Chapter 2: Vyāsa arrives at Janamejaya’s serpent sacrifice, and Vaiśampāyana begins narrating the Jaya with its table of contents.
Suta said:
[PV-KDV:01_005_1] (Bharata-Ext)
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-Ext)
whom Kālī, while still a maiden, bore to Parāśara, the son of Śakti, on an island in the Yamunā—the grandfather of the Pāṇḍavas. (BORI: 1-54-2)
[PV-PAX:01_005_3] (Bharata-Ext)
who, as soon as he was born, enlarged his body at will and, greatly renowned, mastered the Vedas together with their ancillary disciplines and the Itihasas… (BORI: 1-54-3)
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whom no one surpasses in austerity, Vedic study, vows, fasting, progeny, or wrath... (BORI: 1-54-4)
[PV-PAX:01_005_5] (Bharata-Ext)
who, foremost among those who know the Veda, divided the single Veda into four—a Brahmarshi who knew the higher and the lower, a seer, true to his vows, and pure… (BORI: 1-54-5)
[PV-PAX:01_005_6] (Bharata-Ext)
who begot Pandu, Dhritarashtra, and Vidura, perpetuating Shantanu’s line, a man of holy fame and great renown… (BORI: 1-54-6)
[PV-PAX:01_005_7] (Bharata-Ext)
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)
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There he saw King Janamejaya seated, surrounded by many participants in the sacrificial session, like Purandara surrounded by the gods. (BORI: 1-54-8)
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as well as by consecrated kings, lords of many realms, and by godlike officiating priests skilled in the performance of sacrifices. (BORI: 1-54-9)
[PV-PAX:01_005_10] (Bharata-Ext)
But when the royal sage Janamejaya saw that the seer had arrived, the foremost of the Bharatas quickly rose with his retinue to greet him, filled with delight. (BORI: 1-54-10)
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With the assembly’s consent, the king prepared a golden seat for him, as Śakra does for Bṛhaspati. (BORI: 1-54-11)
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When the boon-granting sage, honored by hosts of divine seers, had taken his seat there, the king paid homage to him with the rites prescribed in scripture. (BORI: 1-54-12)
[PV-PAX:01_005_13] (Bharata-Ext)
He duly offered water for washing the feet, water for sipping, a respectful offering, and a cow to his venerable grandfather Krishna, who was worthy of such honors. (BORI: 1-54-13)
[PV-PAX:01_005_14] (Bharata-Ext)
Having accepted that honor from Janamejaya, descendant of Pandu, and dismissed the cow, Vyasa was pleased. (BORI: 1-54-14)
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After thus honoring his great-grandfather with due care, he sat down beside him and, pleased at heart, inquired after his health. (BORI: 1-54-15)
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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-Ext)
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)
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You witnessed the Kurus and the Pandavas firsthand. O Brahmin, I wish to hear their story told by you. (BORI: 1-54-18)
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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-Ext)
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-Ext)
Hearing his words, Kṛṣṇa Dvaipāyana then instructed his disciple Vaiśampāyana, who was seated nearby: (BORI: 1-54-21)
[PV-KDV:01_005_22] (Bharata-Ext)
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-Ext)
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-Ext)
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-Ext)
Vaiśampāyana said:
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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-Ext)
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-Ext)
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-Ext)
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-Ext)
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-Ext)
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-Ext)
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)
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Then the cruel Duryodhana, together with Karna and Saubala, employed various means to subdue and banish them. (BORI: 1-55-8)
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Then the wicked son of Dhritarashtra gave poison to Bhima, but the hero Vrikodara digested it along with his food. (BORI: 1-55-9)
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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)
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When Kunti’s son awoke, he broke his bonds and rose, O great king; Bhimasena was unharmed. (BORI: 1-55-11)
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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)
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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-Ext)
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-Ext)
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-Ext)
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-Ext)
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-Ext)
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-Ext)
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-Ext)
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-Ext)
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-Ext)
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-Ext)
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-Ext)
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-Ext)
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-Ext)
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-Ext)
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-Ext)
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-Ext)
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-Ext)
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-Ext)
Thus, placing dharma foremost, devoted to truth, vigilant, energetic, and patient, they were then scorching their enemies… (BORI: 1-55-27)
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The mighty Bhimasena conquered the east, the valiant Arjuna the north, and Nakula the west. (BORI: 1-55-28)
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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-Ext)
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-Ext)
Then, on a certain occasion, King Yudhishthira sent his brother Dhananjaya into the forest. (BORI: 1-55-31)
[PV-PAN:01_005_64] (Bharata-Ext)
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-Ext)
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-Ext)
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-Ext)
