Chapter 2: Vyāsa arrives at Janamejaya’s serpent sacrifice, and Vaiśampāyana begins narrating the Jaya with its table of contents.

The learned Kṛṣṇa Dvaipāyana Vyāsa comes to King Janamejaya’s serpent sacrifice.

Suta said:

[PV-KDV:01_005_1] (Bharata)

When the learned sage Kṛṣṇa Dvaipāyana heard that Janamejaya had been consecrated for the snake sacrifice, he came there. (BORI: 1-54-1)

[PV-KDV:01_005_2] (Bharata)

He then entered the royal sage Janamejaya’s sacrificial hall, accompanied by his disciples, who were thoroughly versed in the Vedas and their ancillary sciences. (BORI: 1-54-7)

[PV-KDV:01_005_8] (Bharata)

The venerable sage, on seeing him, reported that all was well; then, honored by all the members of the assembly, he honored them in return. (BORI: 1-54-16)

[PV-KDV:01_005_17] (Bharata)

Then Janamejaya, with joined palms, addressed this question to that foremost of Brahmins, after he had been honored by all the members of the assembly: (BORI: 1-54-17)

[PV-KDV:01_005_18] (Bharata)

You witnessed the Kurus and the Pandavas firsthand. O Brahmin, I wish to hear their story told by you. (BORI: 1-54-18)

[PV-KDV:01_005_19] (Bharata)

How did discord arise among those men of blameless deeds? And how did that great war unfold, bringing about the destruction of all beings? (BORI: 1-54-19)

[PV-KDV:01_005_20] (Bharata)

among all the grandsires, whose minds were possessed by fate? Tell me all this in full, venerable sir, for you are well versed in it. (BORI: 1-54-20)

[PV-KDV:01_005_21] (Bharata)

Hearing his words, Kṛṣṇa Dvaipāyana then instructed his disciple Vaiśampāyana, who was seated nearby: (BORI: 1-54-21)

[PV-KDV:01_005_22] (Bharata)

Tell him in full how the division between the Kurus and the Pandavas arose long ago, just as you heard it from me. (BORI: 1-54-22)

[PV-KDV:01_005_23] (Bharata)

Obeying his teacher’s command, that foremost of Brahmins then recounted the entire ancient history— (BORI: 1-54-23)

[PV-KDV:01_005_24] (Bharata)

to that king, the members of the assembly, and all the Kshatriyas, then recounting in full the conflict between the Kurus and the Pandavas and the destruction of their kingdom. (BORI: 1-54-24)

[PV-KDV:01_005_25] (Bharata)

Vaiśampāyana bows to his teacher Vyāsa's and starts narrting Jaya.

Vaiśampāyana said:

[PV-KDV:01_005_26] (Bharata)

Having first bowed to my teacher with mind, intellect, and concentration, and having duly honored all the twice-born and other learned people… (BORI: 1-55-1)

[PV-KDV:01_005_27] (Bharata)

I shall set forth in full the thought of this wise great seer, Vyasa of immeasurable splendor, who is renowned throughout all the worlds. (BORI: 1-55-2)

[PV-KDV:01_005_28] (Bharata)

Having found you, O king, a worthy listener to this tale of the Bharatas, the impulse to tell my teacher’s work seems to spur me on with joy. (BORI: 1-55-3)

[PV-KDV:01_005_29] (Bharata)

Listen, O king, to how the conflict between the Kurus and the Pandavas arose over the kingdom through a game of dice, and likewise to their exile in the forest. (BORI: 1-55-4)

[PV-KDV:01_005_30] (Bharata)

And how the war that brought about the destruction of the earth arose—I shall relate all this to you, since you have asked, O bull of the Bharatas. (BORI: 1-55-5)

[PV-KDV:01_005_31] (Bharata)

Table of contentents by Vaiśampāyana

After their father died, those heroes returned from the forest to their own home and soon became proficient in the Veda and archery. (BORI: 1-55-6)

[PV-KDV:01_005_32] (Bharata)

The Kurus could not bear to see the Pandavas so endowed with beauty, valor, and strength, esteemed by the citizens, and possessed of prosperity and fame. (BORI: 1-55-7)

[PV-KDV:01_005_33] (Bharata)

Then the cruel Duryodhana, together with Karna and Saubala, employed various means to subdue and banish them. (BORI: 1-55-8)

[PV-KDV:01_005_34] (Bharata)

Then the wicked son of Dhritarashtra gave poison to Bhima, but the hero Vrikodara digested it along with his food. (BORI: 1-55-9)

[PV-KDV:01_005_35] (Bharata)

Then, after binding the sleeping Vṛkodara once more at Pramāṇakoṭi, he cast Bhīma into the waters of the Gaṅgā and returned to the city. (BORI: 1-55-10)

[PV-KDV:01_005_36] (Bharata)

When Kunti’s son awoke, he broke his bonds and rose, O great king; Bhimasena was unharmed. (BORI: 1-55-11)

[PV-KDV:01_005_37] (Bharata)

