14.070
The consecration for sacrifice of Yudhiṣṭhira.
Vaiśampāyana said.
Upon hearing that the Pāṇḍavas had come near, Vāsudeva, the destroyer of enemies, together with his ministers, went out eagerly to meet them. (14-70-1)
O king, having assembled according to rule, the Pāṇḍavas together with the Vṛṣṇis entered the city named Vāraṇasā (Vārāṇasī). (14-70-2)
The heaven, earth, and even the sky were enveloped by the sound of the great army’s hoofs and wheels. (14-70-3)
Having placed the treasury at the front, the Pāṇḍavas then entered their own city, their minds filled with delight, together with their ministers and groups of friends. (14-70-4)
They approached Dhritarashtra, the lord of men, and, according to propriety, praised their own names and bowed at his feet. (14-70-5)
O tiger among kings, then the best of the Bharatas, after Dhṛtarāṣṭra, (went to) Gāndhārī, the daughter of Subala, and Kuntī. (14-70-6)
O lord of the people, having honored Vidura and approached the son of a Vaiśya, those heroes, being honored, indeed shone forth. (14-70-7)
Then, O Bhārata, at that time, the heroes heard of the supreme, marvelous and great wonder—the birth of their father. (14-70-8)
Upon hearing of that deed of wise Vāsudeva, they worshipped Kṛṣṇa, the son of Devakī, as he was worthy of worship. (14-70-9)
After a few days, the illustrious Vyāsa, son of Satyavatī, arrived at the city called Nāgasāhvaya. (14-70-10)
All of them, in accordance with propriety, performed worship of him — the heroes of the Kurus, together with the eminent Vṛṣṇis and Andhakas, then paid him veneration. (14-70-11)
There, after various kinds of stories were thoroughly recounted, Yudhishthira, the son of Dharma, spoke to Vyasa. (14-70-12)
O venerable one, by your grace, I desire to use this jewel, which has been brought, in the horse-sacrifice, the great sacrificial rite. (14-70-13)
O best of sages, I wish to obtain your permission for that matter. All of us, as well as the great-souled Kṛṣṇa, are subject to you. (14-70-14)
Vyāsa said.
O king, I permit you; let that which must follow be done. Perform the horse-sacrifice with proper gifts according to the rules. (14-70-15)
O king of kings, the horse-sacrifice is indeed a purifier of all sins. By performing it, you will indeed become sinless; there is no doubt about this. (14-70-16)
Vaiśampāyana said.
Thus addressed, that righteous-souled Kuru king Yudhiṣṭhira formed the resolve to undertake the Aśvamedha (horse sacrifice), O Kauravya. (14-70-17)
But after having jointly permitted that Kṛṣṇadvaipāyana, the king, having addressed Vāsudeva, the eloquent one, spoke these words. (14-70-18)
O Acyuta, O mighty-armed, whatever I, Devakī the blessed mother, say to you here, O best of men, may you do that. (14-70-19)
O son of Yadu, the enjoyments that I partake are acquired by your power. Indeed, by your valor and intelligence, this earth has been conquered. (14-70-20)
You consecrate me; you are our supreme teacher. When you are worshipped, O knower of dharma, may I, O mighty one, become free from sin. Indeed, you are the sacrifice, the imperishable, you are all, you are dharma, you are Prajapati. (14-70-21)
Vāsudeva said.
You alone, O mighty-armed, are worthy to speak this, O subduer of enemies. You are the path of all beings—this is my firm conviction. (14-70-22)
Today, you shine forth with righteousness among the heroes of the Kuru dynasty. O king, the qualities have indeed become yours; you are regarded by us as our teacher, O king. (14-70-23)
Perform the sacrifice, having received my permission, for the sacrifice is indeed accomplished by me. You may join us in the work wherever you desire, O Bhārata. Truly, I promise you, O sinless one, I will fulfill everything for you. (14-70-24)
O Bhārata, Bhīmasena, Arjuna, and also the two sons of Mādravatī will perform the sacrifice after you have performed the sacrifice. (14-70-25)
