Chapter 18: Pāṇḍu seeks heirs; Kuntī bears Yudhiṣṭhira, Bhīma and Arjuna, while Mādrī bears Nakula and Sahadeva by invoking deities.
वैशम्पायन उवाच॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
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तत्रापि तपसि श्रेष्ठे वर्तमानः स वीर्यवान् । सिद्धचारणसङ्घानां बभूव प्रियदर्शनः ॥BORI: १-१११-१॥
There too, while engaged in the highest austerity, that mighty man became a welcome sight to the hosts of Siddhas and Charanas. (BORI: 1-111-1)
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शुश्रूषुरनहंवादी संयतात्मा जितेन्द्रियः । स्वर्गं गन्तुं पराक्रान्तः स्वेन वीर्येण भारत ॥BORI: १-१११-२॥
Eager to serve, free from arrogance, self-controlled, and master of his senses, he strove to reach heaven by his own prowess, O descendant of Bharata. (BORI: 1-111-2)
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केषाञ्चिदभवद्भ्राता केषाञ्चिदभवत्सखा । ऋषयस्त्वपरे चैनं पुत्रवत्पर्यपालयन् ॥BORI: १-१११-३॥
To some he became a brother, to others a friend, while still other sages cared for him as a son. (BORI: 1-111-3)
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स तु कालेन महता प्राप्य निष्कल्मषं तपः । ब्रह्मर्षिसदृशः पाण्डुर्बभूव भरतर्षभ ॥BORI: १-१११-४॥
In the course of a long time, Pandu attained stainless ascetic perfection and became like a Brahmarshi, O bull of the Bharatas. (BORI: 1-111-4)
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स्वर्गपारं तितीर्षन्स शतशृङ्गादुदङ्मुखः । प्रतस्थे सह पत्नीभ्यामब्रुवंस्तत्र तापसाः । उपर्युपरि गच्छन्तः शैलराजमुदङ्मुखाः ॥BORI: १-१११-५॥
Wishing to reach the farther shore of heaven, he set out northward from Shatashringa with his two wives. There the ascetics said, “As we traveled ever higher over the king of mountains, heading north…” (BORI: 1-111-5)
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दृष्टवन्तो गिरेरस्य दुर्गान्देशान्बहून्वयम् । आक्रीडभूतान्देवानां गन्धर्वाप्सरसां तथा ॥BORI: १-१११-६॥
We have seen many inaccessible regions of this mountain, which serve as playgrounds for the gods, Gandharvas, and Apsarases... (BORI: 1-111-6)
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उद्यानानि कुबेरस्य समानि विषमाणि च । महानदीनितम्बांश्च दुर्गांश्च गिरिगह्वरान् ॥BORI: १-१११-७॥
Kubera’s gardens, both level and rugged, the banks of great rivers, and inaccessible mountain caverns. (BORI: 1-111-7)
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सन्ति नित्यहिमा देशा निर्वृक्षमृगपक्षिणः । सन्ति केचिन्महावर्षा दुर्गाः केचिद्दुरासदाः ॥BORI: १-१११-८॥
There are regions perpetually covered in snow, devoid of trees, animals, and birds. Some receive heavy rainfall; some are impassable, and others difficult to approach. (BORI: 1-111-8)
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अतिक्रामेन्न पक्षी यान्कुत एवेतरे मृगाः । वायुरेकोऽतिगाद्यत्र सिद्धाश्च परमर्षयः ॥BORI: १-१११-९॥
No bird could cross them, much less any other animal; only the wind, the Siddhas, and the great seers can pass through them. (BORI: 1-111-9)
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गच्छन्त्यौ शैलराजेऽस्मिन्राजपुत्र्यौ कथं त्विमे । न सीदेतामदुःखार्हे मा गमो भरतर्षभ ॥BORI: १-१११-१०॥
But how could these two princesses, who do not deserve hardship, travel on this king of mountains without becoming exhausted? Do not go, bull of the Bharatas. (BORI: 1-111-10)
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पाण्डुरुवाच॥
Pāṇḍu said:
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अप्रजस्य महाभागा न द्वारं परिचक्षते । स्वर्गे तेनाभितप्तोऽहमप्रजस्तद्ब्रवीमि वः ॥BORI: १-१११-११॥
O blessed ones, they say that there is no gateway to heaven for a childless man. Being childless, I am tormented by this, and so I tell you of it. (BORI: 1-111-11)
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ऋणैश्चतुर्भिः संयुक्ता जायन्ते मनुजा भुवि । पितृदेवर्षिमनुजदेयैः शतसहस्रशः ॥BORI: १-१११-१२॥
Humans are born on earth in their hundreds and thousands, bound by four debts owed to the ancestors, the gods, the seers, and their fellow human beings. (BORI: 1-111-12)
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एतानि तु यथाकालं यो न बुध्यति मानवः । न तस्य लोकाः सन्तीति धर्मविद्भिः प्रतिष्ठितम् ॥BORI: १-१११-१३॥
The experts in dharma have established that a person who fails to recognize these obligations at the proper times has no worlds awaiting him. (BORI: 1-111-13)
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यज्ञैश्च देवान्प्रीणाति स्वाध्यायतपसा मुनीन् । पुत्रैः श्राद्धैः पितृंश्चापि आनृशंस्येन मानवान् ॥BORI: १-१११-१४॥
Through sacrifices he pleases the gods; through sacred study and austerity, the sages; through sons and ancestral rites, the ancestors; and through compassion, human beings. (BORI: 1-111-14)
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ऋषिदेवमनुष्याणां परिमुक्तोऽस्मि धर्मतः । पित्र्यादृणादनिर्मुक्तस्तेन तप्ये तपोधनाः ॥BORI: १-१११-१५॥
I have been duly freed from my debts to sages, gods, and human beings, but I am not free from my debt to the ancestors. That is why I grieve, O ascetics rich in austerity. (BORI: 1-111-15)
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देहनाशे ध्रुवो नाशः पितृणामेष निश्चयः । इह तस्मात्प्रजाहेतोः प्रजायन्ते नरोत्तमाः ॥BORI: १-१११-१६॥
When the body perishes, the ancestors’ destruction is certain—this is settled. Therefore, the best of men have children in this world for the sake of progeny. (BORI: 1-111-16)
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यथैवाहं पितुः क्षेत्रे सृष्टस्तेन महात्मना । तथैवास्मिन्मम क्षेत्रे कथं वै सम्भवेत्प्रजा ॥BORI: १-१११-१७॥
Just as I was begotten by that great-souled man in my father’s field, how might offspring likewise arise in this field of mine? (BORI: 1-111-17)
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तापसा ऊचुः॥
The ascetics said:
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अस्ति वै तव धर्मात्मन्विद्म देवोपमं शुभम् । अपत्यमनघं राजन्वयं दिव्येन चक्षुषा ॥BORI: १-१११-१८॥
O righteous king, we know through divine sight that you will indeed have a blessed, godlike, and blameless child. (BORI: 1-111-18)
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दैवदिष्टं नरव्याघ्र कर्मणेहोपपादय । अक्लिष्टं फलमव्यग्रो विन्दते बुद्धिमान्नरः ॥BORI: १-१११-१९॥
