05.088
वैशम्पायन उवाच॥
Vaiśaṃpāyana said:
अथोपगम्य विदुरमपराह्णे जनार्दनः। पितृष्वसारं गोविन्दः सोऽभ्यगच्छदरिंदमः ॥५-८८-१॥
Then Janardana, having approached Vidura in the afternoon, that subduer of foes Govinda, went to his paternal aunt. (5-88-1)
सा दृष्ट्वा कृष्णमायान्तं प्रसन्नादित्यवर्चसम्। कण्ठे गृहीत्वा प्राक्रोशत्पृथा पार्थाननुस्मरन् ॥५-८८-२॥
She—seeing Kṛṣṇa approaching, radiant like the sun, embraced him by the neck and cried out, Pṛthā, remembering her sons. (5-88-2)
तेषां सत्त्ववतां मध्ये गोविन्दं सहचारिणम्। चिरस्य दृष्ट्वा वार्ष्णेयं बाष्पमाहारयत्पृथा ॥५-८८-३॥
In the midst of those steadfast ones, Kunti, upon seeing Govinda, the Vrishni prince and their companion, after a long time, shed tears. (5-88-3)
साब्रवीत्कृष्णमासीनं कृतातिथ्यं युधां पतिम्। बाष्पगद्गदपूर्णेन मुखेन परिशुष्यता ॥५-८८-४॥
With her voice choked and filled with tears, her mouth parched, she spoke to Krishna, the lord of warriors, who was seated and had been duly received as a guest. (5-88-4)
ये ते बाल्यात्प्रभृत्येव गुरुशुश्रूषणे रताः। परस्परस्य सुहृदः संमताः समचेतसः ॥५-८८-५॥
Those who, from childhood onward, have been devoted to serving their elders, friendly to one another, respected, and even-minded— (5-88-5)
निकृत्या भ्रंशिता राज्याज्जनार्हा निर्जनं गताः। विनीतक्रोधहर्षाश्च ब्रह्मण्याः सत्यवादिनः ॥५-८८-६॥
Noble men, deprived of their kingdom by deceit, have gone to a lonely place—restraining both anger and joy, devoted to the Brahman, and speaking the truth. (5-88-6)
त्यक्त्वा प्रियसुखे पार्था रुदन्तीमपहाय माम्। अहार्षुश्च वनं यान्तः समूलं हृदयं मम ॥५-८८-७॥
Having given up the pleasures and comforts they loved, the sons of Pāṇḍu departed for the forest, leaving me behind weeping, and as they went, they took my heart completely. (5-88-7)
अतदर्हा महात्मानः कथं केशव पाण्डवाः। ऊषुर्महावने तात सिंहव्याघ्रगजाकुले ॥५-८८-८॥
Keśava, how did the Pāṇḍavas, those great-souled ones who did not deserve such suffering, live in the great forest teeming with lions, tigers, and elephants, dear one? (5-88-8)
बाला विहीनाः पित्रा ते मया सततलालिताः। अपश्यन्तः स्वपितरौ कथमूषुर्महावने ॥५-८८-९॥
Those children, deprived of their father, constantly cherished by me, how did they live in the great forest, not seeing their own parents? (5-88-9)
शङ्खदुन्दुभिनिर्घोषैर्मृदङ्गैर्वैणवैरपि। पाण्डवाः समबोध्यन्त बाल्यात्प्रभृति केशव ॥५-८८-१०॥
Keśava, from childhood onward, the Pāṇḍavas were awakened by the blasts of conch shells, drums, mridangas, and also flutes. (5-88-10)
ये स्म वारणशब्देन हयानां हेषितेन च। रथनेमिनिनादैश्च व्यबोध्यन्त सदा गृहे ॥५-८८-११॥
Those who were always awakened at home by the sound of elephants, the neighing of horses, and the rumbling of chariot wheels, (5-88-11)
शङ्खभेरीनिनादेन वेणुवीणानुनादिना। पुण्याहघोषमिश्रेण पूज्यमाना द्विजातिभिः ॥५-८८-१२॥
Being honored by the twice-born, with the sound of conches and kettledrums, the music of flutes and vīṇās, and auspicious chants mingled in. (5-88-12)
वस्त्रै रत्नैरलङ्कारैः पूजयन्तो द्विजन्मनः। गीर्भिर्मङ्गलयुक्ताभिर्ब्राह्मणानां महात्मनाम् ॥५-८८-१३॥
Worshipping the twice-born with garments, jewels, and ornaments, and addressing the great-souled Brahmins with auspicious words, (5-88-13)
