05.092

वैशम्पायन उवाच॥

Vaiśampāyana said.

तथा कथयतोरेव तयोर्बुद्धिमतोस्तदा। शिवा नक्षत्रसम्पन्ना सा व्यतीयाय शर्वरी ॥५-९२-१॥

Thus, as those two wise men conversed, that auspicious night adorned with favorable stars passed by. (5-92-1)

धर्मार्थकामयुक्ताश्च विचित्रार्थपदाक्षराः। शृण्वतो विविधा वाचो विदुरस्य महात्मनः ॥५-९२-२॥

As Vidura, the high-minded one, listened, he heard various words—full of dharma, artha, and kāma and adorned with manifold meanings, words, and syllables. (5-92-2)

कथाभिरनुरूपाभिः कृष्णस्यामिततेजसः। अकामस्येव कृष्णस्य सा व्यतीयाय शर्वरी ॥५-९२-३॥

With fitting stories for Kṛṣṇa, whose brilliance is limitless, that night passed for him as if he were without desire. (5-92-3)

ततस्तु स्वरसम्पन्ना बहवः सूतमागधाः। शङ्खदुन्दुभिनिर्घोषैः केशवं प्रत्यबोधयन् ॥५-९२-४॥

Then many bards and panegyrists with melodious voices awakened Keshava with the sounds of conches and drums. (5-92-4)

तत उत्थाय दाशार्ह ऋषभः सर्वसात्वताम्। सर्वमावश्यकं चक्रे प्रातःकार्यं जनार्दनः ॥५-९२-५॥

Then, Janārdana, the foremost among all the Sātvatas and descendant of the Daśārhas, rose and performed all the necessary morning duties. (5-92-5)

कृतोदकार्यजप्यः स हुताग्निः समलङ्कृतः। तत आदित्यमुद्यन्तमुपातिष्ठत माधवः ॥५-९२-६॥

Having completed his daily duties and prayers, performed the fire offering, and adorned himself, Madhava then approached the rising sun. (5-92-6)

अथ दुर्योधनः कृष्णं शकुनिश्चापि सौबलः। सन्ध्यां तिष्ठन्तमभ्येत्य दाशार्हमपराजितम् ॥५-९२-७॥

Then Duryodhana and Shakuni, son of Subala, approached Krishna of the Dasharhas, the unconquered one, as he stood performing the Sandhya ritual. (5-92-7)

आचक्षेतां तु कृष्णस्य धृतराष्ट्रं सभागतम्। कुरूंश्च भीष्मप्रमुखान्राज्ञः सर्वांश्च पार्थिवान् ॥५-९२-८॥

Then they informed Kṛṣṇa that Dhṛtarāṣṭra had entered the assembly, along with the Kuru elders led by Bhīṣma, and all the assembled kings and princes. (5-92-8)

त्वामर्थयन्ते गोविन्द दिवि शक्रमिवामराः। तावभ्यनन्दद्गोविन्दः साम्ना परमवल्गुना ॥५-९२-९॥

Just as the gods in heaven request Indra, they ask you, Govinda; and Govinda welcomed those two with the utmost sweetness in his words. (5-92-9)

ततो विमल आदित्ये ब्राह्मणेभ्यो जनार्दनः। ददौ हिरण्यं वासांसि गाश्चाश्वांश्च परन्तपः ॥५-९२-१०॥

Then, when the sun was clear, Janardana, the scorcher of foes, gave gold, clothes, cows, and horses to the Brahmins. (5-92-10)

विसृष्टवन्तं रत्नानि दाशार्हमपराजितम्। तिष्ठन्तमुपसङ्गम्य ववन्दे सारथिस्तदा ॥५-९२-११॥

The charioteer then approached the unconquered Daśārha, who had given away gems and was standing there, and honored him. (5-92-11)

तमुपस्थितमाज्ञाय रथं दिव्यं महामनाः। महाभ्रघननिर्घोषं सर्वरत्नविभूषितम् ॥५-९२-१२॥

Recognizing that he had arrived, the great-minded one saw the divine chariot, resounding like a great thundercloud and adorned with all gems. (5-92-12)

अग्निं प्रदक्षिणं कृत्वा ब्राह्मणांश्च जनार्दनः। कौस्तुभं मणिमामुच्य श्रिया परमया ज्वलन् ॥५-९२-१३॥

Janardana, having circumambulated the fire and the Brahmins, put on the Kaustubha gem, radiating with supreme splendour. (5-92-13)