Bring about through action what fate has ordained here, O tiger among men. An intelligent man, remaining calm, obtains the fruit without hardship. (BORI: 1-111-19)
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तस्मिन्दृष्टे फले तात प्रयत्नं कर्तुमर्हसि । अपत्यं गुणसम्पन्नं लब्ध्वा प्रीतिमवाप्स्यसि ॥BORI: १-१११-२०॥
With that result in view, dear one, you should make the effort. Having obtained a virtuous child, you will find joy. (BORI: 1-111-20)
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वैशम्पायन उवाच॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
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तच्छ्रुत्वा तापसवचः पाण्डुश्चिन्तापरोऽभवत् । आत्मनो मृगशापेन जानन्नुपहतां क्रियाम् ॥BORI: १-१११-२१॥
Hearing those words of the ascetics, Pandu became deeply troubled, knowing that the deer's curse had thwarted his ability to beget children. (BORI: 1-111-21)
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सोऽब्रवीद्विजने कुन्तीं धर्मपत्नीं यशस्विनीम् । अपत्योत्पादने योगमापदि प्रसमर्थयन् ॥BORI: १-१११-२२॥
In private, he spoke to Kunti, his illustrious lawful wife, justifying a means of obtaining offspring in a time of distress: (BORI: 1-111-22)
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अपत्यं नाम लोकेषु प्रतिष्ठा धर्मसंहिता । इति कुन्ति विदुर्धीराः शाश्वतं धर्ममादितः ॥BORI: १-१११-२३॥
“Offspring is one’s foundation in the worlds, ordained by dharma.” The wise, Kunti, know this as the eternal law from the beginning. (BORI: 1-111-23)
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इष्टं दत्तं तपस्तप्तं नियमश्च स्वनुष्ठितः । सर्वमेवानपत्यस्य न पावनमिहोच्यते ॥BORI: १-१११-२४॥
For one who has no offspring, sacrifices performed, gifts given, austerities practiced, and vows properly observed—all this is said to have no purifying power in this world. (BORI: 1-111-24)
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सोऽहमेवं विदित्वैतत्प्रपश्यामि शुचिस्मिते । अनपत्यः शुभाँल्लोकान्नावाप्स्यामीति चिन्तयन् ॥BORI: १-१११-२५॥
Knowing this, O you of pure smile, I foresee, as I reflect, that without offspring I shall not attain the blessed worlds. (BORI: 1-111-25)
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मृगाभिशापान्नष्टं मे प्रजनं ह्यकृतात्मनः । नृशंसकारिणो भीरु यथैवोपहतं तथा ॥BORI: १-१११-२६॥
Because of the deer's curse, my power of procreation has indeed been lost, O timid one, for I lacked self-control and acted cruelly; it has been struck down just as described. (BORI: 1-111-26)
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इमे वै बन्धुदायादाः षट्पुत्रा धर्मदर्शने । षडेवाबन्धुदायादाः पुत्रास्ताञ्शृणु मे पृथे ॥BORI: १-१११-२७॥
According to dharma, there are six kinds of sons who are both kinsmen and heirs, and six who are heirs but not kinsmen. Hear about them from me, Pritha. (BORI: 1-111-27)
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स्वयञ्जातः प्रणीतश्च परिक्रीतश्च यः सुतः । पौनर्भवश्च कानीनः स्वैरिण्यां यश्च जायते ॥BORI: १-१११-२८॥
The son begotten by oneself, one begotten by an appointed man, one begotten by a man hired for the purpose, the son of a remarried woman, the son of an unmarried girl, and one born to a promiscuous woman. (BORI: 1-111-28)
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दत्तः क्रीतः कृत्रिमश्च उपगच्छेत्स्वयं च यः । सहोढो जातरेताश्च हीनयोनिधृतश्च यः ॥BORI: १-१११-२९॥
one given as a son, one purchased, one made a son, one who comes of his own accord, one born to a bride who was already pregnant, one who has reached sexual maturity, and one borne by a woman of lower caste... (BORI: 1-111-29)
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पूर्वपूर्वतमाभावे मत्वा लिप्सेत वै सुतम् । उत्तमादवराः पुंसः काङ्क्षन्ते पुत्रमापदि ॥BORI: १-१११-३०॥
In the absence of each preceding kind, one should consider the matter and seek to obtain a son; men inferior to the best seek a son in times of adversity. (BORI: 1-111-30)
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अपत्यं धर्मफलदं श्रेष्ठं विन्दन्ति साधवः । आत्मशुक्रादपि पृथे मनुः स्वायम्भुवोऽब्रवीत् ॥BORI: १-१११-३१॥
The virtuous obtain offspring that yields the fruit of righteousness and is superior even to offspring from their own seed. So Manu Svayambhuva said, O Pritha. (BORI: 1-111-31)
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तस्मात्प्रहेष्याम्यद्य त्वां हीनः प्रजननात्स्वयम् । सदृशाच्छ्रेयसो वा त्वं विद्ध्यपत्यं यशस्विनि ॥BORI: १-१११-३२॥
Therefore, being unable to procreate myself, I shall now send you to a man equal or superior to me. Obtain a child from him, illustrious woman. (BORI: 1-111-32)
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शृणु कुन्ति कथां चेमां शारदण्डायनीं प्रति । या वीरपत्नी गुरुभिर्नियुक्तापत्यजन्मनि ॥BORI: १-१११-३३॥
Listen also, Kunti, to this story about Sharadandayani, a hero’s wife who was instructed by her elders to bear a child. (BORI: 1-111-33)
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पुष्पेण प्रयता स्नाता निशि कुन्ति चतुष्पथे । वरयित्वा द्विजं सिद्धं हुत्वा पुंसवनेऽनलम् ॥BORI: १-१११-३४॥
When her fertile season came, she bathed and purified herself; then at night, O Kunti, at a crossroads, she chose an accomplished Brahmin and made offerings to the fire in the rite for begetting a son… (BORI: 1-111-34)
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कर्मण्यवसिते तस्मिन्सा तेनैव सहावसत् । तत्र त्रीञ्जनयामास दुर्जयादीन्महारथान् ॥BORI: १-१११-३५॥
When that rite was completed, she lived with that very man and there bore three mighty chariot-warriors, beginning with Durjaya. (BORI: 1-111-35)
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तथा त्वमपि कल्याणि ब्राह्मणात्तपसाधिकात् । मन्नियोगाद्यत क्षिप्रमपत्योत्पादनं प्रति ॥BORI: १-१११-३६॥
Likewise, fair one, at my command, quickly endeavor to have offspring by a Brahmin eminent in austerity. (BORI: 1-111-36)
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अमावास्यां तु सहिता ऋषयः संशितव्रताः । ब्रह्माणं द्रष्टुकामास्ते संप्रतस्थुर्महर्षयः ॥KUMB: १-१२५-५; NILA: ०१.१२०.००५॥
On the new-moon day, the great seers, strict in their vows, assembled and set out, desiring to see Brahmā. (KUMB: 1-125-5; NILA: 01.120.005)
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संप्रयातानृषीन्दृष्ट्वा पाण्डुर्वचनमब्रवीत् । भवन्तः क्व गमिष्यन्ति ब्रूत मे वदतां वराः ॥KUMB: १-१२५-६; NILA: ०१.१२०.००६॥
