05.145
Vaiśampāyana spoke:
Upon arriving from Hastinapura to Upaplavya, Keshava, the subduer of enemies, narrated everything to the Pandavas as it had occurred.
After a lengthy discussion and repeated consultations, Krishna returned to his abode to rest.
The five Pandava brothers departed, leaving behind all the kings led by Virata, as the sun set.
After worshipping the evening, they meditated on him with focused minds. Having brought Krishna of the Dasharhas, they deliberated once more on their counsel.
Yudhishthira spoke:
O lotus-eyed one, you should tell us what was said by the son of Dhritarashtra in the assembly after you went to Nagapura.
Vasudeva said:
I went to Nagapura and in the assembly, I told the son of Dhritarashtra what was true, beneficial, and for his welfare, but the evil-minded one does not accept it.
Yudhishthira spoke:
When Duryodhana was led astray, what did the elder of the Kurus, the grandfather, say, O Hrishikesha? Or, O mighty-armed, what did the teacher Bharadvaja say?
The younger minister, esteemed among the upholders of dharma, deeply afflicted by his son's death, questioned Dhritarashtra's son.
Janardana, tell what all the kings seated in the assembly have truthfully spoken.
You have indeed recounted everything said by the chief of the Kurus, who is foolish, overcome by desire and greed, yet considers himself wise.
O Keśava, what is unpleasant to my heart does not remain. O Govinda, I wish to hear their words, O Lord.
Dear Krishna, just as time does not overcome, please act accordingly. You are indeed our refuge, lord, and teacher.
Vasudeva spoke:
Listen, O King, to the words spoken by King Suyodhana in the assembly of the Kurus, and understand my message.
After I spoke the words, the son of Dhritarashtra laughed. Then, Bhishma, in great anger, spoke these words.
Duryodhana, listen to what I am saying for the benefit of the family. After hearing it, O great king, act for the welfare of your family.
My father, King Shantanu, was famous throughout the world. I was his only son, considered the best among sons.
His mind pondered: 'How could there be a second son? The wise say that having only one son is as good as having none.'
Understanding his desire, I brought Mother Kali, so that the family's fame should expand and not face destruction.
I have taken a difficult vow for the sake of my father and family, to remain without a king and celibate, as you well know. I live confidently, upholding this vow.
In her, the mighty-armed and glorious Vichitravirya, the upholder of the Kuru dynasty and a righteous soul, was born as my younger prince.
Upon my father's ascension to heaven, I established Vichitravirya in his rightful kingdom. As a servant, Vichitravirya indeed ruled as a king, moving among his subjects.
O King, I brought together suitable wives for him after conquering the assembly of kings; you have heard this many times.
Then Rama engaged in a duel in battle. Indeed, he was exiled by the citizens due to fear of Rama. Being excessively attached to his wives, he contracted a disease.
When the kingdom was without a king and the lord of gods did not send rain, the people, suffering from hunger and fear, came to me for help.
The subjects spoke:
All the subjects are diminished; be the king for our welfare; remove the calamities; may auspiciousness be with you, O scion of Śantanu's family.
All the subjects are severely afflicted by terrible diseases. O son of Ganga, it is your duty to save the few who remain.
O hero, dispel the diseases and protect your subjects with righteousness. As long as you live, may the kingdom not face destruction.
Bhishma said:
My mind was not disturbed by the cries of the people, as I was upholding my promise and remembering the importance of good conduct.
Then, O great king, my auspicious mother Kali, along with the citizens, servants, chief priests, and well-learned Brahmins, were present.
The greatly distressed ones always addressed him as "O Lord, O King."
The kingdom, once protected by enemies, will fall upon your arrival. Therefore, you should become the king for our benefit, O wise one.
Thus addressed, with folded hands and greatly distressed, I submitted the promise to them, O son, for the honor of the father. Indeed, being celibate and without a king, it was for the sake of the family, again and again.
Then, with folded hands, I appeased my mother, for I was born of Śantanu, carrying the Kaurava dynasty. I would not break my promise, O king, again and again.
Especially for your sake, do not assign me to the task. I am your servant and slave, O mother who is affectionate to her children.
Thus, after consoling her, I requested my mother and the people, and then approached Vyasa, the great sage, among the brothers' wives.
With his mother, the great king pleased the sage and requested a favor for the sake of offspring. He then begot three sons, O best of the Bharatas.
Your father was not the king who was blind and without organs. King Pandu, however, was a great soul and was renowned throughout the world.
The king's sons, who are the heirs, should not quarrel, dear father. Let half of the kingdom be given to them.
As long as I am alive, who else would rule the kingdom here? Please do not disregard my words; I always wish for your peace.
My son, there is no difference between you and them, O prince. This is the shared opinion of your father, Gandhari, and Vidura.
If you listen to the words of the elders and do not doubt my words, you will not destroy yourself and the earth as well.
