15.016
The Brāhmaṇa said.
It was not done by Duryodhana, nor by you; nor by Karṇa or Saubala, nor was it the Kurus by whom they went to destruction (15-16-1).
We know that destiny is what cannot be overcome; destiny cannot be surpassed by human effort. (15-16-2)
O great king, eighteen military divisions assembled, and in eighteen days, they were destroyed by ten chief warriors. (15-16-3)
By Bhishma, Drona, Kripa, and others, as well as by the great-hearted Karna, by the heroic Yuyudhana and Dhrishtadyumna too—all these were present. (15-16-4)
O king, this destruction of people has been brought about by the four sons of Pāṇḍu—Bhīma, Arjuna, and the son of Yama—whose actions have been made possible by the power of fate. (15-16-5)
Certainly, especially in battle, death in the world ought to be inflicted by weapon by a kṣatriya, by a kṣatriya relative. (15-16-6)
The entire earth, with its armies, chariots, and elephants, was conquered by courageous, tiger-like men possessing knowledge, strength, and power. (15-16-7)
Your great-minded son, the king, does not commit any offense. Nor do you, nor your servants, nor Karṇa, nor Saubala. (15-16-8)
O best of Kurus, thousands of kings have perished; all of that was done by fate—who here is worthy to say anything about it? (15-16-9)
We regard you as the teacher and lord of this entire world. Therefore, as you are righteous, we allow you the son. (15-16-10)
May the lord of men, together with his companions, attain the worlds of heroes; let him, approved by the foremost Brāhmaṇas, joyfully rejoice in heaven. (15-16-11)
You will attain merit and the highest position in dharma; and, O best of the Bharatas, (he) fully and rightly knows merit. (15-16-12)
Having seen by us the feet of the Pāṇḍavas, those bulls among men who are capable of protecting even heaven, what then to say of protecting the earth? (15-16-13)
O best of the Kuru family, the subjects will follow these Pāṇḍavas, who are adorned with virtue, in both prosperous and adverse times. (15-16-14)
O king, the descendant of Pandu indeed protects the Brahmin endowments, the agrahāras, the tax-free grants, and the donations from previous kings. (15-16-15)
This son of Kuntī, like Vaiśravaṇa, is always far-seeing, grateful, attended by ministers who are not low, and is great-minded. (15-16-16)
O best of Bharatas, the wise man, even towards an enemy, is compassionate and pure; he regards all with straightforwardness and always protects us like a son. (15-16-17)
O royal sage, indeed, because of their association with Dharma's son, neither the people nor Bhīma, Arjuna, and the others will do anything unpleasant. (15-16-18)
The Kauravas are gentle towards the mild but like poisonous serpents towards the harsh; they are powerful, noble-hearted, and dedicated to the welfare of the citizens. (15-16-19)
Neither Kuntī nor Pāñcālī, nor Ulūpī, nor Sātvati will ever act contrary to this person. (15-16-20)
The affection you have shown, strengthened by Yudhishthira, the people—both of the town and country—will not display behind your back. (15-16-21)
Even those who were established in unrighteousness, the sons of Kunti—the great warriors—having become devoted to righteousness, will protect mankind. (15-16-22)
O king, after relieving Yudhiṣṭhira of his mental sorrow, perform righteous duties. Salutations to you, O best of the Bharatas. (15-16-23)
Vaiśampāyana said.
All the people accepted his words, which were righteous and of excellent consequence, saying, "Well done, well done." (15-16-24)
Dhritarashtra, having honored that speech again and again, then slowly dismissed all the ministers. (15-16-25)
O best of the Bharatas, the king, honored by them and observed by Śiva at that time, with joined palms, worshipped that person. (15-16-26)
Then the king, together with Gāndhārī, entered the palace; when night had ended and dawn broke, learn what he did. (15-16-27)