Seeing the seers setting out, Pandu said, “Where are you going, venerable sirs? Tell me, foremost of speakers.” (KUMB: 1-125-6; NILA: 01.120.006)
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समावायो महानद्य ब्रह्मलोके महात्मनाम् । देवानां च ऋषीणां च पितॄणां च महात्मनाम् । वयं तत्र गमिष्यामो द्रष्टुकामाः स्वयंभुवम् ॥KUMB: १-१२५-७; NILA: ०१.१२०.००७॥
Today there is a great gathering in Brahma’s realm of the great-souled gods, sages, and ancestors. We shall go there, wishing to see the Self-born. (KUMB: 1-125-7; NILA: 01.120.007)
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पाण्डुरुत्थाय सहसा गन्तुकामो महर्षिभिः ॥KUMB: १-१२५-८; NILA: ०१.१२०.००८॥
Pandu suddenly rose, wishing to go with the great seers… (KUMB: 1-125-8; NILA: 01.120.008)
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विमानशतसंबाधां गीतस्वरनिनादिताम् ॥KUMB: १-१२५-१०; NILA: ०१.१२०.०१०॥
crowded with hundreds of celestial chariots and resounding with singing… (KUMB: 1-125-10; NILA: 01.120.010)
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सोऽहमुग्रेण तपसा सभार्यस्त्यक्तजीवितः ॥KUMB: १-१२५-१६॥
And so I, together with my wife, having given up my life through severe austerity... (KUMB: 1-125-16)
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अनपत्योऽपि विन्देयं स्वर्गमुग्रेण कर्मणा ॥KUMB: १-१२५-१७॥
Though childless, I would attain heaven through severe austerity. (KUMB: 1-125-17)
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इतरेषां त्रयाणां तु नाशे ह्यात्मा विनश्यति ॥KUMB: १-१२६-२०; NILA: ०१.१२०.०२१॥
But when the other three are lost, the self itself perishes. (KUMB: 1-126-20; NILA: 01.120.021)
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आचष्ट पुत्रलाभस्य व्युष्टिं सर्वक्रियाधिकाम् ॥KUMB: १-१२६-२३॥
He declared that obtaining a son was a blessing greater than all rites. (KUMB: 1-126-23)
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अनुनीय तु ते सम्यङ्महाब्राह्मणसंसदि । ब्राह्मणं गुणवन्तं हि चिन्तयामास धर्मवित् ॥KUMB: १-१२६-२४॥
After making due entreaties in an assembly of eminent Brahmins, the knower of dharma considered a virtuous Brahmin for you. (KUMB: 1-126-24)
[PV-SVO:01_018_50]
अनपत्यो हि मरणं कामये नैव जीवितम् ॥KUMB: १-१२६-२९॥
For, being childless, I desire death, not life. (KUMB: 1-126-29)
[PV-SVO:01_018_51]
या हि ते भगिनी साध्वी श्रुतसेना यशस्विनी । अवाह तां तु कैकेयः शारदाण्डायनिर्महान् ॥KUMB: १-१२६-३७॥
The great Kaikeya Sharadandayani married your virtuous and renowned sister Shrutasena. (KUMB: 1-126-37)
[PV-SVO:01_018_52]
वैशम्पायन उवाच॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_018_53]
एवमुक्ता महाराज कुन्ती पाण्डुमभाषत । कुरूणामृषभं वीरं तदा भूमिपतिं पतिम् ॥BORI: १-११२-१॥
Thus addressed, O great king, Kunti then spoke to Pandu—her husband, the heroic lord of the earth and bull of the Kurus: (BORI: 1-112-1)
[PV-KDV:01_018_54]
न मामर्हसि धर्मज्ञ वक्तुमेवं कथञ्चन । धर्मपत्नीमभिरतां त्वयि राजीवलोचन ॥BORI: १-११२-२॥
O knower of dharma, you should never speak thus to me, your lawful wife, devoted to you, lotus-eyed king. (BORI: 1-112-2)
[PV-KDV:01_018_55]
त्वमेव तु महाबाहो मय्यपत्यानि भारत । वीर वीर्योपपन्नानि धर्मतो जनयिष्यसि ॥BORI: १-११२-३॥
But you yourself, mighty-armed Bharata, shall lawfully beget upon me children endowed with heroic strength, O hero. (BORI: 1-112-3)
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स्वर्गं मनुजशार्दूल गच्छेयं सहिता त्वया । अपत्याय च मां गच्छ त्वमेव कुरुनन्दन ॥BORI: १-११२-४॥
May I go to heaven together with you, O tiger among men; and you alone must approach me to beget offspring, O delight of the Kurus. (BORI: 1-112-4)
[PV-KDV:01_018_57]
न ह्यहं मनसाप्यन्यं गच्छेयं त्वदृते नरम् । त्वत्तः प्रतिविशिष्टश्च कोऽन्योऽस्ति भुवि मानवः ॥BORI: १-११२-५॥
For even in my thoughts I would not go to any man but you. What other man on earth is more distinguished than you? (BORI: 1-112-5)
[PV-KDV:01_018_58]
इमां च तावद्धर्म्यां त्वं पौराणीं शृणु मे कथाम् । परिश्रुतां विशालाक्ष कीर्तयिष्यामि यामहम् ॥BORI: १-११२-६॥
Now, broad-eyed one, hear from me this ancient and righteous tale, handed down through tradition, which I shall recount. (BORI: 1-112-6)
[PV-OTH:01_018_59]
व्युषिताश्व इति ख्यातो बभूव किल पार्थिवः । पुरा परमधर्मिष्ठः पूरोर्वंशविवर्धनः ॥BORI: १-११२-७॥
Long ago, there was a king renowned as Vyuṣitāśva, supremely righteous and an extender of Pūru’s lineage. (BORI: 1-112-7)
[PV-OTH:01_018_60]
तस्मिंश्च यजमाने वै धर्मात्मनि महात्मनि । उपागमंस्ततो देवाः सेन्द्राः सह महर्षिभिः ॥BORI: १-११२-८॥
While that righteous and noble king was performing a sacrifice, the gods, including Indra, came there together with the great seers. (BORI: 1-112-8)
[PV-OTH:01_018_61]
अमाद्यदिन्द्रः सोमेन दक्षिणाभिर्द्विजातयः । व्युषिताश्वस्य राजर्षेस्ततो यज्ञे महात्मनः ॥BORI: १-११२-९॥
Then, at the sacrifice of the great-hearted royal sage Vyuṣitāśva, Indra was exhilarated by soma, and the twice-born by sacrificial gifts. (BORI: 1-112-9)
[PV-OTH:01_018_62]
व्युषिताश्वस्ततो राजन्नति मर्त्यान्व्यरोचत । सर्वभूतान्यति यथा तपनः शिशिरात्यये ॥BORI: १-११२-१०॥
Then, O king, Vyushitashva outshone all mortals, as the sun outshines all beings at the end of the cold season. (BORI: 1-112-10)
[PV-OTH:01_018_63]
स विजित्य गृहीत्वा च नृपतीन्राजसत्तमः । प्राच्यानुदीच्यान्मध्यांश्च दक्षिणात्यानकालयत् ॥BORI: १-११२-११॥
After conquering and capturing the kings, that best of rulers subdued those of the east, the north, the central regions, and the south. (BORI: 1-112-11)
[PV-OTH:01_018_64]
अश्वमेधे महायज्ञे व्युषिताश्वः प्रतापवान् । बभूव स हि राजेन्द्रो दशनागबलान्वितः ॥BORI: १-११२-१२॥
at the great horse sacrifice. For the valiant Vyuṣitāśva, that lord of kings, was endowed with the strength of ten elephants. (BORI: 1-112-12)
[PV-OTH:01_018_65]
अप्यत्र गाथां गायन्ति ये पुराणविदो जनाः । व्युषिताश्वः समुद्रान्तां विजित्येमां वसुन्धराम् । अपालयत्सर्ववर्णान्पिता पुत्रानिवौरसान् ॥BORI: १-११२-१३॥
Those who know the ancient lore sing this verse about him: “Having conquered this earth as far as the ocean, Vyushitashva protected all classes of people as a father protects his own sons.” (BORI: 1-112-13)
[PV-OTH:01_018_66]
यजमानो महायज्ञैर्ब्राह्मणेभ्यो ददौ धनम् । अनन्तरत्नान्यादाय आजहार महाक्रतून् । सुषाव च बहून्सोमान्सोमसंस्थास्ततान च ॥BORI: १-११२-१४॥
