05.088

vaiśampāyana uvāca॥

Vaiśaṃpāyana said:

athōpagamya viduramaparāhṇē janārdanaḥ। pitr̥ṣvasāraṁ gōvindaḥ sō’bhyagacchadariṁdamaḥ ॥5-88-1॥

Then Janardana, having approached Vidura in the afternoon, that subduer of foes Govinda, went to his paternal aunt. (5-88-1)

sā dr̥ṣṭvā kr̥ṣṇamāyāntaṁ prasannādityavarcasam। kaṇṭhē gr̥hītvā prākrōśatpr̥thā pārthānanusmaran ॥5-88-2॥

She—seeing Kṛṣṇa approaching, radiant like the sun, embraced him by the neck and cried out, Pṛthā, remembering her sons. (5-88-2)

tēṣāṁ sattvavatāṁ madhyē gōvindaṁ sahacāriṇam। cirasya dr̥ṣṭvā vārṣṇēyaṁ bāṣpamāhārayatpr̥thā ॥5-88-3॥

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)

sābravītkr̥ṣṇamāsīnaṁ kr̥tātithyaṁ yudhāṁ patim। bāṣpagadgadapūrṇēna mukhēna pariśuṣyatā ॥5-88-4॥

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)

yē tē bālyātprabhr̥tyēva guruśuśrūṣaṇē ratāḥ। parasparasya suhr̥daḥ saṁmatāḥ samacētasaḥ ॥5-88-5॥

Those who, from childhood onward, have been devoted to serving their elders, friendly to one another, respected, and even-minded— (5-88-5)

nikr̥tyā bhraṁśitā rājyājjanārhā nirjanaṁ gatāḥ। vinītakrōdhaharṣāśca brahmaṇyāḥ satyavādinaḥ ॥5-88-6॥

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)

tyaktvā priyasukhē pārthā rudantīmapahāya mām। ahārṣuśca vanaṁ yāntaḥ samūlaṁ hr̥dayaṁ mama ॥5-88-7॥

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)

atadarhā mahātmānaḥ kathaṁ kēśava pāṇḍavāḥ। ūṣurmahāvanē tāta siṁhavyāghragajākulē ॥5-88-8॥

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)

bālā vihīnāḥ pitrā tē mayā satatalālitāḥ। apaśyantaḥ svapitarau kathamūṣurmahāvanē ॥5-88-9॥

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)

śaṅkhadundubhinirghōṣairmr̥daṅgairvaiṇavairapi। pāṇḍavāḥ samabōdhyanta bālyātprabhr̥ti kēśava ॥5-88-10॥

Keśava, from childhood onward, the Pāṇḍavas were awakened by the blasts of conch shells, drums, mridangas, and also flutes. (5-88-10)

yē sma vāraṇaśabdēna hayānāṁ hēṣitēna ca। rathanēmininādaiśca vyabōdhyanta sadā gr̥hē ॥5-88-11॥

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)

śaṅkhabhērīninādēna vēṇuvīṇānunādinā। puṇyāhaghōṣamiśrēṇa pūjyamānā dvijātibhiḥ ॥5-88-12॥

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)

vastrai ratnairalaṅkāraiḥ pūjayantō dvijanmanaḥ। gīrbhirmaṅgalayuktābhirbrāhmaṇānāṁ mahātmanām ॥5-88-13॥

Worshipping the twice-born with garments, jewels, and ornaments, and addressing the great-souled Brahmins with auspicious words, (5-88-13)

arcitairarcanārhaiśca stuvadbhirabhinanditāḥ। prāsādāgrēṣvabōdhyanta rāṅkavājinaśāyinaḥ ॥5-88-14॥

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)

tē nūnaṁ ninadaṁ śrutvā śvāpadānāṁ mahāvanē। na smōpayānti nidrāṁ vai atadarhā janārdana ॥5-88-15॥

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)

bhērīmr̥daṅganinadaiḥ śaṅkhavaiṇavanisvanaiḥ। strīṇāṁ gītaninādaiśca madhurairmadhusūdana ॥5-88-16॥

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)

bandimāgadhasūtaiśca stuvadbhirbōdhitāḥ katham। mahāvanē vyabōdhyanta śvāpadānāṁ rutēna tē ॥5-88-17॥