अर्चितैरर्चनार्हैश्च स्तुवद्भिरभिनन्दिताः। प्रासादाग्रेष्वबोध्यन्त राङ्कवाजिनशायिनः ॥५-८८-१४॥
Honoured with worthy offerings and praised with blessings by those chanting hymns, they slept on the terraces of the palaces, lying on blankets and horse-covers. (5-88-14)
ते नूनं निनदं श्रुत्वा श्वापदानां महावने। न स्मोपयान्ति निद्रां वै अतदर्हा जनार्दन ॥५-८८-१५॥
Surely, O Janardana, those unworthy of that do not ever attain sleep, hearing the howling of wild beasts in the great forest. (5-88-15)
भेरीमृदङ्गनिनदैः शङ्खवैणवनिस्वनैः। स्त्रीणां गीतनिनादैश्च मधुरैर्मधुसूदन ॥५-८८-१६॥
O Madhusudana, with the sounds of drums and mṛdaṅgas, the blaring of conches and the notes of flutes, and the sweet songs of women, (5-88-16)
बन्दिमागधसूतैश्च स्तुवद्भिर्बोधिताः कथम्। महावने व्यबोध्यन्त श्वापदानां रुतेन ते ॥५-८८-१७॥
And by the praise-singers, bards, and charioteers extolling them, as well as by the cries of wild beasts, how were they awakened in the great forest? (5-88-17)
ह्रीमान्सत्यधृतिर्दान्तो भूतानामनुकम्पिता। कामद्वेषौ वशे कृत्वा सतां वर्त्मानुवर्तते ॥५-८८-१८॥
Modest, steadfast in truth, self-controlled, compassionate toward living beings, having brought desire and hatred under control, he follows the path of the virtuous. (5-88-18)
अम्बरीषस्य मान्धातुर्ययातेर्नहुषस्य च। भरतस्य दिलीपस्य शिबेरौशीनरस्य च ॥५-८८-१९॥
of Ambarīṣa, Māndhātṛ, Yayāti, Nahuṣa, Bharata, Dilīpa, Śibi, and Aushīnara (5-88-19)
राजर्षीणां पुराणानां धुरं धत्ते दुरुद्वहाम्। शीलवृत्तोपसम्पन्नो धर्मज्ञः सत्यसङ्गरः ॥५-८८-२०॥
He bears the heavy burden of the ancient royal sages, endowed with good character and conduct, knowing what is right, and steadfast in truth. (5-88-20)
राजा सर्वगुणोपेतस्त्रैलोक्यस्यापि यो भवेत्। अजातशत्रुर्धर्मात्मा शुद्धजाम्बूनदप्रभः ॥५-८८-२१॥
The king who might exist, endowed with every virtue—even in the three worlds—one without enemies, righteous in soul, possessing the splendor of pure Jambūnada gold... (5-88-21)
श्रेष्ठः कुरुषु सर्वेषु धर्मतः श्रुतवृत्ततः। प्रियदर्शनो दीर्घभुजः कथं कृष्ण युधिष्ठिरः ॥५-८८-२२॥
How is Yudhiṣṭhira, the foremost among all the Kurus in righteousness, learning, and conduct, pleasant to look upon and long-armed, O Kṛṣṇa... (5-88-22)
यः स नागायुतप्राणो वातरंहा वृकोदरः। अमर्षी पाण्डवो नित्यं प्रियो भ्रातुः प्रियङ्करः ॥५-८८-२३॥
That Vṛkodara, the Pāṇḍava with the strength of ten thousand elephants, swift as the wind, quick to anger, always dear to his brother and a source of joy to him— (5-88-23)
कीचकस्य च सज्ञातेर्यो हन्ता मधुसूदन। शूरः क्रोधवशानां च हिडिम्बस्य बकस्य च ॥५-८८-२४॥
O Madhusūdana, he who is the slayer of Kīcaka and his kin, the valiant one who also slew Hiḍiṃba and Baka—those overpowered by anger— (5-88-24)
पराक्रमे शक्रसमो वायुवेगसमो जवे। महेश्वरसमः क्रोधे भीमः प्रहरतां वरः ॥५-८८-२५॥
In valor, he is equal to Indra; in swiftness, equal to the speed of the wind; in wrath, equal to Maheśvara—Bhima is the foremost among those who strike. (5-88-25)
क्रोधं बलममर्षं च यो निधाय परन्तपः। जितात्मा पाण्डवोऽमर्षी भ्रातुस्तिष्ठति शासने ॥५-८८-२६॥
The self-controlled Pāṇḍava, scorcher of foes, who has set aside anger, strength, and impatience, remains patient under his brother's authority. (5-88-26)