Performing great sacrifices, he gave wealth to the Brahmins. Having amassed boundless treasures, he celebrated magnificent rites; he pressed Soma in abundance and conducted the full courses of Soma sacrifices. (BORI: 1-112-14)
[PV-OTH:01_018_67]
आसीत्काक्षीवती चास्य भार्या परमसंमता । भद्रा नाम मनुष्येन्द्र रूपेणासदृशी भुवि ॥BORI: १-११२-१५॥
His deeply beloved wife was a Kākṣīvatī named Bhadrā, O king, unrivalled in beauty on earth. (BORI: 1-112-15)
[PV-OTH:01_018_68]
कामयामासतुस्तौ तु परस्परमिति श्रुतिः । स तस्यां कामसंमत्तो यक्ष्माणं समपद्यत ॥BORI: १-११२-१६॥
The two desired each other, so tradition says. Maddened with desire for her, he contracted consumption. (BORI: 1-112-16)
[PV-OTH:01_018_69]
तेनाचिरेण कालेन जगामास्तमिवांशुमान् । तस्मिन्प्रेते मनुष्येन्द्रे भार्यास्य भृशदुःखिता ॥BORI: १-११२-१७॥
Because of this, before long he set like the sun. When that lord of men had died, his wife, deeply distressed… (BORI: 1-112-17)
[PV-OTH:01_018_70]
अपुत्रा पुरुषव्याघ्र विललापेति नः श्रुतम् । भद्रा परमदुःखार्ता तन्निबोध नराधिप ॥BORI: १-११२-१८॥
Childless and tormented by profound grief, Bhadrā lamented as follows, O tiger among men—or so we have heard. Listen to her lament, O lord of men. (BORI: 1-112-18)
[PV-OTH:01_018_71]
नारी परमधर्मज्ञ सर्वा पुत्रविनाकृता । पतिं विना जीवति या न सा जीवति दुःखिता ॥BORI: १-११२-१९॥
O knower of the highest dharma, any woman who, bereft of sons, lives without her husband does not truly live; she is miserable. (BORI: 1-112-19)
[PV-OTH:01_018_72]
पतिं विना मृतं श्रेयो नार्याः क्षत्रियपुङ्गव । त्वद्गतिं गन्तुमिच्छामि प्रसीदस्व नयस्व माम् ॥BORI: १-११२-२०॥
Without her husband, death is better for a woman, O foremost of Kshatriyas. I wish to follow your path; have mercy and take me with you. (BORI: 1-112-20)
[PV-OTH:01_018_73]
त्वया हीना क्षणमपि नाहं जीवितुमुत्सहे । प्रसादं कुरु मे राजन्नितस्तूर्णं नयस्व माम् ॥BORI: १-११२-२१॥
Without you, I cannot bear to live even for a moment. Show me mercy, O king, and take me away from here at once. (BORI: 1-112-21)
[PV-OTH:01_018_74]
पृष्ठतोऽनुगमिष्यामि समेषु विषमेषु च । त्वामहं नरशार्दूल गच्छन्तमनिवर्तिनम् ॥BORI: १-११२-२२॥
I shall follow behind you over even and uneven ground, O tiger among men, as you go onward without turning back. (BORI: 1-112-22)
[PV-OTH:01_018_75]
छायेवानपगा राजन्सततं वशवर्तिनी । भविष्यामि नरव्याघ्र नित्यं प्रियहिते रता ॥BORI: १-११२-२३॥
Like a shadow that never leaves you, O king, I shall always obey you, O tiger among men, and remain forever devoted to your pleasure and welfare. (BORI: 1-112-23)
[PV-OTH:01_018_76]
अद्य प्रभृति मां राजन्कष्टा हृदयशोषणाः । आधयोऽभिभविष्यन्ति त्वदृते पुष्करेक्षण ॥BORI: १-११२-२४॥
From this day forward, O king, grievous anxieties that dry up the heart will overwhelm me in your absence, O lotus-eyed one. (BORI: 1-112-24)
[PV-OTH:01_018_77]
अभाग्यया मया नूनं वियुक्ताः सहचारिणः । संयोगा विप्रयुक्ता वा पूर्वदेहेषु पार्थिव ॥BORI: १-११२-२५॥
Surely, O king, in former lives I, ill-fated woman, must have separated companions or broken apart unions. (BORI: 1-112-25)
[PV-OTH:01_018_78]
तदिदं कर्मभिः पापैः पूर्वदेहेषु सञ्चितम् । दुःखं मामनुसम्प्राप्तं राजंस्त्वद्विप्रयोगजम् ॥BORI: १-११२-२६॥
This suffering, born of separation from you, has now overtaken me, O king, as the result of sinful deeds accumulated in former lives. (BORI: 1-112-26)
[PV-OTH:01_018_79]
अद्य प्रभृत्यहं राजन्कुशप्रस्तरशायिनी । भविष्याम्यसुखाविष्टा त्वद्दर्शनपरायणा ॥BORI: १-११२-२७॥
From this day forward, O king, I shall lie on a bed of kusa grass, overwhelmed by sorrow and longing only to see you. (BORI: 1-112-27)
[PV-OTH:01_018_80]
दर्शयस्व नरव्याघ्र साधु मामसुखान्विताम् । दीनामनाथां कृपणां विलपन्तीं नरेश्वर ॥BORI: १-११२-२८॥
Tiger among men, please show yourself to me as I grieve—wretched, helpless, pitiable, and lamenting, lord of men. (BORI: 1-112-28)
[PV-OTH:01_018_81]
एवं बहुविधं तस्यां विलपन्त्यां पुनः पुनः । तं शवं सम्परिष्वज्य वाक्किलान्तर्हिताब्रवीत् ॥BORI: १-११२-२९॥
As she embraced the corpse and lamented thus again and again in many ways, an unseen voice is said to have spoken: (BORI: 1-112-29)
[PV-OTH:01_018_82]
उत्तिष्ठ भद्रे गच्छ त्वं ददानीह वरं तव । जनयिष्याम्यपत्यानि त्वय्यहं चारुहासिनि ॥BORI: १-११२-३०॥
Arise, good lady, and go. I shall grant you a boon here: I will beget children upon you, lovely-smiling one. (BORI: 1-112-30)
[PV-OTH:01_018_83]
आत्मीये च वरारोहे शयनीये चतुर्दशीम् । अष्टमीं वा ऋतुस्नाता संविशेथा मया सह ॥BORI: १-११२-३१॥
Lovely-hipped one, after bathing at the end of your menstrual period, lie down with me on your own bed on the fourteenth or the eighth day. (BORI: 1-112-31)
[PV-OTH:01_018_84]
एवमुक्ता तु सा देवी तथा चक्रे पतिव्रता । यथोक्तमेव तद्वाक्यं भद्रा पुत्रार्थिनी तदा ॥BORI: १-११२-३२॥
Thus addressed, the faithful goddess Bhadrā, desiring sons, did exactly as she had been told. (BORI: 1-112-32)
[PV-OTH:01_018_85]
सा तेन सुषुवे देवी शवेन मनुजाधिप । त्रीञ्शाल्वांश्चतुरो मद्रान्सुतान्भरतसत्तम ॥BORI: १-११२-३३॥
By that corpse, the lady bore three Śālva sons and four Madra sons, O ruler of men, best of the Bharatas. (BORI: 1-112-33)
[PV-OTH:01_018_86]
तथा त्वमपि मय्येव मनसा भरतर्षभ । शक्तो जनयितुं पुत्रांस्तपोयोगबलान्वयात् ॥BORI: १-११२-३४॥
Likewise, O bull of the Bharatas, you too can beget sons upon me by an act of will, through the power of ascetic yoga. (BORI: 1-112-34)
[PV-OTH:01_018_87]
देवा ब्रह्मर्षयश्चैव चक्रुः कर्म स्वयं तदा ॥KUMB: १-१२७-१०; NILA: ०१.१२१.०१०॥
The gods and Brahmarshis themselves performed this act at that time, when… (KUMB: 1-127-10; NILA: 01.121.010)
[PV-SVO:01_018_88]
व्युषिताश्वे यशोवृद्धे मनुष्येन्द्रे कुरूत्तम ॥KUMB: १-१२७-१४; NILA: ०१.१२१.०१४॥
in the case of Vyushitashva, the renowned king of men, O best of the Kurus. (KUMB: 1-127-14; NILA: 01.121.014)
[PV-SVO:01_018_89]
तेन मे विप्रयोगोऽयमुपपन्नस्त्वया सह ॥KUMB: १-१२७-२७; NILA: ०१.१२१.०२७॥
Thus this separation from you has befallen me. (KUMB: 1-127-27; NILA: 01.121.027)
[PV-SVO:01_018_90]
विप्रयुक्ता तु या पत्या मुहूर्तमपि जीवति । दुःखं जीवति सा पापा नरकस्थेव पार्थिव ॥KUMB: १-१२७-२८; NILA: ०१.१२१.०२८॥
But a woman who lives even for a moment separated from her husband lives in misery, sinful as she is, like one dwelling in hell, O king. (KUMB: 1-127-28; NILA: 01.121.028)
[PV-SVO:01_018_91]
वैशम्पायन उवाच॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_018_92]
