04.065
Vaiśampāyana said.
Then, on the third day, the five Pāṇḍava brothers, having bathed and performed their vows at the proper time and dressed in white, (were present). (04-65-1)
Having placed Yudhishthira at the forefront and adorned with all ornaments, the great chariot-warriors, seated on chariots with lotus banners, shone like radiant elephants. (04-65-2)
Having gone to Virāṭa's assembly, then all (the heroes), shining like fire, sat on the seats of the kings, just as fires (sit) on their hearths. (04-65-3)
While they were seated there, King Virata, the lord of the earth, arrived at the assembly to conduct all the royal affairs. (04-65-4)
Seeing the illustrious Pāṇḍavas, blazing like fires, the king of the Matsyas then spoke to Kaṅka, who appeared divine and was attended by hosts of Maruts, like the lord of the gods. (4-65-5)
He indeed, not having performed the consecration, you who were made the presider over the assembly by me—then why are you, adorned, seated on this royal seat? (04-65-6)
O king, Arjuna, smiling, having heard that sentence of Virāṭa spoken in jest, spoke this speech. (04-65-7)
O King, even the throne of Indra can rightly be ascended, by one who is devoted to brahman, learned, a renouncer, practices sacrifice, and is steadfast in vows, through his conduct. (4-65-8)
This illustrious son of Kuntī among the Kurus, Yudhiṣṭhira, his fame shines in the world like the brightness of the risen sun. (04-65-9)
The rays of his fame spread in all directions, just as the rays follow the splendor of the risen sun. (04-65-10)
Ten thousand vigorous elephants followed him from behind; the nobles resided among the Kurus. (04-65-11)
Thirty thousand chariots, decked with golden garlands and drawn by fine horses, always followed him from behind. (04-65-12)
Eight hundred bards adorned with well-polished jeweled earrings, together with the Magadhas, formerly praised him as the sages once praised Indra. (04-65-13)
The Kurus always serve him as attendants; and O king, all the kings serve him just as the gods serve the lord of wealth. (04-65-14)
O great king, this man collected tribute from all the kings at that time, like merchants—both those who were powerless and those who were willing. (04-65-15)
Eighty-eight thousand learned and noble individuals depend upon this king, who is distinguished by virtuous conduct and vows. (04-65-16)
He protected the aged, the destitute, the disabled, and the lame among men, caring for his subjects like a son, by righteousness, O lord. (04-65-17)
This king is devoted to dharma, self-restraint, and even in anger is controlled in his vows; he is very gracious, devoted to Brahman, and a speaker of truth. (04-65-18)
Suyodhana is tormented by the majesty and prowess of this one, along with his retinue, together with Karṇa and with the son of Subala, or even the lord himself. (04-65-19)
O king of men, his qualities indeed cannot be fully enumerated. This Pāṇḍava is ever devoted to dharma and always compassionate. (04-65-20)
Thus occupied, the great king, the Pandava and best among kings—how could the lord of the earth not deserve a royal seat? (04-65-21)