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)

hrīmānsatyadhr̥tirdāntō bhūtānāmanukampitā। kāmadvēṣau vaśē kr̥tvā satāṁ vartmānuvartatē ॥5-88-18॥

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)

ambarīṣasya māndhāturyayātērnahuṣasya ca। bharatasya dilīpasya śibērauśīnarasya ca ॥5-88-19॥

of Ambarīṣa, Māndhātṛ, Yayāti, Nahuṣa, Bharata, Dilīpa, Śibi, and Aushīnara (5-88-19)

rājarṣīṇāṁ purāṇānāṁ dhuraṁ dhattē durudvahām। śīlavr̥ttōpasampannō dharmajñaḥ satyasaṅgaraḥ ॥5-88-20॥

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)

rājā sarvaguṇōpētastrailōkyasyāpi yō bhavēt। ajātaśatrurdharmātmā śuddhajāmbūnadaprabhaḥ ॥5-88-21॥

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)

śrēṣṭhaḥ kuruṣu sarvēṣu dharmataḥ śrutavr̥ttataḥ। priyadarśanō dīrghabhujaḥ kathaṁ kr̥ṣṇa yudhiṣṭhiraḥ ॥5-88-22॥

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)

yaḥ sa nāgāyutaprāṇō vātaraṁhā vr̥kōdaraḥ। amarṣī pāṇḍavō nityaṁ priyō bhrātuḥ priyaṅkaraḥ ॥5-88-23॥

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)

kīcakasya ca sajñātēryō hantā madhusūdana। śūraḥ krōdhavaśānāṁ ca hiḍimbasya bakasya ca ॥5-88-24॥

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)

parākramē śakrasamō vāyuvēgasamō javē। mahēśvarasamaḥ krōdhē bhīmaḥ praharatāṁ varaḥ ॥5-88-25॥

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)

krōdhaṁ balamamarṣaṁ ca yō nidhāya parantapaḥ। jitātmā pāṇḍavō’marṣī bhrātustiṣṭhati śāsanē ॥5-88-26॥

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)

tējōrāśiṁ mahātmānaṁ balaughamamitaujasam। bhīmaṁ pradarśanēnāpi bhīmasēnaṁ janārdana । taṁ mamācakṣva vārṣṇēya kathamadya vr̥kōdaraḥ ॥5-88-27॥

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)

āstē parighabāhuḥ sa madhyamaḥ pāṇḍavō’cyuta। arjunēnārjunō yaḥ sa kr̥ṣṇa bāhusahasriṇā । dvibāhuḥ spardhatē nityamatītēnāpi kēśava ॥5-88-28॥

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)

kṣipatyēkēna vēgēna pañca bāṇaśatāni yaḥ। iṣvastrē sadr̥śō rājñaḥ kārtavīryasya pāṇḍavaḥ ॥5-88-29॥

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)

tējasādityasadr̥śō maharṣipratimō damē। kṣamayā pr̥thivītulyō mahēndrasamavikramaḥ ॥5-88-30॥

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)

ādhirājyaṁ mahaddīptaṁ prathitaṁ madhusūdana। āhr̥taṁ yēna vīryēṇa kurūṇāṁ sarvarājasu ॥5-88-31॥

O Madhusudana, the great, brilliant, and renowned overlordship over the Kurus and all kings has been won by his strength. (5-88-31)

yasya bāhubalaṁ ghōraṁ kauravāḥ paryupāsatē। sa sarvarathināṁ śrēṣṭhaḥ pāṇḍavaḥ satyavikramaḥ ॥5-88-32॥

He whose terrible strength of arms the Kauravas rely upon, he is the foremost of all warriors—the truly valiant Pandava. (5-88-32)

yō’pāśrayaḥ pāṇḍavānāṁ dēvānāmiva vāsavaḥ। sa tē bhrātā sakhā caiva kathamadya dhanañjayaḥ ॥5-88-33॥

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)

dayāvānsarvabhūtēṣu hrīniṣēdhō mahāstravit। mr̥duśca sukumāraśca dhārmikaśca priyaśca mē ॥5-88-34॥

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)

sahadēvō mahēṣvāsaḥ śūraḥ samitiśōbhanaḥ। bhrātr̥̄ṇāṁ kr̥ṣṇa śuśrūṣurdharmārthakuśalō yuvā ॥5-88-35॥