कुरुभिः संवृतः कृष्णो वृष्णिभिश्चाभिरक्षितः। आतिष्ठत रथं शौरिः सर्वयादवनन्दनः ॥५-९२-१४॥

Kṛṣṇa, surrounded by the Kurus and protected by the Vṛṣṇis, Śauri, the joy of all the Yādavas, ascended the chariot. (5-92-14)

अन्वारुरोह दाशार्हं विदुरः सर्वधर्मवित्। सर्वप्राणभृतां श्रेष्ठं सर्वधर्मभृतां वरम् ॥५-९२-१५॥

Vidura, the knower of all righteous duties, followed the descendant of Dasharha onto the chariot—the foremost among all beings, the best among upholders of righteousness. (5-92-15)

ततो दुर्योधनः कृष्णं शकुनिश्चापि सौबलः। द्वितीयेन रथेनैनमन्वयातां परन्तपम् ॥५-९२-१६॥

Then Duryodhana and Śakuni, son of Subala, followed Kṛṣṇa—the scourge of his enemies—on a second chariot. (5-92-16)

सात्यकिः कृतवर्मा च वृष्णीनां च महारथाः। पृष्ठतोऽनुययुः कृष्णं रथैरश्वैर्गजैरपि ॥५-९२-१७॥

Sātyaki, Kritavarman, and the great chariot-warriors of the Vrishnis also followed Krishna from behind, with chariots, horses, and even elephants. (5-92-17)

तेषां हेमपरिष्कारा युक्ताः परमवाजिभिः। गच्छतां घोषिणश्चित्राश्चारु बभ्राजिरे रथाः ॥५-९२-१८॥

Their chariots—adorned with gold, yoked with superb horses, resounding, brilliant, and beautiful—shone as they went. (5-92-18)

संमृष्टसंसिक्तरजः प्रतिपेदे महापथम्। राजर्षिचरितं काले कृष्णो धीमाञ्श्रिया ज्वलन् ॥५-९२-१९॥

With its dust swept and sprinkled, the great road traversed by royal sages was entered at the right time by Kṛṣṇa, the wise one, shining in his splendor. (5-92-19)

ततः प्रयाते दाशार्हे प्रावाद्यन्तैकपुष्कराः। शङ्खाश्च दध्मिरे तत्र वाद्यान्यन्यानि यानि च ॥५-९२-२०॥

Then, when Krishna, the descendant of the Daśārs, departed, single-faced drums were sounded, conch horns were blown there, and all sorts of other instruments as well. (5-92-20)

प्रवीराः सर्वलोकस्य युवानः सिंहविक्रमाः। परिवार्य रथं शौरेरगच्छन्त परन्तपाः ॥५-९२-२१॥

Mighty young warriors from all the people, as brave as lions, surrounded Kṛṣṇa's chariot and went along, scorchers of foes. (5-92-21)

ततोऽन्ये बहुसाहस्रा विचित्राद्भुतवाससः। असिप्रासायुधधराः कृष्णस्यासन्पुरःसराः ॥५-९२-२२॥

Then, many thousands of others—wearing wondrous and marvelous garments, bearing swords, spears, and weapons—went ahead before Kṛṣṇa. (5-92-22)

गजाः परःशतास्तत्र वराश्चाश्वाः सहस्रशः। प्रयान्तमन्वयुर्वीरं दाशार्हमपराजितम् ॥५-९२-२३॥

Hundreds of elephants there, and thousands of excellent horses, followed the unconquered hero of the Daśārhas as he proceeded. (5-92-23)

पुरं कुरूणां संवृत्तं द्रष्टुकामं जनार्दनम्। सवृद्धबालं सस्त्रीकं रथ्यागतमरिंदमम् ॥५-९२-२४॥

The city of the Kurus was filled with people eager to see Janardana—the old and the young, the women, all crowding the streets for the subduer of enemies. (5-92-24)

वेदिकापाश्रिताभिश्च समाक्रान्तान्यनेकशः। प्रचलन्तीव भारेण योषिद्भिर्भवनान्युत ॥५-९२-२५॥

The houses, crowded in many ways with women leaning on the railings, seemed to sway under their weight. (5-92-25)

सम्पूज्यमानः कुरुभिः संशृण्वन्विविधाः कथाः। यथार्हं प्रतिसत्कुर्वन्प्रेक्षमाणः शनैर्ययौ ॥५-९२-२६॥

Honored by the Kurus, listening to various conversations, responding respectfully as was fitting, and looking about, he proceeded slowly. (5-92-26)

