15.001
Section of dwelling in the hermitage
Service to Dhṛtarāṣṭra.
Janamejaya said.
After gaining the kingdom, how did my grandfathers, the most fortunate Pāṇḍavas, live with Dhṛtarāṣṭra, the high-souled great king? (15-1-1)
He indeed, the king, whose ministers and sons were slain and bereft of support—how did he, with his power destroyed, and Gāndhārī the illustrious one, fare? (15-1-2)
You ought to explain to me how long your fathers, my ancestors, the great souls, remained in the kingdom. (15-1-3)
Vaiśampāyana said.
After obtaining the kingdom and having slain their enemies, the noble Pāṇḍavas, with Dhṛtarāṣṭra at the forefront, ruled over the earth. (15-1-4)
Vidura attended to Dhṛtarāṣṭra, as did Sañjaya. Yuyutsu, the wise Kaurava who was the son of a Vaiśyā, also did so. (15-1-5)
The Pāṇḍavas enquired about all undertakings from that king. Having received his permission, they performed (them) for fifteen years. (15-1-6)
Always, having gone, those heroes attended upon that king. After performing salutation at his feet, they stayed as per Dharmarāja's will. Having their heads touched (smelled) by him, they performed all their duties. (15-1-7)
The daughter of Kuntibhoja indeed followed Gandhari; Draupadi, Subhadra, and the other wives of the Pandavas all behaved equally toward their two mothers-in-law, as was proper. (15-1-8)
Yudhishthira, the great king, presented to Dhritarashtra many precious beds, garments, ornaments, all kinds of royal-worthy edibles and foods in abundance. (15-1-9)
In the same way, Kunti behaved towards Gandhari with the reverence of a disciple. Vidura, Sanjaya, and Yuyutsu the Kaurava also served that aged king who had lost his sons. (15-1-10)
The brother-in-law of Droṇa, who alone was a beloved and eminent brāhmaṇa, namely, the great archer Kṛpa, was also present there at that time. (15-1-11)
Vyāsa, the revered sage, continually made his residence with the king, indeed; while narrating stories of the ancient sages, divine sages, kings, and demons. (15-1-12)
Vidura carried out those actions that were consistent with dharma, involved proper transactions, and had Dhṛtarāṣṭra's approval. (15-1-13)
Dear things, even very difficult tasks, are accomplished for his allies by the influence of the wise man, with very small means, indeed. (15-1-14)
He effected the release of those imprisoned and also pardoned those condemned to death; yet the king, son of Dharma, never spoke a word (against this). (15-1-15)
During the pleasure outings, Yudhisthira, the king of the Kurus, again gave all desired things to Ambika's son (Dhritarashtra), being greatly resplendent. (15-1-16)
The makers of pickles and preserves, the cooks, and the confectioners, likewise, attended upon King Dhṛtarāṣṭra just as before. (15-1-17)
The Pandavas respectfully presented to Dhritarashtra garments of great value and various garlands, all according to proper custom. (15-1-18)
They prepared Maireya, honey, meats, drinks, light foods, and various food preparations for him just as before. (15-1-19)
And those kings of the earth also gathered from all sides, all of them attended upon the king of the Kauravas as before. (15-1-20)
Kuntī, Draupadī, Sātvati, the illustrious lady, Ulūpī the serpent maiden, and the lady Citrāṅgadā. (15-1-21)
Dhṛṣṭaketu and the sister and daughter of Jarāsandha, as well as all the servants, attend upon Subala's daughter also. (15-1-22)
Just as this person, having lost his son, might not experience any sorrow, so King Yudhishthira always wished the same for his brothers. (15-1-23)
Thus, having heard the meaningful words of Dharmarāja, they all acted accordingly at that time, except for Bhīma alone. (15-1-24)
Indeed, that event caused by gambling which was done by the evil-minded Dhṛtarāṣṭra does not leave the heart of that hero. (15-1-25)
