14.071
Vaiśampāyana said.
Thus, having been addressed by Kṛṣṇa, Yudhiṣṭhira, the son of Dharma, then addressed the wise Vyāsa and spoke these words. (14-71-1)
As you yourself truly know the correct time for the horse-sacrifice, then be consecrated at that time; do not hesitate, for my sacrifice indeed depends upon you. (14-71-2)
Vyāsa said;
I, Paila, then Yājñavalkya likewise, O son of Kunti, are indeed those who, at the proper time, perform the procedure—there is no doubt (about this). (14-71-3)
Your initiation will take place on the full moon day of Caitra. Let the preparations be gathered for the sacrifice, O best of men. (14-71-4)
Let those expert in horse lore, the charioteers, the Brāhmaṇas, and those versed in this subject, examine your sacrificial horse for the successful fulfillment of the sacrifice. (14-71-5)
Having left him, following the scriptures, let him traverse the earth, ocean, and sky, ever spreading the fame of your name, O king. (14-71-6)
Vaiśampāyana said.
Thus addressed, he replied 'Let it be so', and the Pandava king, O king, did everything as instructed by the expounder of Brahman. Moreover, O king, all the necessary arrangements were duly made. (14-71-7)
He, the king, son of Dharma, having collected the arrangements, then reported everything to the incomparably great Kṛṣṇa Dvaipāyana. (14-71-8)
Then the great-splendor Vyāsa said to the king, the son of Dharma: At the proper time, as appropriate, we are certainly all ready for your initiation. (14-71-9)
O Kaurava, the sphyas and kūrcas made of gold, and whatever else suitable might be there, let that be made of gold thus. (14-71-10)
O Yudhiṣṭhira, let the horse be released today on earth according to order, and let it move well-guarded according to the śāstra. (14-71-11)
Yudhishthira said.
O Brahmin, this horse, released by me, will roam this earth as it wishes; let arrangements be made there accordingly. (14-71-12)
O sage, who indeed would restrain a horse wandering the earth as it wishes? Of that, your honor is worthy to speak. (14-71-13)
Vaiśampāyana said.
Thus addressed, O king, Kṛṣṇa Dvaipāyana (Vyāsa) spoke: "The younger brother of Bhīmasena is the best among all bowmen." (14-71-14)
He who is victorious, forbearing, and bold will protect this person. He is capable, indeed, of conquering the earth, being the destroyer of the Nivātakavaca. (14-71-15)
In him there are indeed divine weapons, a divine body, a divine bow and quivers as well; he will accompany him. (14-71-16)
He, being skilled in dharma and artha and expert in all sciences, will make your horse go according to the śāstra, O best of kings. (14-71-17)
The prince, who is mighty-armed, dark in complexion, and lotus-eyed, the heroic father of Abhimanyu—he will follow him. (14-71-18)
Bhimasena too, brilliant and the son of Kunti with immeasurable valor, is capable of protecting the kingdom; so is Nakula, O lord of the people. (14-71-19)
But Sahadeva, O Kauravya, intelligent and greatly renowned, will organize all the affairs of the household strictly according to proper rule. (14-71-20)
But the best of the Kuru family did all that had been spoken according to justice; he also instructed Phalguna and the horse accordingly. (14-71-21)
Yudhiṣṭhira said;
Come, Arjuna, O hero, this horse should be protected by you. You alone are fit to protect it, for no other man can do so. (14-71-22)
O mighty-armed and sinless one, as for those kings who have also approached you in opposition, you should act in such a way that there may be no conflict with them. (14-71-23)
O mighty-armed one, let this sacrifice of mine be completely announced by you to the kings; at the appointed time, let them proceed, thus. (14-71-24)
Having thus spoken, the righteous-souled one assigned his brother, the ambidextrous Arjuna, as well as Bhīma and Nakula, to guard the city. (14-71-25)
In matters of family administration, just so, having obtained Dhṛtarāṣṭra's permission, Yudhiṣṭhira placed Sahadeva, lord of the warriors, in charge. (14-71-26)
