02.023
Pancharatra: Pandavas go on conquest, Arjuna to north, Bheema to east, Nakula to west, and Sahadeva to south.
Vaiśampāyana said.
Arjuna, having acquired the best bow, inexhaustible quivers, and great arrows, as well as the chariot, banner, and assembly hall, spoke to Yudhiṣṭhira. (2-23-1)
O king, I have obtained the bow, missile, arrows, strength, side, earth, fame, and power—everything that was difficult to obtain and desired.
There, I consider the increase of this treasury to be my duty. I shall collect tax for the king from everyone, O best of kings. (2-23-3)
I will set out for victory towards the direction guarded by Dhanada (Kubera), choosing an auspicious lunar day, moment, and constellation, and also at a favorable time. (2-23-4)
Hearing Arjuna's words, Yudhishthira, the king of dharma, replied to him in a gentle and deep, resonant voice. (2-23-5)
Offer blessings to the worthy brāhmaṇas and proceed, O best of the Bharatas, not for the joy of the wicked but for the happiness of friends. Victory is assured for you, O Pārtha; may you attain your cherished desire. (2-23-6)
Thus addressed, Pārtha (Arjuna) set out, surrounded by the great army, riding the divine chariot given by Agni, renowned for its wondrous deeds. (2-23-7)
Likewise, Bhīmasena, as well as Nakula and Sahadeva, the foremost among men, all with their armies, departed after being honored by Dharmarāja. (2-23-8)
Indra conquered the direction desired by Kubera. Likewise, Bhīmasena conquered the east, and Sahadeva conquered the south. (2-23-9)
Nakula, skilled in weapons, conquered the western direction, O king; Dharmaraja Yudhishthira resides at Khandavaprastha. (2-23-10)
Janamejaya said.
O Brāhmaṇa, please narrate in detail the conquest of the directions. I never tire of hearing the great deeds of the ancients. (2-23-11)
Vaiśampāyana said.
I will tell you beforehand of Dhananjaya's victory. This earth has indeed been conquered simultaneously by the sons of Pritha. (2-23-12)
In earlier times, Dhanañjaya, the mighty-armed, brought the kings of the Kuṇinda territory under his control, not by excessive force, but through his actions. (2-23-13)
After conquering the Ānartas, Kālakūṭas, and Kuṇindas, he established the prosperous region, previously subdued by Pāpa, along with his army. (2-23-14)
O king, Savyasācī (Arjuna), the scorcher of foes, together with him, conquered all the islands and the kingdom of Prativindhya. (2-23-15)
A tumultuous conflict arose among all the islanders and the kings of the seven islands, as well as among Arjuna's armies. (2-23-16)
He, the mighty archer, having conquered them as well, O best of the Bharatas, then, accompanied by all of them, advanced towards Prāgjyotiṣa. (2-23-17)
There, the king, the mighty Bhagadatta, lord of men, was present. By him, a very great battle was fought with the noble Pāṇḍava. (2-23-18)
He was surrounded by the Kirātas and the Chinese, and became the king of Prāgjyotiṣa, along with many other warriors and the dwellers of the ocean and marshlands. (2-23-19)
Then, after fighting Dhanañjaya for eight days, the king, smiling and without any fatigue, spoke in the midst of the battle. (2-23-20)
O mighty-armed one, heroism is fitting in you, O delight of the Pāṇḍavas, O heir of Indra, O one who shines in battle. (2-23-21)
I am the friend of the lord of the gods, not inferior to Śakra (Indra) in battle, yet, dear one, I am unable to stand before you in battle. (2-23-22)
Tell me, O son of Pāṇḍu, what you desire; what shall I do for you? Whatever you say, O mighty-armed one, that I shall do, dear son. (2-23-23)
Arjuna said.
Yudhishthira, the son of Dharma and the foremost among the Kurus, is the king; I desire his sovereignty; let tribute be paid to him. (2-23-24)
You are the friend of my father and are also dear to me; therefore, I do not command you, but let it be given with affection. (2-23-25)
Bhagadatta said.
O mother Kuntī, as you instruct me and as King Yudhiṣṭhira commands, I will do all this. What else can I do for you? (2-23-26)