एवमुक्तस्तया राजा तां देवीं पुनरब्रवीत् । धर्मविद्धर्मसंयुक्तमिदं वचनमुत्तमम् ॥BORI: १-११३-१॥
Thus addressed by her, the king, who knew dharma, again spoke to the queen these excellent words, in keeping with dharma: (BORI: 1-113-1)
[PV-KDV:01_018_93]
एवमेतत्पुरा कुन्ति व्युषिताश्वश्चकार ह । यथा त्वयोक्तं कल्याणि स ह्यासीदमरोपमः ॥BORI: १-११३-२॥
So it was, Kunti: in ancient times Vyushitashva did just as you have said, fair lady, for he was like an immortal. (BORI: 1-113-2)
[PV-OTH:01_018_94]
अथ त्विमं प्रवक्ष्यामि धर्मं त्वेतं निबोध मे । पुराणमृषिभिर्दृष्टं धर्मविद्भिर्महात्मभिः ॥BORI: १-११३-३॥
But now I shall explain this rule of dharma; learn it from me. It is ancient, discerned by great seers who knew dharma. (BORI: 1-113-3)
[PV-OTH:01_018_95]
अनावृताः किल पुरा स्त्रिय आसन्वरानने । कामचारविहारिण्यः स्वतन्त्राश्चारुलोचने ॥BORI: १-११३-४॥
In ancient times, fair-faced one, women were said to be unrestricted, free to go where they pleased and independent, lovely-eyed one. (BORI: 1-113-4)
[PV-OTH:01_018_96]
तासां व्युच्चरमाणानां कौमारात्सुभगे पतीन् । नाधर्मोऽभूद्वरारोहे स हि धर्मः पुराभवत् ॥BORI: १-११३-५॥
For women to be unfaithful to their husbands from their youth onward was not unrighteous, fortunate and lovely lady, for in ancient times that was the accepted law. (BORI: 1-113-5)
[PV-OTH:01_018_97]
तं चैव धर्मं पौराणं तिर्यग्योनिगताः प्रजाः । अद्याप्यनुविधीयन्ते कामद्वेषविवर्जिताः । पुराणदृष्टो धर्मोऽयं पूज्यते च महर्षिभिः ॥BORI: १-११३-६॥
Even today, creatures born in animal wombs, free from desire and hatred, follow that ancient law. This law, attested from ancient times, is also honored by the great seers. (BORI: 1-113-6)
[PV-OTH:01_018_98]
उत्तरेषु च रम्भोरु कुरुष्वद्यापि वर्तते । स्त्रीणामनुग्रहकरः स हि धर्मः सनातनः ॥BORI: १-११३-७॥
And among the northern Kurus, fair-thighed one, that ancient custom, which favors women, still prevails today. (BORI: 1-113-7)
[PV-OTH:01_018_99]
अस्मिंस्तु लोके नचिरान्मर्यादेयं शुचिस्मिते । स्थापिता येन यस्माच्च तन्मे विस्तरतः शृणु ॥BORI: १-११३-८॥
In this world, however, O fair-smiling woman, this rule was established only recently. Hear from me in detail by whom and why. (BORI: 1-113-8)
[PV-OTH:01_018_100]
बभूवोद्दालको नाम महर्षिरिति नः श्रुतम् । श्वेतकेतुरिति ख्यातः पुत्रस्तस्याभवन्मुनिः ॥BORI: १-११३-९॥
We have heard that there was a great seer named Uddālaka. His son was a sage renowned as Śvetaketu. (BORI: 1-113-9)
[PV-OTH:01_018_101]
मर्यादेयं कृता तेन मानुषेष्विति नः श्रुतम् । कोपात्कमलपत्राक्षि यदर्थं तन्निबोध मे ॥BORI: १-११३-१०॥
We have heard that he established this rule among human beings in anger. Lotus-petal-eyed one, learn from me the reason why. (BORI: 1-113-10)
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श्वेतकेतोः किल पुरा समक्षं मातरं पितुः । जग्राह ब्राह्मणः पाणौ गच्छाव इति चाब्रवीत् ॥BORI: १-११३-११॥
Once, it is said, in the presence of Śvetaketu’s father, a Brahmin took Śvetaketu’s mother by the hand and said, “Let us go.” (BORI: 1-113-11)
[PV-OTH:01_018_103]
ऋषिपुत्रस्ततः कोपं चकारामर्षितस्तदा । मातरं तां तथा दृष्ट्वा नीयमानां बलादिव ॥BORI: १-११३-१२॥
Then the sage’s son, enraged at seeing his mother being taken away as if by force, became angry. (BORI: 1-113-12)
[PV-OTH:01_018_104]
क्रुद्धं तं तु पिता दृष्ट्वा श्वेतकेतुमुवाच ह । मा तात कोपं कार्षीस्त्वमेष धर्मः सनातनः ॥BORI: १-११३-१३॥
Seeing him enraged, his father said to Śvetaketu, “My son, do not be angry. This is the ancient custom.” (BORI: 1-113-13)
[PV-OTH:01_018_105]
अनावृता हि सर्वेषां वर्णानामङ्गना भुवि । यथा गावः स्थितास्तात स्वे स्वे वर्णे तथा प्रजाः ॥BORI: १-११३-१४॥
For women of every social class are unrestricted on earth. Just as cows remain within their respective kinds, my son, so do people. (BORI: 1-113-14)
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ऋषिपुत्रोऽथ तं धर्मं श्वेतकेतुर्न चक्षमे । चकार चैव मर्यादामिमां स्त्रीपुंसयोर्भुवि ॥BORI: १-११३-१५॥
Then the sage’s son Śvetaketu could not tolerate that custom, and he established this rule for men and women upon the earth… (BORI: 1-113-15)
[PV-OTH:01_018_107]
मानुषेषु महाभागे न त्वेवान्येषु जन्तुषु । तदा प्रभृति मर्यादा स्थितेयमिति नः श्रुतम् ॥BORI: १-११३-१६॥
Among human beings, O greatly fortunate one, but not among other creatures. We have heard that this rule has remained in force since that time. (BORI: 1-113-16)
[PV-OTH:01_018_108]
व्युच्चरन्त्याः पतिं नार्या अद्य प्रभृति पातकम् । भ्रूणहत्याकृतं पापं भविष्यत्यसुखावहम् ॥BORI: १-११३-१७॥
From this day onward, a woman who is unfaithful to her husband will incur the misery-bringing sin of killing an embryo. (BORI: 1-113-17)
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भार्यां तथा व्युच्चरतः कौमारीं ब्रह्मचारिणीम् । पतिव्रतामेतदेव भविता पातकं भुवि ॥BORI: १-११३-१८॥
Likewise, a man who is unfaithful to his wife, though she is virginal, chaste, and devoted to him, will incur this same sin on earth. (BORI: 1-113-18)
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पत्या नियुक्ता या चैव पत्न्यपत्यार्थमेव च । न करिष्यति तस्याश्च भविष्यत्येतदेव हि ॥BORI: १-११३-१९॥
A wife who, when directed by her husband solely for the sake of offspring, does not comply will incur this same sin. (BORI: 1-113-19)
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इति तेन पुरा भीरु मर्यादा स्थापिता बलात् । उद्दालकस्य पुत्रेण धर्म्या वै श्वेतकेतुना ॥BORI: १-११३-२०॥
Thus, timid one, this righteous rule was established long ago by force by Śvetaketu, the son of Uddālaka. (BORI: 1-113-20)
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सौदासेन च रम्भोरु नियुक्तापत्यजन्मनि । मदयन्ती जगामर्षिं वसिष्ठमिति नः श्रुतम् ॥BORI: १-११३-२१॥
And, lovely-thighed one, Madayanti, charged by Saudasa with bearing a child, went to the sage Vasiṣṭha, as we have heard. (BORI: 1-113-21)
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तस्माल्लेभे च सा पुत्रमश्मकं नाम भामिनी । भार्या कल्माषपादस्य भर्तुः प्रियचिकीर्षया ॥BORI: १-११३-२२॥
And from him that beautiful woman, the wife of Kalmashapada, bore a son named Ashmaka, seeking to please her husband. (BORI: 1-113-22)
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अस्माकमपि ते जन्म विदितं कमलेक्षणे । कृष्णद्वैपायनाद्भीरु कुरूणां वंशवृद्धये ॥BORI: १-११३-२३॥
