Mahabharata

Yaksha Yuddha Parva

The colloquy between Arstisena and Yudhishthira. Killing of Maniman. Seeing of Kubera. Speech of Kubera. Seeing of Meru. Return of Arjuna in the Yaksha Yuddha.

Having approached him (Arstisena) whose sins were consumed by austerities and having announced his name, Yudhishthira with great pleasure bowed down to him by bending his head.

Then Krishna and Bhima and the twins of good devotion, having bowed down to that royal sage with their heads, stood surrounding him.

And then the virtuous Dhaumya the priest of the Pandavas, duly approached the vow-observing sage.

Knowing these Pandavas, the best of the Kurus-by his spiritual eye, that virtuous one said to them "be seated".

Then that one of great devotion having welcomed Partha, the best of the Kurus, who had taken his seat with his brothers, inquired after his welfare saying,

"Do you not turn your mind towards untruth? Arc you inclined towards virtue? Are not your respect and duties towards your parents falling off?

Are all your superiors and elders and those versed in the Vedas honoured by you? Do you not incline your mind towards sinful acts?

O best of the Kurus, do you properly know how to perform praiseworthy acts and how to avoid wicked ones? Are you not self-conceited?

Do the virtuous rejoice in being honoured by you? Do you follow virtue though dwelling in the forests?

O Partha, are not Dhaumya pained by your treatment of him? Do you follow in the footsteps of your forefathers by practicing charity, religious observances, devotion, purity, candour and forgiveness? Do you follow the example of the royal sages?

On a son or a grandson being born in their (respective) families, our ancestors in the Pitris region, either grieve or rejoice, thinking,

That they will be either harmed by his sinful acts or be benefited by his meritorious deeds.

He who honours his father and mother and religious guide and Agni and fifthly his soul, conquers both the worlds."

Yudhishthira said:
O adorable one, the duties just mentioned by you are indeed excellent and I perform them properly to the best of my ability.

Arstisena said:
During the Parvas, sages living on air and water visit this prince of mountains, ranging through the skies.

O King, amorous persons with their sweet hearts mutually enamoured of one another and Kimpurushas are seen on the summits of this mountain.

O Partha, numerous Apsaras and Gandharvas attired in white silk garments are also to be found here,

Together with good looking Vidyadharas adorned with garlands and also mighty Uragas, Suparnas and other Uragas.

And during the Parvas sounds of kettle-drums, tabors and shells are heard on the summits of the mountain.

O most exalted of the Bharatas all these are heard even from this place. Do you by no means, have a mind to go thither.

O most excellent of the Bharatas, it is impossible to proceed beyond this. That place being the sporting-ground of the celestials, men can have no access there.

At this place, O Bharata all creatures are hostile to and the Rakshasas chastise that man who may have even the very slightest presumption.

O Yudhishthira, beyond the summit of the Kailasa the path of the divine sages all whose desire have been fulfilled, is visible.

O destroyer of foes, if any one impudently goes beyond this, the Rakshasas kill him with iron darts and other weapons,

Here too, O affectionate one, during the Parvas is seen Vaisravana (Kubera), carried on the shoulders of men, possessed of vast wealth and surrounded by Apsaras.

All the creatures then behold the King of the Rakshasas seated on the summit and looking like the sun just risen

O best of the Bharatas, that summit of the mountain is the sporting garden of all the Devas (gods) Danavas (demons) Siddhas and of Vaishrvana alike.

O affectionate one, during the Parvas, when Tambura worships the Lord of wealth, his chanting of the verses of the Samaveda is heard all over the mountain Gandhamadana.

O affectionate one, O Yudhishthira, all souls in the Gandhamadana, observe these and similar wonders several times during the Parvas.

O best of the Pandavas, remain here living on luscious fruits eaten by the sages, until you meet with Arjuna.

O affectionate one, do not betray any restless spirit while remaining here. Dwelling here quite at ease and amusing yourself as you choose, you shall, in the long run, crushing your foes, by the prowess of your weapons, govern the earth.

Janamejaya said:
How long did my grandsire, the high-souled sons of Pandu, all of whom were endued with unrivalled prowess, dwell in the hermitage of Arstisena, situated in the mountain Gandhamadana? And (during their stay there) what these exceedingly powerful ones endowed wit manliness and prowess do?

