10.016
Pancharatra and Core: Parikshit will be born dead due to the impact of the weapon, but will be revived. Ashwatthama, after receiving Krishna's curse, hands over the gem and goes to the forest to live in seclusion. Bhima gives the gem to Draupadi, who gives it to Yudhishthira, to be worn as a righteous king.
Vaiśampāyana said.
Having understood that, Hṛṣīkeśa (Krishna), rejoicing, then addressed these words to Aśvatthāman, the son of Droṇa, who had been released by the evil-doer.
The vow-observant Brahmana, upon seeing the daughter of Virata—who was once the daughter-in-law of the wielder of Gandiva and had gone to Upaplavya—spoke.
When the Kurus are destroyed, your son will be born. The one in the womb will be known as Parikṣit.
The sage's statement about him will certainly come true. Parikshit will be born as the son who will restore their lineage.
As Govinda, the foremost of the Sātvatas, spoke thus, then Droṇa's son, burning with rage, gave this reply.
O Keśava, it is not as you say with partiality. O lotus-eyed one, your statement is not otherwise than my word.
O Kṛṣṇa, this weapon that I have raised will fall upon the womb of the daughter of Virāṭa, whom you wish to protect.
Vasudeva said.
The supreme weapon's strike will not fail. However, the child who was born dead will gain a long life.
But all the wise recognize you as a wicked person, a sinner, one who repeatedly commits evil acts and destroys the lives of children.
Therefore, you must bear the consequences of this sinful deed. For three thousand years, you will roam this earth, never gaining any understanding from anyone, anywhere.
You will wander alone and unaided through deserted lands. Your future is not to be found among the common or mean people.
You, O evil-souled one, will wander in difficult forests, reeking of pus and blood, afflicted with every disease.
When he comes of age, completes his examination, and fulfills his vow of Vedic study, the hero will receive all weapons from Kṛpa and Śāradvat.
Having mastered the supreme weapons and steadfast in the warrior's duty, the righteous king will rule and protect the earth for sixty years.
From this point onward, the mighty-armed king of the Kurus will arise—a king named Parikṣit, right before your eyes, O wicked-minded one. Behold the power of my penance and truth, O lowest of men.
Vyāsa said.
Because you have disregarded us and committed this cruel act, and because your conduct towards the righteous Brāhmaṇa is such.
Therefore, whatever excellent words Devakī's son has spoken to you will certainly come to pass; so, without doubt, leave behind petty actions at once.
Aśvatthāma said.
I will remain among men together with you, O Brahman; but this venerable one, who always speaks the truth, is the best among men.
Vaiśampāyana said.
After handing over the jewel, Aśvatthāma, feeling dejected, went to the forest as all the great-souled Pāṇḍavas watched.
The Pandavas too, having Govinda (Krishna) at their forefront, along with Krishna Dvaipayana (Vyasa) and the great sage Narada, whose enemies had been slain, proceeded.
After quickly taking the natural gem from Drona's son, they went to Draupadi, who was steadfast in her resolve to fast unto death.
Then those heroes, accompanied by the Dasharhas and riding excellent horses swift as the wind, once again certainly approached the camp.
The great warriors quickly got down from their chariots and, seeing Draupadī (Kṛṣṇā) in distress, became even more distressed themselves.
The Pāṇḍavas, along with Keśava (Kṛṣṇa), approached her, who was joyless and overwhelmed with grief and sorrow, and stood around her.
Then, with the king's permission, the mighty Bhimasena gave the divine gem and spoke these words.
O gentle lady, this jewel of yours, the slayer of your son, has been conquered by you. Rise up, let go of your sorrow, and remember your warrior's duty.
O dark-eyed one, when Vāsudeva was departing for the sake of peace, the words you, O timid one, spoke to Krishna (the slayer of Madhu) at that time.
I have neither husbands, nor sons, nor brothers, O king; nor do you, Govinda, desire peace.
You have spoken resolute words, O best of men, which are in accordance with the duty of a warrior; you should remember them.
Duryodhana, the evil enemy of the kingdom, has been slain. I have drunk the blood of Duḥśāsana as it throbbed.
The obligation of enmity having ended, it should not be spoken of by those who wish to speak. Having conquered, the son of Droṇa was released out of respect for Brahminhood and honor.
O goddess, his fame has fallen; only his body remains. He has been deprived of his jewel, and his weapon has been laid down on the ground.
Draupadī said.
O Bhārata, I have attained only freedom from debt; the son of my teacher is my teacher. Let the king fasten this gem on his head.
Vaiśampāyana said.
Then, having taken him, the king placed him on his head at that time. Even Draupadī said that it was indeed the teacher's remnants.
Then the lord, adorned with the excellent divine jewel on his head, shone brilliantly; the great king looked like a mountain crowned with the moon.
Then, high-minded Kṛṣṇā (Draupadī), afflicted with grief for her son, rose up. Yudhiṣṭhira, the righteous king, also questioned mighty-armed Kṛṣṇa.
