13.152
The return journey of Yudhishthira.
Vaiśampāyana said.
When Bhīṣma had become silent and lay on the bed of arrows like a picture, after meditating for a moment, Vyāsa, the son of Satyavatī, then spoke these words to the king, the son of Gaṅgā, as he lay there. (13-152-1)
O king, Yudhiṣṭhira, the king of the Kurus, having returned to his natural state, was accompanied by all his brothers and by kings who were his followers. (13-152-2)
He worships you, O tiger among men, along with the wise Kṛṣṇa. You ought to give him permission to proceed to the city. (13-152-3)
Having thus been addressed by the revered Vyāsa, the king, son of the river, consented to Yudhiṣṭhira along with his ministers. (13-152-4)
The son of Śāntanu, the king, spoke sweet words to him: "Enter the city, O king. Let your mental suffering be gone." (13-152-5)
O king, perform sacrifices of many kinds, with abundant food and your own obtained gifts, like Yayāti, always led by faith and self-control. (13-152-6)
O Arjuna, by engaging in the duty of a kṣatriya, satisfy both your ancestors and the gods. You will thereby gain merit, and let your mental anguish be dispelled. (13-152-7)
Cheer all the subjects, fully conciliate the ministers. Honor your friends with rewards and gifts as appropriate. (13-152-8)
May your friends and companions live on after you, dear one, just as the twice-born (Brahmins) live by a fruit-laden tree standing in a sanctified place. (13-152-9)
O king, you should come to me at the appointed time, when the sun has set and the northern course has begun. (13-152-10)
Having thus spoken, the son of Kunti, after saluting his grandfather, departed with his family to the city called Nāgasāhvaya. (13-152-11)
Having placed Dhritarashtra at the front and Gandhari, devoted to her husband, together with those sages, all the brothers, and Keshava (Krishna). (13-152-12)
O best of the Kurus, the king entered the city called Varanasi, accompanied by the citizens, country people, and elder ministers. (13-152-13)
