01.192
Core: Funny conversation between Vidura and Dhritarastra.
Vaiśampāyana said.
Then, the intelligence gathered by the kings' trusted spies was brought. Draupadī, accompanied by the Pāṇḍavas, was attended by her husbands and was auspicious.
He, by whom that bow was stretched and the target pierced, is Arjuna—the foremost among the victorious, wielder of the mighty bow and arrows.
He who, having lifted Śalya, the king of Madra, and whirled him around in his strength, also, in great rage, caused the warriors in battle to tremble with a tree.
There was not even the slightest confusion in that great-souled one. That Bhima, of terrible touch, was the one who struck down the limbs of the enemy army.
When the sons of King Pāṇḍu, the sons of Kuntī, and the kings among men heard of those who had assumed the form of Brahman, they were filled with astonishment.
It was formerly heard that Kuntī, along with her sons, was burnt in the lac house. Now, all the kings think that these are born again.
At that time, they condemned Bhishma, Dhritarashtra, and the Kaurava for their cruel act, namely the deed committed by Purochana.
When the svayaṃvara was completed, all the kings, realizing that the Pāṇḍavas had been chosen, departed as they had come.
Then King Duryodhana, dispirited, was accompanied by his brothers, Aśvatthāman, his maternal uncle, Karṇa, and Kṛpa.
When he turned back and saw Draupadī surrounding the one with the white chariot, Duḥśāsana, feeling ashamed, spoke to him slowly, almost hesitantly.
If he were not a brāhmaṇa, he would not have won Draupadī; truly, O king, no one knows Dhanañjaya (Arjuna) in reality.
But I consider fate to be supreme; human effort is useless. Shame on our effort, dear father, which the Pāṇḍavas are taking away here.
Thus, while speaking among themselves and criticizing Purocana, they entered Hastinapura, feeling dejected and dispirited.
Frightened and having lost her resolve, having seen the mighty sons of Pṛthā, who were released from the sacrificial fire and united by Drupada.
He considered Dhṛṣṭadyumna, Śikhaṇḍin, the sons of Drupada, and all the others who were skilled in every kind of battle.
But Vidura, upon hearing from Draupadī that the Pāṇḍavas were safe, saw that the sons of Dhṛtarāṣṭra had arrived, ashamed and humbled.
Then, the charioteer, pleased, said to Dhritarashtra, 'By fortune, the Kurus are prospering,' expressing astonishment, O lord of kings.
O Bhārata, King Vichitravirya, upon hearing that from Vidura, was extremely pleased and said, 'By fortune, by fortune!'
The wise king, out of ignorance, considers Duryodhana, who was chosen by the daughter of Drupada, to be the eldest son.
Then, at that time, Draupadī ordered, "Let many ornaments be brought for Kṛṣṇā," thus instructing you, O son Duryodhana.
Then, Vidura subsequently informed him that the Pāṇḍavas, surrounded by all, were well and honored by Drupada; and that many other strong relatives of theirs were also present.
Dhṛtarāṣṭra said:
Just as those sons of Pāṇḍu, so too my affection is even greater. This, O Vidura, is my considered opinion: my affection has grown. That your heroic Pāṇḍavas, who are surrounded by friends, are well.
O Kṣatta, who, having approached Drupada along with his relatives as a friend, would not wish to regain prosperity, even if he is a king who has lost his wealth?
Vaiśampāyana said.
Vidura replied to him thus: "O king, may this intellect of yours always endure for a hundred years."
Then Duryodhana and Karna, O lord of the kings, approached Dhṛtarāṣṭra and spoke these words:
O king, in Vidura's presence we cannot speak to you; let us speak in private. What is it that you intend to do?
O best of men, that increase of your rival which you, O dear one, consider as your own increase and desire in the presence of the chamberlain.
O king, while you are engaged in another duty, you do something else, O sinless one. Always, dear one, you must indeed obstruct their strength.
We are deliberating on what action to take at the right time, so that they may not destroy us along with our sons, strength, and relatives.
