03.287
Janamejaya said.
What is that secret which has not been told here to Karṇa by him of blazing rays? Of what kind are your earrings and what kind is your armor indeed? (03-287-1)
O best among living beings, from where were his armor and earrings? I wish to hear this; tell me that, O possessor of austerity. (03-287-2)
Vaiśampāyana said.
O king, I declare to you this secret concerning Vibhavasu: what it is, and what sort of earrings and armor there are. (03-287-3)
O king, once before, a Brāhmaṇa, possessing bright energy, very tall, and bearing a beard, staff, and matted hair, approached Kuntibhoja. (3-287-4)
He was worthy to behold, of faultless limbs, shining with brilliance as if ablaze, honey-complexioned, sweet-spoken, and adorned by austerity and the study of sacred texts. (03-287-5)
He, the one of great penance, said to King Kuntibhoja: "I wish to receive alms and to eat in your house, free from envy." (03-287-6)
No wrongdoing should be done by me, you, or your followers. Thus, O sinless one, I will stay in your house if it pleases you. (03-287-7)
O king, I might go and return as I wished, and on my bed and seat, no one would ever offend me. (03-287-8)
Kuntibhoja affectionately spoke these words to him: 'So be it, and furthermore thus,' and then again addressed him. (03-287-9)
O great Brahman, my daughter named Pṛthā is illustrious, endowed with character and conduct, virtuous, self-restrained, and not proud. (03-287-10)
She will indeed serve you with respect, without slighting you; and through her character and behavior, you will find satisfaction. (03-287-11)
Thus, having spoken, and after duly honoring that Brahmin according to the rule, he approached Pṛthā, the large-eyed, and said to the girl. (03-287-12)
O child, this greatly fortunate brāhmaṇa wishes to stay. I have promised him in this manner that he may stay in my house. (03-287-13)
O child, you must never make my word, regarding the favor to Parāśva the Brāhmaṇa, false at any time. (03-287-14)
This ascetic holy Brahmin, devoted to self-study, whatever he asks, endowed with great splendor, should be given everything he requests, without envy. (03-287-15)
Indeed, for brahmins are the supreme radiance; brahmins are the supreme austerity. By the salutations of brahmins, the sun shines in the sky. (03-287-16)
Vātāpi and Tālajaṅgha, the great asuras who did not honor those worthy of respect, were also struck down by Brahma's staff. (03-287-17)
O child, this great burden has now been placed upon you. You should always, with restraint, strive to please the brāhmaṇa. (03-287-18)
O Nandini, I have known your devotion since childhood, among all the brāhmaṇas here and indeed among teachers and relatives. (03-287-19)
In the same way, among all the servants, among friends, relatives, and mothers, and towards me as well, you conduct yourself respectfully and properly in every matter. (03-287-20)
Indeed, there is not a single discontent person here in the city or in your inner palace, O faultless lady, even among your servants, due to your upright conduct. (03-287-21)
But I think you are to be sent to the angry brāhmaṇa, treating Pṛthā as "O girl!", and indeed as "You are my daughter". (03-287-22)
You, born in the family of the Vṛṣṇis as the beloved daughter of Śūra, were formerly given to me personally by your affectionate father when you were a girl. (03-287-23)
You, the sister of Vasudeva, are the finest among my sons; since he promised the chief one at the outset, by him you are my daughter. (03-287-24)
Indeed, one born and raised in such a family has gone from happiness to happiness, like passing from one lake to another. (03-287-25)
O auspicious lady, women of inferior families especially, having become attached in some way, generally act improperly out of childishness. (03-287-26)
O beautiful lady, belonging to Pṛthā and born in the royal family, you possess a wondrous form and appearance; by that, you are endowed and blessed. (03-287-27)
O passionate one, having given up pride, hypocrisy, and arrogance, and having worshipped the Brahmin who grants boons, you will, for your own good, be joined with Pṛthā. (03-287-28)
Thus, O auspicious and spotless lady, you will certainly attain welfare. But if the best of the twice-born is angered, my entire family would be destroyed. (03-287-29)