Tell me, O excellent one, what these high-souled ones those heroes of the worlds subsist upon, while dwelling there?

Narrate to me also in detail of the prowess of Bhimasena and what that mighty armed one did in the mountain Himalaya.

O, the most excellent of the Brahmanas, was there no other fight with the Yakshas? Did they meet with Vaisravana?

Surely, as Arstisena said, the Lord of wealth, visits that place. O you, whose only wealth is devotion, I am desirous of hearing of all this in detail. I am not yet satisfied with hearing of all their movements.

Vaishampayana said:
The most exalted on the Bharatas, having heard the instructions of that one of incomparable energy (Arstisena), began always to abide by them accordingly.

Living on the food eaten by the sages and luscious fruits and the flesh of the deer killed by unpoisoned arrows.

And various kinds of pure honey, the Pandavas-the most exalted of the Bharatas-dwelt in the Himalayas.

Living in this way, they passed the fifth year listening to the various stories told by Lomasha

O Lord, Ghatotkacha together with all the Rakshasas had before this departed saying "I shall appear when occasion arises."

Thus, witnessing many wonders, these high-souled ones (Pandavas) spent several months in the hermitage of Arstisena.

And when the Pandavas were sporting and playing there at ease, several contented and highly fortunate sages and Charanas,

Of pure souls and observant of vows came there to see them. And those most exalted to the Bharatas talked with them on divine matters.

When a few days had thus passed away, it so happened that Suparna carried off a mighty Nag (serpent) of great prosperity who lived in the great lake.

(In consequence of which) the mighty mountain began to tremble and many huge trees were crushed. And the Pandavas together with all creatures witnessed that marvellous scene.

Vaishampayana said :
Then from the top of that excellent mountain several kinds of auspicious and fragrant flowers were carried along by the wind towards the Pandavas.

And the Pandavas together with their friends and the renowned Draupadi beheld (those) heavenly flowers of five colours.

And when Bhimasena of mighty arms was comfortably seated on a lonely spot on the mountain, Krishna addressed him thus-

"O the best of the Bharatas, it is witnessed by all the creatures that these flowers of five colours, driven by the force of the wind raised by Suparna, are falling (with a crushing force) towards the river Ashvaratha. (In the forest of) Khandava your high-souled brother (Arjuna), true to his promise baffled (the attempts) of the Gandharvas, the Uragyas, the Rakshasas and even of Vasava (Indra) and slew the furious Mayavis (who can assume any shape they choose) and also obtained the bow Gandiva."

You too, are possessed of as indomitable spirit and mighty arms as the powerful Sakra himself.

(Therefore) O Bhimasena, let all the Rakshasas, terrified with the force of your mighty arms, fly towards the ten cardinal points, leaving this mountain.

Then let your friends devoid of all fear and affliction behold the auspicious top of this excellent mountain decorated with variegated flowers.

O Bhima, I have cherished this thought in my mind for a long time; and I have a mind to behold the summit of this mountain protected by the force of your arms.

Thereupon, the tormentor of his foes, Bhimasena of mighty arms, considering himself as conjured by Draupadi, looked like an wounded bull of excellent breed and could not brook (her remarks).

Then that mighty Pandava having the gait of a lion or a bull, graceful, having the splendour of gold, high-minded, powerful, proud, sensitive, heroic, heaving red eyes, broad-shouldered, possessed of the strength of mad elephants, endowed with lionine teeth and a broad neck, tall as a young Sala tree, generous hearted, of symmetrical proportions, of shell-like neck and of mighty arms, took up his bow plaited at the back with gold and also his sword and arrow case.

And that mighty one proud as a lion and looking like a mad elephant, rushed towards that cliff tree from all fear and affliction.

And all the creatures beheld him appearing like a lion or a maddened bull furnished with bows and arrows.

And the Pandava devoid of all fear and affliction, proceeded to the mountain furnished with his club to the great delight of Draupadi.

Neither fatigue, nor fear, nor lassitude nor the malice (of others) took possession of that son of Pritha and god of the wind.

Getting to a pass affording passage to a single individual only, that one of great prowess, ascended that ragged and terrible-looking summit, high as several palm trees.