ततः सभां समासाद्य केशवस्यानुयायिनः। सशङ्खैर्वेणुनिर्घोषैर्दिशः सर्वा व्यनादयन् ॥५-९२-२७॥

Then, having reached the assembly, Keśava's followers made all the directions resound with the blaring of conch shells and the sound of flutes. (5-92-27)

ततः सा समितिः सर्वा राज्ञाममिततेजसाम्। सम्प्राकम्पत हर्षेण कृष्णागमनकाङ्क्षया ॥५-९२-२८॥

Then that whole assembly of kings of immeasurable radiance was filled with excitement and joy in anticipation of Krishna's arrival. (5-92-28)

ततोऽभ्याशगते कृष्णे समहृष्यन्नराधिपाः। श्रुत्वा तं रथनिर्घोषं पर्जन्यनिनदोपमम् ॥५-९२-२९॥

Then, as Kṛṣṇa drew near, the kings rejoiced, hearing that chariot's thunder, like the roar of thunderclouds. (5-92-29)

आसाद्य तु सभाद्वारमृषभः सर्वसात्वताम्। अवतीर्य रथाच्छौरिः कैलासशिखरोपमात् ॥५-९२-३०॥

Then, having reached the entrance of the hall, the eminent one of all the Sātvatas—the descendant of Śūra—descended from the chariot, which was like the summit of Kailāsa. (5-92-30)

नगमेघप्रतीकाशां ज्वलन्तीमिव तेजसा। महेन्द्रसदनप्रख्यां प्रविवेश सभां ततः ॥५-९२-३१॥

Then he entered the assembly hall, which resembled a mountain cloud, radiant with brilliance, and was like the dwelling of Mahendra. (5-92-31)

पाणौ गृहीत्वा विदुरं सात्यकिं च महायशाः। ज्योतींष्यादित्यवद्राजन्कुरून्प्रच्छादयञ्श्रिया ॥५-९२-३२॥

Taking Vidura and Satyaki by the hand, the illustrious one, O king, shining like the sun, enveloped the Kurus in his splendor. (5-92-32)

अग्रतो वासुदेवस्य कर्णदुर्योधनावुभौ। वृष्णयः कृतवर्मा च आसन्कृष्णस्य पृष्ठतः ॥५-९२-३३॥

In front of Vāsudeva sat both Karna and Duryodhana; behind Krishna were seated the Vrishnis and Kritavarma. (5-92-33)

धृतराष्ट्रं पुरस्कृत्य भीष्मद्रोणादयस्ततः। आसनेभ्योऽचलन्सर्वे पूजयन्तो जनार्दनम् ॥५-९२-३४॥

Then, having Dhṛtarāṣṭra at the forefront, Bhīṣma, Droṇa, and the others all rose from their seats, honoring Janārdana. (5-92-34)

अभ्यागच्छति दाशार्हे प्रज्ञाचक्षुर्महामनाः। सहैव भीष्मद्रोणाभ्यामुदतिष्ठन्महायशाः ॥५-९२-३५॥

As Dāśārha (Kṛṣṇa) approached, the wise and magnanimous, greatly renowned one rose together with Bhīṣma and Droṇa. (5-92-35)

उत्तिष्ठति महाराजे धृतराष्ट्रे जनेश्वरे। तानि राजसहस्राणि समुत्तस्थुः समन्ततः ॥५-९२-३६॥

As the great king Dhritarashtra, the lord of men, rose, those thousands of kings arose as well from all sides. (5-92-36)

आसनं सर्वतोभद्रं जाम्बूनदपरिष्कृतम्। कृष्णार्थे कल्पितं तत्र धृतराष्ट्रस्य शासनात् ॥५-९२-३७॥

An auspicious seat, adorned with gold, was arranged there for Kṛṣṇa by the order of Dhṛtarāṣṭra. (5-92-37)

स्मयमानस्तु राजानं भीष्मद्रोणौ च माधवः। अभ्यभाषत धर्मात्मा राज्ञश्चान्यान्यथावयः ॥५-९२-३८॥

But Madhava, smiling, addressed the king, Bhishma, and Drona, and, being righteous, also addressed the other kings according to their standing. (5-92-38)

तत्र केशवमानर्चुः सम्यगभ्यागतं सभाम्। राजानः पार्थिवाः सर्वे कुरवश्च जनार्दनम् ॥५-९२-३९॥

There, all the kings and rulers, and the Kauravas, honored Keśava—Janārdana—who had properly arrived in the assembly. (5-92-39)

तत्र तिष्ठन्स दाशार्हो राजमध्ये परन्तपः। अपश्यदन्तरिक्षस्थानृषीन्परपुरञ्जयः ॥५-९२-४०॥

