05.081

अर्जुन उवाच॥

Arjuna said:

कुरूणामद्य सर्वेषां भवान्सुहृदनुत्तमः। सम्बन्धी दयितो नित्यमुभयोः पक्षयोरपि ॥५-८१-१॥

Now, of all the Kurus, you are the supreme friend, always a beloved relative of both parties. (5-81-1)

पाण्डवैर्धार्तराष्ट्राणां प्रतिपाद्यमनामयम्। समर्थः प्रशमं चैषां कर्तुं त्वमसि केशव ॥५-८१-२॥

Keshava, you are capable of having the well-being of the sons of Dhṛtarāṣṭra restored by the Pāṇḍavas, and of bringing about peace among them. (5-81-2)

त्वमितः पुण्डरीकाक्ष सुयोधनममर्षणम्। शान्त्यर्थं भारतं ब्रूया यत्तद्वाच्यममित्रहन् ॥५-८१-३॥

O Pundarikaksha, O destroyer of enemies, from here you should speak to Suyodhana, who is intolerant, whatever ought to be said for the sake of peace, O Bharata. (5-81-3)

त्वया धर्मार्थयुक्तं चेदुक्तं शिवमनामयम्। हितं नादास्यते बालो दिष्टस्य वशमेष्यति ॥५-८१-४॥

If you speak what is beneficial, harmless, and joined with righteousness and advantage, the fool will not accept what is wholesome; he will come under the power of fate. (5-81-4)

भगवानुवाच॥

Bhagavan said:

धर्म्यमस्मद्धितं चैव कुरूणां यदनामयम्। एष यास्यामि राजानं धृतराष्ट्रमभीप्सया ॥५-८१-५॥

That which is righteous and for our welfare, and for the Kurus, and free from harm—intending this, I shall go to King Dhritarashtra. (5-81-5)

वैशम्पायन उवाच॥

Vaiśampāyana said:

ततो व्यपेते तमसि सूर्ये विमल उद्गते। मैत्रे मुहूर्ते सम्प्राप्ते मृद्वर्चिषि दिवाकरे ॥५-८१-६॥

Then, when the darkness had dispersed and the brilliant sun had risen, at the Maitra hour, when the day-maker had arrived with gentle rays... (5-81-6)

कौमुदे मासि रेवत्यां शरदन्ते हिमागमे। स्फीतसस्यसुखे काले कल्यः सत्त्ववतां वरः ॥५-८१-७॥

In the month of Kartika, when the moon entered Revati, at the end of autumn as the cold season began, at a time of flourishing crops and happiness, there was an auspicious and virtuous one, the best among the noble. (5-81-7)

मङ्गल्याः पुण्यनिर्घोषा वाचः शृण्वंश्च सूनृताः। ब्राह्मणानां प्रतीतानामृषीणामिव वासवः ॥५-८१-८॥

Hearing auspicious, meritorious, and truthful words from Brahmans who rejoiced, like Vāsava among the seers. (5-81-8)

कृत्वा पौर्वाह्णिकं कृत्यं स्नातः शुचिरलङ्कृतः। उपतस्थे विवस्वन्तं पावकं च जनार्दनः ॥५-८१-९॥

Having performed his morning duties, having bathed, being pure and adorned, Janārdana approached Vivasvat and Pāvaka. (5-81-9)

ऋषभं पृष्ठ आलभ्य ब्राह्मणानभिवाद्य च। अग्निं प्रदक्षिणं कृत्वा पश्यन्कल्याणमग्रतः ॥५-८१-१०॥

Touching the back of the bull, having saluted the Brahmins, and after circumambulating the fire, he looked ahead for a good omen. (5-81-10)

तत्प्रतिज्ञाय वचनं पाण्डवस्य जनार्दनः। शिनेर्नप्तारमासीनमभ्यभाषत सात्यकिम् ॥५-८१-११॥

Then Janārdana, having promised the word of the Pāṇḍava, spoke to Sātyaki, the grandson of Śini, who was seated there. (5-81-11)

रथ आरोप्यतां शङ्खश्चक्रं च गदया सह। उपासङ्गाश्च शक्त्यश्च सर्वप्रहरणानि च ॥५-८१-१२॥