Causing the delight of the Kinnaras, Mahanagas, sages and the Rakshasas, the best of the Bharatas, endowed with gigantic strength, ascended the summit of the mountain,

And beheld therefrom the abode of Vaisravana adorned with golden and crystal buildings,

Encircled on all sides by golden walls, having the lustre of all gems, containing gardens of all sorts,

Higher than a mountain peak, adorned with ramparts and towers, graced with doorways, gates and rows of flags,

And beautiful with coquettish damsels dancing around and ornamented with flags fluttered by the wind.

Leaning against the end of his bow with banded arm, he stood beholding the city of Kubera with great sorrow (caused by the remembrance of his own fortune).

A pleasurable breeze was blowing there, having its origin in the Gandhamadana, gladdening all creatures and carrying sweet odours of all kinds.

There were many superbly beautiful trees beyond all thought, decorated with variegated colour and bearing graceful blossoms.

That best of the Bharatas then beheld the palace of Kubera covered on all sides with heaps of gems and decorated with variegated garlands.

There stood Bhimasena of mighty-arms devoid of all thoughts of life, firm as a rock, with club, sword and bow in his hand.

Then blowing his conch which made the hair of his adversaries stand on the end and twangling his bow, striking his arms with his palms, he struck terror into the hearts of all the creatures.

(Infuriated) at this, the Yakshas, the Rakshasas and the Gandharvas with their hair standing erect, rushed towards the Pandava, following the direction of these sounds.

Then the maces, clubs, swords, spears, axes and the javelins carried in their arms by the Rakshasas, began to blaze.

And, O Bharata, when the fight took place between them, Bhima cut off the darts, javelins and axes hurled by those possessing great powers of illusion, with his arrows of tremendous force. And that most powerful one, pierced with his arrows the bodies of those roaring Rakshasas who were on the ground and of those that were in the sky. And that one of great prowess was drenched in that great deluge of blood gushing and flowing on all sides from the bodies of the Rakshasas with maces and clubs in their hands,

And the heads and the bodies of the Rakshasas were seen cut off and mangled by the weapons hurled by the force of Bhima's arms.

All the creatures, then, saw the good-looking Pandava hemmed in by the Rakshasas and appearing like the sun enveloped with clouds.

And that mighty-armed and powerful one (Bhima) of true prowess covered all (the Rakshasas) with his arrows fatal to his enemies, as the sun shrouds all the creatures with his rays.

Although uttering both loud yells and cries of victory, the Rakshasas did not see Bhima deprived of senses.

And the Yakshas, with their bodies mangled all over, terrified by the fear of Bhimasena, began to utter frightful cries of distress leaving aside their weapons.

And then owing to the fear of that wielder of a strong bow, Bhimasena, they fled southwards, forsaking their maces, spears, swords, clubs and axes.

On that side, stood the mighty-armed and broad-chested Rakshasa, Maniman, the friend of Kubera, armed with darts and maces.

Displaying his masterdom and manliness, he, of gigantic strength, seeing them taking to heels, addressed them smilingly thus -

"Going to the abode of Vaisravana, how would you tell the lord of wealth that vast numbers (of Yakshas) have been slain by a single man."

Having addressed them thus, that Rakshasa, holding in the hands, clubs, javelins and maces, rushed against the Pandava.

Beholding him approach with the fury of a maddened elephant, Bhimasena pierced his sides with three choice arrows.

The mighty Maniman too, in wrath, taking and brandishing a tremendous mace, hurled it at him.

Bhimasena too, on his part, beset, with many arrows, sharpened on stones, that tremendous and dreadful mace in the sky resembling a lightning flash.

But all these arrows though discharged with force, on reaching the mace fell back and could not check its onward career.

And that spirited one of dreadful prowess (at last) baffled the attack (of the Rakshasa) by resorting to his skill in mace-fighting.

At this interval, that intelligent Rakshasa assailed (Bhima) with a dreadful iron club furnished with a golden handle.

And that tremendous (club) emitting flames and sending forth dreadful roars pierced suddenly the right arm of Bhima and then fell to the ground.

(Thus) severely wounded, that great bowman, the exceedingly powerful son of Kunti, with eyes rolling in wrath, took up his mace.

And then taking up his iron mace termed Shaika, in-laid with plates of gold and increasing the fear of his enemies, Bhima, uttering yells,

Rushed with all speed against the exceedingly powerful Maniman, who too, taking a mighty and blazing dart,

Hurled it with force at Bhimasena with tremendous roars; and that adept at mace-fighting, breaking that dart with the end of his mace.