There, standing in the midst of the kings, that descendant of the Dasharhas, the conqueror of enemy cities and scourge of his foes, saw the sages dwelling in the sky. (5-92-40)

ततस्तानभिसम्प्रेक्ष्य नारदप्रमुखानृषीन्। अभ्यभाषत दाशार्हो भीष्मं शान्तनवं शनैः ॥५-९२-४१॥

Then, upon seeing those seers headed by Nārada, the descendant of the Daśārhas gently addressed Bhīṣma, the son of Śantanu. (5-92-41)

पार्थिवीं समितिं द्रष्टुमृषयोऽभ्यागता नृप। निमन्त्र्यन्तामासनैश्च सत्कारेण च भूयसा ॥५-९२-४२॥

O King, the sages have come to see this royal assembly; let them be duly invited with seats and shown great respect. (5-92-42)

नैतेष्वनुपविष्टेषु शक्यं केनचिदासितुम्। पूजा प्रयुज्यतामाशु मुनीनां भावितात्मनाम् ॥५-९२-४३॥

While these venerable sages of pure mind remain seated, no one else may sit. Quickly show them due honor. (5-92-43)

ऋषीञ्शान्तनवो दृष्ट्वा सभाद्वारमुपस्थितान्। त्वरमाणस्ततो भृत्यानासनानीत्यचोदयत् ॥५-९२-४४॥

When Śāntanu's son saw the sages had arrived at the entrance to the assembly, he promptly instructed his attendants, "(Bring) seats." (5-92-44)

आसनान्यथ मृष्टानि महान्ति विपुलानि च। मणिकाञ्चनचित्राणि समाजह्रुस्ततस्ततः ॥५-९२-४५॥

Then, they brought and arranged here and there well-cleaned, large, spacious seats adorned with jewels and gold. (5-92-45)

तेषु तत्रोपविष्टेषु गृहीतार्घेषु भारत। निषसादासने कृष्णो राजानश्च यथासनम् ॥५-९२-४६॥

When they were all seated there and had received the welcoming offerings, O Bhārata, Kṛṣṇa sat down on his seat, and the kings on theirs. (5-92-46)

दुःशासनः सात्यकये ददावासनमुत्तमम्। विविंशतिर्ददौ पीठं काञ्चनं कृतवर्मणे ॥५-९२-४७॥

Duḥśāsana gave an excellent seat to Sātyaki, and Viviṃśati gave a golden stool to Kṛtavarman. (5-92-47)

अविदूरेऽथ कृष्णस्य कर्णदुर्योधनावुभौ। एकासने महात्मानौ निषीदतुरमर्षणौ ॥५-९२-४८॥

Then, not far from Kṛṣṇa, Karna and Duryodhana—both great-souled and proud—sat together on a single seat. (5-92-48)

गान्धारराजः शकुनिर्गान्धारैरभिरक्षितः। निषसादासने राजा सहपुत्रो विशां पते ॥५-९२-४९॥

King Shakuni of Gandhara, protected by the Gandharans, sat down on a seat with his son, O lord of the people. (5-92-49)

विदुरो मणिपीठे तु शुक्लस्पर्ध्याजिनोत्तरे। संस्पृशन्नासनं शौरेर्महामतिरुपाविशत् ॥५-९२-५०॥

Vidura, the highly intelligent one, seated himself on a jeweled seat covered with a white-striped animal skin, touching the seat of Śauri. (5-92-50)

चिरस्य दृष्ट्वा दाशार्हं राजानः सर्वपार्थिवाः। अमृतस्येव नातृप्यन्प्रेक्षमाणा जनार्दनम् ॥५-९२-५१॥

Having seen Kṛṣṇa again after a long time, all the kings, every ruler, gazed at Janārdana as if at nectar, unable to get their fill. (5-92-51)

अतसीपुष्पसङ्काशः पीतवासा जनार्दनः। व्यभ्राजत सभामध्ये हेम्नीवोपहितो मणिः ॥५-९२-५२॥

Janardana, shining like the flax flower and clad in yellow garments, shone in the midst of the assembly like a jewel set in gold. (5-92-52)

ततस्तूष्णीं सर्वमासीद्गोविन्दगतमानसम्। न तत्र कश्चित्किञ्चिद्धि व्याजहार पुमान्क्वचित् ॥५-९२-५३॥

Then all became silent, their minds absorbed in Govinda; there, indeed, not a single man spoke anything at all. (5-92-53)