03.299
Vaiśampāyana said.
Permitted by dharma, the Pāṇḍavas, true in prowess, will dwell concealed for the thirteenth year in unknown dwelling. Having sat together, the scholars, firm in vows, (said thus). (03-299-1)
The ascetics devoted to him who indeed dwelt in the forest, the noble and great souls with joined palms addressed them then, being steadfast in vows, about to ask his permission for that dwelling. (03-299-2)
You know everything—how we have been deprived of our kingdom and possessions many times by the sons of Dhritarashtra through deceit. (03-299-3)
We have endured dwelling in the forest for twelve years; the thirteenth year is the remaining period of incognito residence, which we shall pass in concealment; you ought to permit that. (03-299-4)
Su-yodhana, the evil-minded Karṇa, and Saubala (Śakuni) may, knowing what is unfair, act against us because they are our extreme enemies. Those of upright conduct and prudent character among the citizens and our own people (support us). (03-299-5)
May it indeed happen again for us, that we all, together with the brahmins, may live established in our sovereignty in our own kingdoms. (03-299-6)
Having spoken thus, the pure Yudhiṣṭhira, son of Dharma, afflicted by pain and grief, then fainted; the king's throat filled with tears. (03-299-7)
Then all the Brāhmaṇas, together with his brothers, consoled him; then Dhaumya spoke a word of great import to the king at that time. (03-299-8)
O king, a learned, self-restrained, truthful man who has conquered his senses like you does not become deluded in any calamity. (03-299-9)
Even the gods have often faced troubles by acting secretly, here and there, for the purpose of subduing their rivals, by the noble ones. (03-299-10)
Then, by Indra, having reached the Niṣadha people in the hermitage on the mountain plateau, an act was performed, while staying concealed, to restrain the strength of the enemies. (03-299-11)
Aśvaśiras, having been obtained by Viṣṇu, likewise entered into Aditi with the intention of being born as her son, and unrecognized, dwelt in her womb for a long time for the destruction of the Daityas. (03-299-12)
Having assumed the form of Vāmana, concealed in the form of Brahman, the way the kingdom of Bali was seized by valorous strides, this too you have heard. (03-299-13)
O dear one, whatever the sage Aurva did while living in Channamūra at that time, and everything else in the worlds, you have already heard. (03-299-14)
And also, O knower of dharma, you have heard what was done by Hari, who, concealed, entered the thunderbolt of Indra during the slaying of Vṛtra. (03-299-15)
All that was done by the gods, which Agni, having entered the waters and remained there in secret, and all of that, was heard by you. (03-299-16)
In this way, O dear one, by Vivasvat, hidden in supreme brilliance, all the enemies were completely destroyed while living on the earth. (03-299-17)
While Viṣṇu was residing in the house of Daśaratha, Daśagrīva was indeed slain and hidden in battle by one of terrible deeds. (03-299-18)
In the same way, these great souls, being concealed in various places, indeed conquered their enemies in battle; so you too will conquer. (03-299-19)
Thus, Yudhiṣṭhira, having been completely satisfied with the words of Dhaumya, the knower of dharma, did not waver, using both the wisdom from scripture and his own understanding. (03-299-20)
Then the mighty-armed Bhīmasena, who was of great strength, spoke words that brought great delight to the king, the foremost among the powerful ones. (03-299-21)
O great king, nothing rash was done by your Gāṇḍīva-bow bearer; everything was acted with consideration and a mind guided by righteousness. (03-299-22)
Sahadeva and Nakula have always been restrained by me; both are capable of destroying their enemies, for they possess terrible prowess. (03-299-23)
We will not abandon whatever task in which you employ us, O you; you just decide everything quickly—we shall soon conquer the enemies. (03-299-24)
When Bhīmasena had thus spoken, the Brāhmaṇas, after bestowing supreme blessings and taking leave of the Bharatas, went each to their own home. (03-299-25)
All the foremost knowers of the Veda, ascetics, and sages, having offered blessings as appropriate, were wishing to see him again. (03-299-26)
O Bhārata, the five Pāṇḍavas, those learned heroes, together with Dhaumya, rose up and departed, having taken Kṛṣṇā (Draupadī) with them. (03-299-27)
After having gone a krośa distance from that region for a specific reason, the heroes, on the following day, became prepared for hidden dwelling. (03-299-28)
All those who were individually (skilled as) knowers of treatises, all experienced in counsel, and experts in determining the time for alliance and division, assembled closely for consultation. (03-299-29)
