14.086
Construction of a sacrifice abode
Vaiśampāyana said.
After saying thus, Pārtha (Arjuna) followed that horse which moved at its will. Then the steed turned back from there by the route that led to the city called Nāgāhvaya. (14-86-1)
Yudhiṣṭhira, on hearing from a spy that he (Arjuna) had returned safely, became gladdened at heart. (14-86-2)
At that time, the king became very pleased upon hearing, in other countries as well, about that act of victory in Gandhara. (14-86-3)
At that very time, Dharmarāja Yudhishthira, having chosen the desired constellation, observed the twelfth day of the Māgha fortnight. (14-86-4)
The Kaurava of great energy, having gathered all the brothers—Bhīma, Nakula, and Sahadeva—united them. (14-86-5)
Then, at the appropriate time, the chief among the upholders of dharma, having addressed Bhīma—the best of speakers and of terrible might—spoke these words. (14-86-6)
That Bhīmasena, your younger brother, is coming with a horse, as the men who are companions of Dhanañjaya told me. (14-86-7)
This time has arrived and is present all around, O Vṛkodara. The full-moon of Māgha month alone remains, O Vṛkodara. (14-86-8)
Let those learned brāhmaṇas who have mastered the Veda be dispatched to examine the land suitable for sacrifice for the accomplishment of the Vājimedha. (14-86-9)
Thus addressed, Bhīma did the king's command. Gladdened, he heard that Savyasācin (Arjuna) was coming from the king. (14-86-10)
Then Bhīmasena went along with the wise architects, placing in front the Brāhmaṇas skilled in sacrificial rites. (14-86-11)
The descendant of the Kuru measured out the sacrificial enclosure in that village with śāla-tree groves and marked main streets, in accordance with proper rules. (14-86-12)
He caused the assembly hall, the rival wives' chamber, the fire-chamber, and the northern chamber to be built according to rule, adorned with gems and gold. (14-86-13)
He gives pillars adorned with gold designs and large gateways, and pure gold, at the sites of sacrificial altars. (14-86-14)
The righteous-souled one caused the inner chambers for the kings and for the inhabitants of various regions to be built in various places, according to proper order. (14-86-15)
Bhīma caused the building of diverse houses in great numbers for the brāhmaṇas and for those brāhmaṇas who had assembled from various regions. (14-86-16)
Thus, O great king, Bhīmasena sent messengers by the king's command to the kings whose actions are untiring. (14-86-17)
The excellent kings came to please the lord of the Kurus, bringing many gems, as well as women, horses, and weapons. (14-86-18)
As they entered those camps by the thousands, their roaring sound, like that of the ocean, seemed to reach the sky. (14-86-19)
For those who had arrived, that lotus-eyed king ordered food, drink, and beds of a superhuman kind. (14-86-20)
The king of righteousness, O tiger among men, ordered various sheds for vehicles, furnished with rice, sugarcane, and products of cows. (14-86-21)
Thus, at that great sacrifice held by the wise Dharmarāja, many groups of sages—expounders of Brahman—assembled. (14-86-22)
And those foremost among the twice-born who were present there, O lord of the earth, assembled with their disciples, and the Kaurava received them. (14-86-23)
He followed all of them as far as the dwelling. Yudhishthira himself, of great brilliance, having abandoned deceit, (did so). (14-86-24)
Then, having completed their tasks, the architects, artisans, and others at that time reported the entire ritual arrangement to Dharmarāja, O king. (14-86-25)
Having heard that, Dharmarāja (Yudhiṣṭhira), with his brothers and Acyuta (Kṛṣṇa), the king became joyful, for all the deeds were blameless. (14-86-26)
