05.081

Arjuna said:

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

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)

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)

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)

Bhagavan said:

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)

Vaiśampāyana said:

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)

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)

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

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

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)

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

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)

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)

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

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)

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

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)

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

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)

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

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)

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)

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

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

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

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)

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

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)

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)

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)

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

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)

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

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)

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)

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)

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

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

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)

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

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)

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)

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

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

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)

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

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

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)

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

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

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)

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)

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)

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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)

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

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)

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

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)

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)