Rushed to kill Maniman, as Garuda (does) to kill the serpent. And then he (Bhima) of mighty arms advancing ahead in the field, suddenly jumped in the air and whirling his mace, hurled (at Maniman) uttering yells. And like the thunderbolt hurled by Indra, that (mace) like a pest, with the speed of the wind,

Killing the Rakshasa reached ground. And all the creatures beheld that exceedingly powerful Rakshasa slain by Bhima as a bull is slain by a lion. Seeing him slain on the ground the surviving Rakshasa, uttering loud cries of distress, went towards the East.

Hearing the caves of the mountains resound with various sounds and not seeing Bhimasena, Ajatshatru (Yudhishthira), the son of Kunti and both the sons of Madri and Dhaumya and Krishna together with all the friends (of the Pandavas) became sick at heart.

Thereupon leaving Draupadi under the care of Arstisena and furnished with weapons, those heroes and mighty car-warriors ascended the mountain.

Then those mighty car-warriors and great bowmen and tormentors of foes having reached the summit of the mountain and casting their looks around saw Bhimasena.

And those huge Rakshasas of vast strength and courage slaughtered by Bhimasena, many of whom were (still) moving and many lay dead.

And he (Bhima) of mighty arms, armed with mace, sword and bow looked like Maghavana (Indra) having slain all the Danavas in battle.

Then having seen their brother and having embraced him and having attained to excellent state, those mighty car-warriors the Parthas-sat down (there).

That summit with those four great bowmen (seated on it) appeared as grandly beautiful as the heaven (itself) with those foremost of the celestials, the highly fortunate Lokapalas.

(And) the lord of the Earth, (Yudhishthira), having beheld the abode of Kubera and those Rakshasas killed (by Bhima), addressed his brother (Bhima) who was seated, thus

"O Bhima, whether you have committed this sinful act through rashness or ignorance, it is as unworthy of you as falsehood of the ascetics.

Righteous men affirm that acts giving offence to the king ought not to be done; but, O Bhimasena, you have committed an act which will offend even the gods.

O Partha, he, who despising profit and virtue gives himself up to vice, is sure to pay the penalty of his sinful acts. If you look to my welfare, do not commit such (sinful) acts again."

Yudhishthira the virtuous highly energetic and firm-minded on of Kunti, versed in the particulars of the science of profit having addressed his brother (Bhima) thus, kept quiet and began to ponder upon the matter. On the other hand the survivors of the Rakshasas slain by Bhimasena,

Proceeded together towards the abode of Kubera. And they of great fleetness having hastily reached the abode of Kubera,

Began to utter loud wails of distress afflicted with the fear of Bhimasena. Casting off their weapons and wearied with their armour besmeared with blood,

And with dishevelled hair, O king, (they) addressed the lord of the Yakshas thus, "O lord, all your foremost Rakshasas who fought with maces, swords, clubs, glances and barbed darts, have all been slaughtered. O lord of wealth, a single man crushing the mountain with great velocity have alone killed in battle all the Rakshasas of the Krodhavara clan and also the best of the Rakshasas and the Yakshas (who) lie senseless with life extinct; we only have been spared; your friend Maniman too has been killed.

All this has been done by one man. Do what you think proper now." Hearing all this, the king of all the Yakshas in great anger,

And with eyes reddened with ire, exclaimed "what." And the Lord of wealth hearing of Bhima's second offence,

Waxed wrath and then the king of the Yakshas said, "Yoke (the horses to the car)." Thereupon, (the attendants of Kubera) yoked to the car horses, wearing golden garlands, having the colour of dark clouds and high as a mountain summit. And those excellent horses of his, with clear eyes and endued with every noble quality.

And possessed of energy and strength and decorated with various gems and having grand appearance, being yoked to the car, looked as if desirous of speeding like the wind,

And began to send forth neighs at each other indicative of victory. (And) that resplendent and divine king of kings, ascending the mighty car and being eulogised by the celestials and the Gandharvas, set out. A thousand principal Yakshas, of reddened eyes, golden lustre and huge structure, possessed of vast strength and equipped with weapons and girding on their swords, followed the noble-minded lord of wealth and king of all the Yakshas.