Let the chariot be made ready; the conch, the discus, the mace, the side weapons, the spears, and all the armaments as well. (5-81-12)

दुर्योधनो हि दुष्टात्मा कर्णश्च सहसौबलः। न च शत्रुरवज्ञेयः प्राकृतोऽपि बलीयसा ॥५-८१-१३॥

For Duryodhana is wicked-minded, and Karna together with Saubala; nor should an enemy, even if ordinary, be underestimated by one who is stronger. (5-81-13)

ततस्तन्मतमाज्ञाय केशवस्य पुरःसराः। प्रसस्रुर्योजयिष्यन्तो रथं चक्रगदाभृतः ॥५-८१-१४॥

Then, understanding Keshava's intention, the foremost ones who bear the discus and mace set out to harness the chariot. (5-81-14)

तं दीप्तमिव कालाग्निमाकाशगमिवाध्वगम्। चन्द्रसूर्यप्रकाशाभ्यां चक्राभ्यां समलङ्कृतम् ॥५-८१-१५॥

He (Arjuna), shining like the fire of destruction, moving like a traveller through the sky, adorned by his wheels with the radiance of the moon and sun— (5-81-15)

अर्धचन्द्रैश्च चन्द्रैश्च मत्स्यैः समृगपक्षिभिः। पुष्पैश्च विविधैश्चित्रं मणिरत्नैश्च सर्वशः ॥५-८१-१६॥

Adorned all over with half-moons, moons, fish, animals, birds, flowers of various kinds, and gems and jewels, (5-81-16)

तरुणादित्यसङ्काशं बृहन्तं चारुदर्शनम्। मणिहेमविचित्राङ्गं सुध्वजं सुपताकिनम् ॥५-८१-१७॥

It appeared like the rising sun, large and beautiful to behold, adorned with various jewels and gold, with an excellent standard and splendid banners. (5-81-17)

सूपस्करमनाधृष्यं वैयाघ्रपरिवारणम्। यशोघ्नं प्रत्यमित्राणां यदूनां नन्दिवर्धनम् ॥५-८१-१८॥

Well-equipped, unassailable, adorned with tiger motifs, destructive of the enemies' reputation, and an enhancer of the Yadus' joy. (5-81-18)

वाजिभिः सैन्यसुग्रीवमेघपुष्पबलाहकैः। स्नातैः सम्पादयां चक्रुः सम्पन्नैः सर्वसम्पदा ॥५-८१-१९॥

With horses named Saṅyasugrīva, Meghapuṣpa, and Balāhaka, all of them bathed and adorned, furnished with every kind of wealth, they prepared it. (5-81-19)

महिमानं तु कृष्णस्य भूय एवाभिवर्धयन्। सुघोषः पतगेन्द्रेण ध्वजेन युयुजे रथः ॥५-८१-२०॥

Sughoṣa fitted the chariot, enhancing yet further the majesty of Kṛṣṇa, with a banner bearing the king of birds. (5-81-20)

तं मेरुशिखरप्रख्यं मेघदुन्दुभिनिस्वनम्। आरुरोह रथं शौरिर्विमानमिव पुण्यकृत् ॥५-८१-२१॥

Śauri ascended that chariot, which resembled the summit of Mount Meru and resounded like thunderclouds and drums, like a righteous person ascends a celestial vehicle. (5-81-21)

ततः सात्यकिमारोप्य प्रययौ पुरुषोत्तमः। पृथिवीं चान्तरिक्षं च रथघोषेण नादयन् ॥५-८१-२२॥

Then, having Sātyaki mount, the best of men set out, making the earth and the sky resound with the clatter of his chariot. (5-81-22)

व्यपोढाभ्रघनः कालः क्षणेन समपद्यत। शिवश्चानुववौ वायुः प्रशान्तमभवद्रजः ॥५-८१-२३॥

In a moment, the mass of clouds cleared and the sky became bright; a gentle wind blew, and the dust settled. (5-81-23)