He also had venomous black snakes bite him while he slept, all over his body; but the slayer of foes did not die. (BORI: 1-55-12)

[PV-KDV:01_005_38] (Bharata)

With every such outrage against them, the wise Vidura remained vigilant in rescuing them and thwarting it. (BORI: 1-55-13)

[PV-KDV:01_005_39] (Bharata)

Just as Śakra, dwelling in heaven, brings happiness to the world of living beings, so Vidura always brought happiness to the Pāṇḍavas. (BORI: 1-55-14)

[PV-KDV:01_005_40] (Bharata)

But when he was unable to kill them by various means, whether secret or open, for they were protected by fate for what was yet to come... (BORI: 1-55-15)

[PV-KDV:01_005_41] (Bharata)

Then, after consulting his advisers—Vṛṣa, Duḥśāsana, and the others—and obtaining Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s permission, he ordered a house of lac to be built. (BORI: 1-55-16)

[PV-KDV:01_005_42] (Bharata)

Together they departed from the city called after the elephant, and at their departure Kshattri served as counselor to those great souls. (KUMB: 1-61-20; NILA: 01.061.019)

[PV-KDV:01_005_44] (Bharata)

The great-souled scorchers of foes took up residence with their mother. At Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s command, they stayed in the house of lac... (KUMB: 1-61-22; NILA: 01.061.021)

[PV-KDV:01_005_45] (Bharata)

Guarding themselves against Purochana and remaining vigilant for a year, they had a tunnel dug at Vidura’s urging… (KUMB: 1-61-23; NILA: 01.061.022)

[PV-KDV:01_005_46] (Bharata)

The scorcher of foes set fire to the house of lac, burned Purocana, and fled in terror with their mother. (KUMB: 1-61-24; NILA: 01.061.023)

[PV-KDV:01_005_48] (Bharata)

They saw the dreadful Rakshasa Hidimba by a forest waterfall; and after killing that lord of the Rakshasas, fearful of being discovered… (KUMB: 1-61-25; NILA: 01.061.024)

[PV-KDV:01_005_50] (Bharata)

At night the sons of Pritha fled, tormented by fear of Dhritarashtra’s sons. There Bhima took Hidimba as his mate, and Ghatotkacha was born. (KUMB: 1-61-26; NILA: 01.061.025)

[PV-KDV:01_005_51] (Bharata)

Then, having made an agreement, those heroic scorchers of foes went to Ekachakra with their mother, assuming the guise of Brahmins. (BORI: 1-55-20)

[PV-KDV:01_005_52] (Bharata)

There, for the sake of the Brahmin, they slew the mighty Baka; then, accompanied by Brahmins, they went to the city of the Panchalas. (BORI: 1-55-21)

[PV-KDV:01_005_53] (Bharata)

Then they heard that Krishna was to choose a husband at a svayamvara among the Panchalas. On hearing this, they went there and won her. (KUMB: 1-61-31; NILA: 01.061.030)

[PV-KDV:01_005_54] (Bharata)

After obtaining Draupadi there and staying for a full year, those conquerors of foes, now recognized, returned to Hastinapura. (BORI: 1-55-22)

[PV-KDV:01_005_55] (Bharata)

King Dhritarashtra and Shantanu’s son told them, “Dear son, how can conflict between you and your brothers be avoided? We have chosen Khandavaprastha as your place of residence.” (BORI: 1-55-23)

[PV-KDV:01_005_56] (Bharata)

Therefore, free from anger, go and make your home at Khandavaprastha, which is well populated and has broad, well-laid-out roads. (BORI: 1-55-24)

[PV-KDV:01_005_57] (Bharata)

At the words of those two, they went with all their friends to the city of Khandavaprastha, taking riches of every kind with them. (BORI: 1-55-25)

[PV-KDV:01_005_58] (Bharata)

There they lived for many years, O king, bringing other rulers under their sway through the might of their weapons. (BORI: 1-55-26)

[PV-KDV:01_005_59] (Bharata)

Thus, placing dharma foremost, devoted to truth, vigilant, energetic, and patient, they were then scorching their enemies… (BORI: 1-55-27)

[PV-KDV:01_005_60] (Bharata)

The mighty Bhimasena conquered the east, the valiant Arjuna the north, and Nakula the west. (BORI: 1-55-28)

[PV-KDV:01_005_61] (Bharata)

Sahadeva, the slayer of enemy heroes, conquered the southern region. Thus they all brought the entire earth under their sway. (BORI: 1-55-29)

[PV-KDV:01_005_62] (Bharata)

With the five Pandavas, radiant as the sun and true in valor, and with the resplendent sun itself, the earth shone as though illuminated by six suns. (BORI: 1-55-30)

[PV-KDV:01_005_63] (Bharata)

Then, on a certain occasion, King Yudhishthira sent his brother Dhananjaya into the forest. (BORI: 1-55-31)

[PV-PAN:01_005_64] (Bharata)

He remained in the forest for a full year and one month. Then, after some time, he went to Hrishikesha in Dvaravati. (BORI: 1-55-32)

[PV-PAN:01_005_65] (Bharata)

