03.241
Janamejaya said.
O best of men, while the sons of Pr̥thā, those great-souled ones, were dwelling in that forest, what did the sons of Dhṛtarāṣṭra, the mighty bowmen, do? (03-241-1)
Karṇa, the son of Vikartana, as well as the mighty Śakuni, Bhīṣma, Droṇa, and Kṛpa—please tell me about them.
Vaiśampāyana said;
Thus, when the sons of Pṛthā had left, and Suyodhana had also been released, and when they had come to Hastinapura, having been freed by the sons of Pāṇḍu, Bhīṣma spoke these words to King Dhṛtarāṣṭra. (03-241-3)
O father, what I had said before, as you were leaving for the hermitage, the act of going was not pleasing to me, and that was not done by you as well. (03-241-4)
Then you, O hero, were forcibly captured by your enemies; released by the righteous Pāṇḍavas, and yet you are not ashamed. (03-241-5)
O Gandhāra, in the very presence of you and your army, O lord of men, the son of a charioteer fled in fear from the battle with the Gandharvas, while you and your entire force, O king, O prince, were crying out. (03-241-6)
You have also seen the valor of the high-souled Pāṇḍavas and of Karṇa, O mighty-armed one, the son of the charioteer, of wicked mind. (03-241-7)
O best of kings, O lover of righteousness, Karna was not even as a recipient of a share among the Pāṇḍavas, whether in the science of archery, in heroism, or in righteousness. (03-241-8)
O best of those who know alliances, I think making an alliance with those great-souled Pāṇḍavas, by you for him, is proper for the prosperity of this lineage. (03-241-9)
Thus, O king, when Bhīṣma had said this, the son of Dhṛtarāṣṭra, lord of the people, laughed suddenly and departed with Saubala (Śakuni). (03-241-10)
But having perceived that he had departed, Karna, Duḥśāsana and the other great archers followed the mighty son of Dhṛtarāṣṭra. (03-241-11)
But, O king, when Bhīṣma, the grandsire of the Kuru(s), saw them departing, he, feeling ashamed, went to his own residence. (03-241-12)
O great king, when Bhiṣma had departed, Dhṛtarāṣṭra, the lord of men, having returned again to that place, consulted with his ministers. (03-241-13)
O Bhārata, he deliberated as to what would be the highest good for us, what duty still remains, and how indeed good might be accomplished. (03-241-14)
Karna said.
O Duryodhana, understand this which I am about to tell you, O Kaurava. Having heard it, you should do all that in the way I say, O subduer of enemies. (03-241-15)
Now the earth is yours, O hero, without rivals, O best of kings. Rule her as Śakra (Indra), the destroyer of enemies and great-minded one, does. (03-241-16)
Vaiśampāyana said;
After Karṇa had spoken thus, the king said again to Karṇa: "Nothing is difficult to attain for him who has you, O best of men." (03-241-17)
A helper, affectionate, prepared for my sake—there is some intention of mine; now hear it just as it is. (03-241-18)
Seeing the great Rājasūya sacrifice performed by the son of Pāṇḍu, my desire was born; fulfill that desire for me, O son of the charioteer. (03-241-19)
Thus, when addressed so, Karna then said to the king: "Today, O best of kings, all the rulers of the earth are under your command." (03-241-20)
Invite the excellent Brāhmaṇas and gather all the materials as prescribed; assemble the sacrificial implements as well, O best of the Kurus. (03-241-21)
O king, let the summoned officiating priests and those proficient in the Vedas perform the ritual according to the scriptures, O subduer of enemies. (03-241-22)
O best of the Bharatas, may your great sacrifice, endowed with plentiful food and drink and possessed of excellent prosperity and virtues, also begin. (03-241-23)
O lord of men, when Karṇa had thus spoken, the son of Dhṛtarāṣṭra brought the priest near and spoke these words. (03-241-24)
You perform the rājasūya, the best of sacrifices, having completed it with excellent gifts, for me, according to justice and proper order. (03-241-25)
Thus addressed, the foremost among twice-born spoke to the king: "O best of the Kauravas, O best of kings, that greatest sacrifice cannot be performed in your family while Yudhiṣṭhira lives." (03-241-26)
Dhritarashtra, your father, who is long-lived, is indeed still alive; therefore this sacrifice is also hostile to you, O best of kings. (03-241-27)
O king, there is for you another great sacrifice equal to the Rājasūya, O lord; perform that, and also listen to this my speech. (03-241-28)
O king, these kings who are your tribute-payers—let them present tributes and gold, both what is accomplished and unaccomplished. (03-241-29)
O best of kings, let your plough be made by that today. Let your land for the sacrificial ground be cultivated by that, O Bhārata. (03-241-30)
O best of kings, there let a sacrifice be performed, abundant with food and well-prepared, in every way according to rule, indeed unobstructed. (03-241-31)
This sacrifice named Viṣṇava, appropriate for noble persons, is for you. By this, no one has worshipped anyone except the ancient Viṣṇu. (03-241-32)
This great sacrifice contends with the Rājasūya, the foremost of rituals. For us, it is indeed pleasing, and for you, O Bhārata, it is the highest good. May this proceed without obstacle, and may your wish be fulfilled. (03-241-33)
Having thus been addressed by the Brāhmaṇas, the king, son of Dhṛtarāṣṭra, spoke as follows to Karṇa, Saubala, and his brothers. (03-241-34)
My entire speech pleases the Brāhmaṇas, there is no doubt. If it pleases you (also), then please tell me that without delay. (03-241-35)
When thus addressed, all of them said 'so it is' to the king; then the king gave instructions for the places of activity in due order. (03-241-36)
All the craftsmen were instructed in the making of the plough, and, O best of kings, all was accomplished as previously directed and in proper order. (03-241-37)
