15.029
The Pāṇḍavas' approach to Dhṛtarāṣṭra's hermitage.
Vaiśampāyana said;
Thus the Pāṇḍavas, tigers among men and loved by their mother, remembering their mother, became deeply distressed. (15-29-1)
Those who were previously always absorbed in royal duties did not perform royal duties at all in the city at that time. (15-29-2)
As if overcome by grief, they did not rejoice at all; even when spoken to, they gave no reply. (15-29-3)
Those heroes, who were difficult to overcome and deep like the ocean, indeed became as if their intelligence was afflicted by grief and their consciousness lost. (15-29-4)
Then, as they remembered their mother, the descendants of Kuru wondered: 'How does the emaciated Pṛthā carry the aged couple today?' (15-29-5)
How does that king, whose son was slain and who is without support, live alone with his wife in a forest inhabited by wild beasts? (15-29-6)
That noble and greatly fortunate lady Gandhari, whose relatives are slain, how does she follow her aged and blind husband in the solitude of the forest? (15-29-7)
Thus, as they were speaking, eagerness arose among them at that time. The intention to depart also arose, out of a desire to see Dhritarashtra. (15-29-8)
But Sahadeva bowed to the king and said: "Indeed, I see your heart is set on departing." (15-29-9)
O king, indeed, it was out of respect for you that I was not able to personally speak about the departure; now this has arrived. (15-29-10)
By good fortune, I shall see that Kuntī, persevering as an ascetic woman, with matted hair, aged, a female ascetic worn by kusa and kāśa grasses. (15-29-11)
When shall I see my mother, who grew up in palaces, who was always happy, now tired and greatly distressed? (15-29-12)
The ways of mortals are indeed impermanent, O best of the Bharatas; Kuntī, the royal princess, is living unhappily in the forest. (15-29-13)
Hearing Sahadeva's words, Draupadī, the foremost among women, respectfully honored and greeted the king, and then the lady spoke. (15-29-14)
When shall I see that divine lady? If she, Pṛthā, is alive, our joy will indeed be today through her, O ruler of men. (15-29-15)
Let this be your constant resolve—may your mind always delight in dharma. Today, O king, you will unite us with what is auspicious. (15-29-16)
O king, know these women standing at the front as the family’s women, desiring to see Kuntī, Gāndhārī, and their father-in-law. (15-29-17)
O bull among the Bharatas, thus addressed by the queen Pāñcālī, the king then summoned all the generals and spoke as follows. (15-29-18)
Send forth my army, which is rich in chariots and elephants. I will also see King Dhritarashtra residing in the forest. (15-29-19)
The king said to the women-superintendents, "Let all my various vehicles be prepared, and palanquins by the thousands as well." (15-29-20)
Let those who appear as cart-drivers, shopkeepers, and booth-holders, as well as the treasury artificers and also the treasury guards, proceed to the hermitage of Kurukṣetra. (15-29-21)
Any townsman who wishes to see the king, if he is properly dressed and uncovered, may also go, provided he is protected. (15-29-22)
Let the cooks, the ceremonial priests, and all the kitchen equipment, along with various foods to be eaten and enjoyed, be transported by carts for me. (15-29-23)
Let the departure be proclaimed—"the journey is tomorrow"—do not delay. Let various dwellings also be constructed along the route today. (15-29-24)
Thus, having given the orders, that king, the Pāṇḍava, together with his brothers, when the next day arrived, set out with women and children at the forefront. (15-29-25)
Thus, the king dwelled outside, protecting the multitude of people for five days; then he went towards the forest. (15-29-26)