तेजोराशिं महात्मानं बलौघममितौजसम्। भीमं प्रदर्शनेनापि भीमसेनं जनार्दन । तं ममाचक्ष्व वार्ष्णेय कथमद्य वृकोदरः ॥५-८८-२७॥
Janārdana, show me that Bhīma—Bhīmasena, the great-souled mass of energy, the flood of strength, of immeasurable energy—Vārṣṇeya, tell me how Vṛkodara is today. (5-88-27)
आस्ते परिघबाहुः स मध्यमः पाण्डवोऽच्युत। अर्जुनेनार्जुनो यः स कृष्ण बाहुसहस्रिणा । द्विबाहुः स्पर्धते नित्यमतीतेनापि केशव ॥५-८८-२८॥
That middle Pāṇḍava, Keśava, sits there with mace-like arms. He, with just two arms, always contends with Arjuna—who is like Arjuna—and with Kṛṣṇa, the thousand-armed one, even with the one long past. (5-88-28)
क्षिपत्येकेन वेगेन पञ्च बाणशतानि यः। इष्वस्त्रे सदृशो राज्ञः कार्तवीर्यस्य पाण्डवः ॥५-८८-२९॥
He is the Pāṇḍava who shoots five hundred arrows at once with a single motion and, in archery, is the equal of King Kārtavīrya. (5-88-29)
तेजसादित्यसदृशो महर्षिप्रतिमो दमे। क्षमया पृथिवीतुल्यो महेन्द्रसमविक्रमः ॥५-८८-३०॥
Brilliant as the sun, possessing the self-restraint of a great seer, in forbearance equal to the earth, and as courageous as Indra. (5-88-30)
आधिराज्यं महद्दीप्तं प्रथितं मधुसूदन। आहृतं येन वीर्येण कुरूणां सर्वराजसु ॥५-८८-३१॥
O Madhusudana, the great, brilliant, and renowned overlordship over the Kurus and all kings has been won by his strength. (5-88-31)
यस्य बाहुबलं घोरं कौरवाः पर्युपासते। स सर्वरथिनां श्रेष्ठः पाण्डवः सत्यविक्रमः ॥५-८८-३२॥
He whose terrible strength of arms the Kauravas rely upon, he is the foremost of all warriors—the truly valiant Pandava. (5-88-32)
योऽपाश्रयः पाण्डवानां देवानामिव वासवः। स ते भ्राता सखा चैव कथमद्य धनञ्जयः ॥५-८८-३३॥
He who is the refuge of the Pāṇḍavas, like Indra is for the gods—he, your brother and friend, how is Dhanañjaya (Arjuna) today? (5-88-33)
दयावान्सर्वभूतेषु ह्रीनिषेधो महास्त्रवित्। मृदुश्च सुकुमारश्च धार्मिकश्च प्रियश्च मे ॥५-८८-३४॥
He is compassionate toward all living beings, shuns impropriety, is a knower of great weapons, gentle, delicate, righteous, and dear to me. (5-88-34)
सहदेवो महेष्वासः शूरः समितिशोभनः। भ्रातॄणां कृष्ण शुश्रूषुर्धर्मार्थकुशलो युवा ॥५-८८-३५॥
Sahadeva, a mighty archer and valiant, distinguished in battle, O Krishna, devoted to serving his brothers, skilled in righteousness and prosperity, and young. (5-88-35)
सदैव सहदेवस्य भ्रातरो मधुसूदन। वृत्तं कल्याणवृत्तस्य पूजयन्ति महात्मनः ॥५-८८-३६॥
Madhusudana, Sahadeva's brothers always honor the conduct of the great-souled one, whose ways are noble. (5-88-36)
ज्येष्ठापचायिनं वीरं सहदेवं युधां पतिम्। शुश्रूषुं मम वार्ष्णेय माद्रीपुत्रं प्रचक्ष्व मे ॥५-८८-३७॥
Vārṣṇeya, tell me about Sahadeva, the heroic lord of warriors, Mādri's son, who honors his elders and is devoted to service to me. (5-88-37)
सुकुमारो युवा शूरो दर्शनीयश्च पाण्डवः। भ्रातॄणां कृष्ण सर्वेषां प्रियः प्राणो बहिश्चरः ॥५-८८-३८॥
The Pāṇḍava is tender, young, brave, handsome, and, Kṛṣṇa, is dear and beloved to all his brothers, and moves about openly. (5-88-38)
चित्रयोधी च नकुलो महेष्वासो महाबलः। कच्चित्स कुशली कृष्ण वत्सो मम सुखैधितः ॥५-८८-३९॥
And Nakul, the remarkable warrior, great bowman, and mighty one—Kṛṣṇa, I hope that dear child of mine is well and abounding in happiness. (5-88-39)
सुखोचितमदुःखार्हं सुकुमारं महारथम्। अपि जातु महाबाहो पश्येयं नकुलं पुनः ॥५-८८-४०॥