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-Ext)
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-Ext)
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)
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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-Ext)
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)
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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)
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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-Ext)
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-Ext)
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)
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Having performed the heaven-winning rites for the kings of immeasurable splendor and, (KUMB: 1-61-56; KUMB: 1-61-57)
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They made the Great Departure and went to the highest heaven. (KUMB: 1-61-57)
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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-Ext)
Janamejaya said:
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Best of Brahmins, you have indeed related everything in brief—the Mahabharata narrative, the great history of the Kurus. (BORI: 1-056-1)
[PV-PAX:01_005_92] (Bharata-Ext)
But, O sinless one, as you tell this wondrous tale, I have become intensely eager to hear it in detail. (BORI: 1-056-2)
[PV-PAX:01_005_93] (Bharata-Ext)
Therefore, you should recount this to me again in full, for I never tire of hearing of the great deeds of the ancients. (BORI: 1-056-3)
[PV-PAX:01_005_94] (Bharata-Ext)
The cause cannot have been slight, for the Pandavas, who knew dharma, utterly slew those who were not to be slain and are praised by men. (BORI: 1-056-4)
[PV-PAX:01_005_95] (Bharata-Ext)
Why did those tigers among men, though powerful and blameless, endure the sufferings inflicted by the wicked? (BORI: 1-056-5)
[PV-PAX:01_005_96] (Bharata-Ext)
How, O best of Brahmins, did the mighty-armed Vrikodara, whose strength equaled that of ten thousand elephants, restrain his anger even while being tormented? (BORI: 1-056-6)
[PV-PAX:01_005_97] (Bharata-Ext)
How did Draupadi Krishna, though capable of doing so, refrain from burning the sons of Dhritarashtra with her terrible gaze as those wicked men tormented her? (BORI: 1-056-7)
[PV-PAX:01_005_98] (Bharata-Ext)
How did the two sons of Pritha, and likewise the sons of Madri, stand aside during the dice game and follow that tiger among men while wicked men cheated him? (BORI: 1-056-8)
[PV-PAX:01_005_99] (Bharata-Ext)
How did Yudhishthira—the foremost upholder of dharma, the son of Dharma and knower of dharma—endure such extreme suffering, though he did not deserve it? (BORI: 1-056-9)
[PV-PAX:01_005_100] (Bharata-Ext)
And how did the Pandava Dhananjaya, with Krishna as his charioteer, single-handedly shoot down the vast armies and send them all to the realm of the ancestors? (BORI: 1-056-10)
[PV-PAX:01_005_101] (Bharata-Ext)
Tell me all this as it happened, O treasure of austerity, and everything those great chariot-warriors did in each place. (BORI: 1-056-11)
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Vaiśampāyana said:
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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-Ext)
There are two thousand chapters, exactly one hundred parvans, and one hundred thousand verses; the great seer then arranged it into eighteen parvans. (KUMB: 1-62-16)
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This collection of one hundred thousand verses concerning virtuous deeds was expounded here by the immensely powerful son of Satyavati. (BORI: 1-056-13)
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The learned man who recites this and the man who listens to it will attain Brahman’s abode and become equal to the gods. (BORI: 1-056-14)
[PV-PAX:01_005_107] (Bharata-Ext)
For this Purana accords with the Vedas, is holy and supreme, and is the finest of works to be recited, praised by the seers. (BORI: 1-056-15)
[PV-PAX:01_005_108] (Bharata-Ext)
In this highly meritorious history, worldly prosperity and righteousness are taught in full, as is ultimate wisdom. (BORI: 1-056-16)
[PV-PAX:01_005_109] (Bharata-Ext)
A learned man who recites this Veda of Krishna to those who are noble, charitable, truthful, and believing obtains wealth. (BORI: 1-056-17)
[PV-PAX:01_005_110] (Bharata-Ext)
Even a very cruel man, on hearing this history, would undoubtedly rid himself of the sin incurred by killing an unborn child. (BORI: 1-056-18)
[PV-PAX:01_005_111] (Bharata-Ext)
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-Ext)
This is the finest rite for securing male offspring and a great rite for prosperity; likewise, it should be heard repeatedly by the chief queen and the crown prince. (BORI: 1-056-20)
[PV-PAX:01_005_113] (Bharata-Ext)
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-Ext)
They recount it now, and others too will recount it in the future. Sons are dutiful, and servants seek to please. (BORI: 1-056-22)
[PV-PAX:01_005_115] (Bharata-Ext)
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-Ext)
Those who listen without envy to the great birth of the Bharatas have no fear of illness—how then could they fear the next world? (BORI: 1-056-24)
[PV-PAX:01_005_117] (Bharata-Ext)
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-Ext)
while spreading throughout the world the fame of the great-souled Pandavas and of other Kshatriyas possessed of abundant wealth and prowess… (BORI: 1-056-26)
[PV-PAX:01_005_119] (Bharata-Ext)
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-Ext)
The learned man who recites this here to Brahmins on sacred days, cleansed of sin and assured of heaven, attains union with Brahman. (BORI: 1-056-28)
[PV-PAX:01_005_121] (Bharata-Ext)
And whoever has even a quarter of this recited to Brahmins at a śrāddha—his śrāddha will remain imperishable and will reach his ancestors as well. (BORI: 1-056-29)
[PV-PAX:01_005_122] (Bharata-Ext)
Whatever sin a man commits during the day, unwittingly, as he goes about his affairs, is entirely dissolved simply by hearing the Mahabharata narrative. (BORI: 1-056-30)
[PV-PAX:01_005_123] (Bharata-Ext)
It is called the Mahabharata because it tells of the great birth of the Bharatas. Whoever understands this derivation of its name is freed from all sins. (BORI: 1-056-31)
[PV-PAX:01_005_124] (Bharata-Ext)
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-Ext)
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-Ext)
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-Ext)
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-Ext)