02.052
Core-Pancharatra: Yudhisthira along with his brothers and Draupadi come to Hastinapura to participate in the game of dice.
Vaiśampāyana said.
Then Vidura, compelled by King Dhritarashtra, set out with noble, swift, strong, and well-trained horses towards the wise Pandavas. (2-52-1)
He, having traversed that path and reached the king's city, the wise one entered, being honored by the Brahmins. (2-52-2)
He reached the royal palace, which resembled Kubera's mansion, and the righteous one approached Yudhishthira, the son of Dharma. (2-52-3)
King Satyadhṛti, the great-souled, and Ajātaśatru (Yudhiṣṭhira), after properly receiving Vidura with due honor, then Ajamīḍha (Yudhiṣṭhira) asked Dhṛtarāṣṭra along with his son. (2-52-4)
Yudhiṣṭhira said.
It is understood that your mind is not overjoyed; O charioteer, have you come safely? Are the sons of the elder obedient to him? And are the people also under control? (2-52-5)
Vidura said.
The great-souled king, prosperous and with sons, lives surrounded by relatives equal to Indra. O king, he is pleased by his well-mannered sons, free from sorrow, delighting in his own self, and firm in mind. (2-52-6)
But the king of the Kurus addressed you, having first inquired about your well-being and imperishable state. This assembly is of a form equal to your own; see her, having come, O son, of your brothers. (2-52-7)
O Pārtha, having gathered here with your brothers, let a friendly game of dice be played and let there be enjoyment. We are pleased by your company; all the Kurus have assembled here as well. (2-52-8)
Those difficult-to-conquer ones appointed there by the great-souled King Dhritarashtra, you will see them assembled, O gambler; I am always present, O king, accept that. (2-52-9)
Yudhiṣṭhira said.
O Kṣatta, there is quarrel for us in gambling; who, being aware, would approve of gambling? What do you think is proper? We all indeed stood by your words. (2-52-10)
Vidura said.
I am aware that gambling is the root of misfortune, and I have made efforts to prevent it. However, the king has sent me to you; having heard this, O learned one, please act here for the welfare. (2-52-11)
Yudhiṣṭhira said.
Who are the other gamblers there, apart from the sons of King Dhritarashtra? I ask you, Vidura, tell us, those with whom we assemble by the hundreds to play dice. (2-52-12)
Vidura said.
Śakuni, the king of Gandhara and lord of men; Rājātidevī, the accomplished-handed, Matākṣa; Viviṃśati, Citrasena, the king; Satyavrata, Purumitra, and Jaya. (2-52-13)
Yudhiṣṭhira said.
Terrifying deceivers have gathered here, employing trickery and pretending to be divine. Yet, all this is truly under the control of fate as ordained by the Creator; today, what happens to me is not outside the divine order, even though it is caused by those deceivers. (2-52-14)
I am not under the command of King Dhritarashtra; I do not wish to go to Duryodhana, O sage. A father is always dear to his son; I am such a doer, as you have known me from Vidura. (2-52-15)
I am not unwilling to play at dice with Śakuni; nor, if a bold one challenges me in the assembly, will I refuse. If summoned, I never turn back; that is my eternal and indeed established vow. (2-52-16)
Vaiśampāyana said.
Having thus spoken to Vidura, Dharmarāja quickly instructed all matters related to departure and, on the next day, set out with his retinue and followers, together with the women, taking Draupadī and the others with him. (2-52-17)
Fate deprives a person of wisdom, just as energy leaves the eyes; and the bodily constitution comes under control, like an old man bound by fetters. (2-52-18)
Having spoken thus, King Yudhishthira departed with his charioteer. Unable to bear it, Arjuna, the son of Pritha and subduer of enemies, accepted the challenge. (2-52-19)
Pārtha (Arjuna), armored and the destroyer of enemy heroes, mounted the chariot given by Bāhlika and went forth together with his brothers, the Pāṇḍavas. (2-52-20)
Radiant with royal splendour and accompanied by Brahmins, he proceeded, having been summoned by Dhritarashtra at the appointed time. (2-52-21)
He went to Hastinapura and then to the house of Dhritarashtra. The righteous Pandava was received by Dhritarashtra. (2-52-22)
Thus, the mighty one approached together with Droṇa, Bhīṣma, Karṇa, Kṛpa, and the son of Droṇa, in the proper manner. (2-52-23)
Having assembled, the mighty-armed Bhīṣma, along with Somadatta, Duryodhana, Śalya, and the powerful son of Subala (Śakuni), gathered together. (2-52-24)
And those other kings who had already assembled there, along with Jayadratha and also entirely by the Kurus. (2-52-25)
Then, surrounded by all his brothers, the mighty-armed one entered the house of the wise King Dhritarashtra. (2-52-26)
There he saw Queen Gandhari, ever devoted to her husband, surrounded by her daughters-in-law, just as Rohini is always encircled by the stars. (2-52-27)
After saluting Gandhari and being greeted by her, he saw his aged father, the lord whose vision is wisdom. (2-52-28)
O king, the four Pāṇḍavas, headed by Bhīmasena, who were the delight of the Kauravas, had their heads smelled by the king as a mark of blessing. (2-52-29)
Then, O lord of kings, joy arose among the Kauravas when they saw the Pāṇḍavas, those tigers among men, who were pleasing to behold. (2-52-30)
Having received permission, they entered the jewel-filled houses; then the women, led by Draupadī, came forward and saw them. (2-52-31)
When the daughters-in-law of Dhṛtarāṣṭra saw the blazing great prosperity of the son of Yājñasena (Draupadī), they were not very pleased. (2-52-32)
Then those tiger-like men, after going and making arrangements with the women, performed the preliminary exercises, duties, and counter-actions. (2-52-33)
Then, after all had performed their daily rituals and were anointed with divine sandalwood, with auspicious minds, they were to offer words of well-being to the Brāhmaṇas. (2-52-34)
After enjoying delicious food, the Kurus entered their shelters; as the women sang to them, they fell asleep. (2-52-35)
That auspicious night for those who delighted in pleasure passed; praised and having rested, at the proper time, they then gave up sleep. (2-52-36)
After spending the night happily, in the morning, all of them, having completed their morning rituals, entered the beautiful assembly hall, which was surrounded by gamblers. (2-52-37)