O mighty-armed one, will I ever see Nakula again—the great chariot-warrior, delicate, accustomed to comfort, and undeserving of suffering? (5-88-40)
पक्ष्मसम्पातजे काले नकुलेन विनाकृता। न लभामि सुखं वीर साद्य जीवामि पश्य माम् ॥५-८८-४१॥
Hero, from the moment of blinking—when I am apart from Nakula—I find no happiness; therefore, see, I am simply living on. (5-88-41)
सर्वैः पुत्रैः प्रियतमा द्रौपदी मे जनार्दन। कुलीना शीलसम्पन्ना सर्वैः समुदिता गुणैः ॥५-८८-४२॥
Janardana, Draupadi is dearer to me than all my sons; she is noble, endowed with good character, and possessed of every virtue. (5-88-42)
पुत्रलोकात्पतिलोकान्वृण्वाना सत्यवादिनी। प्रियान्पुत्रान्परित्यज्य पाण्डवानन्वपद्यत ॥५-८८-४३॥
Truthful, choosing the worlds of husbands over the world of sons, she abandoned her beloved sons and followed the Pāṇḍavas. (5-88-43)
महाभिजनसम्पन्ना सर्वकामैः सुपूजिता। ईश्वरी सर्वकल्याणी द्रौपदी कथमच्युत ॥५-८८-४४॥
O Acyuta, Draupadi, endowed with great lineage, honored with every enjoyment, sovereign and supremely auspicious—how is it that she... (5-88-44)
पतिभिः पञ्चभिः शूरैरग्निकल्पैः प्रहारिभिः। उपपन्ना महेष्वासैर्द्रौपदी दुःखभागिनी ॥५-८८-४५॥
Draupadī, who was joined with five valiant husbands—mighty warriors like fire and great archers—became one who shares in suffering. (5-88-45)
चतुर्दशमिमं वर्षं यन्नापश्यमरिंदम। पुत्राधिभिः परिद्यूनां द्रौपदीं सत्यवादिनीम् ॥५-८८-४६॥
O subduer of foes, during this fourteenth year, when I did not see Draupadi—truthful, and afflicted because of her sons... (5-88-46)
न नूनं कर्मभिः पुण्यैरश्नुते पुरुषः सुखम्। द्रौपदी चेत्तथावृत्ता नाश्नुते सुखमव्ययम् ॥५-८८-४७॥
Surely, a man does not gain happiness by virtuous deeds, if even Draupadi, in such a situation, does not obtain enduring happiness. (5-88-47)
न प्रियो मम कृष्णाय बीभत्सुर्न युधिष्ठिरः। भीमसेनो यमौ वापि यदपश्यं सभागताम् ॥५-८८-४८॥
Neither Kṛṣṇa, nor Arjuna, nor Yudhiṣṭhira, nor Bhīmasena, nor the twin sons of Yama are dear to me—because I saw her presence in the assembly. (5-88-48)
न मे दुःखतरं किञ्चिद्भूतपूर्वं ततोऽधिकम्। यद्द्रौपदीं निवातस्थां श्वशुराणां समीपगाम् ॥५-८८-४९॥
No suffering greater than that has ever occurred to me—greater than seeing Draupadi, standing humbled, approaching her fathers-in-law... (5-88-49)
आनायितामनार्येण क्रोधलोभानुवर्तिना। सर्वे प्रैक्षन्त कुरव एकवस्त्रां सभागताम् ॥५-८८-५०॥
Summoned by the ignoble one who was ruled by anger and greed, all the Kauravas gazed upon her—she who had entered the assembly clad in a single garment. (5-88-50)
तत्रैव धृतराष्ट्रश्च महाराजश्च बाह्लिकः। कृपश्च सोमदत्तश्च निर्विण्णाः कुरवस्तथा ॥५-८८-५१॥
Right there, Dhritarashtra, the great king Bahlik, Kripa, Somadatta, and the Kurus as well were distressed. (5-88-51)
तस्यां संसदि सर्वस्यां क्षत्तारं पूजयाम्यहम्। वृत्तेन हि भवत्यार्यो न धनेन न विद्यया ॥५-८८-५२॥
In that entire assembly, I honor the chamberlain; for it is by conduct that one becomes noble, not by wealth or by learning. (5-88-52)
तस्य कृष्ण महाबुद्धेर्गम्भीरस्य महात्मनः। क्षत्तुः शीलमलङ्कारो लोकान्विष्टभ्य तिष्ठति ॥५-८८-५३॥
O Kṛṣṇa, the virtue of that Kṣattṛ—whose mind is great, whose soul is profound and great—abides, pervading all people, as his adornment. (5-88-53)
