02.019
Pancharatra: Beating the drums, entering Girivraja through the back door, dressed as Snatakas, Krishna declares themselves as enemies in front of Jarasandha.
Vāsudeva said.
O Pārtha, this settlement of Magadha is great, delightful, rich in cattle, always supplied with water, free from disease, abounding in fine houses, and auspicious. (2-19-1)
O dear, Vaihara, Vipula, Śaila, Varāha, Vṛṣabha, and similarly Ṛṣigiri, as well as the five auspicious Caityaka mountains. (2-19-2)
These five great-peaked mountains, covered with cool trees, seem to protect the mountain-enclosure by joining together with united bodies. (2-19-3)
With branch-tips wreathed in flowers, fragrant and delightful, as if concealed by the forests of lodhra trees beloved of lovers. (2-19-4)
Gautama, the great-souled sage firm in vows, begot Kākṣīvata and other sons in the Śūdra woman and in the woman of the Uśīnara lineage. (2-19-5)
Gautama, having left this dwelling, then, there in the house, enjoys the Magadhan lineage by the favor of the kings. (2-19-6)
O Arjuna, in ancient times, kings of great might such as Aṅga, Vaṅga and others, having come to the abode of Gautama, used to take delight there. (2-19-7)
But, O Pārtha, let us look at these delightful groves of priyāla trees and the auspicious lodhra trees that grow near the hermitage of Gautama. (2-19-8)
Arbuda and Śakravāpī, the two serpents who torment their enemies; here is the abode of Svastika, and also of the excellent Maṇināga. (2-19-9)
The Magadha jewel was inevitable for the clouds; for the sake of the jewel, Kauśika and Maṇimān both indeed increased their favor. (2-19-10)
Jarāsandha believes your success is assured. Today, as we confront him, we shall surely destroy his pride. (2-19-11)
Vaiśampāyana said.
Having thus spoken, all the powerful brothers, along with Kṛṣṇa (the descendant of Vṛṣṇi) and the two sons of Pāṇḍu, set out for the city of Magadha. (2-19-12)
They approached Girivraja, which was filled with content and prosperous people, crowded with people of the four varṇas, thriving with festivals, and unassailable. (2-19-13)
Then they reached the city gate and saw the towering mountain being worshipped by the Barhadrathas and the city-dwellers. (2-19-14)
Where Bṛhadratha approached a figure (not a real bull) made of black gram; after killing it, he had three drums made from the stalks of black gram. (2-19-15)
Having tied on the hide, he established (the drums) in his own city, where those life-giving drums were sprinkled with divine flower powder. (2-19-16)
The enemies of Jarasandha, eager to destroy, rushed together towards the splendid, shrine-adorned city of the Magadhas, as if attacking the very head. (2-19-17)
It is firm, with a very broad and lofty peak, very great and ancient, always worshipped with garlands and always well-established. (2-19-18)
The mighty-armed heroes struck down their foes and overthrew them. Then, upon seeing the city of Magadha, they entered the city at that time. (2-19-19)
But at that very moment, the priests, surrounding the king seated on an elephant with fire, were worshipping Jarāsandha. (2-19-20)
O Bhārata, those who had taken the vow of a graduate, though armed, entered unarmed, desiring to fight, by Jarasandha. (2-19-21)
They saw the excellent prosperity of the shops selling food and garlands, which was abundant, endowed with all virtues, and fulfilled every desire. (2-19-22)
But when those foremost of men, Kṛṣṇa, Bhīma, and Dhanañjaya, saw her prosperity in that street, they proceeded along the royal road. (2-19-23)
The very strong ones, all dressed in ochre garments, adorned with garlands and polished earrings, forcibly took the garlands from the garland-makers. (2-19-24)
Then they proceeded to the residence of the wise Jarasandha, glancing at the cow-shed like lions of the Himalayas. (2-19-25)
O great king, the arms of those strong-armed men, adorned with sandalwood and aloeswood and resembling mountain pillars, shone brilliantly. (2-19-26)
When he saw those Māgadhas, broad-chested and risen like the trunks of śāla trees, resembling elephants, he was filled with astonishment. (2-19-27)
Those mighty bulls among men, having said 'you', passed through the three enclosures crowded with people and, filled with pride, approached the king. (2-19-28)
Jarāsandha, having risen to receive them, approached the guests who were worthy of pādya, madhuparka, respect, and honor, and who had attained honor, according to the prescribed rule. (2-19-29)
The king said to them, "Welcome to you," O lord. Indeed, this vow of his became renowned on earth. (2-19-30)
O Bhārata, having heard that the Brāhmaṇas who had completed their Vedic studies had arrived, King Samitiñjaya himself goes out to meet them, even if it is midnight. (2-19-31)
When Jarāsandha, the foremost of kings, saw them in their unprecedented attire, he approached and was astonished at that time. (2-19-32)
But when the bulls among men, destroyers of enemies, saw King Jarāsandha, all of them said this, O best of the Bharatas. (2-19-33)
All remained saying, "Let there be well-being and welfare, O king." Then, O tiger among kings, they all looked at the king and at each other. (2-19-34)
Jarāsandha then addressed the Yādavas and Pāṇḍavas, who were disguised as brāhmaṇas, saying, "Be seated," O king. (2-19-35)
Then all three of those eminent men sat down together; the three, radiant with splendor, resembled fires blazing in a great sacrifice. (2-19-36)
Jarāsandha, the truthful king, reproached them, O Kauravya, because they had assumed a disguise. (2-19-37)
It is well known to me in every way that Brāhmaṇas who do not observe the vow of a graduate, but go about outside adorned with garlands and ointments, become thus in this world of men. (2-19-38)
You, who are adorned with flowers and whose arms bear the marks of bowstring strikes, possess both the strength of warriors and the qualities of brāhmaṇas, and you declare this. (2-19-39)
Thus, wearing faded clothes and adorned with garlands and ointments outside, speak the truth—who are you? Truth is resplendent among kings. (2-19-40)
Having pierced the sanctuary and the mountain peak, what is this house of ours that you have entered by a doorless way, standing here fearless of the king's punishment? (2-19-41)
What is to be said about the action in the optative mood, and what should be considered? Speak, for the strength of a Brāhmaṇa lies especially in speech. (2-19-42)
Thus, having approached me, why should he not accept the worship prescribed by us according to the rule? What action is there in our presence? (2-19-43)
Thus addressed, Kṛṣṇa, the great-minded one, replied with words of affection and depth, being an expert in speech. (2-19-44)
O king, for Brāhmaṇas, Kṣatriyas, and Vaiśyas who have undertaken the vow of a graduate, there are both special and general rules that apply to them. (2-19-45)
A distinguished Kṣatriya always attains prosperity. Among those who have flowers, prosperity is assured, and thus, we are those who possess flowers. (2-19-46)
A warrior is known for his physical strength, but not so much for the strength of his words. If his speech is not bold, therefore, in the Bhārata, it is remembered in this way. (2-19-47)
The creator placed the kṣatriyas' own strength in their arms. If you wish to see that, O king, you will see it today without any doubt. (2-19-48)
The enemy enters a house without a door, while a friend enters through the door. Good people always enter through the door; therefore, the door should not be excluded. (2-19-49)
We, who have duties, having come to the houses as enemies, do not accept the offerings of those worthy of honor; know that this is our eternal vow. (2-19-50)
