05.008
Vaiśampāyana spoke:
Upon hearing the messengers, Shalya, surrounded by a great army, advanced towards the Pandavas along with his sons and great warriors, O king.
His army camp extended for more than half a yojana. Indeed, he, the bull among men, supports a vast army.
The heroes, adorned with various armors, banners, bows, and ornaments, all rode on different chariots and vehicles.
In their native attire and ornaments, countless heroes became the leaders of his army, standing out as the finest among the warriors.
He, who caused pain to creatures as if and shook the earth as if, slowly rested the army and went where the Pāṇḍava was.
Upon hearing about the approaching great army and the mighty chariot-warrior, Duryodhana himself hurriedly went to offer his respects, O Bharata.
Duryodhana had his assembly halls constructed for worship in beautiful locations, decorated with jewels and elegantly adorned.
He approached those assemblies and was honored like a god by Duryodhana's ministers in each place as deserved. Then he went to another assembly that shone like the abode of the gods.
He, indulging in divine and auspicious pleasures there, thought himself superior and looked down upon Indra.
The joyful leader among the Kshatriyas then asked his servants about the men of Yudhishthira who were responsible for creating these assemblies. He instructed that the architects be brought to him, as he considered them deserving of his gifts.
Duryodhana, in secret, showed his uncle to the King of Madra. Upon seeing him and understanding his efforts, the King of Madra embraced him and said with pleasure, "Let the desired object be accepted."
Duryodhana spoke:
May I be granted the boon of speaking the truth and auspiciousness. You are worthy of becoming the leader of all my armies.
Vaiśampāyana spoke:
Śalya said, "It is done. What else should be done?" Gandhari repeatedly replied, "It is indeed done."
After addressing Śalya, he returned to his city. Śalya went to inform the sons of Kunti about his actions.
Shalya went to Upaplavya, entered the camp, and saw all the Pandavas there.
Upon meeting, the mighty-armed Śalya was duly received by the sons of Pandu with the traditional offerings of water for washing the feet, an offering, and a cow, in accordance with the customary rites.
Then, the king of Madra, destroyer of enemies, with supreme affection and well-being, embraced Yudhishthira.
Thus, Bhima and Arjuna, the joyful brothers and twins of Yama, were seated, and Shalya spoke to Partha.
O noble prince among the Kurus, is your well-being assured? It is fortunate that you have been freed from the forest exile, O best among the victorious.
O King, a very difficult task was accomplished by living in the solitude of the forest with the brothers and with Kṛṣṇā (Draupadi).
O Bharata, living in disguise was a terrible and arduous task. For one who has lost his kingdom, there is only suffering; where is the happiness?
O king, by defeating the enemies, you will find happiness and relief from the great sorrow caused by the sons of Dhritarashtra, O conqueror of enemies.
O great king, you are aware of the essence of the world, and thus, dear lord, nothing driven by greed is found in you.
Then the king narrated to him the meeting with Duryodhana, and everything that was heard along with the boon, O Bhārata.
Yudhishthira spoke:
O King, your act was well-done with inner joy. O hero, you promised Duryodhana by word. However, I wish for one good thing to be done, O lord of the earth.
O great king, you are as mighty as Vāsudeva in battle. When the duel between Karṇa and Arjuna takes place, it is your duty to act as the charioteer for Karṇa; there is no doubt about it.
There, Arjuna must be protected, O king, if you desire my favor. The destruction of Karna's power, who is our bringer of victory, is your duty. Even if it is something that should not be done, you must do it, O uncle.
Shalya spoke:
Listen, O Pāṇḍava, to what you say about the wicked one, as it is intended to destroy my power in the battle with the charioteer's son.
I will certainly be his charioteer in the battle, as he always considers me to be with Vasudeva.
O tiger among the Kurus, I will certainly tell you the unpleasant words of the one who wishes to fight in the battle.
I assure you, O son of Pandu, that he will become easy to kill as he loses his pride and energy.
I will do exactly as you have instructed me, father, and whatever else I can do, I will do it to please you.
The sorrow you experienced during the gambling match with Draupadi, and the harsh words spoken by Karna, the son of a charioteer.
O great one, the torment faced by Draupadī from Jatāsura and Kīcaka was as auspiciously overcome as by Damayantī.
All this suffering, O hero, will eventually lead to happiness. Do not harbor anger here, as fate is indeed stronger.
O Yudhishthira, even great souls experience sorrows. Indeed, even the gods have encountered sorrows, O lord of the earth.
O Bharata, it is heard that the great soul Indra, along with his wife, experienced great sorrow, O king.