सा शोकार्ता च हृष्टा च दृष्ट्वा गोविन्दमागतम्। नानाविधानि दुःखानि सर्वाण्येवान्वकीर्तयत् ॥५-८८-५४॥
She, distressed by sorrow and yet delighted, upon seeing Govinda arrive, recounted all her various sufferings. (5-88-54)
पूर्वैराचरितं यत्तत्कुराजभिररिंदम। अक्षद्यूतं मृगवधः कच्चिदेषां सुखावहम् ॥५-८८-५५॥
O crusher of enemies, could it be that what was done by the ancestors—such as the dice game and the killing of the deer—brings happiness to these Kurus? (5-88-55)
तन्मां दहति यत्कृष्णा सभायां कुरुसंनिधौ। धार्तराष्ट्रैः परिक्लिष्टा यथा नकुशलं तथा ॥५-८८-५६॥
What burns me is that Kṛṣṇā (Draupadī), afflicted by the sons of Dhṛtarāṣṭra in the assembly in the presence of the Kurus, was treated so that it was anything but good. (5-88-56)
निर्वासनं च नगरात्प्रव्रज्या च परन्तप। नानाविधानां दुःखानामावासोऽस्मि जनार्दन । अज्ञातचर्या बालानामवरोधश्च केशव ॥५-८८-५७॥
Exile from the city and banishment, O tormentor of foes, and the dwelling amidst various kinds of hardships, O Kṛṣṇa—living in concealment, and the confinement of the children as well, O Keśava— (5-88-57)
न स्म क्लेशतमं मे स्यात्पुत्रैः सह परन्तप। दुर्योधनेन निकृता वर्षमद्य चतुर्दशम् ॥५-८८-५८॥
O scorcher of foes, there would not be for me any distress greater than being wronged for fourteen years by Duryodhana, together with my sons. (5-88-58)
दुःखादपि सुखं न स्याद्यदि पुण्यफलक्षयः। न मे विशेषो जात्वासीद्धार्तराष्ट्रेषु पाण्डवैः ॥५-८८-५९॥
Even happiness would not arise from suffering, if the fruits of merit were lost; for never was there any distinction for me between the sons of Dhritarashtra and the Pandavas. (5-88-59)
तेन सत्येन कृष्ण त्वां हतामित्रं श्रिया वृतम्। अस्माद्विमुक्तं सङ्ग्रामात्पश्येयं पाण्डवैः सह । नैव शक्याः पराजेतुं सत्त्वं ह्येषां तथागतम् ॥५-८८-६०॥
By that truth, Kṛṣṇa, may I see you, with your enemies vanquished, radiant with glory, and freed from this battle, together with the Pāṇḍavas. Truly, they cannot be defeated, for such is their courage now. (5-88-60)
पितरं त्वेव गर्हेयं नात्मानं न सुयोधनम्। येनाहं कुन्तिभोजाय धनं धूर्तैरिवार्पिता ॥५-८८-६१॥
I would only blame my father, not myself nor Suyodhana, by whom I was handed over to Kuntibhoja as if I were property, like by tricksters. (5-88-61)
बालां मामार्यकस्तुभ्यं क्रीडन्तीं कन्दुहस्तकाम्। अददात्कुन्तिभोजाय सखा सख्ये महात्मने ॥५-८८-६२॥
When I was a young girl, playing with itching hands, my father's friend gave me to you—Kuntibhoja, that great-souled one—as a friend gives to a friend. (5-88-62)
साहं पित्रा च निकृता श्वशुरैश्च परन्तप। अत्यन्तदुःखिता कृष्ण किं जीवितफलं मम ॥५-८८-६३॥
O Kṛṣṇa, I, that same person, have been wronged by my father and by my in-laws, O tormentor of enemies. Utterly afflicted with sorrow, what is the value of my life to me? (5-88-63)
यन्मा वागब्रवीन्नक्तं सूतके सव्यसाचिनः। पुत्रस्ते पृथिवीं जेता यशश्चास्य दिवं स्पृशेत् ॥५-८८-६४॥
As Savyasācin once spoke to me at night when I was in childbirth: 'Your son will conquer the earth, and his fame shall reach the heavens.' (5-88-64)
हत्वा कुरून्ग्रामजन्ये राज्यं प्राप्य धनञ्जयः। भ्रातृभिः सह कौन्तेयस्त्रीन्मेधानाहरिष्यति ॥५-८८-६५॥
After killing the Kurus in battle and obtaining the kingdom, Dhananjaya, the son of Kunti, together with his brothers, will perform three sacrificial rites. (5-88-65)