(And) they (the horses) of great swiftness ranging through the firmament with great speed reached the Gandhamadanas as if drawing forward the sky.

The Pandavas then, with their hair standing on the end and with delight beheld that mighty array of horses maintained by the lord of wealth and also the noble-minded and graceful Kubera himself surrounded by the Yakshas and the Rakshasas. Kubera too, seeing those mighty car-warriors, the sons of Pandu, gifted with great strength and equipped with bows and swords, became pleased; and desirous of performing the task of the celestials was glad at heart.

They (the followers of Kubera) (then) alighted like birds on the summit of the mountain with great swiftness and with the lord of wealth at their head remained before them (the Pandavas).

Then, O Bharata, the Yakshas and Rakshasas seeing that he (Kubera) was well pleased with the Pandavas stood there with indifferent.

Then those mighty car-warriors, the high-souled Pandavas-Nakula, Sahadeva and the virtuous son of Dharma-having saluted that lord, the giver of wealth and having considered themselves as guilty, stood surrounding the lord of the wealth with joined hands.

That illustrious one (Kubera) was seated on that excellent seat the Pushpaka painted with various colours.

Thousands of Rakshasas and Yakshas of great fleetness and huge structure and having ears resembling javelins and hundreds of Gandharvas and Apsaras sat surrounding that one who was seated as the gods (sit surrounding) the performer of hundred sacrifices (Indra).

Wearing an auspicious golden garland round his head and holding in his hands noose, sword and bow, Bhimasena began to look at the lord of wealth.

Bhimasena did not experience any depression of mind (either) on account of his being wounded by the Rakshasas (or) seeing Kubera in that state.

He that is carried on the shoulders of men seeing Bhima in a warlike attitudes and armed with sharpened arrows, addressed the son of Dharma thus,

O Partha, all the creatures are aware that you are actively intent on the welfare of the whole creation. (Therefore) dwell on the summit of this mountain without fear.

Nor, O Pandava, you ought to be angry with Bhimasena. They (the Rakshasas and Yakshas) were killed before by Destiny, your younger brother being merely the instrument.

Nor you ought to be ashamed at his act of rashness. The destruction of the Yakshas and the Rakshasas had been fore ordained by the celestials.

O the most exalted of the Bharatas, I am rather pleased than angry with Bhimasena-nay this act of Bhimasena has made me supremely happy.

Vaishampayana said:
Having said to the king thus, (Kubera) spoke to Bhimasena, "O child, O the best of the Kurus, I do not (at all) mind it.

O Bhima, if disregarding the gods and relying on your own strength of arms you have committed this act of rashness-the destruction of the Yakshas and the Rakshasas-for the sake of Draupadi, I am the more pleased with you for that. O Vrikodara, I have been this day delivered from a terrible curse.

Formerly I was cursed by the great sage Agastya in anger for some offence. You have freed me from it by this act (of yours).

O son of Pandava, my disgrace was foreordained. O Pandava, no blame, therefore, in any way, can be attributed to you.

Yudhishthira said:
O lord, what were you cursed by the noble-minded Agastya for? O God, I am desirous of hearing the cause of that imprecation.

It seems wonder to me that you were not at that very moment consumed by the anger of that wise Agastya together with all your forces and attendants.

The Lord of wealth said:
O lord of men, once I was proceeding to Kushavati, where a Synod of the gods was being held, surrounded by three hundred Mahapadma terrible-looking Yakshas carrying various weapons. On my way, I beheld the most exalted of the sages Agastya practising rigid austerities on the banks of the Yamuna teeming with various birds and adorned with blossoming plants.

Beholding that mass of lustre, blazing and bright as fire, with upraised arms facing the sun, my illustrious friend Maniman, the lord of the Rakshasas, who was ranging through the firmament, O lord of the earth, through stupidity, foolishness arrogance and ignorance.

Spat on the head of that great sage. He (Agastya) as if burning all the cardinal points with his anger,

Said this ‘O Lord of wealth, since your friend, this evil-minded one, despising me, has insulted me in your very presence,

He will, on that account, meet with his end together with his forces at the hands of a man. O evil-minded one, you too shall be sorely grieved at the death of your forces and shall be absolved from your sin on seeing that man.