प्रदक्षिणानुलोमाश्च मङ्गल्या मृगपक्षिणः। प्रयाणे वासुदेवस्य बभूवुरनुयायिनः ॥५-८१-२४॥

At the departure of Vāsudeva, auspicious animals and birds, moving clockwise, became his followers. (5-81-24)

मङ्गल्यार्थपदैः शब्दैरन्ववर्तन्त सर्वशः। सारसाः शतपत्राश्च हंसाश्च मधुसूदनम् ॥५-८१-२५॥

All around, cranes, swans, and geese followed Madhusudana with their auspicious cries. (5-81-25)

मन्त्राहुतिमहाहोमैर्हूयमानश्च पावकः। प्रदक्षिणशिखो भूत्वा विधूमः समपद्यत ॥५-८१-२६॥

As the fire was being invoked with mantra-offerings in the great sacrifice, it became free of smoke, with flames turning to the right. (5-81-26)

वसिष्ठो वामदेवश्च भूरिद्युम्नो गयः क्रथः। शुक्रनारदवाल्मीका मरुतः कुशिको भृगुः ॥५-८१-२७॥

Vasiṣṭha, Vāmadeva, Bhūridyumna, Gaya, Kratha, Śukra, Nārada, Vālmīki, the Maruts, Kuśika, and Bhṛgu... (5-81-27)

ब्रह्मदेवर्षयश्चैव कृष्णं यदुसुखावहम्। प्रदक्षिणमवर्तन्त सहिता वासवानुजम् ॥५-८१-२८॥

The Brahma-devas and sages also, together with the younger brother of Vāsava, walked in reverence around Kṛṣṇa, who brings happiness to the Yadus. (5-81-28)

एवमेतैर्महाभागैर्महर्षिगणसाधुभिः। पूजितः प्रययौ कृष्णः कुरूणां सदनं प्रति ॥५-८१-२९॥

Thus, after being honoured by these supremely fortunate and righteous groups of great sages, Kṛṣṇa departed for the residence of the Kuru princes. (5-81-29)

तं प्रयान्तमनुप्रायात्कुन्तीपुत्रो युधिष्ठिरः। भीमसेनार्जुनौ चोभौ माद्रीपुत्रौ च पाण्डवौ ॥५-८१-३०॥

As he departed, Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, followed him—and both Bhimasena and Arjuna, and the two Pandavas, sons of Madri. (5-81-30)

चेकितानश्च विक्रान्तो धृष्टकेतुश्च चेदिपः। द्रुपदः काशिराजश्च शिखण्डी च महारथः ॥५-८१-३१॥

Cekitana, the mighty Dhrishtaketu the Chedi king, Drupada, the king of Kashi, and Shikhandi, a great chariot-warrior, (5-81-31)

धृष्टद्युम्नः सपुत्रश्च विराटः केकयैः सह। संसाधनार्थं प्रययुः क्षत्रियाः क्षत्रियर्षभम् ॥५-८१-३२॥

Dhṛṣṭadyumna with his son, Virāṭa with the Kekayas—all these Kṣatriyas set out to the foremost of the Kṣatriyas for the purpose of preparation. (5-81-32)

ततोऽनुव्रज्य गोविन्दं धर्मराजो युधिष्ठिरः। राज्ञां सकाशे द्युतिमानुवाचेदं वचस्तदा ॥५-८१-३३॥

Then, Dharmaraja Yudhishthira, following Govinda, spoke these words in the presence of the kings. (5-81-33)

यो नैव कामान्न भयान्न लोभान्नार्थकारणात्। अन्यायमनुवर्तेत स्थिरबुद्धिरलोलुपः ॥५-८१-३४॥

He who would not follow injustice out of desire, fear, greed, or for material gain, whose mind is steady and who is not covetous, (5-81-34)

धर्मज्ञो धृतिमान्प्राज्ञः सर्वभूतेषु केशवः। ईश्वरः सर्वभूतानां देवदेवः प्रतापवान् ॥५-८१-३५॥

Keśava, knower of dharma, steadfast and wise, who is the lord of all beings, the god of gods, mighty among all, and caring toward all living creatures. (5-81-35)

