14.052
The story of Uttaṅka;
Vaiśampāyana said.
Thus, the Bharata heroes, after embracing the son of Vṛṣṇi who was leaving for Dvārakā, turned back with their entourage. (14-52-1)
Again and again, Arjuna embraced Krishna; and as long as Krishna was within his sight, Arjuna kept looking at him again and again. (14-52-2)
Then, with difficulty alone, Pārtha (Arjuna) withdrew his gaze, which had been fixed on Govinda, and Kṛṣṇa too, unconquered, did the same. (14-52-3)
At his departure, listen as I tell you of the many wondrous signs that occurred for that great-souled one. (14-52-4)
The wind, moving with great speed in front of the chariot, cleared the road of gravel, dust, and thorns. (14-52-5)
Indra also poured pure and fragrant water and divine flowers in front of the bearer of the Śārṅga bow (Viṣṇu). (14-52-6)
He, the strong-armed, having set out in the groves and sandy plains, then saw the foremost sage Uttanka, who possessed immeasurable energy. (14-52-7)
He, the broad-eyed radiant one, having duly honored the sage, and being honored in return, then asked after his welfare. (14-52-8)
After being asked about his well-being and honoring Madhusudana, Uttanka, the foremost among Brahmanas, then asked Madhava. (14-52-9)
O son of Vasudeva, did you, having gone to the house of the Kurus and the Pāṇḍavas, establish firm brotherhood? Please explain that to me. (14-52-10)
Keśava, having resolved regarding those heroic kinsmen, you have always turned away from even the most dear ones, O best of the Vṛṣṇis. (14-52-11)
O scorcher of foes, will the five sons of Pāṇḍu and the sons of Dhṛtarāṣṭra live together with you in this world? (14-52-12)
O Mādhava, with you as the protector, will the kings in their own kingdoms indeed find happiness now that the Kauravas have been pacified? (14-52-13)
O Kṛṣṇa, O dear one, the regard which always existed in me for you—has that been made fruitful by you for the sake of the Bharatas? (14-52-14)
Vāsudeva said.
O brāhmaṇa, I made every effort for friendship with the Kauravas, but those who delight in unrighteousness could not be brought to peace by me. (14-52-15)
Then they, along with their sons and kinsmen, met their death. What is ordained cannot be overcome by intellect or strength. O great sage, surely all this is known to you, O sinless one. (14-52-16)
They transcended my mind, and the minds of Bhīṣma and Vidura; then, having come together, they went to the abode of Yama (death). (14-52-17)
Only the five Pāṇḍavas remain, their enemies and sons slain. All the sons of Dhṛtarāṣṭra, along with their children and relatives, have been killed. (14-52-18)
Hearing this speech addressed to Kṛṣṇa, Uttaṅka, intensely angry, replied to him, his eyes widened with rage. (14-52-19)
Because, O Krishna, although you were capable, your dear relatives, the Kurus and Pandavas, were not protected; therefore, I will certainly curse you.
And since your people were not turned back having been restrained by force, therefore, O Madhusudana, overcome by anger, I shall curse you. (14-52-21)
O Mādhava, even though you are capable and strong, it is through hypocrisy that you, the best of Kurus, are neglecting these who have been overpowered. (14-52-22)
Vasudeva said.
O Bhṛgu's son, hear from me in detail what I am about to say. Accept my kindness also, for you are indeed an ascetic, O Bhārgava. (14-52-23)
Having heard this spiritual instruction, may you release the curse today indeed. And no man is able to overpower me by insufficient austerity. (14-52-24)
And I do not wish your austerities to be destroyed, O best among reciters. Your austerity is exceedingly great and radiant, and your teachers too are satisfied. (14-52-25)
Best of the twice-born, I am aware of your youthful celibacy. Therefore, I do not wish for you to lose the penance you have attained through great hardship. (14-52-26)
