty lion, who is humble, fair-complexioned, with prominent and shinning nose, who a moment before has left the arena, is undoubtedly the son of Dharma (Yudhishthira).
The two other youths, each as handsome as Kartikeya, are, I am sure, the son of the twin Ashvinis. I heard that sons of Pandu and Pritha had escaped from the fire of the lac house.
Then Halayudha of the complexion of clouds charged with rains spoke thus to his younger brother in joy, "I am glad to hear that our father's sister Pritha, with the foremost of the Kuru princes (the Pandavas) has escaped (from the lac-house).
Vaishampayana said:
Those best of Brahmanas (present there), shaking their deer-skins and coconut shell water pots, exclaimed, "Fear not; we shall fight with the foes."
Arjuna smilingly told those Brahmanas who spoke to him "Stand aside as spectators,
I shall check all these kings, like snakes by. Mantras, showering on them arrows furnished with sharp points."
Having said this, the mighty Arjuna took up the bow he had obtained as the dower and accompanied by his brother Bhima, stood immovable as a mountain.
Seeing the Kshatriyas, ever furious in battle, with Karna at their head, the two heroic brothers rushed at them like two elephants rushing against a herd of hostile elephants.
Then those kings, eager for battle, fiercely exclaimed, "Killing a Brahmana desirous of fighting in battle is permitted."
Saying this, the monarchs at once rushed upon the Brahmanas and the greatly powerful Karna rushed against Jishnu (Arjuna) to fight.
The mighty! king of the Madras, Shalya rushed against. Bhima like one elephant rushing against another for a female one.
Duryodhana and others all fought with the Brahmanas, but they skirmished with them lightly and carelessly.
Then the illustrious Arjuna, seeing the son of Vikartana, Karna, coming towards him, drew his tough bow and pierced him with his sharp arrows.
The son of Radha (Karna), being much pestered by his swift, powerful and effulgent arrows, attacked Arjuna with more care (than before).
Then Kama and Arjuna, both foremost of all warriors, fought madly on, each eager to vanquish the other. Such was the lightness of hand they displayed that they both became invisible (on account of the incessant showers of arrows)."
"Behold the strength of my arms, "Mark how I have counteracted your feats, " they addressed each other in such words, intelligible only of the heroes.
Enraged on seeing the strength and energy of Arjuna's arms as matchless in the earth, the son of Surya, Karna, fought with greater vigour.
Parrying all the swift and strong arrows shot at him by Arjuna, Karna sent up a laud shout. And his great feat was applauded by all the warriors.
Karna said:
O foremost of the Brahmanas, I am pleased to see the strength of your arms, that know no relaxation in battle. Your weapons are worthy of achieving victory.
Is the science of arms personified in you, or are you that best of Brahmanas (Parashu) Rama or Indra himself or Vishnu, or Achyuta himself?
In order to conceal your personality have you assumed the form of a Brahmana and mastering all the strength of arms are you now fighting with me?
None except Sachi's husband (Indra) or Kiriti (Arjuna), the son of Pandu is capable of fighting with me when I am angry on the field of battle.
Vaishampayana said:
Hearing his these words, Falguni (Arjuna) replied, "O Karna, I am not the science of arms; I am not also the powerful Rama.
I am only a Brahmana who is the foremost of all wielders of arms. By the grace of my preceptor, I have become expert in the Brahma and Paurandra weapons. I am here today to vanquish you in battle. O hero, wait a little."
Having been thus addressed, the son of Radha, Karna, refrained from the fight, for the great car-warrior thought that the Brahma might is ever invincible.
On another part of the field the mighty heroes Shalya and Vrikodara (Bhima) endued with great strength, well skilled in battle and learning,
Challenged one another and fought like two mad elephants, striking each other with their clenched fists and knees.
Sometimes pushing each other to a distance, sometimes dragging each other near; sometimes throwing each other down with their faces down-wards and sometimes on their sides, they fought on, striking each other at times with the clenched fists.
As they fought each other with blows hard as the clash of two pieces of stones, the arena rang with the sound of their combat.
Fighting thus in the battle for a few minutes, Bhima, the best of the Kurus, then taking up Shalya on his arms, hurled him to a distance and the best of men Bhimasena surprised all (by his feat), for though he threw the powerful Shalya on the ground, he did not hurt him much.
When Shalya was thus thrown down by Bhima and Karna was struck with fear, all the other kings were filled with awe and they surrounded Vrikodara (Bhima from all sides),
They said, "Surely these best of Brahmanas are excellent (warriors). Ascertain in what tribe they have been born and when they live.