तं सर्वगुणसम्पन्नं श्रीवत्सकृतलक्षणम्। सम्परिष्वज्य कौन्तेयः संदेष्टुमुपचक्रमे ॥५-८१-३६॥

Kuntī's son, embracing him—who possessed every virtue and was marked by the Śrīvatsa—began to send him on an errand. (5-81-36)

या सा बाल्यात्प्रभृत्यस्मान्पर्यवर्धयताबला। उपवासतपःशीला सदा स्वस्त्ययने रता ॥५-८१-३७॥

She, the weak woman, who raised us from our childhood, always devoted to fasting, austerities, and rites for our welfare— (5-81-37)

देवतातिथिपूजासु गुरुशुश्रूषणे रता। वत्सला प्रियपुत्रा च प्रियास्माकं जनार्दन ॥५-८१-३८॥

Devoted to honoring the gods, guests, and elders, affectionate to her beloved son, and dear to us, Janardana, (5-81-38)

सुयोधनभयाद्या नोऽत्रायतामित्रकर्शन। महतो मृत्युसम्बाधादुत्तरन्नौरिवार्णवात् ॥५-८१-३९॥

She who, out of fear of Duryodhana, protected us here, O destroyer of enemies—rescuing us from great peril of death, like a boat from the ocean— (5-81-39)

अस्मत्कृते च सततं यया दुःखानि माधव। अनुभूतान्यदुःखार्हा तां स्म पृच्छेरनामयम् ॥५-८१-४०॥

Mādhava, she who has constantly endured sufferings for our sake, though undeserving of them—please ask after her well-being. (5-81-40)

भृशमाश्वासयेश्चैनां पुत्रशोकपरिप्लुताम्। अभिवाद्य स्वजेथाश्च पाण्डवान्परिकीर्तयन् ॥५-८१-४१॥

You should greatly comfort her, who is overwhelmed with grief for her son, and after bowing to your elders and the Pāṇḍavas, praise them. (5-81-41)

ऊढात्प्रभृति दुःखानि श्वशुराणामरिंदम। निकारानतदर्हा च पश्यन्ती दुःखमश्नुते ॥५-८१-४२॥

O subduer of foes, from the time of her marriage she has suffered sorrows from her in-laws, enduring undeserved humiliations and misery. (5-81-42)

अपि जातु स कालः स्यात्कृष्ण दुःखविपर्ययः। यदहं मातरं क्लिष्टां सुखे दध्यामरिंदम ॥५-८१-४३॥

Kṛṣṇa, will that time ever come, the reversal of misfortune, when I might settle my afflicted mother in happiness, Arindama? (5-81-43)

प्रव्रजन्तोऽन्वधावत्सा कृपणा पुत्रगृद्धिनी। रुदतीमपहायैनामुपगच्छाम यद्वनम् ॥५-८१-४४॥

As I was leaving, that wretched mother, longing for her son, ran after me, weeping—abandoning her, I entered that forest. (5-81-44)

न नूनं म्रियते दुःखैः सा चेज्जीवति केशव। तथा पुत्राधिभिर्गाढमार्ता ह्यानर्तसत्कृता ॥५-८१-४५॥

Surely she does not die from grief, and if she still lives, Keśava, she is indeed deeply afflicted by the suffering for her son and overcome by calamity. (5-81-45)

अभिवाद्या तु सा कृष्ण त्वया मद्वचनाद्विभो। धृतराष्ट्रश्च कौरव्यो राजानश्च वयोऽधिकाः ॥५-८१-४६॥

After saluting her, O Krishna, at my request, Dhritarashtra the Kaurava and the kings who are elders... (5-81-46)

भीष्मं द्रोणं कृपं चैव महाराजं च बाह्लिकम्। द्रौणिं च सोमदत्तं च सर्वांश्च भरतान्पृथक् ॥५-८१-४७॥

Bhishma, Drona, Kripa, also the great king Bahlika, Ashvatthama, Somadatta, and each of the Bharatas individually. (5-81-47)

विदुरं च महाप्राज्ञं कुरूणां मन्त्रधारिणम्। अगाधबुद्धिं धर्मज्ञं स्वजेथा मधुसूदन ॥५-८१-४८॥

