03.140
Lomaśa said.
O Bhārata, you have crossed the Uśīra seed, Maināka mountain, Śveta, and also, O son of Kuntī, the Kāla mountain, O king. (03-140-1)
O best of the Bharatas, this seven-branched Gaṅgā shines. The place is pure and pleasant where the fire is always kindled. (03-140-2)
This, indeed, cannot be seen by a human today. Practice concentration without distraction, and you will see these holy places. (3-140-3)
We shall enter the White Mountain, and also Mandara mountain, where the Yakṣa Maṇicara and Kubera, the king of the Yakṣas, reside. (03-140-4)
There are eighty-eight thousand swift-moving Gandharvas; likewise, O King, the Kimpuruṣas and Yakṣas are four times as many. (03-140-5)
O best of men, they of many forms and bearing various weapons worship Māṇibhadra, the lord of the yakṣas. (03-140-6)
Their prosperity is exceedingly great, they are as swift as the wind, and they are those who could even shake the steadfast king of the gods from his position. (03-140-7)
O Pārtha, these mountains, difficult to access, are protected by powerful beings and guarded by yātudhānas; therefore, dear one, maintain the highest concentration. (03-140-8)
Kubera's attendants, as well as other fierce and friendly Rākṣasas, I will join battle with them, O son of Kuntī; be prepared to charge. (03-140-9)
O king, Kailāsa mountain is indeed six hundred yojanas in extent; it is the place where the gods assemble, O Bhārata. (03-140-10)
But, O son of Kunti, innumerable yakṣas, rākṣasas, kiṃnaras, nāgas, suparṇas, and gandharvas proceeded towards Kubera's abode. (03-140-11)
O Pārtha, today enter into them through austerity and self-control, being protected by me and by the strength of Bhīmasena, O king. (03-140-12)
May well-being be to you; may King Varuṇa, Yama, the conqueror of assemblies, Gaṅgā, Yamunā, and the mountain, indeed, bestow (well-being) upon you. (03-140-13)
O Ganga, goddess, I hear your sound on the summit of Indra's golden mountain. O fortunate one, protect this king, respected by all descendants of Ajamīḍha, from the mountains. Become the safeguard for this king, who wants to cross these mountains, O daughter of the mountain. (03-140-14)
Yudhiṣṭhira said.
This agitation of Lomaśa is unprecedented; all of you protect Kṛṣṇā, do not be negligent. This place is indeed considered by him to be most difficult to traverse; therefore, practice utmost purity here. (03-140-15)
Vaiśampāyana said.
Then, one spoke to the mighty Bhīma: 'O Bhīmasena, steadfastly protect Kṛṣṇā (Draupadī). When Arjuna is absent and the place is empty, dear one, you alone care for Kṛṣṇā in times of adversity.' (03-140-16)
Then the great-souled king, coming to the two sons of Yama, affectionately smelled their heads, wiped their limbs, and, seeing them full of tears, said: "Do not be afraid, come here attentively." (03-140-17)