Who is capable of fighting with the son of Radha, Karna, in battle except Rama, Drona or Kiriti, the son of Pandu (Arjuna)?
Who is capable of fighting in battle with Duryodhana except the son of Devaki Krishna and son of Sharadvan, Kripa?
Who is capable of overthrowing in battle the king of Madra, Shalya, the foremost of great warriors, except Baladeva, the heroic Vrikodra, the son of Pandu and the heroic Duryodhana? Therefore, let as desist from this fight with the Brahmanas.
Brahmanas, if they be offending, should still ever be protected. First let us ascertain who these (heroes) are. After we have learnt it, we my cheerfully fight with them.
Vaishampayana said:
Seeing that feat of Bhima, Krishna believed them both to be the sons of Kunti. Gently addressing the assemble monarch by saying, “This maiden has been greatly won (by the Brahmanas)" he induced them to desist from the fight.
Having thus desisted from the battle, those best of monarchs, those (heroes) well (skilled in battle, returned to their respective kingdoms, all becoming exceedingly surprised.
Those that assembled there went away saying that the Brahmanas had become victorious to- day; the princess of Panchala had become the bride of a Brahmana.
Surrounded by Brahmanas attired in skins of deed and other wild animals, Bhima and Dhananjaya passed through the crowd with good deal of difficulty.
Those heroes among men, mangled by the enemies and followed by Krishna, at last came out of the crowd and they looked like the full moon or the sun emerged from the clouds. And their mother (Kunti in her lodging) began to think of various evils having overtaken her sons.
Seeing that her sons were late in returning from their begging tour, she was filled with anxiety. At one time she thought that the sons of Dhritarashtra had recognised and killed them.
Next she feared that some cruel and strong Rakshasas, endued with the prowess of deception, had killed them. And she asked herself, "Could the illustrious Vyasa himself have been guided by perverse intelligence?"
Thus Pondered Pritha out of her affection for her children. Then in the stillness of the late afternoon, Jishnu (Arjuna), accompanied with many Brahmanas, entered the potter's house like the cloud-covered sun emerged from the clouds in a cloudy day.
Vaishampayana said:
Then those two illustrious sons of Pritha, returning to the Potter's house, came to their mother. And those best of men represented Yajnaseni to their mother as the "Alms" they had obtained that day.
Kunti who was within the room did not see her sons. She, therefore, replied saying. "Enjoy all of you (what you have got.") A moment after she saw Krishna (Draupadi) and said, "Alas! what have I said?
Being anxious with the fear of sin and reflecting how every one could be extricated from the situation, she took the cheerful Yajnaseni by the hand and coming to Yudhishthira, she said.
Kunti said:
This daughter of the king Yajnasena, upon being represented to me by your younger brothers as the "Alms" they had obtained, O king, from ignorance I said what was proper, namely, "Enjoy all of you what you have got."
O best of the Kurus, tell me how my speech may not become futile, how sin may not touch the daughter of the Panchala king and how she may not become unhappy.
Vaishampayana said:
Having been thus addressed by his mother, that foremost of the Kuru race, that hero, the intelligent king (Yudhishthira,) consoling Kunti, thus addressed Dhananjaya,
"O Falguni, Yajnaseni has been won by you. It is proper therefore that you should marry this princess. O with stander of all foes, therefore kindle the sacred fire and marry her with all due rites."
Arjuna said:
O king, do not hurl me into sin your command is not in consonance with the precepts of virtue. That is the path followed by the sinful. You should marry her first then the mighty armed Bhima of inconceivable feats.
Then myself, then Nakula and then last of all the greatly energetic Sahadeva. O king, Vrikodara, myself, the twins and the maiden all await your command.
When such is the state of things, after due reflection do that which is proper, consonant with virtue, productive of fame and beneficial to the Panchala king. We all obedient to you; command us as you like.
Vaishampayana said:
Having these words of Jishnu (Arjuna), so full of respect and affection, the sons of Pandu all glanced at the Panchala princess.
She too looked at them all. Glancing at the illustrious Krishna (Draupadi), they looked at one another and taking their seats, they thought of her alone.
When those immeasurably effulgent heroes looked at Draupadi, the god of love invaded their hearts and continued to grind all their senses.
The charming beauty of the Panchala princess was modelled by the Creator himself. It was superior to all and charming to all creatures.
Seeing their demeanour and knowing what was passing through their minds, that best of men, the son of Kunti, Yudhishthira recollected the words of Dvaipayana.
Fearing that there might arise disunion amongst the brothers, the king (Yudhishthira) thus spoke, "This blessed Draupadi will be the wife of all of us."