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)

sadaiva sahadēvasya bhrātarō madhusūdana। vr̥ttaṁ kalyāṇavr̥ttasya pūjayanti mahātmanaḥ ॥5-88-36॥

Madhusudana, Sahadeva's brothers always honor the conduct of the great-souled one, whose ways are noble. (5-88-36)

jyēṣṭhāpacāyinaṁ vīraṁ sahadēvaṁ yudhāṁ patim। śuśrūṣuṁ mama vārṣṇēya mādrīputraṁ pracakṣva mē ॥5-88-37॥

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)

sukumārō yuvā śūrō darśanīyaśca pāṇḍavaḥ। bhrātr̥̄ṇāṁ kr̥ṣṇa sarvēṣāṁ priyaḥ prāṇō bahiścaraḥ ॥5-88-38॥

The Pāṇḍava is tender, young, brave, handsome, and, Kṛṣṇa, is dear and beloved to all his brothers, and moves about openly. (5-88-38)

citrayōdhī ca nakulō mahēṣvāsō mahābalaḥ। kaccitsa kuśalī kr̥ṣṇa vatsō mama sukhaidhitaḥ ॥5-88-39॥

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)

sukhōcitamaduḥkhārhaṁ sukumāraṁ mahāratham। api jātu mahābāhō paśyēyaṁ nakulaṁ punaḥ ॥5-88-40॥

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)

pakṣmasampātajē kālē nakulēna vinākr̥tā। na labhāmi sukhaṁ vīra sādya jīvāmi paśya mām ॥5-88-41॥

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)

sarvaiḥ putraiḥ priyatamā draupadī mē janārdana। kulīnā śīlasampannā sarvaiḥ samuditā guṇaiḥ ॥5-88-42॥

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)

putralōkātpatilōkānvr̥ṇvānā satyavādinī। priyānputrānparityajya pāṇḍavānanvapadyata ॥5-88-43॥

Truthful, choosing the worlds of husbands over the world of sons, she abandoned her beloved sons and followed the Pāṇḍavas. (5-88-43)

mahābhijanasampannā sarvakāmaiḥ supūjitā। īśvarī sarvakalyāṇī draupadī kathamacyuta ॥5-88-44॥

O Acyuta, Draupadi, endowed with great lineage, honored with every enjoyment, sovereign and supremely auspicious—how is it that she... (5-88-44)

patibhiḥ pañcabhiḥ śūrairagnikalpaiḥ prahāribhiḥ। upapannā mahēṣvāsairdraupadī duḥkhabhāginī ॥5-88-45॥

Draupadī, who was joined with five valiant husbands—mighty warriors like fire and great archers—became one who shares in suffering. (5-88-45)

caturdaśamimaṁ varṣaṁ yannāpaśyamariṁdama। putrādhibhiḥ paridyūnāṁ draupadīṁ satyavādinīm ॥5-88-46॥

O subduer of foes, during this fourteenth year, when I did not see Draupadi—truthful, and afflicted because of her sons... (5-88-46)

na nūnaṁ karmabhiḥ puṇyairaśnutē puruṣaḥ sukham। draupadī cēttathāvr̥ttā nāśnutē sukhamavyayam ॥5-88-47॥

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)

na priyō mama kr̥ṣṇāya bībhatsurna yudhiṣṭhiraḥ। bhīmasēnō yamau vāpi yadapaśyaṁ sabhāgatām ॥5-88-48॥

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)

na mē duḥkhataraṁ kiñcidbhūtapūrvaṁ tatō’dhikam। yaddraupadīṁ nivātasthāṁ śvaśurāṇāṁ samīpagām ॥5-88-49॥

No suffering greater than that has ever occurred to me—greater than seeing Draupadi, standing humbled, approaching her fathers-in-law... (5-88-49)

ānāyitāmanāryēṇa krōdhalōbhānuvartinā। sarvē praikṣanta kurava ēkavastrāṁ sabhāgatām ॥5-88-50॥

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)

tatraiva dhr̥tarāṣṭraśca mahārājaśca bāhlikaḥ। kr̥paśca sōmadattaśca nirviṇṇāḥ kuravastathā ॥5-88-51॥