You also know, lotus-eyed one, that we were born from Krishna Dvaipayana, gentle lady, to continue the Kuru line. (BORI: 1-113-23)
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अत एतानि सर्वाणि कारणानि समीक्ष्य वै । ममैतद्वचनं धर्म्यं कर्तुमर्हस्यनिन्दिते ॥BORI: १-११३-२४॥
Therefore, having duly considered all these reasons, you ought to act upon these righteous words of mine, blameless lady. (BORI: 1-113-24)
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ऋतावृतौ राजपुत्रि स्त्रिया भर्ता यतव्रते । नातिवर्तव्य इत्येवं धर्मं धर्मविदो विदुः ॥BORI: १-११३-२५॥
At each fertile season, princess of strict vows, a woman must not disobey her husband. Thus do those who know dharma understand the law. (BORI: 1-113-25)
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शेषेष्वन्येषु कालेषु स्वातन्त्र्यं स्त्री किलार्हति । धर्ममेतं जनाः सन्तः पुराणं परिचक्षते ॥BORI: १-११३-२६॥
At all other times, a woman is said to be entitled to independence. Good people declare this to be an ancient law. (BORI: 1-113-26)
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भर्ता भार्यां राजपुत्रि धर्म्यं वाधर्म्यमेव वा । यद्ब्रूयात्तत्तथा कार्यमिति धर्मविदो विदुः ॥BORI: १-११३-२७॥
Princess, whatever a husband tells his wife to do, whether righteous or unrighteous, must be done just so—this is what those who know dharma hold. (BORI: 1-113-27)
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विशेषतः पुत्रगृद्धी हीनः प्रजननात्स्वयम् । यथाहमनवद्याङ्गि पुत्रदर्शनलालसः ॥BORI: १-११३-२८॥
especially when he longs for a son but is himself incapable of procreation, as I am, O flawless-limbed woman, yearning to see a son. (BORI: 1-113-28)
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तथा रक्ताङ्गुलितलः पद्मपत्रनिभः शुभे । प्रसादार्थं मया तेऽयं शिरस्यभ्युद्यतोऽञ्जलिः ॥BORI: १-११३-२९॥
Therefore, fair one, I have raised these joined hands—red in finger and palm and resembling lotus leaves—to my head to win your favor. (BORI: 1-113-29)
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मन्नियोगात्सुकेशान्ते द्विजातेस्तपसाधिकात् । पुत्रान्गुणसमायुक्तानुत्पादयितुमर्हसि । त्वत्कृतेऽहं पृथुश्रोणि गच्छेयं पुत्रिणां गतिम् ॥BORI: १-११३-३०॥
At my behest, O lovely-haired woman, you should bear sons endowed with virtue by a Brahmin eminent in austerity. Through you, O broad-hipped woman, I may attain the destiny of those who have sons. (BORI: 1-113-30)
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एवमुक्ता ततः कुन्ती पाण्डुं परपुरञ्जयम् । प्रत्युवाच वरारोहा भर्तुः प्रियहिते रता ॥BORI: १-११३-३१॥
Thus addressed, Kunti, the lovely-hipped woman devoted to her husband’s pleasure and welfare, replied to Pandu, the conqueror of enemy cities: (BORI: 1-113-31)
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पितृवेश्मन्यहं बाला नियुक्तातिथिपूजने । उग्रं पर्यचरं तत्र ब्राह्मणं संशितव्रतम् ॥BORI: १-११३-३२॥
As a young girl in my father’s house, I was assigned to attend to guests. There I served a stern Brahmin of strict vows. (BORI: 1-113-32)
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निगूढनिश्चयं धर्मे यं तं दुर्वाससं विदुः । तमहं संशितात्मानं सर्वयत्नैरतोषयम् ॥BORI: १-११३-३३॥
I pleased with every effort that self-controlled man whom people know as Durvasas, whose conviction concerning dharma was profound. (BORI: 1-113-33)
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स मेऽभिचारसंयुक्तमाचष्ट भगवान्वरम् । मन्त्रग्रामं च मे प्रादादब्रवीच्चैव मामिदम् ॥BORI: १-११३-३४॥
That blessed one offered me a boon endowed with magical power, gave me a collection of mantras, and said this to me: (BORI: 1-113-34)
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यं यं देवं त्वमेतेन मन्त्रेणावाहयिष्यसि । अकामो वा सकामो वा स ते वशमुपैष्यति ॥BORI: १-११३-३५॥
Whichever god you invoke with this mantra, whether willingly or unwillingly, will come under your control. (BORI: 1-113-35)
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इत्युक्ताहं तदा तेन पितृवेश्मनि भारत । ब्राह्मणेन वचस्तथ्यं तस्य कालोऽयमागतः ॥BORI: १-११३-३६॥
Thus was I told then by that Brahmin in my father’s house, O Bharata. His word is true, and the time for it has now come. (BORI: 1-113-36)
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अनुज्ञाता त्वया देवमाह्वयेयमहं नृप । तेन मन्त्रेण राजर्षे यथा स्यान्नौ प्रजा विभो ॥BORI: १-११३-३७॥
With your permission, O king, I would invoke a god by that mantra, O royal sage, so that we might have a child, O lord. (BORI: 1-113-37)
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आवाहयामि कं देवं ब्रूहि तत्त्वविदां वर । त्वत्तोऽनुज्ञाप्रतीक्षां मां विद्ध्यस्मिन्कर्मणि स्थिताम् ॥BORI: १-११३-३८॥
Tell me which god I should summon, O best of those who know the truth. Know that I stand ready to perform this act, awaiting your permission. (BORI: 1-113-38)
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पाण्डुरुवाच॥
Pandu said:
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अद्यैव त्वं वरारोहे प्रयतस्व यथाविधि । धर्ममावाहय शुभे स हि देवेषु पुण्यभाक् ॥BORI: १-११३-३९॥
This very day, fair-hipped woman, prepare yourself according to the prescribed rite. Auspicious lady, invoke Dharma, for among the gods he is endowed with righteousness. (BORI: 1-113-39)
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अधर्मेण न नो धर्मः संयुज्येत कथञ्चन । लोकश्चायं वरारोहे धर्मोऽयमिति मंस्यते ॥BORI: १-११३-४०॥
In this way, our righteousness will never be tainted by unrighteousness, and the world, fair-hipped one, will regard this as righteous. (BORI: 1-113-40)
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धार्मिकश्च कुरूणां स भविष्यति न संशयः । दत्तस्यापि च धर्मेण नाधर्मे रंस्यते मनः ॥BORI: १-११३-४१॥
He will be righteous among the Kurus, without doubt; and since he is bestowed by Dharma, his mind will not delight in unrighteousness. (BORI: 1-113-41)
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तस्माद्धर्मं पुरस्कृत्य नियता त्वं शुचिस्मिते । उपचाराभिचाराभ्यां धर्ममाराधयस्व वै ॥BORI: १-११३-४२॥
Therefore, O fair-smiling one, place righteousness foremost, remain disciplined, and propitiate Dharma with due rites and incantations. (BORI: 1-113-42)
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वैशम्पायन उवाच॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