नाहं तामभ्यसूयामि नमो धर्माय वेधसे। कृष्णाय महते नित्यं धर्मो धारयति प्रजाः ॥५-८८-६६॥
I do not blame her. Reverence to Dharma, the creator, to Kṛṣṇa the great. It is always Dharma that sustains the people. (5-88-66)
धर्मश्चेदस्ति वार्ष्णेय तथा सत्यं भविष्यति। त्वं चापि तत्तथा कृष्ण सर्वं सम्पादयिष्यसि ॥५-८८-६७॥
If righteousness truly exists, O descendant of the Vrishnis, then truth will prevail; and you too, O Krishna, will bring all this to fulfillment accordingly. (5-88-67)
न मां माधव वैधव्यं नार्थनाशो न वैरिता। तथा शोकाय भवति यथा पुत्रैर्विनाभवः ॥५-८८-६८॥
O Madhava, neither widowhood, nor loss of wealth, nor enmity causes me as much grief as life without my sons. (5-88-68)
याहं गाण्डीवधन्वानं सर्वशस्त्रभृतां वरम्। धनञ्जयं न पश्यामि का शान्तिर्हृदयस्य मे ॥५-८८-६९॥
I, who do not see Dhanañjaya, the wielder of the Gāṇḍīva bow and the greatest of all warriors, what peace can there be for my heart? (5-88-69)
इदं चतुर्दशं वर्षं यन्नापश्यं युधिष्ठिरम्। धनञ्जयं च गोविन्द यमौ तं च वृकोदरम् ॥५-८८-७०॥
These fourteen years in which I have not seen Yudhishthira, Dhananjaya, Govinda, the twins, and that Vrikodara— (5-88-70)
जीवनाशं प्रनष्टानां श्राद्धं कुर्वन्ति मानवाः। अर्थतस्ते मम मृतास्तेषां चाहं जनार्दन ॥५-८८-७१॥
People perform funeral rites for those who are believed dead and lost; in effect, they are dead to me as well, Janardana, and I am dead to them. (5-88-71)
ब्रूया माधव राजानं धर्मात्मानं युधिष्ठिरम्। भूयांस्ते हीयते धर्मो मा पुत्रक वृथा कृथाः ॥५-८८-७२॥
Tell Madhava, the king, the righteous-hearted Yudhishthira: May your righteousness increase; do not let it be diminished, dear child, do not act in vain. (5-88-72)
पराश्रया वासुदेव या जीवामि धिगस्तु माम्। वृत्तेः कृपणलब्धाया अप्रतिष्ठैव ज्यायसी ॥५-८८-७३॥
Shame upon me, Vāsudeva, that I live dependent on others. Living off a meager livelihood gained with no dignity is even worse. (5-88-73)
अथो धनञ्जयं ब्रूया नित्योद्युक्तं वृकोदरम्। यदर्थं क्षत्रिया सूते तस्य कालोऽयमागतः ॥५-८८-७४॥
Now, tell Dhananjaya and Vrikodara, who is always ready, that the time has come for which Kshatriyas are born. (5-88-74)
अस्मिंश्चेदागते काले कालो वोऽतिक्रमिष्यति। लोकसम्भाविताः सन्तः सुनृशंसं करिष्यथ ॥५-८८-७५॥
If, when the proper time has arrived, you let the opportunity slip by, then—though respected by the world—you will do something very cruel. (5-88-75)
नृशंसेन च वो युक्तांस्त्यजेयं शाश्वतीः समाः। काले हि समनुप्राप्ते त्यक्तव्यमपि जीवितम् ॥५-८८-७६॥
If you engage in cruelty, I would abandon you for all time; for when the proper moment arrives, even life itself must be given up. (5-88-76)
माद्रीपुत्रौ च वक्तव्यौ क्षत्रधर्मरतौ सदा। विक्रमेणार्जितान्भोगान्वृणीतं जीवितादपि ॥५-८८-७७॥
The sons of Mādri, who are always devoted to the warrior's duty, should also be told: choose enjoyments gained by valor even over life itself. (5-88-77)
विक्रमाधिगता ह्यर्थाः क्षत्रधर्मेण जीवतः। मनो मनुष्यस्य सदा प्रीणन्ति पुरुषोत्तम ॥५-८८-७८॥
Best of men, the rewards truly gained by valor, through the warrior’s duty, always delight a person’s mind while living. (5-88-78)
गत्वा ब्रूहि महाबाहो सर्वशस्त्रभृतां वरम्। अर्जुनं पाण्डवं वीरं द्रौपद्याः पदवीं चर ॥५-८८-७९॥
