02.001
Pancharatra: Krishna asks Maya to build a palace for Arjuna.
Vaiśampāyana said.
Then Maya, with folded hands and gentle words, repeatedly honored and addressed Pārtha (Arjuna) in the presence of Vāsudeva (Kṛṣṇa). (2-1-1)
O son of Kuntī, I have been protected by you from this, from Kṛṣṇa, from the enraged, from fire, and from the one desiring to burn me. Tell me, what shall I do for you? (2-1-2)
Arjuna said.
Everything has truly been accomplished by you; go in peace, O great asura. Always remain affectionate towards me, and we too are always affectionate towards you. (2-1-3)
Maya said.
O Bhārata, as you have rightly said, O mighty one, O best of men, I wish to do a little (service) with affection. (2-1-4)
I am indeed Viśvakarmā, the great poet of the Dānavas; I, that very one, truly wish to do something for your sake, O Pāṇḍava. (2-1-5)
Arjuna said.
You think that you have been released from severe affliction of breath by me. But now, in this situation, I shall not be able to get anything done by you. (2-1-6)
O demon, I do not wish your resolve to be in vain. Let something be done for Kṛṣṇa in such a way that it is reciprocated by me. (2-1-7)
Vaiśampāyana said.
But Vāsudeva, having been urged by me, O best of the Bharatas, pondered for a moment as if thinking, 'What should this be urged?' (2-1-8)
Kṛṣṇa urged him, saying, "Let the assembly be constructed as you think fit here, O son of Diti, for Dharmarāja." (2-1-9)
Create such an assembly here in the whole world of men that, upon seeing it, people will be so astonished that they will not attempt to imitate it. (2-1-10)
O Kuru, establish that assembly where, by your arrangement, we may see those with divine intentions as well as demonic and human beings. (2-1-11)
Maya, delighted after accepting those words, then joyfully constructed a palace-like assembly hall for the Pāṇḍava. (2-1-12)
Then Kṛṣṇa and Pārtha showed all this, as it is to be known, to Dharmarāja Yudhiṣṭhira. (2-1-13)
Then Yudhishthira offered due honor to him. Maya, having been honored, accepted that honor with respect. (2-1-14)
O Bhārata, the son of Diti narrated the ancient deeds of the gods in various places to the sons of Pāṇḍu, O lord of kings. (2-1-15)
After regaining his composure for a while and reflecting, Viśvakarmā began constructing the assembly hall for the noble Pāṇḍavas. (2-1-16)
With the intention of the Pāṇḍavas and the noble Kṛṣṇa, on an auspicious day, the radiant one performed a festive and auspicious ceremony. (2-1-17)
The powerful one, having satisfied thousands of the best among the twice-born with payasa and given them various kinds of wealth, did so indeed. (2-1-18)
He measured her on all sides as being endowed with the qualities of all seasons, possessing a divine and charming form, and extending ten thousand yoke-lengths. (2-1-19)
