03.078
Bṛhadaśva said.
But when the city was peaceful and rejoicing in the midst of the great festival, the king led Damayanti forth with a large army. (03-78-1)
Bhīma, the destroyer of enemy heroes, whose soul is immeasurable and who is of terrible valor, having honored Damayantī, also sent her forth. (03-78-2)
But with the arrival of the princess of Vidarbha along with her son, King Nala lived joyfully, like the king of the gods in Nandana. (03-78-3)
Thus, having become renowned among the kings of Jambudvīpa, he, the highly renowned one, returned and again dwelt in his own kingdom. (03-78-4)
He performed various sacrifices in accordance with the rules, offering properly acquired gifts. In the same way, O king, you too, along with your friends, will soon go. (03-78-5)
O bull among the Bharatas, best of men, Nala, the conqueror of enemy cities, together with his wife, has undergone such suffering by the decree of the gods. (03-78-6)
O lord of the earth, by being alone and through very great distress, terrible suffering was experienced, but prosperity was subsequently achieved again. (03-78-7)
O son of Pāṇḍu, once again, together with your brothers and Kṛṣṇā, you remain in this great forest, devoted solely to thinking on dharma. (03-78-8)
O king, since you are always accompanied by Brāhmaṇas, greatly fortunate ones, and those who have mastered the Vedas and Vedāṅgas, what cause is there for lamentation there? (03-78-9)
This story, too, is said to destroy the influence of Kali; it is possible for someone like you to be consoled upon hearing it, O lord of the people. (03-78-10)
Always considering the impermanence of human pursuits, whether there is gain or loss, be consoled and do not grieve. (03-78-11)
Those who narrate this great deed of Nala and those who repeatedly hear it—misfortune will not affect them. Wealth will come to them and they will attain prosperity. (03-78-12)
Having heard this supreme eternal Purāṇa history, one will gain sons, grandsons, cattle, and distinction among men. He will be free from disease and full of joy—there is no doubt. (03-78-13)
You see fear, and if you summon me again, thinking me a 'knower of dice', I will destroy that for you, O king. (03-78-14)
O son of Kunti, I know the entire heart of the dice; O truly valiant one, approach. I am pleased, and I say this to you. (03-78-15)
Vaiśampāyana said.
Then the king, his mind gladdened, indeed spoke to Bṛhadaśva: "O venerable one, I wish to know the true nature of dice." (03-78-16)
Then he gave the heart of dice to Pāṇḍava, the great-souled one; and having done so, the great ascetic Aśvaśiras went to bathe. (03-78-17)
When Bṛhadaśva departed, someone heard of Arjuna, the ambidextrous one, who was residing in severe austerity, subsisting on air, a man of wisdom. (03-78-18)
The one of firm vow received (respect) from the brāhmaṇas, ascetics, people gathered from all sides, the excellent holy places and mountains, as well as from all those who had assembled. (03-78-19)
Thus Pārtha, the mighty-armed, undertook an austerity difficult to attain. No other severe ascetic has ever been seen like this before. (03-78-20)
Just as Dhananjaya, Partha, the ascetic of firm vows, is like a sage who roams alone and is endowed with splendor, so Dharma himself seems to have taken form. (03-78-21)
Hearing of his dear brother Jaya being tormented in the great forest, the son of Kunti (the Pāṇḍava), O king, deeply grieved for him. (03-78-22)
But in the great forest, Yudhiṣṭhira, his heart burning and seeking refuge, questioned the Brāhmaṇas who possessed various knowledge. (03-78-23)