And Vidura, the very wise, the keeper of counsel of the Kurus, whose intellect is unfathomable, knower of dharma, your elder brother, O Madhusudana. (5-81-48)

इत्युक्त्वा केशवं तत्र राजमध्ये युधिष्ठिरः। अनुज्ञातो निववृते कृष्णं कृत्वा प्रदक्षिणम् ॥५-८१-४९॥

Having thus spoken to Keshava there in the assembly of kings, Yudhishthira, having received permission, withdrew after circumambulating Krishna. (5-81-49)

व्रजन्नेव तु बीभत्सुः सखायं पुरुषर्षभम्। अब्रवीत्परवीरघ्नं दाशार्हमपराजितम् ॥५-८१-५०॥

Even as he was departing, Bhīmasena spoke to his friend, this best of men, Daśārha, destroyer of enemy heroes, unconquered one. (5-81-50)

यदस्माकं विभो वृत्तं पुरा वै मन्त्रनिश्चये। अर्धराज्यस्य गोविन्द विदितं सर्वराजसु ॥५-८१-५१॥

O Govinda, you know what happened to us before, in the finalized counsel regarding half the kingdom, and is known among all the kings. (5-81-51)

तच्चेद्दद्यादसङ्गेन सत्कृत्यानवमन्य च। प्रियं मे स्यान्महाबाहो मुच्येरन्महतो भयात् ॥५-८१-५२॥

If he were to grant that unconditionally, with respect and without any slight, O mighty-armed one, it would please me, and they would be freed from great danger. (5-81-52)

अतश्चेदन्यथा कर्ता धार्तराष्ट्रोऽनुपायवित्। अन्तं नूनं करिष्यामि क्षत्रियाणां जनार्दन ॥५-८१-५३॥

But if the son of Dhritarashtra acts otherwise and disregards what is right, O Janardana, I will surely bring about the destruction of the Kshatriyas. (5-81-53)

एवमुक्ते पाण्डवेन पर्यहृष्यद्वृकोदरः। मुहुर्मुहुः क्रोधवशात्प्रावेपत च पाण्डवः ॥५-८१-५४॥

When the son of Pāṇḍu said this, Bhīma rejoiced; and the son of Pāṇḍu, overcome by anger, kept trembling again and again. (5-81-54)

वेपमानश्च कौन्तेयः प्राक्रोशन्महतो रवान्। धनञ्जयवचः श्रुत्वा हर्षोत्सिक्तमना भृशम् ॥५-८१-५५॥

Trembling and with his heart greatly elated by delight after hearing Arjuna's words, Kunti's son shouted out loud cries. (5-81-55)

तस्य तं निनदं श्रुत्वा सम्प्रावेपन्त धन्विनः। वाहनानि च सर्वाणि शकृन्मूत्रं प्रसुस्रुवुः ॥५-८१-५६॥

Hearing his roar, the archers began to tremble, and all their mounts let loose their excrement and urine. (5-81-56)

इत्युक्त्वा केशवं तत्र तथा चोक्त्वा विनिश्चयम्। अनुज्ञातो निववृते परिष्वज्य जनार्दनम् ॥५-८१-५७॥

Having thus spoken to Keshava there, and after stating his decision in that way, he took leave and departed, embracing Janardana. (5-81-57)

तेषु राजसु सर्वेषु निवृत्तेषु जनार्दनः। तूर्णमभ्यपतद्धृष्टः सैन्यसुग्रीववाहनः ॥५-८१-५८॥

When all those kings had departed, Janardana quickly and boldly set out, his chariot driven by Saindhava Sugriva. (5-81-58)

ते हया वासुदेवस्य दारुकेण प्रचोदिताः। पन्थानमाचेमुरिव ग्रसमाना इवाम्बरम् ॥५-८१-५९॥

Those horses of Vāsudeva, urged on by Dāruka, sped along the path as if devouring the sky. (5-81-59)

अथापश्यन्महाबाहुरृषीनध्वनि केशवः। ब्राह्म्या श्रिया दीप्यमानान्स्थितानुभयतः पथि ॥५-८१-६०॥

