03.179
Chapter summarizing Mārkaṇḍeya.
Vaiśampāyana said.
The summer-ending season, which brings happiness to all beings, then, for those dwelling there, the rains arrived. (03-179-1)
At that time, the clouds, dark and resounding greatly, covered the sky and all directions, and poured forth rain day and night without ceasing. (03-179-2)
There were hundreds and then thousands of abodes of the sun and the summer solstice, from which the network of the sun's rays had disappeared, and which shone with pure brightness like lightning. (03-179-3)
The earth, covered with grown grass and filled with drunken insects and reptiles, became soaked by water, its dust and smoke settled, and appeared reddish. (03-179-4)
Indeed, when evenly covered by water, nothing—whether level or uneven, whether rivers or immobile things—can be recognized. (03-179-5)
The rivers, with agitated waters and a great roar, breathing like swift beings, adorned the forests at the end of the summer. (03-179-6)
In the depths of the forests, the various cries of boars, deer, and birds being struck by the rain can be heard. (03-179-7)
Little herons, peacocks, and flocks of male cuckoos, together intoxicated, would indeed fly about; and likewise, the frogs were arrogant. (03-179-8)
Thus, the many-formed, cloud-resounding and auspicious season passed away for those who were moving about on the desert. (03-179-9)
The place was filled with flocks of krauñca and haṃsa birds, took on the character of autumn, featured dense groves and forested tracts, and had streams of clear water. (03-179-10)
For the great-souled Pāṇḍavas, the autumn season, with a pure sky and stars, filled with animals and birds, became auspicious. (03-179-11)
Beholding the nights, their agitation calmed, made cool by clouds, adorned by groups of planets and stars and by the moon. (03-179-12)
They saw the rivers and lakes, beautifully adorned with white lotuses and other lotuses, bearing cool waters and auspicious.
The holy Sarasvatī river, with banks like the sky and dense with kadamba trees and wild rice, brought joy to those passing through. (03-179-14)
The heroes indeed rejoiced as they beheld the auspicious Sarasvati, full and clear of water, their bows held firm. (03-179-15)
O Janamejaya, for those residing right there, there was the most holy autumnal night at the festival junction, Kārttikī. (03-179-16)
O best of the Bharatas, all that was declared to be the supreme union by the meritorious and great-souled ascetics together with the Pāṇḍavas. (03-179-17)
At the onset of darkness, the Pāṇḍavas, together with Dhaumya, charioteers, and domestic priests, proceeded to the forest of Kāmyaka. (03-179-18)
