05.150
Pancharatra-core: After the departure of Keshava, Duryodhana ordered his army to prepare and camp at Kurukshetra.
Janamejaya spoke:
Yudhishthira, along with his army, approached Kurukshetra with the intent to fight and was settled there under the protection of Vasudeva.
Virata and Drupada, along with their sons, were accompanied by the Kekayas, Vrishnis, and surrounded by hundreds of kings.
Upon hearing that Duryodhana, the king, was protected by the Ādityas and great charioteers like Mahendra, what action did he decide to take?
I wish to hear in detail, O sage, about the events that transpired during the tumultuous times in Kurujangala.
In the assembly, the Pandavas, along with Vasudeva, Virata, and Drupada, would cause even the army of the gods to be agitated.
Dhṛṣṭadyumna, the son of Pāñcāla, and Śikhaṇḍī, the great chariot-warrior, along with the valiant Yuyudhāna, are formidable even to the gods.
I wish to hear in detail, O sage, about all the activities of the Kurus and the Pandavas.
Vaiśampāyana spoke:
After the departure of the Daśārha, King Duryodhana addressed Karna, Duhshasana, and Shakuni.
The transcendental Lord, having left the task unfinished, has gone to the sons of Pritha. Overcome with anger, he will undoubtedly express his thoughts.
The Pāṇḍavas, indeed, desire conflict with me, which is supported by Vāsudeva. Bhīmasena and Arjuna are aligned with the views of Dāśārha.
Today, even Ajatashatru is under the influence of Bhima and Arjuna, having been previously deceived by me along with all the brothers.
Virata and Drupada, who had enmity with me, were the leaders of the army under the influence of Vasudeva.
There will be a fierce and terrifying conflict. Therefore, prepare everything related to battle without delay.
O rulers of the earth, establish the camps in Kurukshetra with enough space so that they are not easily accessible to enemies.
Near the water, there are logs by the hundreds and thousands, unbreakable paths for food, heaps of gems piled up, and various weapons filled with flags and banners.
Let the paths be leveled outside the city and announce the departure today, not tomorrow, to avoid any delay.
The great souls, joyful in their demeanor, promised to act the next day for the destruction of the rulers.
Upon hearing the royal decree, all the kings rose from their esteemed seats, filled with indignation.
They slowly touched their arms, which were like iron clubs, adorned with golden armlets and decorated with sandalwood paste.
They adjusted their turbans with hands that resembled lotuses, and arranged their lower and upper garments and ornaments all over.
The best charioteers and horse experts were indeed preparing the chariots, horses, and elephants, all skilled in their respective trainings.
Then they prepared various golden armors and many different weapons, making everything ready.
The foot-soldiers and men brought various weapons and adorned their bodies with numerous golden ornaments.
The city of Dhritarashtra was bustling like a grand festival, filled with joyful men, O Bharata.
A whirlpool of water teeming with people, filled with chariots, elephants, horses, and fish. The sound of conches and drums echoes, and it possesses a treasury filled with collected gems.
The scene is a vibrant and dynamic depiction of a place where the waves of colorful ornaments and armor are frothy with pure weapons. It is surrounded by a garland of palaces and mountains, creating a vast lake-like area filled with streets and bustling markets.
The rise of the warrior was as magnificent as the moon emerging from the ocean, O king. It was a sight to behold, like the moonrise over the vast ocean.
