03.045
Core-Pancharatra: Arjuna trains for 5 years under the guidance of Chitrasena.
Vaiśampāyana said.
Then the gods along with the gandharvas, after taking the excellent water offering and understanding Śakra's opinion, quickly honored Pārtha. (3-45-1)
After receiving water for washing the feet and for sipping, the prince was then ushered into Indra's palace. (3-45-2)
Thus, after being honored, the victorious Arjuna stayed in his father's house, learning from him the use of great weapons along with their methods of withdrawal. (3-45-3)
The beloved thunderbolt weapon, hard to withstand, from the hand of Śakra (Indra); thunderbolts with great sound, marked by the features of clouds and peacocks. (3-45-4)
But having taken up arms, the son of Kunti, the Pandava, remembered his brothers. By the command of Indra, he lived happily for five years. (3-45-5)
Then Indra said to Arjuna, who had mastered the weapons, when the time had come: "O son of Kunti, learn dance and music from Citraseṇa." (3-45-6)
O son of Kunti, acquire any musical instrument ordained by the gods that is not found in the world of men; it will indeed be better for you. (3-45-7)
Purandara (Indra) gave Citrasena as a friend to him. Then, having joined with him, Pārtha (Arjuna), free from affliction, enjoyed himself. (3-45-8)
Once, while wandering, the great sage Lomasha went to Indra's abode, wishing to see Purandara (Indra). (3-45-9)
Having approached and bowed to the king of the gods, the great sage saw the Pāṇḍava seated on half of Vāsava's throne. (3-45-10)
Then, with Śakra's permission, the foremost of the twice-born sat down on the seat covered with a spread, being honored by the great sages. (3-45-11)
Seeing Pārtha (Arjuna) seated on Indra's throne, a thought arose in his mind: 'How indeed has the warrior Pārtha obtained Indra's seat?' (3-45-12)
But what are his virtuous actions, or which worlds has he conquered? Who, having thus attained the place worshipped by the gods? (3-45-13)
Having understood his intention, Indra, the destroyer of Vṛtra and lord of Śacī, smiled and said these words to Lomaśa. (3-45-14)
O brāhmaṇa-ṛṣi, listen to what you have intended in your mind to say. This person is not merely a mortal; indeed, he has attained the status of a kṣatriya. (3-45-15)
O great sage, this son of mine, born of Kunti and mighty-armed, has come here for weapons, but for what other reason has he come? (3-45-16)
Indeed, you do not know him, the ancient and foremost of sages. Listen to me, O Brahman, as I tell you who he is and what his cause is. (3-45-17)
Know that Hṛṣīkeśa and Dhanañjaya here are those two ancient best among sages, Nara and Nārāyaṇa. (3-45-18)
That sacred hermitage known as Badarī is renowned as a place which even the gods, sages, or great souls are unable to behold. (3-45-19)
That place became the abode of Viṣṇu and Jiṣṇu as well, O brāhmaṇa; from there the Gaṅgā, attended by siddhas and cāraṇas, flowed forth. (3-45-20)
O Brahmarṣi, by my command, those two of great splendor and might have been born on earth and will accomplish the removal of the earth's burden. (3-45-21)
Indeed, some of the asuras, known as the Nivātakavacas, have become arrogant. They have taken a stand among our enemies and, due to the boon, have become deluded. (3-45-22)
Endowed with the pride of strength and having received boons, they contemplate killing the gods; they do not regard the gods at all. (3-45-23)
The fierce and mighty sons of Danu, dwellers of the netherworld, were so powerful that not even all the hosts of the gods were able to fight them. (3-45-24)
That one who has gone to the earth, the illustrious Viṣṇu, destroyer of Madhu, is the god named Kapila, the glorious, unconquered Hari. (3-45-25)
O lord, by whose mere sight the sons of Sagara, those great-souled ones who were digging into the netherworld, were formerly slain. (3-45-26)
O best of the twice-born, a great task of ours is to be accomplished by him; by Pārtha too, in the great battle, surely by the two assembled, there is no doubt. (3-45-27)
He, being capable of opposing all of them, having slain them in battle, the hero will again return to the men. (3-45-28)
You, by our command, should go for now to the earth; in Kāmyaka you will see the hero Yudhishthira residing there. (3-45-29)
He should be told my message: the righteous and truthful one should not be anxious in the month of Phalguna; having completed his preparations, he will return quickly. (3-45-30)
Bhishma, Drona, and others cannot be opposed in battle either by impure strength of arms or by weapons not properly used. (3-45-31)
Guḍākeśa (Arjuna), mighty-armed and great-minded, took up his weapons, surpassing the divine dance, music, and songs. (3-45-32)
O lord of men, you too, accompanied by all your brothers, deserve to visit the secluded holy places, O subduer of foes. (3-45-33)
O king, after bathing in holy and meritorious places, freed from sin and all afflictions, you will happily enjoy your kingdom, your impurities having vanished. (3-45-34)
You, O best of Brāhmaṇas, endowed with the power of penance, are indeed worthy to protect this one who wanders on the earth. (3-45-35)
Fierce rākṣasas always dwell in mountain-fortresses and difficult regions; you should always protect yourself from them. (3-45-36)
Having thus promised, the great ascetic Lomaśa set out for the Kāmyaka forest and arrived on the earth's surface. (3-45-37)
He saw there Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti and king of dharma, subduer of enemies, surrounded on all sides by ascetics and his brothers. (3-45-38)
