14.003
related to the Marut collectively
Vyāsa said;
Yudhiṣṭhira, in my opinion, your discernment is not correct. Indeed, no mortal acts by his own will or under his own control. (14-3-1)
When a person, appointed by the Lord, acts, whether good or bad, what is the point of lamentation about it? (14-3-2)
If you consider yourself ultimately as one engaged in evil deeds, then hear there how sin may be removed, O Bhārata. (14-3-3)
O Yudhiṣṭhira, men who constantly commit sins do not cross over (are not saved) by austerities, by sacrifices or by giving gifts. (14-3-4)
O lord of men, O tiger among kings, men who have committed evil deeds are purified by sacrifice, austerity, and gifts. (14-3-5)
Both asuras and suras, for the sake of merit, engage themselves in ritual sacrifices; therefore, sacrifices are considered the supreme path by great souls. (14-3-6)
The great-souled gods became superior by means of sacrifices. Then, endowed with ritual acts, the gods attacked the Dānavas. (14-3-7)
O Bhārata, you, O king Yudhiṣṭhira, performed the rājasūya, aśvamedha, sarvamedha, and naramedha sacrifices. (14-3-8)
Perform an Ashvamedha sacrifice, duly and with generous gifts given, and with abundant and desirable food, just as Rama, the son of Dasharatha, did. (14-3-9)
Just as Bharata, the king, descendant of Duḥṣanta, lord of the earth, son of Śakuntalā, of great might, was your former forefather. (14-3-10)
Yudhiṣṭhira said.
Undoubtedly, the aśvamedha sacrifice can purify even the earth; but I have a certain intention, which you should hear now. (14-3-11)
O best of the twice-born, having done this very great slaughter of kinsmen, I am not able to give even a small gift—wealth is not with me. (14-3-12)
Nor am I able to ask these distressed children for wealth; likewise, I cannot (ask) princes who are existing in hardship with fresh wounds. (14-3-13)
O best of twice-born, after destroying the earth myself for the purpose of sacrifice, how shall I collect tribute from those who are absorbed in grief? (14-3-14)
O best of sages, by the offence of Duryodhana the earth and its rulers were destroyed; having then united us by fame.
Duryodhana, the ill-minded son of Dhritarashtra, has ruined the earth for the sake of wealth, and his treasury too has run dry. (14-3-16)
Here, land and honorarium are the original rule; the learned have considered this remaining as a reversal of the rule. (14-3-17)
O possessor of ascetic wealth, I do not wish to appoint a representative. Here, O venerable one, you ought to properly render my assistance. (14-3-18)
Vaiśampāyana said.
Hearing these words from Pārtha, Kṛṣṇa Dvaipāyana (Vyāsa) thought for a moment and then spoke to Dharmarāja (Yudhiṣṭhira). (14-3-19)
O Pārtha, there is wealth deposited on the Himavat mountain, abandoned by the Brāhmaṇas at the sacrifice of King Marutta. Bring that, O son of Kunti; it will be sufficient. (14-3-20)
Yudhiṣṭhira said.
How was that wealth collected in Marutta's sacrifice, and at what time did that king exist, O best of speakers? (14-3-21)
Vyāsa said.
If you wish to listen, O son of Pṛthā, then hear about King Kārndhama, who in that period was a highly powerful and greatly wealthy king. (14-3-22)