(But) this terrible curse shall not touch those powerful sons and grandsons of your forces, that will remain obedient to your commands.

O king, I, who formerly received this imprecation from that most exalted of the Rishis, have been absolved from it by your brother Bhima.

The giver of wealth said:
O Yudhishthira, steadiness, ability place and time-these four are the causes of success in human affairs,

O Bharata, men of the Kriti Yuga (golden age) were steady and skilled in their own respective affairs and were well versed in the rules of prowess.

O the best of the Kshatriyas, a Kshatriya who has patience, who is well versed in (the rules of) time and place and who is well acquainted with the laws of all duties, can govern the world for a long time.

O Partha, the person who acts thus in all transaction obtains fame in this world and O hero, attains to an excellent state in the next.

Sakra, the slayer of Vitra, with the Vasus desirous of availing himself of the opportunity, of right time and place, obtained the kingdom of heaven by displaying his prowess.

He who does not foresee his fall through anger and he who through wicked-mindedness and vicious tendency is addicted to sin,

And he who is not versed in the propriety relative to acts meet with destruction in this world and in the next. The efforts of that stupid person become futile who is not versed in the rules of time and acts and he meets with destruction in this world and in the next. Rash, deceitful and wicked-minded people who aim at masterdom of every kind, commit sin. This Bhimasena is unrighteous, arrogant, senseless as a child and fearless; therefore, O the best of the Bharatas, chastise him. Getting again to the hermitage of the royal sage Arstisena,

Dwell there without fear or anxiety during the first dark fortnight. The Gandharvas together with the inhabitants of the Alaka and the Kinnaras together with the Yakshas,

And all the dwellers of the mountain, O the best of men and mighty-armed one, being appointed by me will protect you as well as these best of the Brahmanas.

O king, O the best of the virtuous, O pure one, considering that Bhima has come here through rashness, do you check him.
O king, henceforth creatures inhabiting this forest will always visit you, wait on you and protect you all.

O the best of men, my attendants will always procure for you various eatables and drinkable, sweet to the taste.

As Vishnu (Arjuna) has a claim to the protection of Mahendra, Vrikodara of the wind god, you of Dharma and the powerful twins of the Ashvins, in virtue of being their respective offsprings, so, O Yudhishthira, you all have a claim to my protection.

Falguni the next by birth to Bhimasena, versed in the science of profit and acquainted with the principles of all duties, is all right in heaven.

O child, those virtues which are considered in the world as leading to heaven, reside in Dhananjaya even from his very birth.

In that high-souled being of unrivalled energy reside all these (qualities) of self-control, charity, strength, intelligence, modesty, patience and excellent energy.

O Pandavas, Vishnu never commits any disgraceful act (even) through ignorance. And men never speak to their fellows of his ever having uttered lies.

That augmenter of the glory of the Kurus, honoured by the Devas, Pitris and the Gandharvas, is learning the science of weapons in the abode of Sakra.

O king, O Partha, he that reduced to subjection all the rulers of the earth with justice-that highly energetic and highly powerful Shantanu himself, the grandsire of your father-is in heaven fully pleased with Partha, the wielder of the Gandiva and the foremost of his race.

That one of fervid devotion, who having worshipped the Pitris, the Devas, the Rishi and the Brahmanas on the banks of the Yamuna, performed seven horse sacrifices,

Even that great emperor Shantanu, your great grandsire, who has conquered (i.e., got access to) heaven is inquiring about your welfare, residing in the region of Sakra.

Vaishampayana said:
The Pandavas, having listened to these words spoken by the giver of wealth, were much pleased with them.

Then Vrikodara-the most exalted of the Bharatas-lowering his club, mace sword and bow, saluted Kubera.

Thereupon seeing him crave his protection, the lord of wealth, capable of affording protection, said "be you the destroyer of the pride of (your) enemies and enhancer of the joy of (your) friends.

O the tormentors of foes, do you dwell in your own pleasant abode. O the most exalted of the Bharatas, the Yakshas will procure for you the articles desired by you.

Having mastered the science of weapons Gudakesha will return soon, Dhananjaya, on being bidden farewell to by Maghavana himself, will meet with you.

The lord of the Guhyakas having thus instructed Yudhishthira, disposed to good deeds, vanished from that excellent of mountains.