Right there, Dhritarashtra, the great king Bahlik, Kripa, Somadatta, and the Kurus as well were distressed. (5-88-51)

tasyāṁ saṁsadi sarvasyāṁ kṣattāraṁ pūjayāmyaham। vr̥ttēna hi bhavatyāryō na dhanēna na vidyayā ॥5-88-52॥

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)

tasya kr̥ṣṇa mahābuddhērgambhīrasya mahātmanaḥ। kṣattuḥ śīlamalaṅkārō lōkānviṣṭabhya tiṣṭhati ॥5-88-53॥

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)

sā śōkārtā ca hr̥ṣṭā ca dr̥ṣṭvā gōvindamāgatam। nānāvidhāni duḥkhāni sarvāṇyēvānvakīrtayat ॥5-88-54॥

She, distressed by sorrow and yet delighted, upon seeing Govinda arrive, recounted all her various sufferings. (5-88-54)

pūrvairācaritaṁ yattatkurājabhirariṁdama। akṣadyūtaṁ mr̥gavadhaḥ kaccidēṣāṁ sukhāvaham ॥5-88-55॥

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)

tanmāṁ dahati yatkr̥ṣṇā sabhāyāṁ kurusaṁnidhau। dhārtarāṣṭraiḥ parikliṣṭā yathā nakuśalaṁ tathā ॥5-88-56॥

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)

nirvāsanaṁ ca nagarātpravrajyā ca parantapa। nānāvidhānāṁ duḥkhānāmāvāsō’smi janārdana । ajñātacaryā bālānāmavarōdhaśca kēśava ॥5-88-57॥

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)

na sma klēśatamaṁ mē syātputraiḥ saha parantapa। duryōdhanēna nikr̥tā varṣamadya caturdaśam ॥5-88-58॥

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)

duḥkhādapi sukhaṁ na syādyadi puṇyaphalakṣayaḥ। na mē viśēṣō jātvāsīddhārtarāṣṭrēṣu pāṇḍavaiḥ ॥5-88-59॥

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)

tēna satyēna kr̥ṣṇa tvāṁ hatāmitraṁ śriyā vr̥tam। asmādvimuktaṁ saṅgrāmātpaśyēyaṁ pāṇḍavaiḥ saha । naiva śakyāḥ parājētuṁ sattvaṁ hyēṣāṁ tathāgatam ॥5-88-60॥

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)

pitaraṁ tvēva garhēyaṁ nātmānaṁ na suyōdhanam। yēnāhaṁ kuntibhōjāya dhanaṁ dhūrtairivārpitā ॥5-88-61॥

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)

bālāṁ māmāryakastubhyaṁ krīḍantīṁ kanduhastakām। adadātkuntibhōjāya sakhā sakhyē mahātmanē ॥5-88-62॥

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)

sāhaṁ pitrā ca nikr̥tā śvaśuraiśca parantapa। atyantaduḥkhitā kr̥ṣṇa kiṁ jīvitaphalaṁ mama ॥5-88-63॥

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)

yanmā vāgabravīnnaktaṁ sūtakē savyasācinaḥ। putrastē pr̥thivīṁ jētā yaśaścāsya divaṁ spr̥śēt ॥5-88-64॥

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)

hatvā kurūngrāmajanyē rājyaṁ prāpya dhanañjayaḥ। bhrātr̥bhiḥ saha kauntēyastrīnmēdhānāhariṣyati ॥5-88-65॥

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)

nāhaṁ tāmabhyasūyāmi namō dharmāya vēdhasē। kr̥ṣṇāya mahatē nityaṁ dharmō dhārayati prajāḥ ॥5-88-66॥

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)

dharmaścēdasti vārṣṇēya tathā satyaṁ bhaviṣyati। tvaṁ cāpi tattathā kr̥ṣṇa sarvaṁ sampādayiṣyasi ॥5-88-67॥

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)

na māṁ mādhava vaidhavyaṁ nārthanāśō na vairitā। tathā śōkāya bhavati yathā putrairvinābhavaḥ ॥5-88-68॥

O Madhava, neither widowhood, nor loss of wealth, nor enmity causes me as much grief as life without my sons. (5-88-68)

yāhaṁ gāṇḍīvadhanvānaṁ sarvaśastrabhr̥tāṁ varam। dhanañjayaṁ na paśyāmi kā śāntirhr̥dayasya mē ॥5-88-69॥

