01.131
Core:Dhritarastra sends Pandavas to Varanavrata.
Vaiśampāyana said:
Then King Duryodhana gradually won over all those officials through gifts of wealth and honor, along with his brothers.
Some skilled ministers appointed by Dhṛtarāṣṭra described the delightful city of Vāraṇāvata.
This great and most delightful assembly on earth was held in the city of Paśupati, Vāraṇāvata.
Thus, at Dhṛtarāṣṭra's command, they spoke of that land most pleasing to men, filled with all jewels.
As the delightful city of Vāraṇāvata was thus being described, the desire to go there arose among the sons of Pāṇḍu, O king.
When the king thought they had become curious, then the son of Ambikā addressed the Pāṇḍavas.
My men constantly speak again and again of the city of Vāraṇāvata as the most delightful in the world.
O dear ones, if you think the festival at Vāraṇāvata is pleasing, then enjoy there with your groups and retinues like the gods.
Give jewels freely to the Brāhmaṇas and singers as desired, like the illustrious gods.
Having spent some time thus and experienced great joy, you will happily return again to this Hastinapura.
Understanding Dhṛtarāṣṭra's desire and his own helplessness, Yudhiṣṭhira replied to him accordingly.
Then to Bhīṣma, the great sage; Vidura, of great intellect; Droṇa, Bāhlika, and also Somadatta the Kaurava.
Yudhiṣṭhira then gently and humbly spoke these words to Kṛpa, the teacher’s son, and to the illustrious Gāndhārī.
Dear ones, we shall dwell in the delightful, populous city of Vāraṇāvata by Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s order, along with our companions.
All of you, speak auspicious words with cheerful hearts; evil shall not overpower us who have been raised with blessings.
Thus addressed by the son of Pāṇḍu, all the Kauravas with cheerful faces approached the Pāṇḍavas.
May there always be well-being for you on the path, from all beings and in every way; may no evil befall you from any direction, O sons of Pāṇḍu.
Then the Pāṇḍavas, having completed all tasks and performed auspicious rites for attaining the kingdom, departed for Vāraṇāvata.