There Bibhatsu took as his wife the lotus-eyed Subhadra, Vasudeva’s younger sister, who spoke graciously. (BORI: 1-55-33)

[PV-PAN:01_005_66] (Bharata)

The delighted Subhadra was united with Arjuna, the son of Pandu, as Shachi was with Mahendra and Shri with Krishna. (BORI: 1-55-34)

[PV-PAN:01_005_67] (Bharata)

And in the Khandava Forest, Kunti’s son Bibhatsu, together with Vasudeva, satiated the fire god, O best of kings. (BORI: 1-55-35)

[PV-PAN:01_005_68] (Bharata)

For Pārtha, with Keshava beside him, no task was too great—just as none is too great for Vishnu, aided by his resolve, when slaying his enemies. (BORI: 1-55-36)

[PV-PAN:01_005_69] (Bharata)

Agni also gave Partha the Gandiva, the finest of bows, two quivers filled with inexhaustible arrows, and a chariot bearing the monkey emblem. (BORI: 1-55-37)

[PV-PAN:01_005_70] (Bharata)

There Bibhatsu rescued Maya, the great Asura, who then built a magnificent hall filled with every kind of jewel. (BORI: 1-55-38)

[PV-PAN:01_005_71] (Bharata)

In that hall, foolish, evil-minded Duryodhana became covetous. Then, after cheating Yudhishthira at dice with the aid of Subala’s son… (BORI: 1-55-39)

[PV-KDV:01_005_72] (Bharata)

and sent him into the forest for seven years and five, followed by one year living unrecognized in a kingdom—thus making the thirteenth year. (BORI: 1-55-40)

[PV-KDV:01_005_73] (Bharata)

Then, in the fourteenth year, when they asked for their own property, they did not obtain it, great king; thereupon war broke out. (BORI: 1-55-41)

[PV-KDV:01_005_74] (Bharata)

Then, having destroyed everything and slain King Duryodhana, the Pandavas took possession of a kingdom from which most of its people had fled. (BORI: 1-55-42)

[PV-KDV:01_005_75] (Bharata)

having also performed many different sacrifices, beginning with the horse sacrifice, and when Dhritarashtra had gone to heaven and Vidura had died… (KUMB: 1-61-55; KUMB: 1-61-56)

[PV-KDV:01_005_76] (Bharata)

Having performed the heaven-winning rites for the kings of immeasurable splendor and, (KUMB: 1-61-56; KUMB: 1-61-57)

[PV-KDV:01_005_77] (Bharata)

They made the Great Departure and went to the highest heaven. (KUMB: 1-61-57)

[PV-KDV:01_005_78] (Bharata)

Thus all this befell those men of tireless deeds long ago: dissension, the loss of their kingdom, and victory, O best of conquerors. (BORI: 1-55-43)

[PV-KDV:01_005_79] (Bharata)

Vaiśampāyana concludes table of contents before starting detailed narraion

Vaiśampāyana said:

[PV-KDV:01_005_103] (Bharata)

I shall set forth in full the conception of Vyasa, the great-souled sage of immeasurable splendor, honored in all the worlds. (BORI: 1-056-12)

[PV-KDV:01_005_104] (Bharata)

This history, called Jaya, should be heard by one who desires victory; he will conquer the entire earth and defeat his enemies as well. (BORI: 1-056-19)

[PV-KDV:01_005_112] (Bharata)

This sacred work is a treatise on statecraft, a supreme treatise on dharma, and has been proclaimed as a treatise on liberation by Vyasa of boundless wisdom. (BORI: 1-056-21)

[PV-KDV:01_005_114] (Bharata)

A man who constantly listens to this quickly casts off all the sin he has committed in body, speech, and mind. (BORI: 1-056-23)

[PV-KDV:01_005_116] (Bharata)

This work, bringing prosperity, fame, long life, heaven, and merit, was composed by Kṛṣṇa Dvaipāyana, who wished to perform a meritorious deed. (BORI: 1-056-25)

[PV-KDV:01_005_118] (Bharata)

Just as the venerable ocean and Mount Himalaya are both renowned repositories of jewels, so the Bharata is said to be. (BORI: 1-056-27)

[PV-KDV:01_005_120] (Bharata)

The sage Krishna Dvaipayana, ever diligent, composed this excellent Mahabharata narrative over the course of three years. (BORI: 1-056-32)

[PV-KDV:01_005_125] (Bharata)

This was composed by the great seer after undertaking ascetic discipline. (KUMB: 1-62-45; NILA: 01.062.042)

[PV-KDV:01_005_126] (Bharata)

Therefore, Brahmins who observe religious disciplines should listen to this. This holy and excellent Bharata tale proclaimed by Krishna… (KUMB: 1-62-46; NILA: 01.062.043)

[PV-KDV:01_005_127] (Bharata)

In matters of dharma, prosperity, desire, and liberation, O bull of the Bharatas, whatever is found here may be found elsewhere; whatever is not here is found nowhere. (BORI: 1-056-33)

[PV-KDV:01_005_128] (Bharata)