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)

idaṁ caturdaśaṁ varṣaṁ yannāpaśyaṁ yudhiṣṭhiram। dhanañjayaṁ ca gōvinda yamau taṁ ca vr̥kōdaram ॥5-88-70॥

These fourteen years in which I have not seen Yudhishthira, Dhananjaya, Govinda, the twins, and that Vrikodara— (5-88-70)

jīvanāśaṁ pranaṣṭānāṁ śrāddhaṁ kurvanti mānavāḥ। arthatastē mama mr̥tāstēṣāṁ cāhaṁ janārdana ॥5-88-71॥

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)

brūyā mādhava rājānaṁ dharmātmānaṁ yudhiṣṭhiram। bhūyāṁstē hīyatē dharmō mā putraka vr̥thā kr̥thāḥ ॥5-88-72॥

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)

parāśrayā vāsudēva yā jīvāmi dhigastu mām। vr̥ttēḥ kr̥paṇalabdhāyā apratiṣṭhaiva jyāyasī ॥5-88-73॥

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)

athō dhanañjayaṁ brūyā nityōdyuktaṁ vr̥kōdaram। yadarthaṁ kṣatriyā sūtē tasya kālō’yamāgataḥ ॥5-88-74॥

Now, tell Dhananjaya and Vrikodara, who is always ready, that the time has come for which Kshatriyas are born. (5-88-74)

asmiṁścēdāgatē kālē kālō vō’tikramiṣyati। lōkasambhāvitāḥ santaḥ sunr̥śaṁsaṁ kariṣyatha ॥5-88-75॥

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)

nr̥śaṁsēna ca vō yuktāṁstyajēyaṁ śāśvatīḥ samāḥ। kālē hi samanuprāptē tyaktavyamapi jīvitam ॥5-88-76॥

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)

mādrīputrau ca vaktavyau kṣatradharmaratau sadā। vikramēṇārjitānbhōgānvr̥ṇītaṁ jīvitādapi ॥5-88-77॥

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)

vikramādhigatā hyarthāḥ kṣatradharmēṇa jīvataḥ। manō manuṣyasya sadā prīṇanti puruṣōttama ॥5-88-78॥

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)

gatvā brūhi mahābāhō sarvaśastrabhr̥tāṁ varam। arjunaṁ pāṇḍavaṁ vīraṁ draupadyāḥ padavīṁ cara ॥5-88-79॥

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)

viditau hi tavātyantaṁ kruddhāviva yathāntakau। bhīmārjunau nayētāṁ hi dēvānapi parāṁ gatim ॥5-88-80॥

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)

tayōścaitadavajñānaṁ yatsā kr̥ṣṇā sabhāṁ gatā। duḥśāsanaśca karṇaśca paruṣāṇyabhyabhāṣatām ॥5-88-81॥

And the insult by those two—when that Kṛṣṇā entered the assembly, Duḥśāsana and Karna spoke harsh words. (5-88-81)

duryōdhanō bhīmasēnamabhyagacchanmanasvinam। paśyatāṁ kurumukhyānāṁ tasya drakṣyati yatphalam ॥5-88-82॥

Duryodhana approached the spirited Bhīmasena as the chief Kurus looked on; he will see what result this brings. (5-88-82)

na hi vairaṁ samāsādya praśāmyati vr̥kōdaraḥ। sucirādapi bhīmasya na hi vairaṁ praśāmyati । yāvadantaṁ na nayati śātravāñśatrukarśanaḥ ॥5-88-83॥

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)

na duḥkhaṁ rājyaharaṇaṁ na ca dyūtē parājayaḥ। pravrājanaṁ ca putrāṇāṁ na mē tadduḥkhakāraṇam ॥5-88-84॥

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)

yattu sā br̥hatī śyāmā ēkavastrā sabhāṁ gatā। aśr̥ṇōtparuṣā vācastatō duḥkhataraṁ nu kim ॥5-88-85॥

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)

strīdharmiṇī varārōhā kṣatradharmaratā sadā। nādhyagacchattathā nāthaṁ kr̥ṣṇā nāthavatī satī ॥5-88-86॥

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)

yasyā mama saputrāyāstvaṁ nāthō madhusūdana। rāmaśca balināṁ śrēṣṭhaḥ pradyumnaśca mahārathaḥ ॥5-88-87॥

