05.018
Shalya spoke:
Then Indra, praised by the celestial musicians and dancers, mounted Airavata, the king of elephants, which was adorned with auspicious signs.
Fire, the greatly radiant one, the great sage Bṛhaspati, Yama, Varuṇa, Kubera, and the lord of wealth are all mentioned here.
Indra, the mighty lord and slayer of Vritra, accompanied by all the gods, Gandharvas, and Apsaras, has traversed the three worlds.
Indra, the king of gods, after meeting with Mahendra's wife, joyfully took on the responsibility of protecting the kingdom.
Then, the revered sage Angiras appeared there and worshipped Lord Indra with the mantras from the Atharva Veda.
Then the blessed Indra, being delighted, granted a boon to Atharvangirasa at that time.
In this Veda, known as Atharvaveda, there will be an example, and you will indeed obtain the sacrificial share.
Thus, O great king, after worshipping the revered Atharvangirasa, the king of gods, Indra, dismissed him.
After worshipping all the gods, sages, and ascetics, Indra joyfully ruled over the subjects with righteousness, O king.
Thus, Indra, along with his wife, endured suffering and went into incognito exile with the intention of defeating their enemies.
O King, do not harbor anger here, as you are enduring hardships in the great forest along with Draupadi and your noble brothers.
Thus, O descendant of Bharata, you too, O joy of the Kauravas, will gain the kingdom, just as Indra did after slaying Vritra.
Nahusha, who was of bad conduct and cursed brahmins, was evil-minded and was destroyed by the curse of Agastya for many eternal years.
Thus, O slayer of enemies, your wicked foes like Karna and Duryodhana will soon meet their end.
Then, O hero, you shall rule this land extending to the ocean, alongside your brothers and Draupadi, O lord.
This tale of Indra's triumph, comparable to the Vedas, should be listened to by the king amidst the organized armies, for those who seek victory.
Therefore, I announce to you, O Yudhishthira, the best among the victorious. When praised, great souls like you flourish.
O Yudhishthira, the absence of the Kshatriyas, who were great souls, is due to Duryodhana's misdeeds and the might of Bhima and Arjuna.
Whoever regularly recites the story of Indra's victory becomes free from sin, attains heaven, and rejoices both in this life and the next.
He is free from the fear of enemies and will not be without a son. He will not face any calamity and will enjoy a long life. He will achieve victory everywhere and will never experience defeat.
Vaiśampāyana spoke:
Thus reassured by Shalya, the king, O best of the Bharatas, duly honored Shalya, the foremost among the upholders of dharma.
Upon hearing Śalya's words, Yudhishthira, the mighty-armed son of Kunti, responded to the king of Madra with these words.
You will undoubtedly serve as Karna's charioteer. There, the brilliance of Karna should be diminished by my praises.
Śalya spoke:
I will do exactly as you have spoken to me. Additionally, whatever else I can do, I will do that for you.
Vaiśampāyana spoke:
Then Shalya, the king of Madra, addressed the sons of Kunti and went with his army to the illustrious Duryodhana, the subduer of enemies.
