05.087

Vaiśampāyana said:

But Kṛṣṇa, having risen in the morning and performed all his morning duties, received permission from the Brahmins and set out for the city. (5-87-1)

O king, after taking leave of him, the strong-armed one, as he departed, all the dwellers of Vṛkasthala then turned back. (5-87-2)

All the sons of Dhritarashtra except Duryodhana, well adorned, along with Bhishma, Drona, Kripa, and others, went out to meet him as he approached. (5-87-3)

O king, crowds of citizens, wishing to see Hṛṣīkeśa, came in many vehicles of various kinds, and others came on foot, and still others likewise. (5-87-4)

He indeed, having met Bhishma the tireless, Drona, and the sons of Dhritarashtra on the road, went to the city accompanied by them. (5-87-5)

And, to honor Krishna, the city was splendidly decorated, and the royal roads were piled high with many gems. (5-87-6)

O king, at that time, no one remained at home—not a woman, nor an elder, nor a child—all because of the desire to see Vāsudeva. (5-87-7)

O King, on the royal road men were nowhere to be seen—they had all gone to the ground; such was the immense commotion at Hṛṣīkeśa’s entrance. (5-87-8)

Even the very large houses, covered with excellent women, seemed to sway from the weight, as seen on the earth. (5-87-9)

In the same way, those swift horses of Vāsudeva, their speed lost, became slow on the royal road crowded with people. (5-87-10)

He, the lotus-eyed tormentor of foes, entered the palace of Dhṛtarāṣṭra, the house of Pāṇḍu adorned with palaces. (5-87-11)

Keśava, the subduer of foes, passed through three enclosures of the royal palace and approached the king, the descendant of Vicitravīrya. (5-87-12)

When Krishna, the wise lord of men, entered, the greatly renowned one immediately rose together with Drona and Bhishma. (5-87-13)

Kṛpa, Somadatta, the great king Bāhlika—all of them rose from their seats, honoring Janārdana. (5-87-14)

Then, approaching the renowned King Dhritarashtra, the descendant of Vrishni honoured Bhishma with clear words. (5-87-15)

There, Madhusudana, having observed the proper order of dharma among them, approached the kings according to their age. (5-87-16)

Then Janārdana approached Droṇa with his son, the illustrious Bāhlīka, Kṛpa, and Somadatta. (5-87-17)

There was a splendid, polished, great golden seat there, and by the command of Dhṛtarāṣṭra, Acyuta sat down upon it. (5-87-18)

Then, in accordance with custom, the priests of Dhritarashtra brought a cow, madhuparka, and water for Janardana. (5-87-19)

But after being received as a guest, Govinda sat, mocking all the Kauravas, making conversation while surrounded by them. (5-87-20)

He, the greatly renowned subduer of foes, having been honoured by Dhritarashtra and shown respect, took leave of the king and departed. (5-87-21)

Mādhava, having joined with the Kurus in their assembly according to custom, went to the pleasant residence of Vidura. (5-87-22)

Vidura approached Janardana and honored the Dasharha, offering him all possible comforts and fulfillments of desire. (5-87-23)

But Vidura, who knew all the virtues, after offering hospitality to Govinda, asked Madhusudana about the well-being of the sons of Pandu. (5-87-24)

to his friend, who was delighted, wise, supreme in intellect, ever devoted to dharma, now faultless and discerning, (5-87-25)

The Dāśārha (Krishna), who had witnessed everything, had the charioteer (Vidura) report to him in full detail all the actions of the Pāṇḍavas. (5-87-26)