Go, mighty-armed one, and tell Arjuna, the foremost of all wielders of weapons, the heroic son of Pandu: follow the path of Draupadi. (5-88-79)
विदितौ हि तवात्यन्तं क्रुद्धाविव यथान्तकौ। भीमार्जुनौ नयेतां हि देवानपि परां गतिम् ॥५-८८-८०॥
For Bhīma and Arjuna are well known to you—as completely enraged, like the gods of death; they could indeed lead even the gods to their ultimate end. (5-88-80)
तयोश्चैतदवज्ञानं यत्सा कृष्णा सभां गता। दुःशासनश्च कर्णश्च परुषाण्यभ्यभाषताम् ॥५-८८-८१॥
And the insult by those two—when that Kṛṣṇā entered the assembly, Duḥśāsana and Karna spoke harsh words. (5-88-81)
दुर्योधनो भीमसेनमभ्यगच्छन्मनस्विनम्। पश्यतां कुरुमुख्यानां तस्य द्रक्ष्यति यत्फलम् ॥५-८८-८२॥
Duryodhana approached the spirited Bhīmasena as the chief Kurus looked on; he will see what result this brings. (5-88-82)
न हि वैरं समासाद्य प्रशाम्यति वृकोदरः। सुचिरादपि भीमस्य न हि वैरं प्रशाम्यति । यावदन्तं न नयति शात्रवाञ्शत्रुकर्शनः ॥५-८८-८३॥
For Vṛkodara, enmity does not subside once it is aroused; even after a long time, Bhima's enmity does not abate until the tormentor of enemies brings his foes to their end. (5-88-83)
न दुःखं राज्यहरणं न च द्यूते पराजयः। प्रव्राजनं च पुत्राणां न मे तद्दुःखकारणम् ॥५-८८-८४॥
The loss of the kingdom is not suffering to me, nor is defeat in the dice game. Nor is the exile of my sons the cause of my sorrow. (5-88-84)
यत्तु सा बृहती श्यामा एकवस्त्रा सभां गता। अशृणोत्परुषा वाचस्ततो दुःखतरं नु किम् ॥५-८८-८५॥
But that she—tall, dark-complexioned, wearing a single garment—went into the assembly and heard harsh words: what indeed could be more painful than that? (5-88-85)
स्त्रीधर्मिणी वरारोहा क्षत्रधर्मरता सदा। नाध्यगच्छत्तथा नाथं कृष्णा नाथवती सती ॥५-८८-८६॥
Kṛṣṇā, who always observed the duties of a wife, was the best of women, devoted to the warrior's code, and virtuous—even though she had a husband, she did not find a protector in that moment. (5-88-86)
यस्या मम सपुत्रायास्त्वं नाथो मधुसूदन। रामश्च बलिनां श्रेष्ठः प्रद्युम्नश्च महारथः ॥५-८८-८७॥
You, O Madhusudana, are the protector of my wife and her son, and Rama, foremost of the mighty, and Pradyumna, the great chariot-warrior. (5-88-87)
साहमेवंविधं दुःखं सहेऽद्य पुरुषोत्तम। भीमे जीवति दुर्धर्षे विजये चापलायिनि ॥५-८८-८८॥
Yet I, that same woman, endure such sorrow today, O best of men, even while Bhima, the unconquerable, lives, and Vijaya, who does not turn back, is also alive. (5-88-88)
तत आश्वासयामास पुत्राधिभिरभिप्लुताम्। पितृष्वसारं शोचन्तीं शौरिः पार्थसखः पृथाम् ॥५-८८-८९॥
Then Kṛṣṇa, Arjuna's friend, consoled Prithā, his paternal aunt, who was overwhelmed with sorrow for her sons and grieving. (5-88-89)
का नु सीमन्तिनी त्वादृग्लोकेष्वस्ति पितृष्वसः। शूरस्य राज्ञो दुहिता आजमीढकुलं गता ॥५-८८-९०॥
Aunt, what married woman like you is there in the world—daughter of King Shura, who has entered the Ajamidha family? (5-88-90)
महाकुलीना भवती ह्रदाद्ध्रदमिवागता। ईश्वरी सर्वकल्याणी भर्त्रा परमपूजिता ॥५-८८-९१॥
You are of high lineage, having come from one noble house to another, like a lake from a lake—a lady possessing every auspicious quality, greatly honored by your husband. (5-88-91)
वीरसूर्वीरपत्नी च सर्वैः समुदिता गुणैः। सुखदुःखे महाप्राज्ञे त्वादृशी सोढुमर्हति ॥५-८८-९२॥