Thousands of Yakshas and Rakshasas followed him in conveyances covered with painted cushions and adorned with many gems.

As the excellent horses (swift) as birds proceeded towards the abode of Kubera a noise arose in the region of Indra.

The steeds of the lord of wealth careered along the firmament as if drawing forwards the sky and drinking the atmosphere.

Then the dead bodies of the Rakshasas were removed from the summit of the mountain by order of the lord of wealth.

As this period, was appointed by the intelligent Agastya as the limit of their curse, therefore they were absolved from (this) imprecation in being slain in battle.

The noble-minded Pandavas dwelt happily for several sights in those mansions without anxiety and honoured by all the Rakshasas.

Then, O tormentor of foes, when the sun rose, Dhaumya, on performing his devotions, visited the Pandavas, with Arstisena.

Having bowed down to the feet of Dhaumya and Arstisena, they then worshipped all the Brahmanas with joined hands.

Then the great sage Dhaumya, taking Yudhishthira by the right hand and looking towards the East, said this:

O Great king, covering the earth up to the sea reigns this Mandara, the prince of mountains.

O Pandava, this point, adorned with mountains, woods and forest, is protected by Indra and Vaisravana.

O child, it is said by the intelligent sages, acquainted with all duties, that this (region) is the abode of Mahendra and of king Vaisravana.

The twice-born ones and the righteous sages and the Siddhas and the celestials, worship the sun who rises from this point.

And that righteous king Yama, the lord of all living creatures, presides over yonder southern point, the path of the spirits of the departed.

This is Sanyamana, the abode of the lord of the departed souls, sacred, highly wonderful to look at and full of crowning bliss.

The intelligent ones denominate that prince of mountains Ashta, getting to which Savita ever observed the truth.

Similarly, dwelling in this prince of mountains and he mighty sea, king Varuna protects all creatures.

O highly fortunate one, illuminating the northern point, there stretches the powerful and auspicious (Mountains) Mahameru-the refuge to those holding communion with Brahma.

There the court of Brahma is (held) and remaining where the universal soul Prajapati created all that is mobile and immobile.

(This) Mahameru is the auspicious and blissful abode of Daksha and six others who are known as the mind-born sons of Brahma.

O child, here too the seven divine sages with Vasishtha at their head sit and rise again.

Behold that excellent summit of the Meru that bright region when the grandsire (Brahma) sits with the gods, happy in self-knowledge.

(And) next to the abode of Brahma appears the region of that original lord, the god Narayana who has neither beginning nor end and who is said to be the really first cause of the origin of the whole creation. Even the gods cannot behold that auspicious (place) composed of all energies.

(And) by reason of its own splendour surpassing the sun or fire in lustre, the place of the high-souled Vishnu is not visible to the gods and the Danavas.

The abode of Narayana lies resplendent to the East of the Meru where the lord of all creatures, the self-existent cause of the universe.

Displaying all creatures, appears grand with excellent gracefulness. Even the Brahmarshis cannot have and admittance there; how can the Maharshis? O excellent of the Kurus, only Yatis can have access to it. Nor, O Pandava, can all the luminaries shine (by him).

Here the lord of incomprehensible soul reigns supreme. Here, on account of their souls being purified by pious deeds and devotion, the Yatis of rigid asceticism, approach Narayana (Hari). Those high-souled (beings) attaining to perfection by yoga and free from ignorance and pride,

Repairing thither and attaining to the self-existent, high-souled and eternal god of gods. O Bharata, do not come back to this world.

O highly fortunate Yudhishthira, this place is eternal, without deterioration or end; because it is always the very life of that god.

O descendant of Kuru, the sun and the moon, through eternity, make their tour around this Meru every day.

O pure one, O great king, all the luminaries too turn round this prince of mountains in the self-same way.

The god Aditya too, the dispeller of darkness, attracting all the luminaries, goes round this (Meru).

That author of the day, Vibhavasu, having gone down and then having passed the evening, takes the excellent northern point.

O Pandava, that god Savita, bent on the welfare of all creatures, then coming near the Meru, again goes on his course facing the East.

Similarly, the divine moon moves with the stars (round this mountain) dividing the mouth into many sections when he arrives at the Parvas.

Thus crossing the Mahameru unerringly and nourishing all the creatures (the moon) goes back to the Mandara.