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सा तथोक्ता तथेत्युक्त्वा तेन भर्त्रा वराङ्गना । अभिवाद्याभ्यनुज्ञाता प्रदक्षिणमवर्तत ॥BORI: १-११३-४३॥
Thus addressed by her husband, the beautiful woman said, “So be it.” After bowing to him and receiving his permission, she walked clockwise around him. (BORI: 1-113-43)
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नाग्निस्तृप्यति काष्ठानां नापगानां महोदधिः । नान्तकः सर्वभूतानां न पुंसां वामलोचनाः ॥KUMB: १-१२८-८॥
Fire is never sated with firewood, the great ocean with rivers, Death with all creatures, or fair-eyed women with men. (KUMB: 1-128-8)
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एवं तृष्णा तु नारीणां पुरुषं पुरुषं प्रति । अगम्यागमनं स्त्रीणां नास्ति नित्यं शुचिस्मिते ॥KUMB: १-१२८-९॥
Such is women’s desire for each and every man: for them, no man is ever forbidden, O fair-smiling woman. (KUMB: 1-128-9)
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पुत्रं वा किल पौत्रं वा कासांचिद्धातरं तथा । रहसीह नरं दृष्ट्वा योनिरुत्क्लिद्यते तदा ॥KUMB: १-१२८-१०॥
For some women, when they see a man here in private—even a son, a grandson, or one who supports them—the vagina then becomes moist. (KUMB: 1-128-10)
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एतत्स्वाभाविकं स्त्रीणां न निमित्तकृतं शुभे ॥KUMB: १-१२८-११॥
This is natural to women and is not caused by any particular circumstance, fair lady. (KUMB: 1-128-11)
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श्वेतकेतोः पिता देवि तप उग्रं समास्थितः । ग्रीष्मे पञ्चतपा भूत्वा वर्षास्वाकाशगोऽभवत् ॥KUMB: १-१२८-१५॥
Śvetaketu’s father, O goddess, undertook severe austerities. In summer he practiced the austerity of the five fires, and during the rainy season he remained under the open sky. (KUMB: 1-128-15)
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शिशइरे सलिलस्थायी सह पत्न्या महातपाः । उद्दालकं तपस्यन्तं नियमेन समाहितम् ॥KUMB: १-१२८-१६॥
In winter, the great ascetic remained in the water with his wife. Uddālaka, practicing austerities and steadfast in his observances… (KUMB: 1-128-16)
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तस्य पुत्रः श्वेतकेतुः परिचर्यां चकार ह । अभ्यागच्छद्द्विजः कश्चिद्वलीपलितसंततः ॥KUMB: १-१२८-१७॥
His son Shvetaketu attended upon him. Then a certain Brahmin, covered with wrinkles and gray hair, arrived. (KUMB: 1-128-17)
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तं दृष्ट्वैव मुनिः प्रीतः पूजयामास शास्त्रतः । स्वागतेन च पाद्येन मृदुवाक्यैश्च भारत ॥KUMB: १-१२८-१८॥
As soon as he saw him, the sage was delighted and honored him according to prescribed custom, with a welcome, water for washing his feet, and gentle words, O Bharata. (KUMB: 1-128-18)
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शाकमूलफलाद्यैश्च वन्यैरन्यैरपूजयत् । क्षुत्पिपासाश्रमेंणार्तः पूजितश्च महर्षिणा ॥KUMB: १-१२८-१९॥
He also honored him with greens, roots, fruits, and other forest fare. Afflicted by hunger, thirst, and fatigue, and honored by the great seer… (KUMB: 1-128-19)
[PV-SVO:01_018_146]
विश्रान्तो मुनिमासाद्य पर्यपृच्छद्द्विजस्तदा । उद्दालक महर्षे त्वं सत्यं मे ब्रूहि माऽनृतम् ॥KUMB: १-१२८-२०॥
Then, after resting, the Brahmin approached the sage and asked him, “O great sage Uddālaka, tell me the truth, not a falsehood.” (KUMB: 1-128-20)
[PV-SVO:01_018_147]
ऋषिपुत्रः कुमारोऽयं दर्शनीयो विशेषतः । तव पुत्रमिमं मन्ये कृतकृत्योऽसि तद्वद ॥KUMB: १-१२८-२१॥
This young sage’s son is exceptionally handsome. I believe he is your son; you have indeed fulfilled your purpose. Tell me about him. (KUMB: 1-128-21)
[PV-SVO:01_018_148]
मम पत्नी महाप्राज्ञ कुशिकस्य सुता मता । मामेवानुगता पत्नी मम नित्यमनुव्रता ॥KUMB: १-१२८-२२॥
My wife, O greatly wise one, is known as Kuśika’s daughter. She follows me alone and is ever devoted to me. (KUMB: 1-128-22)
[PV-SVO:01_018_149]
अरुन्धतीव पत्नीनां तपसा कर्शितस्तनी । अस्यां जातः श्वेतकेतुर्मम पुत्रो महातपाः ॥KUMB: १-१२८-२३॥
Among wives, she is like Arundhati, her breasts wasted by austerity. She bore Śvetaketu, my son, a great ascetic. (KUMB: 1-128-23)
[PV-SVO:01_018_150]
वेदवेदाङ्गविद्विप्र मच्छासनपरायणः । लोकज्ञः सर्वलोकेषु विश्रुतः सत्यवाग्घृणी ॥KUMB: १-१२८-२४॥
Learned in the Vedas and Vedangas, O Brahmin, devoted to my commands, knowledgeable about the world, renowned in all the worlds, truthful, and compassionate. (KUMB: 1-128-24)
[PV-SVO:01_018_151]
अपुत्री भार्यया चार्थी वृद्धोऽहं मन्दचाक्षुषः । पित्र्यादृणादनिर्मुक्तः पूर्वमेवाकृतस्त्रियः ॥KUMB: १-१२८-२५॥
I am sonless and in need of a wife; I am old and dim-sighted. I have not been freed from my debt to the ancestors, for I have never before married. (KUMB: 1-128-25)
[PV-SVO:01_018_152]
प्रजारणिस्तु पत्नी ते कुलशीलसमन्विता । सदृशी मम गोत्रेण वहाम्येनां क्षमस्व मे ॥KUMB: १-१२८-२६॥
Your wife, endowed with noble birth and character, is the fire-stick for procreation. She is my equal in lineage, so I am taking her; forgive me. (KUMB: 1-128-26)
[PV-SVO:01_018_153]
इत्युक्त्वा मृगशावाक्षीं चीरकृष्णाजिनाम्बराम् । यष्ट्याधारः स्रस्तगात्रो मन्दचक्षुरबुद्धिमान् ॥KUMB: १-१२८-२७॥
Having said this, the doe-eyed woman clad in bark cloth and black antelope skin—the witless man, supported by a staff, his limbs feeble and his eyesight dim… (KUMB: 1-128-27)
[PV-SVO:01_018_154]
स्वव्यापाराक्षमां श्रेष्ठमचित्तामात्मनि द्विजः ॥KUMB: १-१२८-२८॥
her, unable to attend to her own affairs and utterly unaware of herself—the Brahmin... (KUMB: 1-128-28)
[PV-SVO:01_018_155]
तपसा दीप्तवीर्यो हि श्वेतकेतुर्न चक्षमे ॥KUMB: १-१२८-३०॥
For Shvetaketu, his vigor blazing through austerity, could not bear it. (KUMB: 1-128-30)
[PV-SVO:01_018_156]
संगृह्य मातरं हस्ते श्वेतकेतुरभाषत । दुर्ब्राह्मण विमुञ्च त्वं मातरं मे पतिव्रताम् ॥KUMB: १-१२८-३१॥
Taking hold of his mother’s hand, Shvetaketu said, “Wretched Brahmin, let go of my devoted mother!” (KUMB: 1-128-31)
[PV-SVO:01_018_157]
स्वयं पिता मे ब्रह्मर्षिः क्षमावान्ब्रह्मवित्तमः । शापानुग्रहयोः शक्तः तूष्णींभूतो महाव्रतः ॥KUMB: १-१२८-३२॥
My father himself is a Brahmarshi, patient and supreme among knowers of Brahman. Though capable of both cursing and granting favor, that man of great vows remains silent. (KUMB: 1-128-32)
[PV-SVO:01_018_158]
तस्य पत्नी दमोपेता मम माता विशेषतः । पतिव्रतां तपोवृद्धां साध्वाचारैरलङ्कृताम् ॥KUMB: १-१२८-३३॥
His self-controlled wife—especially as she is my mother—devoted to her husband, advanced in austerity, and adorned with virtuous conduct… (KUMB: 1-128-33)
