15.022
Kuntī's speech;
Vaiśampāyana said.
Then, O king, a very great sound arose in the palaces, mansions, and on the earth among both women and men. (15-22-1)
The king, trembling and with joined palms, somehow went out by the royal road crowded with men and women. (15-22-2)
He departed from Gajasāhvaya through the Vardhamāna gate, and again and again dismissed that multitude of people. (15-22-3)
Vidura, having made preparations to go to the forest together with the king, as well as Sanjaya, the chief minister, the charioteer, and Gāvalgaṇa also, (set out). (15-22-4)
King Dhṛtarāṣṭra entrusted the great chariot-warriors Kṛpa and Yuyutsu to Yudhiṣṭhira and caused them to turn back. (15-22-5)
But after the group of citizens had departed, then the king, along with the women of the inner palace, wished to return, having been permitted by Dhṛtarāṣṭra. (15-22-6)
He approached his mother Kunti and said, "O best of the Bharatas, I will search for the king; you may return." (15-22-7)
O queen, you ought to go to the city, surrounded by the bride. As for the king—this righteous man—let him, resolved and firm, go for his austerity. (15-22-8)
Thus, having been addressed by Dharmarāja, Kuntī, her eyes filled with tears, embraced Gāndhārī and then spoke thus. (15-22-9)
O great king, with Sahadeva, never be negligent at any time. For this one is always devoted to both me and you. (15-22-10)
You should always remember Karna in battles as one who never fled. Indeed, at that time, he was defeated by me, the hero, due to my poor judgment. (15-22-11)
O son, truly the heart of your foolish mother must be of iron, for, though she does not see the daughter of the Sun, it does not shatter into a hundred pieces. (15-22-12)
But in this situation, O subduer of enemies, what can I do? My fault has been excessively exposed because the son of the Sun did not (do so). Therefore, O mighty-armed, you should give an excellent gift for that reason. (15-22-13)
O afflicter of enemies, always remain together with your brothers and the eldest one; and, O beloved, always stay devoted to Draupadī. (15-22-14)
Bhīmasena, Arjuna, and Nakula, O Yudhiṣṭhira, should be appeased by you, O hero, for today Draupadī has taken shelter in you. (15-22-15)
I will serve the feet of my mother-in-law and father-in-law in the forest, O you; living with Gandhari, I will dwell as an ascetic woman, smeared with dirt. (15-22-16)
Thus addressed, the righteous-souled and self-controlled man, accompanied by his brothers, fell into intense depression and did not say anything at all. (15-22-17)
He, Yudhishthira, the son of Dharma, spent a moment in meditation, and overwhelmed with sorrow and anxiety, spoke to his mother. (15-22-18)
What is this decision of yours? You ought not to speak thus. I do not permit you. You ought to show favor. (15-22-19)
Once before, O beautiful one, you inspired and delighted us; you should not abandon us now just because of Vidura's words. (15-22-20)
Having slain the kings of the earth, I have obtained this kingdom by listening to your wisdom, which came from Vāsudeva, the best among men. (15-22-21)
Where is that understanding, and what is this attitude of yours now? You, who spoke of steadfastness in the duty of a kṣatriya—which I myself heard—now wish to waver from it. (15-22-22)
Mother, having left us, the kingdom, and this illustrious daughter-in-law, how will you live in the desolate forests? Please have mercy on me. (15-22-23)
Hearing her son's speech, choked with tears, Kuntī, her eyes filled with tears, departed; then Bhīma spoke these words to her. (15-22-24)
O Kunti, when this kingdom, conquered by your son, is to be enjoyed and the royal duties are to be fulfilled, why do you entertain such a thought? (15-22-25)
Previously, you made us conquer the earth; for what reason do you now wish to abandon it and go to the forest? (15-22-26)
And from the forest, why have you brought us children? These two sons of Mādrī also are overwhelmed with sorrow and grief. (15-22-27)
Be gracious, O mother, do not go to the forest today, O illustrious one. Enjoy for now the prosperity of Yudhishthira, earned by the might of the sons of Pritha. (15-22-28)
Thus, she, having firmly resolved and made preparations for dwelling in the forest, did not respond to the many entreaties of her sons. (15-22-29)
Draupadī then, her face dejected, wept as she followed her mother-in-law, going with Bhadra as they set out for the forest. (15-22-30)
She, the very wise, repeatedly looking at all her sons who were weeping, went to the forest with her mind made up. (15-22-31)
The Pāṇḍavas, along with the attendants and women of the inner quarters, then followed her. Then, having wiped her tears, she spoke to her sons. (15-22-32)
