03.232
Yudhishthira said.
O dear one, how could you say such things to us Kauravas, who have approached you, afflicted by fear and seeking refuge, being in difficulty? (03-232-1)
Divisions and quarrels arise among relatives, O Vṛkodara; and even when enmities persist, the bond of kinship does not disappear. (03-232-2)
But when an outsider seeks the family of the kinsmen, the virtuous do not tolerate that offence caused by an outsider. (03-232-3)
This evil-minded one knows indeed that we have long dwelt here; he, having disregarded us, has done this unpleasant deed. (03-232-4)
Our family is destroyed due to Duryodhana being forcefully captured by a Gandharva in battle, and also due to the external contact with women. (03-232-5)
Be the refuge of those who have sought protection and for the sake of our family; arise, tiger-like men, get ready without delay. (03-232-6)
Arjuna, the twins (the sons of Yama), you, and the invincible Bhīma—release Suyodhana, the son of Dhritarashtra, who is being carried away. (03-232-7)
These chariots, bearing golden banners, manned and controlled by charioteers such as Indrasena, are filled with tiger-like heroes fully equipped with every weapon. (03-232-8)
O dear one, depending on these, strive without sloth to fight the Gandharvas in battle for the release of Suyodhana. (03-232-9)
Indeed, whoever is a kṣatriya who has come here for refuge, another should protect him to the best of his ability; how much more so you, Vṛkodara? (03-232-10)
Who else here would provide protection and rush forward when invoked, surely, upon seeing someone with joined palms and seeking refuge, even if that person is an enemy? (03-232-11)
O Pāṇḍava, granting a boon, acquiring a kingdom, begetting a son, and releasing an enemy from suffering—these four, they are equal. (03-232-12)
What could be greater than this, that Suyodhana, having fallen into difficulty, seeks his life relying on your strength of arms? (03-232-13)
O Vṛkodara, if it were not so, I would indeed go forth alone; this sacrifice is already commenced, O hero, for I have no further deliberation here. (03-232-14)
But, Bhīma, just as you might release Suyodhana by conciliation alone, so also, O delight of the Kurus, you should strive by every possible means. (03-232-15)
If the king of the Gandharvas does not yield to conciliation, then you should gently and valiantly release Suyodhana. (03-232-16)
Therefore, he should not allow Bhīma to release the Kauravas by mild battle; having captured those adversaries, they should be set free only by every possible means. (03-232-17)
O Vṛkodara, this much indeed can be done by me in the performance of this sacrifice while it is ongoing, O Bhārata. (03-232-18)
Vaiśampāyana said.
Having heard the words of Ajātaśatru (Yudhiṣṭhira), Dhanañjaya (Arjuna) promised to fulfill the guru’s command to release the Kauravas. (03-232-19)
Arjuna said.
If the Gandharvas do not release the sons of Dhritarashtra through conciliation, today the earth belonging to the king of the Gandharvas will drink blood. (03-232-20)
Vaiśampāyana said.
But, O king, on hearing that vow of truthful Arjuna, the mind of the Kauravas was restored again. (03-232-21)
