03.242
Vaiśampāyana said.
Then, however, all the artisans and chief ministers, together with Vidura, the most wise, informed the son of Dhritarashtra. (03-242-1)
O king, the best of sacrifices is prepared and has arrived at the proper time, O Bhārata. And a divine plough made of gold, endowed with great wealth, (was present). (03-242-2)
O lord of people, the son of Dhṛtarāṣṭra, the foremost among kings, having heard this, ordered the performance of the great sacrifice. (03-242-3)
Then the sacrifice, with abundant food and well performed, was commenced. Gandhari also was consecrated in accordance with the scriptures, and in due order. (03-242-4)
Dhṛtarāṣṭra became gladdened; Vidura, the illustrious, and Bhīṣma, Droṇa, Kṛpa, Karṇa, and Gāndhārī, the renowned, also rejoiced. (03-242-5)
For the purpose of invitation, quick messengers were sent to the kings and brāhmaṇas, O king of kings. Those messengers, with swift vehicles, set out as directed. (03-242-6)
There, Duḥśāsana said to a certain departed messenger, "Go quickly to the Dvaītavana forest to the Pāṇḍavas, the wicked men. Invite them as is proper, along with the Brāhmaṇas, in that great forest." (03-242-7)
Having gone to the abode of the Pāṇḍavas and having bowed to them, he said: "Duryodhana, the great king and best among kings, is performing a sacrifice." (03-242-8)
O Kurunandana, when the mass of wealth acquired by one's own strength is attained, kings and brāhmaṇas gather there, coming from all directions. (03-242-9)
But I, O king, have been sent by the great-souled Kaurava. King Dhṛtarāṣṭra's son, the lord of people, invites you. You ought to come and see that sacrifice, which is the king's heartfelt desire. (03-242-10)
Then king Yudhiṣṭhira, having heard the messenger's words, the tiger among kings said: "It is by fortune that king Suyodhana, increasing the fame of his ancestors, performs the foremost of sacrifices." (03-242-11)
We too will approach, but not at this time in any way. The agreement must be kept by us until the thirteenth year. (03-242-12)
Bhīma, having heard this from Dharmarāja, spoke these words: "Now the king, Dharmarāja Yudhiṣṭhira, will go." (03-242-13)
When, after the thirteenth year, in the battle-sacrifice, the king will cause him to fall in the fire inflamed by weapons and missiles. (03-242-14)
When the Pāṇḍava releases the oblation of his anger among the sons of Dhṛtarāṣṭra, then, O Suyodhana, let it be said to you, 'he is surely coming.' (03-242-15)
But the remaining Pāṇḍavas, O king, did not say anything unpleasant. The messenger, too, told Dhārtarāṣṭra exactly what had occurred. (03-242-16)
Then the best of men, various lords of regions, and the highly fortunate brāhmaṇas went towards the city of Dhṛtarāṣṭra. (03-242-17)
O king, they indeed honored (the guests) according to the scriptures, according to caste, and according to the proper order, with supreme joy and affection. (03-242-18)
Dhṛtarāṣṭra too, O king, being surrounded by all the Kauravas and filled with immense joy, addressed Vidura. (03-242-19)
Just as every servant, when provided with food, is happy and satisfied, let it be quickly arranged so in the sacrificial hall. (03-242-20)
But Vidura, thus having been ordered, O subduer of foes, honored people of all castes—being wise and a knower of dharma—in accordance with proper authority. (03-242-21)
He offered (them) various foods, drinks, garlands, perfumes, and garments with delight. (03-242-22)
Having duly completed the avabhṛtha bathing rite as prescribed by the śāstras and in due order, the heroic king, after conciliating and distributing various kinds of wealth, dismissed the kings and thousands of Brāhmaṇas. (03-242-23)
After dismissing the kings, he, accompanied by his brothers and together with Karṇa and Saubala, entered Hastinapura. (03-242-24)