Endowed with all virtues, a woman like you—who has given birth to heroes and is the wife of a hero, O greatly wise one—should be able to endure happiness and sorrow. (5-88-92)
निद्रातन्द्री क्रोधहर्षौ क्षुत्पिपासे हिमातपौ। एतानि पार्था निर्जित्य नित्यं वीराः सुखे रताः ॥५-८८-९३॥
Overcoming sleep, lethargy, anger and joy, hunger and thirst, cold and heat—these heroes, the sons of Pr̥thā, always delight in happiness. (5-88-93)
त्यक्तग्राम्यसुखाः पार्था नित्यं वीरसुखप्रियाः। न ते स्वल्पेन तुष्येयुर्महोत्साहा महाबलाः ॥५-८८-९४॥
Having renounced worldly pleasures, the sons of Pāṇḍu are always fond of the joy of heroism; they, possessed of great enthusiasm and great strength, would not be satisfied with little. (5-88-94)
अन्तं धीरा निषेवन्ते मध्यं ग्राम्यसुखप्रियाः। उत्तमांश्च परिक्लेशान्भोगांश्चातीव मानुषान् ॥५-८८-९५॥
The steadfast pursue the end; those who delight in ordinary pleasures seek the middle. But both excellent hardships and enjoyments, exceedingly human. (5-88-95)
अन्तेषु रेमिरे धीरा न ते मध्येषु रेमिरे। अन्तप्राप्तिं सुखामाहुर्दुःखमन्तरमन्तयोः ॥५-८८-९६॥
The steadfast found pleasure in extremes, not in the middle; they called attainment of an extreme pleasant and the intermediate state between the two extremes painful. (5-88-96)
अभिवादयन्ति भवतीं पाण्डवाः सह कृष्णया। आत्मानं च कुशलिनं निवेद्याहुरनामयम् ॥५-८८-९७॥
The Pāṇḍavas, together with Kṛṣṇā, greet you; declaring themselves to be well, they convey their welfare. (5-88-97)
अरोगान्सर्वसिद्धार्थान्क्षिप्रं द्रक्ष्यसि पाण्डवान्। ईश्वरान्सर्वलोकस्य हतामित्राञ्श्रिया वृतान् ॥५-८८-९८॥
You will soon see the Pāṇḍavas, free from illness, all their aims accomplished, mighty lords over all people, their enemies defeated, and endowed with prosperity. (5-88-98)
एवमाश्वासिता कुन्ती प्रत्युवाच जनार्दनम्। पुत्राधिभिरभिध्वस्ता निगृह्याबुद्धिजं तमः ॥५-८८-९९॥
Thus comforted, Kuntī—distressed by grief for her sons—restraining the darkness born of confusion, replied to Janārdana. (5-88-99)
यद्यत्तेषां महाबाहो पथ्यं स्यान्मधुसूदन। यथा यथा त्वं मन्येथाः कुर्याः कृष्ण तथा तथा ॥५-८८-१००॥
O Madhusudana, whatever you think would be beneficial for them, O mighty-armed Krishna, do just that, in whatever way you consider best. (5-88-100)
अविलोपेन धर्मस्य अनिकृत्या परन्तप। प्रभावज्ञास्मि ते कृष्ण सत्यस्याभिजनस्य च ॥५-८८-१०१॥
O Krishna, scorcher of foes, I know your power—your truthfulness and noble lineage—without violating dharma or causing harm. (5-88-101)
व्यवस्थायां च मित्रेषु बुद्धिविक्रमयोस्तथा। त्वमेव नः कुले धर्मस्त्वं सत्यं त्वं तपो महत् ॥५-८८-१०२॥
In deliberation, in matters of friendship, in wisdom and in prowess likewise, you alone are, in our lineage, righteousness; you are truth, you are great austerity. (5-88-102)
त्वं त्राता त्वं महद्ब्रह्म त्वयि सर्वं प्रतिष्ठितम्। यथैवात्थ तथैवैतत्त्वयि सत्यं भविष्यति ॥५-८८-१०३॥
You are the protector, you are the supreme Brahman. In you everything is established. As you are, so indeed it will be with you—this is the truth. (5-88-103)
तामामन्त्र्य च गोविन्दः कृत्वा चाभिप्रदक्षिणम्। प्रातिष्ठत महाबाहुर्दुर्योधनगृहान्प्रति ॥५-८८-१०४॥
Having taken leave of her and respectfully walked around her, the mighty-armed Govinda set out for Duryodhana's residence. (5-88-104)