In a similar way, the god Aditya, the dispeller of darkness displaying the universe by his rays, moves round this unobstructed path.

When he takes the southern direction with a view to cause dew, then the cold weather comes upon all the creatures.

(Then) turning back, he, by his own energy, withdraws the energy from all beings both mobile and immobile.

In consequence of this perspiration, fatigue, drowsiness and lethargy comes upon men and all living beings always feel inclined to sleep.

Then the god Bhanumana coursing that unknown path (i.e. the firmament) gives birth to rains reviving (all) creatures.

And having nourished all (creatures) both mobile and immobile by the comfort caused by rain, wind and warmth, that one of mighty splendour resumes his (former) course.

Thus increasingly turning on the wheel of time and influencing all creatures, O Partha, Savita goes on his course.

O Pandava his course is unremitting and he never rests. And withdrawing the energy of (all) creatures, he gives it back.

O Bharata, the lord (sun), always imparting life and motion to all living creatures, creates day and night, Kala and Kashtha.

Vaishampayana said:
Those noble-minded (Pandavas), the observers of pious vows, desirous of beholding Arjuna dwelling in that best of mountains, became passionately attached (to it) and got themselves amused.

Numerous Gandharvas and Maharshis gladly came to those powerful and energetic ones of chaste desires-(princes), the foremost of those gifted with truth and fortitude.

Getting to that excellent mountain, adorned with blossoming trees, those mighty car-warriors were supremely glad at heart as the Maruts on reaching the heavenly regions.

Beholding the summit and the table-land of that mighty mountain, covered with flowers and ringing with the cries of peacocks and cranes, they remained there feeling great joy.

On that excellent mountain they beheld tanks, excavated by Kubera himself, full of lotuses and frequented by Kadamvas, Karandavas and swans and with their banks covered with (trees).

(They beheld also) magnificent sporting grounds, pleasant to the mind and covered with arrays of beautiful and variegated garlands and studded with gems and suited to the taste of the king (Kubera), the giver of wealth.

The best of ascetics, always wandering (there) could not (sufficiently) comprehended (the sublimity) of that mountain summit furnished as it was with various many-coloured trees and covered with masses of clouds.

O great hero, by reason of the splendour of this excellent mountain itself and of the brilliancy of the annual herbs there was no difference between day and night.

Those best of men saw the rising and setting of Vibhavasu of unrivalled splendour, while, dwelling in that mountain, remaining where he (the sun) nourishes all the mobile and the immobile (creatures).

Having witnessed the setting in and exit of darkness, the rising and the setting of the sun and all the cardinal points covered with his (sun's rays), those heroes,

Awaiting the arrival of that mighty car-warrior, firm in truth and of true vows, were engaged in reciting the Vedas, constantly practising rituals, chiefly discharging the religious duties and observing pure vows.

Saying "let all those assembled experience joy by meeting speedily here with Arjuna skilled in arms," those highly blessed Parthas became absorbed in Yoga.

Inspite of beholding many romantic forests on the mountain, as they could not help constantly thinking of Arjuna, every day and night appeared to them (long) as a year.

From that very moment when the noble-minded Vishnu, with Dhaumya's leave, matting his hair, went abroad, they (Pandavas) did not experience joy. How could they, lost in his thought, experience any happiness there (on that mountain however romantic it might be)?

Since the very moment when in accordance with the command of his brother Yudhishthira, Vishnu, endowed with the gait of an elephant (with exuberance of spirits), left the forest Kamyaka they became buried in deep sorrow.

O Bharata, in this way the Bharatas passed a month with great difficulty on that mountain thinking of Sitasvha Arjuna, who had gone to Vasava, desirous of learning the (science of) arms.

(On the other hand) dwelling five years in the abode of the thousand-eyed (Indra) and from that lord of the celestials obtaining all the heavenly weapons,

(Namely) those of Agni, Varuna, Soma, Bhrigu, Vishnu, Indra, Pashupati, Brahma, Parameshthi, Prajapati, Yama, Dhata, Savita, Tashta and Vaisravana and getting these weapons, paying homage to the performer of hundred sacrifices.

And going round him, Arjuna with his permission, returned to Gandhamadana delighted and fully pleased.

Mahabharata

Yaksha Yuddha Parva

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