02.009
Library: Description of Varuna’s assembly.
Nārada said.
Yudhishthira's assembly hall was divine, shining with the white radiance of Varuṇa, measured just like Yama's, and adorned with beautiful ramparts and gateways. (2-9-1)
Having entered the waters within, (there was a structure) constructed by Viśvakarman, adorned with divine jewel trees, and filled with trees that bore fruit and flowers. (2-9-2)
There were bushes of various kinds—dark-blue, yellow, white, dark, white, and red—some drooping, all bearing clusters of flowers. (2-9-3)
In that place, there were birds of many kinds and forms, with soft voices, indescribable in appearance, numbering in the hundreds and thousands. (2-9-4)
That assembly hall, pleasant to the touch, is neither cold nor hot; it is adorned with mansions and seats, delightful, bright, and protected by Varuṇa. (2-9-5)
O Bhārata, in whom Varuṇa, together with Vāruṇī, resides, adorned with divine gem-studded garments and ornaments. (2-9-6)
The Ādityas, adorned with garlands and divine wreaths, there worship Varuṇa, the lord of the waters. (2-9-7)
Vāsuki, Takṣaka, Nāga, Airāvata, Kṛṣṇa, Lohita, Padma, and Citra—all powerful serpents—are mentioned here. (2-9-8)
Kambala and Aśvatara, the serpents; Dhṛtarāṣṭra and Balāhaka; Maṇimān, Kuṇḍaladhara, Karkoṭaka, and the two Dhanañjayas. (2-9-9)
Prahlāda, Mūṣikāda, and likewise Janamejaya; all those with banners, armies, and serpent-hoods. (2-9-10)
O Yudhiṣṭhira, these and many other serpents in that place worship the great-souled Varuṇa, free from fatigue. (2-9-11)
Bali, the son of Virocana, the king; Naraka, the conqueror of the earth; Prahlada, Vipracitti, and all the Kālakhañjas. (2-9-12)
Suhanur, Durmukha, Shankha, Sumanas, Sumati, Svan, Ghatodara, Mahaparshva, Krathana, and Pithara were also there. (2-9-13)
He who has the form of the universe, a beautiful form, and also a deformed one; then the great-headed, the ten-necked, Vālī, the cloud-dweller, and the ten-formed. (2-9-14)
Kaiṭabha, Viṭaṭūta, Saṃhrāda, Indratāpana, and all the groups of Daityas and Dānavas, all adorned with beautiful earrings. (2-9-15)
All of them wore garlands and crowns, adorned with divine ornaments, all were valiant, had received boons, and were free from death. (2-9-16)
There, all those of good conduct and vows always worship the great-souled god Varuṇa, who is bound by the noose of dharma. (2-9-17)
Thus, the four oceans, the river Bhagirathi, and also Kalindi, Vidiśā, Veṇṇā, and Narmadā, all of which are swift-flowing, (are mentioned here). (2-9-18)
Vipāśā, Śatadru, Candrabhāgā, Sarasvatī, Irāvatī, Vitastā, Sindhu, and Devanada are also included among the rivers. (2-9-19)
Godāvarī, Kṛṣṇaveṇṇā, Kāverī, and the best of rivers; these and other rivers, sacred fords, and lakes are mentioned here. (2-9-20)
O Yudhiṣṭhira, there are wells with springs and inhabited places; there are also marshes and ponds that are inhabited, O Bhārata. (2-9-21)
In the same way, the directions, the earth, all the mountains, and all aquatic beings worship the great-souled one. (2-9-22)
The groups of Gandharvas and Apsarases, possessing songs and musical instruments, all indeed assemble in that assembly, praising Varuṇa. (2-9-23)
All the mountains that possess jewels and in whom the essences are established, all those with forms worship that Lord. (2-9-24)
O best of the Bharatas, this beautiful assembly of Varuṇa, which I have previously seen, having approached, listen to the assembly of Kubera. (2-9-25)
