03.239
Vaiśampāyana said.
Śakuni, son of Subala, then spoke soothing words to King Duryodhana, who was intolerant and about to undertake a fast unto death. (03-239-1)
What Karṇa said is indeed appropriate, and you have heard it, O Kaurava. Why do you, deluded, completely abandon the abundant prosperity I have won for you? Out of ignorance, O best of kings, do you wish to give up your life? (03-239-2)
Today I also perceive that you have not attended to elders. He who does not restrain the joy or distress that arises perishes, even after obtaining wealth, like an unburnt pot in water. (03-239-3)
Prosperity does not abide with a king who is very fearful-minded, impotent, procrastinating, heedless, afflicted by misfortune, and overcome by sense-objects. (03-239-4)
Indeed, grief is for one who is honored—how could it arise in the contrary case? Do not let the noble deeds of the Pārthas be destroyed by clinging to grief. (03-239-5)
In the very situation where you should show delight and honor the Pāṇḍavas, O king, you grieve instead; this is contrary to what is expected of you. (03-239-6)
Be gracious, do not lose heart; remain content and remember your good deeds; bestow the kingdom upon the sons of Pṛthā; attain both fame and righteousness. (03-239-7)
Understanding this course of action, you will not become ungrateful. Establish brotherly relations with the Pāṇḍavas, restore them to an equal position, and give them their ancestral kingdom; then you will attain happiness. (03-239-8)
But when he heard Śakuni's words and saw Duḥśāsana, the hero, out of brotherly affection, fell at his feet in distress. (03-239-9)
With his well-formed arms, he lifted Duḥśāsana—the subduer of enemies—embraced him with affection, and smelled his head. (03-239-10)
"Then King Duryodhana, recalling also the words of Karṇa and Saubala, his mind overwhelmed with shame, fell into the utmost despair." (03-239-11)
Having heard that even from the friends, he, being angry, said this: "Neither for righteousness, wealth, happiness, nor for sovereignty, nor by command, nor for enjoyments, do I have any work. Do not obstruct—go." (03-239-12)
This, my determination, is settled on fasting unto death. All of you, along with my revered elders and teachers, go to the city. (03-239-13)
Thus addressed, they replied to the king, the subduer of enemies: "Whatever your course, O king, is also ours, O Bhārata. How, moreover, shall we, without you, enter the city?" (03-239-14)
He was not shaken from his resolve, even though he was addressed in many ways by friends, ministers, brothers, and his own people. (03-239-15)
Having spread darbha grass and a stone seat with determination, the son of Dhṛtarāṣṭra touched water, purified himself, and properly took his place on the ground. (03-239-16)
O best of kings, he who wears a garment of kuśa-grass and bark, having undertaken supreme restraint and restrained his speech, with a desire for the path to heaven, having concentrated his mind and renounced external actions. (03-239-17)
Then, having understood his decision, the Daityas and Dānavas—fierce inhabitants of the netherworld, who were formerly conquered by the gods—(acted thus). (03-239-18)
They, having known of Duryodhana's destruction of their own side, then indeed performed an act arising from the Vaitāna (Vedic) ritual for summoning. (03-239-19)
The experts in mantras performed the rites described by Bṛhaspati and Uśanas, as well as those set forth in the Atharvaveda and in the Upanishad, even those not accompanied by mantra-recitation, at that time. (03-239-20)
The Brāhmaṇas, well-settled in mind, steadfast in their vows and accomplished in the Veda and Vedāṅgas, offer oblations of milk into the fire with proper mantras. (03-239-21)
O king, when the act was completed, there arose an expanding and most wonderful magical being, who said, "What shall I do?" (03-239-22)
The daityas also, with a very pleased heart, said there: "Bring here King Dhritarashtra who has undertaken a fast unto death." (03-239-23)
Then, having thus promised, Kṛtyā departed. In the blink of an eye, she reached where King Suyodhana was. (03-239-24)
After taking the king, he entered the netherworld, and after a moment, announced to the Dānavas that he had brought him. (03-239-25)
Having brought that king there and seeing him at night, the Dānavas, all with delighted minds and slightly widened eyes, gathered together. Then, with pride, they spoke these words to Duryodhana. (03-239-26)