Vaishampayana said:
Hearing these words of their eldest brother, the sons of Pandu began to ponder over them in their mind in great joy.
The chief of the Vrishnis (Krishna), with the son of Rohini (Balarama) suspecting them to be the chief of the Kurus, came to the potter's house where those best of men (the Pandavas) were living.
Krishna with the son of Rohini (Balarama) saw there seated Ajatashatru of well developed and long arms and sitting round him were his younger brothers, surpassing the splendour of fire.
Going to that foremost of all virtuous men, the son of Kunti and touching the feet of that prince of the Ajamida race Yudhishthira, Vasudeva (Krishna) then said, "I am Krishna".
And the son of Rohini (Baladeva) also coming to Yudhishthira did the same. Seeing Krishna and Baladeva, the Pandavas expressed their great delight. O foremost of the Bharata race, those chiefs of the Yadu race (Krishna and Balarama) then touched the feet of (Kunti), the sister of their father.
Seeing Krishna, Ajatashatru, that foremost of the Kuru race, asked him his well-fare and said "O Vasudeva, how have you been able to trace us, living as we are in disguise?"
Vasudeva smilingly replied, "O king, fire even if it is covered can easily be known. Who else among men except the Pandavas can perform such feats?
O Pandavas, O with standers of foes, you have by sheer good fortune escaped from that fearful fire (of the lac house) and also by sheer good fortune the sinful son of Dhritarashtra (Duryodhana) with his ministers have not succeed in their (evil) wishes.
Be blessed, Grow in prosperity as a fire in a cave gradually grows and spreads itself all around. Lest any of the kings recognise you, give us permission to return to our camp." Then obtaining the permission of the Pandavas, Krishna of undying prosperity, accompanied with Vasudeva, soon went away.
Vaishampayana said:
When the two Kuru princes (Bhima and Arjuna) went towards the potter's house, the Panchala prince Dhrishtaduymna followed them.
Having sent away all his attendants, he concealed himself unknown to the Pandavas in a place somewhere near the house of the potter.
That grinder of foes, Bhima and Jishnu (Arjuna) and the high-souled twins returned in the evening from their begging tour; and they cheerfully offered everything to Yudhishthira.
Thereupon the kind Kunti thus spoke to the daughter of the Panchala king, "O amiable girl, first take a portion of this (food) and offer it to the gods and give it away to the Brahmanas.
Feed (also) those that are hungry and give it to those that are our guests. Divide the rest into two portions. O amiable girl, give the half to Bhima, for this strong youth with fair complexion, a man like a king of elephants, this hero always eats much. Divide the other half into six equal parts, four for these youths
(Yudhishthira, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva) one for myself and the other for you.
Vaishampayana said:
Having these excellent words of her mother-in-law, the chaste princess, then cheerfully did all that she was directed to do. And they then all partook of the food.
Then the son of Madri, the ascetic Sahadeva, spread on the ground a bed of Kusha grass; thereupon those heroes all spread on it their deer-skins and then they laid themselves down to sleep.
The foremost of Kuru princes laid themselves down with their heads towards the south. Kunti laid herself down along the line of their heads and Krishna (Draupadi) along that of their feet.
Through she lay on Kusha grass and in the ground, like the nether pillow of the sons of Pandu, yet she felt no grief in her heart or any disrespect for those best of the Kurus.
Then those heroes began to talk to one another on celestials weapons, cars, elephants, swords, arrows and battle axes. Their conversations were varied and were exceedingly interesting.
The son of the Panchala king (Dhrishtaduymna) heard all that they said in their conversations; and all the men saw Krishna (Draupadi) in that state.
(As soon as morning came), the prince Dhrishtaduymna set out in great haste towards the palace in order to report to the king Drupada in detail what he had heard in the night as talked by those heroes among one another.
The Panchala king was sad, because he did not know that those that had taken away his daughter were the Pandavas. The illustrious (king) asked Dhrishtaduymna in his return, "Where has Krishna gone? By whom has she been taken away?
Has any Shudra, or any man of low birth, or any tribute paying Vaishya placed his dirty feet on my head (by taking her away)? Has the garland of flowers been thrown away on a burning place for dead bodies?
O son, has any Kshatriya of high birth, or any one of the superior order (Brahmana) obtained my daughter? Has a man of low birth placed his left foot on my head by winning Krishna?
I shall not be sorry, but shall be very much pleased if my daughter has been united with that best of men, Partha. O illustrious one, tell me truly who has today taken away my daughter?
Are the sons of that foremost of the Kurus, Vichitravirya's son (Pandu), alive? Was he Partha who took up the bow and shot the mark?"
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