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Library: Significance of Plaksha Prasravana, the most excellent pilgrimage site of Karapachana. Holiness of the river Sarasvati. Narada recounts the events of the war, and curious Balarama decides to see the mace battle between Bhima and Duryodhana.
Vaiśampāyana spoke:
After witnessing Kurukshetra and distributing the shares, Sātvata proceeded to the magnificent and divine hermitage, O Janamejaya.
The forest, rich with Madhuka and mango trees, is densely populated with fig and banyan trees. It is also adorned with Bilva trees, considered sacred, and is filled with jackfruit and Arjuna trees.
Upon seeing him, the foremost among the Yadavas, marked with auspicious signs, inquired of all the sages, 'To whom does this excellent hermitage belong?'
All of them addressed the great soul, King Halayudha, saying, "Listen in detail, O Rama, to the story of this hermitage as it was in the past."
In this place, Vishnu, the god, once performed supreme penance. Here, all his sacrifices were carried out in accordance with the eternal traditions.
Here, a Brahmin woman, who was perfected and practiced celibacy from her youth, engaged in yoga, has ascended to heaven, perfected through her penance, as an ascetic.
The auspicious daughter of the great King Shandilya was known for her firm vows, virtue, discipline, and celibacy.
She attained the supreme state of union and went to the highest heaven. After enjoying the fruits of the horse sacrifice in the hermitage, she, being auspicious and greatly fortunate, was honored by those with disciplined minds and ascended to heaven.
Having reached the sacred hermitage and seen it, the chief of the Yadus, Krishna, saluted the sages and then, beside the Himalayas, withdrew all the camps and ascended the mountain.
Tāladhvaja, the strong one, traveled not very far to the mountain and upon seeing the sacred and best of pilgrimage sites, he was filled with supreme wonder.
The origin and might of the Sarasvati river reached the Plaksha Prasravana, the most excellent pilgrimage site of Karapachana.
Halayudha, the mighty warrior, after offering gifts and bathing in the cold waters, proceeded to the hermitage of his friends, Mitra and Varuna, feeling very pleased.
Indra, Agni, and Aryaman once found joy in that place. He then traveled to that region from Kārapacana along the Yamuna.
After bathing there, the righteous soul, accompanied by sages and perfected beings, found supreme satisfaction. The mighty one, seated, listened to the pure stories, being the chief of the Yadus.
While they were standing there, the divine sage Nārada arrived at the place where Rāma was present.
The great ascetic, enveloped in matted hair and clothed in golden attire, bore a golden staff and a water-pot, O king.
He, who is worshipped by gods and Brahmins, took the charming, tortoise-shaped lute that produces pleasant sounds, and is skilled in dance and song.
The instigator of quarrels, who is always fond of them, went to the place where the illustrious Rama resides.
After rising, they all paid homage to the sage with vows and inquired from the divine sage about the events concerning the Kurus.
Then Nārada, who knows all dharmas, narrated to the king everything that had happened in the past, including the destruction of the Kurus.
Then the son of Rohini, in a distressed voice, asked Narada about the condition of the Kshatriya and the kings who were present there.
"I have heard all this before, O sage. However, my curiosity has greatly increased upon hearing it in detail."
Narada said:
Previously, Bhishma, Drona, the king of Sindhu, Karna, and his sons, the great warriors, were all slain.
Bhūriśravā, the son of Rohiṇī, and the powerful king of Madra were present there, along with many other mighty warriors.
Kings and princes, having forsaken their cherished lives for the sake of the beloved Kaurava, indeed, do not retreat in battles.
O mighty-armed one, listen to me, O Mādhava, about those who remain unharmed in the Kaurava army: Kṛpa, Bhoja, the valiant Aśvatthāmā, and the courageous ones with broken armies have scattered in all directions.
Duryodhana, deeply distressed by the defeat and the fleeing of Kṛpa and others, entered the lake called Dvaipāyana.
Dhritarashtra's son was lying in the still water, and then the Pandavas, along with Krishna, tormented him with harsh words.
Rama, the strong hero, was verbally attacked from all sides. He rose from the lake, holding a great mace, ready to confront the challenge.
He has now joined the battle with Bhima. O Rama, it will soon become very terrible for both of them.
If you are curious, Madhava, go quickly. Witness the dreadful battle between the disciples, if you wish.
Vaishampayana spoke:
Upon hearing Nārada's words, he honored the best of the twice-born and dismissed all those who had accompanied him, instructing the followers, "Proceed to Dvārakā."
Rama, pleased after hearing about the great benefits of the pilgrimage, descended from the best mountain, the auspicious banyan tree spring, and in the presence of the Brahmins, the infallible one sang this verse.
Where can one find pleasure comparable to the abode of Saraswati? Where can one find qualities comparable to the abode of Saraswati? Those who have reached heaven after attaining Saraswati will always remember the river Saraswati.
Sarasvati is considered sacred among all rivers and is always known to bring happiness to the world. Those who reach Sarasvati, even if they have committed bad deeds, do not grieve either in this world or the next.
Then, repeatedly and affectionately gazing at Sarasvati, the scorcher of foes stood on the white chariot harnessed with horses.
The chief of the Yadus arrived swiftly by chariot, eager to witness the battle of the disciples that was taking place.