Then Keśava, the mighty-armed, saw sages standing on both sides of the road, shining with Brahmanic splendour. (5-81-60)

सोऽवतीर्य रथात्तूर्णमभिवाद्य जनार्दनः। यथावत्तानृषीन्सर्वानभ्यभाषत पूजयन् ॥५-८१-६१॥

He—Janārdana—quickly descended from the chariot, bowed to all those sages, properly greeted them, and showed them respect. (5-81-61)

कच्चिल्लोकेषु कुशलं कच्चिद्धर्मः स्वनुष्ठितः। ब्राह्मणानां त्रयो वर्णाः कच्चित्तिष्ठन्ति शासने ॥५-८१-६२॥

Is everything well in the world? Is duty being properly observed? Are the three classes remaining under the Brahmins' authority? (5-81-62)

तेभ्यः प्रयुज्य तां पूजां प्रोवाच मधुसूदनः। भगवन्तः क्व संसिद्धाः का वीथी भवतामिह ॥५-८१-६३॥

After performing that honor for them, Madhusudana asked: "Venerable sirs, where are you established here, and what is your path here?" (5-81-63)

किं वा भगवतां कार्यमहं किं करवाणि वः। केनार्थेनोपसम्प्राप्ता भगवन्तो महीतलम् ॥५-८१-६४॥

What business do you holy ones have here? What should I do for you? For what reason have you holy ones come to the earth? (5-81-64)

तमब्रवीज्जामदग्न्य उपेत्य मधुसूदनम्। परिष्वज्य च गोविन्दं पुरा सुचरिते सखा ॥५-८१-६५॥

Jamadagni's son approached Madhusudana, embraced Govinda—his former friend in good conduct—and spoke to him. (5-81-65)

देवर्षयः पुण्यकृतो ब्राह्मणाश्च बहुश्रुताः। राजर्षयश्च दाशार्ह मानयन्तस्तपस्विनः ॥५-८१-६६॥

O Dāśārha, divine seers, the righteous, brahmins learned in many scriptures, and royal sages—ascetics showing honor— (5-81-66)

देवासुरस्य द्रष्टारः पुराणस्य महाद्युते। समेतं पार्थिवं क्षत्रं दिदृक्षन्तश्च सर्वतः ॥५-८१-६७॥

Seers of the ancient, radiant conflict between gods and asuras, with the assembled royal kṣatriyas, have come from all directions, desiring to witness it. (5-81-67)

सभासदश्च राजानस्त्वां च सत्यं जनार्दन। एतन्महत्प्रेक्षणीयं द्रष्टुं गच्छाम केशव ॥५-८१-६८॥

The councilors and kings—and you as well, truly, Janardana—this great spectacle, let us go to see, Keshava. (5-81-68)

धर्मार्थसहिता वाचः श्रोतुमिच्छाम माधव। त्वयोच्यमानाः कुरुषु राजमध्ये परन्तप ॥५-८१-६९॥

Madhava, I wish to hear words imbued with righteousness and purpose, spoken by you to the Kauravas in the midst of the kings, O scorcher of foes. (5-81-69)

भीष्मद्रोणादयश्चैव विदुरश्च महामतिः। त्वं च यादवशार्दूल सभायां वै समेष्यथ ॥५-८१-७०॥

Bhishma, Drona, and others, Vidura the wise, and you, O tiger among the Yadavas—all will be present in the assembly. (5-81-70)

तव वाक्यानि दिव्यानि तत्र तेषां च माधव। श्रोतुमिच्छाम गोविन्द सत्यानि च शुभानि च ॥५-८१-७१॥

Mādhava, there I wish to hear your divine words, and also those of the others, Govinda—words that are true and auspicious. (5-81-71)

आपृष्टोऽसि महाबाहो पुनर्द्रक्ष्यामहे वयम्। याह्यविघ्नेन वै वीर द्रक्ष्यामस्त्वां सभागतम् ॥५-८१-७२॥

You have been bid farewell, O mighty-armed one. We will see you again. Go, hero, without obstacles; indeed, we will see you when you have arrived at the assembly. (5-81-72)