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)

sāhamēvaṁvidhaṁ duḥkhaṁ sahē’dya puruṣōttama। bhīmē jīvati durdharṣē vijayē cāpalāyini ॥5-88-88॥

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)

tata āśvāsayāmāsa putrādhibhirabhiplutām। pitr̥ṣvasāraṁ śōcantīṁ śauriḥ pārthasakhaḥ pr̥thām ॥5-88-89॥

Then Kṛṣṇa, Arjuna's friend, consoled Prithā, his paternal aunt, who was overwhelmed with sorrow for her sons and grieving. (5-88-89)

kā nu sīmantinī tvādr̥glōkēṣvasti pitr̥ṣvasaḥ। śūrasya rājñō duhitā ājamīḍhakulaṁ gatā ॥5-88-90॥

Aunt, what married woman like you is there in the world—daughter of King Shura, who has entered the Ajamidha family? (5-88-90)

mahākulīnā bhavatī hradāddhradamivāgatā। īśvarī sarvakalyāṇī bhartrā paramapūjitā ॥5-88-91॥

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)

vīrasūrvīrapatnī ca sarvaiḥ samuditā guṇaiḥ। sukhaduḥkhē mahāprājñē tvādr̥śī sōḍhumarhati ॥5-88-92॥

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)

nidrātandrī krōdhaharṣau kṣutpipāsē himātapau। ētāni pārthā nirjitya nityaṁ vīrāḥ sukhē ratāḥ ॥5-88-93॥

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)

tyaktagrāmyasukhāḥ pārthā nityaṁ vīrasukhapriyāḥ। na tē svalpēna tuṣyēyurmahōtsāhā mahābalāḥ ॥5-88-94॥

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)

antaṁ dhīrā niṣēvantē madhyaṁ grāmyasukhapriyāḥ। uttamāṁśca pariklēśānbhōgāṁścātīva mānuṣān ॥5-88-95॥

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)

antēṣu rēmirē dhīrā na tē madhyēṣu rēmirē। antaprāptiṁ sukhāmāhurduḥkhamantaramantayōḥ ॥5-88-96॥

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)

abhivādayanti bhavatīṁ pāṇḍavāḥ saha kr̥ṣṇayā। ātmānaṁ ca kuśalinaṁ nivēdyāhuranāmayam ॥5-88-97॥

The Pāṇḍavas, together with Kṛṣṇā, greet you; declaring themselves to be well, they convey their welfare. (5-88-97)

arōgānsarvasiddhārthānkṣipraṁ drakṣyasi pāṇḍavān। īśvarānsarvalōkasya hatāmitrāñśriyā vr̥tān ॥5-88-98॥

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)

ēvamāśvāsitā kuntī pratyuvāca janārdanam। putrādhibhirabhidhvastā nigr̥hyābuddhijaṁ tamaḥ ॥5-88-99॥

Thus comforted, Kuntī—distressed by grief for her sons—restraining the darkness born of confusion, replied to Janārdana. (5-88-99)

yadyattēṣāṁ mahābāhō pathyaṁ syānmadhusūdana। yathā yathā tvaṁ manyēthāḥ kuryāḥ kr̥ṣṇa tathā tathā ॥5-88-100॥

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)

avilōpēna dharmasya anikr̥tyā parantapa। prabhāvajñāsmi tē kr̥ṣṇa satyasyābhijanasya ca ॥5-88-101॥

O Krishna, scorcher of foes, I know your power—your truthfulness and noble lineage—without violating dharma or causing harm. (5-88-101)

vyavasthāyāṁ ca mitrēṣu buddhivikramayōstathā। tvamēva naḥ kulē dharmastvaṁ satyaṁ tvaṁ tapō mahat ॥5-88-102॥

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)

tvaṁ trātā tvaṁ mahadbrahma tvayi sarvaṁ pratiṣṭhitam। yathaivāttha tathaivaitattvayi satyaṁ bhaviṣyati ॥5-88-103॥

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)

tāmāmantrya ca gōvindaḥ kr̥tvā cābhipradakṣiṇam। prātiṣṭhata mahābāhurduryōdhanagr̥hānprati ॥5-88-104॥

Having taken leave of her and respectfully walked around her, the mighty-armed Govinda set out for Duryodhana's residence. (5-88-104)