05.094

Vaiśampāyana said:

When that statement was spoken by the great-souled Keśava, all the members of the assembly were stunned, their hair standing on end. (5-94-1)

Who among men dares to give a reply to this? Thus all the kings were thinking in their minds. (5-94-2)

Then, when all the kings had fallen silent, Jamadagni's son spoke these words in the Kuru assembly. (5-94-3)

O King, listen without doubt to this true parable. Having heard it, accept what is better, if you think it is good. (5-94-4)

There was once a universal sovereign named King Dambhodbhava; we have heard that he enjoyed possession of the entire earth. (5-94-5)

He, the powerful great chariot-warrior, would always, upon rising in the morning after night had passed, ask brahmins and kshatriyas. (5-94-6)

Is there anyone distinguished, or anyone like me, who might exist in battle—a śūdra, a vaiśya, a kṣatriya, or even a brāhmaṇa—who is a wielder of weapons? (5-94-7)

Saying this, the king roamed this earth, intoxicated with great arrogance, considering no one else at all. (5-94-8)

Him, the king who boasted, was again and again restrained by the physicians, the compassionless and utterly fearless Brahmins. (5-94-9)

Even though he was repeatedly restrained, he kept questioning the brahmins; proud and intoxicated by his splendor, him the brahmins then addressed. (5-94-10)

The ascetics of great soul, endowed with the Vedas and vows—the twice-born, inflamed with anger, as the king was being questioned... (5-94-11)

The friendship of those two tiger-like men was shared with many, and you, O king, will never be their equal. (5-94-12)

Thus addressed, the king again asked those Brahmins, "Where are those two heroes? Where were they born? What deeds have they done? And who are they?" (5-94-13)

The Brahmins said:

Nara and Nārāyaṇa, who are said to be ascetics—we have heard that they have come to the world of men. O king, fight with them. (5-94-14)

It is said that those two, the great-souled Nara and Nārāyaṇa, are both practicing fierce and indescribable austerities on Gandhamādana. (5-94-15)

Rāma said.

That king, unable to bear it, deployed a great army with all six divisions and set out to the place where those two unconquered ones were. (5-94-16)

He went to the difficult and terrifying Gandhamadana mountain, and while hunting, he followed those two unconquered ascetics. (5-94-17)

Seeing those two best of men, emaciated by hunger and thirst, their veins prominent, worn out by cold, wind, and heat, he approached, greeted them respectfully, and asked after their well-being. (5-94-18)

After worshipping him with roots and fruits, a seat, and water, they asked the king, "What should be done?" (5-94-19)

Dambhodbhava said:

With my own arms I have conquered the earth and slain all enemies; now I have come to this mountain, desiring battle with you both. Grant me this hospitality, which I have long desired. (5-94-20)

Nara and Nārāyaṇa said:

O best of kings, this hermitage is free from anger and greed. In this hermitage, how could there be battle, how could there be weapons, or injustice? If you desire battle, let it be elsewhere—there are many kshatriyas upon the earth. (5-94-21)

Rāma said:

Even though he was being addressed, forgiven, and pacified—again and again, O Bhārata—driven by deceit and desiring battle, he kept challenging the two ascetics. (5-94-22)

Then the man of the Tiṣīkas, making a fist, said, "Come, fight, you battle-hungry Kshatriya, O Kaurava." (5-94-23)

Take up all your weapons and ready your troops, for I will utterly destroy your confidence in battle right here. (5-94-24)

Dambhodbhava said:

If you believe that this weapon is fitting to use against us, ascetic, I will still fight you with it, for I have indeed come seeking battle. (5-94-25)

Rāma said.

Having said this, Dambhodbhava, together with his soldiers, seeking to kill that ascetic, completely covered him from all sides with a shower of arrows. (5-94-26)

Ward off those terrible arrows, capable of rending an enemy's body, released by him—the sage repelled them with blades of grass. (5-94-27)

Then the unconquerable one launched a terrible arrow-weapon at him, one that could not be countered, and it appeared wondrous. (5-94-28)

That sage who knew omens, by his illusion, directed reeds at their eyes, ears, and noses. (5-94-29)

Seeing the sky white and covered with reeds, the king fell at his feet and said, "May there be blessings for me." (5-94-30)

To him, the man who is the refuge of those seeking shelter said: 'O king, be devoted to brahman, be righteous, and do not act thus again.' (5-94-31)

Also, never, with pride, speak contemptuously to anyone, whether inferior or superior; that, O king, is for your highest good. (5-94-32)

O king, be steadfast in wisdom, free from greed, without arrogance, self-controlled, disciplined, forbearing, gentle, and welcoming—protect your people. (5-94-33)

Having received permission, go forth with blessings; do not act in this way again. You should earnestly inquire after the welfare of the Brahmins on our behalf. (5-94-34)

Then the king, having bowed to the feet of those two great-souled ones, returned to his own city and diligently pursued virtue. (5-94-35)

That deed done long ago by that man was indeed very great; because of it, by many virtues, Nārāyaṇa became the most excellent. (5-94-36)

Therefore, as long as the weapon is not mounted on the excellent bow Gāṇḍīva, you, king, casting aside your pride, go to Dhananjaya. (5-94-37)

Hunching of the shoulders, crying out, the nose, staring of the eyes, also dragging, violent trembling, and frothing at the mouth as the eighth. (5-94-38)

All humans struck by these go to their death; raving and senseless, they move about uncomprehending. (5-94-39)

Humans sleep, float, vomit, urinate continually, cry, and laugh. (5-94-40)

Pārtha has innumerable virtues, but Janārdana surpasses even those; and you alone truly know Dhanañjaya, the son of Kuntī. (5-94-41)

Know that those two, Arjuna and Keśava, are themselves Nara and Nārāyaṇa—great heroes and the foremost of men, O great king. (5-94-42)

If you understand this to be so and do not distrust me, then, adopting a noble intention, make peace with the Pāṇḍavas, O Bhārata. (5-94-43)

But if you think it is better that there be no division on my account, then make peace, O best of the Bharatas, and do not set your mind on war. (5-94-44)

And your family, best of the Kurus, is highly esteemed in the world. May it remain so—blessings to you. Only consider your own interest. (5-94-45)