[PV-SVO:01_018_159]
अप्रमादेन ते ब्रह्मन्मातृभूतां विमुञ्च वै ॥KUMB: १-१२८-३४॥
O Brahmin, be sure to release her, for she is like a mother to you. (KUMB: 1-128-34)
[PV-SVO:01_018_160]
एवमुक्त्वा तु याचन्तं विमुञ्चेति मुहुर्मुहुः । प्रत्यवोचद्द्विजो राजन्नप्रगल्भमिदं वचः ॥KUMB: १-१२८-३५॥
To the man who, having said this, repeatedly pleaded, “Release her,” the Brahmin replied, O king, with these hesitant words: (KUMB: 1-128-35)
[PV-SVO:01_018_161]
अपत्यार्थी श्वेतकेतो वृद्धोऽहं मन्दचाक्षुषः । पिता ते ऋणनिर्मुक्तस्त्वया पुत्रेण काश्यप ॥KUMB: १-१२८-३६॥
O Shvetaketu, I long for offspring. I am old and my sight is failing. Your father has been freed from his debt through you, his son, O Kashyapa. (KUMB: 1-128-36)
[PV-SVO:01_018_162]
ऋणादहमनिर्मुक्तो वृद्धोऽहं विगतस्पृहः । मम को दास्यति सुतां कन्यां संप्राप्तयौवनाम् ॥KUMB: १-१२८-३७॥
I am not free of my debt. I am old and have lost all desire. Who will give me his daughter, a maiden who has reached maturity? (KUMB: 1-128-37)
[PV-SVO:01_018_163]
प्रजारणिमिमां पत्नीं विमुञ्च त्वं महातपः । एकया प्रजया प्रीतो मातरं ते ददाम्यहम् ॥KUMB: १-१२८-३८॥
Give up this wife, the fire-stick for procreation, O great ascetic. Content with a single child, I give you your mother. (KUMB: 1-128-38)
[PV-SVO:01_018_164]
एवमुक्तः श्वेतकेतुर्लज्जया क्रोधमेयिवान् ॥KUMB: १-१२८-३९॥
Thus addressed, Shvetaketu became angry out of shame. (KUMB: 1-128-39)
[PV-SVO:01_018_165]
तथैव च कुटुम्बेषु न प्रमाद्यन्ति कर्हिचित् ॥KUMB: १-१२८-४१॥
Likewise, they were never negligent in household affairs. (KUMB: 1-128-41)
[PV-SVO:01_018_166]
ऋतुकाले तु संप्राप्ते भर्तारं न जहुस्तदा ॥KUMB: १-१२८-४२॥
But when their fertile season arrived, they did not then avoid their husband. (KUMB: 1-128-42)
[PV-SVO:01_018_167]
एवं कृतवती सापि भर्तुः प्रियचिकीर्षया ॥KUMB: १-१२८-५१; NILA: ०१.१२२.०२३॥
She too acted in this way, wishing to please her husband. (KUMB: 1-128-51; NILA: 01.122.023)
[PV-SVO:01_018_168]
अधर्मः सुमहानेषु स्त्रीणां भरतसत्तम । यत्प्रसादयते भर्ता प्रसाद्यः क्षत्रियर्षभ । शृणु चेदं महाबाहो मम प्रीतिकरं चः ।। ॥KUMB: १-१२८-६१॥
This is a very great transgression for women, O best of the Bharatas: that a husband, who ought to be pleased, should instead please his wife, O bull among Kshatriyas. And hear these pleasing words of mine, O mighty-armed one. (KUMB: 1-128-61)
[PV-SVO:01_018_169]
तस्य तस्य प्रसादात्ते राज्ञि पुत्रो भविष्यति ॥KUMB: १-१२८-६६; NILA: ०१.१२२.०३७॥
By the favor of each one, O queen, you will have a son. (KUMB: 1-128-66; NILA: 01.122.037)
[PV-SVO:01_018_170]
यां मे विद्यां महाराज अददात्स महायशाः । तयाऽऽहूतः सुरः पुत्रं प्रदास्यति सुरोपमम् । अनपत्यकृतं यस्ते शोकं वीर विनेष्यति ।। ॥KUMB: १-१२८-६८॥
That greatly renowned man gave me a spell, O great king. A god summoned by it will grant a godlike son who, O hero, will dispel the grief caused by your childlessness. (KUMB: 1-128-68)
[PV-SVO:01_018_171]
अपत्यकाम एवं स्यान्ममापत्यं भवेदिति । विप्रं वा गुणसंपन्नं सर्वभूतहिते रतम् ॥KUMB: १-१२९-१॥
O you who desire offspring, let it be thus, so that I may have a child: either a virtuous Brahmin devoted to the welfare of all beings… (KUMB: 1-129-1)
[PV-SVO:01_018_172]
अनुजानीहि भद्रं ते दैवतं हि पतिः स्त्रियः । यं त्वं वक्ष्यसि धर्मज्ञ देवं ब्राह्मणमेव च ॥KUMB: १-१२९-२॥
Grant me permission—may all be well with you—for a woman’s husband is her deity. Whichever god or Brahmin you name, O knower of dharma… (KUMB: 1-129-2)
[PV-SVO:01_018_173]
यथोद्दिष्टं त्वया वीर तत्कर्तास्मि महाभुज । देवात्पुत्रफलं सद्यो विप्रात्कालान्तरे भवेत् ॥KUMB: १-१२९-३॥
I shall do as you have directed, O hero, O mighty-armed one. A son may be obtained from a god at once, but from a Brahmin only after some time. (KUMB: 1-129-3)
[PV-SVO:01_018_174]
धन्योऽञस्म्यनुगृहीतोऽस्मि त्वं नो धात्री कुलस्य हि । नमो महर्षये तस्मै येन दत्तो वरस्तव ॥KUMB: १-१२९-५॥
I am blessed and favored, for you are the preserver of our lineage. Homage to that great seer who granted you this boon. (KUMB: 1-129-5)
[PV-SVO:01_018_175]
तस्मात्त्वं पुत्रलाभाय सन्तानाय ममैव च ॥KUMB: १-१२९-६॥
Therefore, for the sake of obtaining sons and continuing my own line, you… (KUMB: 1-129-6)
[PV-SVO:01_018_176]
पाण्डुना समनुज्ञाता भारतेन यशस्विना । मतिं चक्रे महाराज धर्मस्यावाहने तदा ॥KUMB: १-१२९-७क्ष्॥
With the permission of the illustrious Pandu, descendant of Bharata, she then resolved, O great king, to invoke Dharma. (KUMB: 1-129-7क्ष्)
[PV-SVO:01_018_177]
धर्मादिकं हि धर्मज्ञे धर्मान्तं धर्ममध्यमम् ॥KUMB: १-१२९-९॥
For one who knows dharma, having dharma as its beginning, middle, and end… (KUMB: 1-129-9)
[PV-SVO:01_018_178]
अपत्यमिष्टं लोकेषु यशःकीर्तिविवर्धनम् ॥KUMB: १-१२९-१०॥
Offspring, which increases fame and renown, is desired throughout the worlds. (KUMB: 1-129-10)
[PV-SVO:01_018_179]
वैशम्पायन उवाच॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_018_180]
संवत्सराहिते गर्भे गान्धार्या जनमेजय । आह्वयामास वै कुन्ती गर्भार्थं धर्ममच्युतम् ॥BORI: १-११४-१॥
Janamejaya, when Gandhari had been pregnant for a year, Kunti invoked the unfailing Dharma in order to conceive a child. (BORI: 1-114-1)
[PV-OTH:01_018_181]
सा बलिं त्वरिता देवी धर्मायोपजहार ह । जजाप जप्यं विधिवद्दत्तं दुर्वाससा पुरा ॥BORI: १-११४-२॥
The goddess hastily made an offering to Dharma and duly recited the invocation that Durvasas had given her long before. (BORI: 1-114-2)
[PV-KDV:01_018_182]
सङ्गम्य सा तु धर्मेण योगमूर्तिधरेण वै । लेभे पुत्रं वरारोहा सर्वप्राणभृतां वरम् ॥BORI: १-११४-३॥
Uniting with Dharma, who had assumed a form through his yogic power, the lovely woman obtained a son who was the best of all living beings. (BORI: 1-114-3)
[PV-KDV:01_018_183]
ऐन्द्रे चन्द्रसमायुक्ते मुहूर्तेऽभिजितेऽष्टमे । दिवा मध्यगते सूर्ये तिथौ पुण्येऽभिपूजिते ॥BORI: १-११४-४॥
When the moon was conjoined with the asterism sacred to Indra, during the eighth muhūrta, Abhijit, at midday when the sun had reached the meridian, on an auspicious and highly honored lunar day... (BORI: 1-114-4)
[PV-KDV:01_018_184]
समृद्धयशसं कुन्ती सुषाव समये सुतम् । जातमात्रे सुते तस्मिन्वागुवाचाशरीरिणी ॥BORI: १-११४-५॥
At the appointed time, Kunti gave birth to a son destined for abundant fame. As soon as that son was born, a bodiless voice declared: (BORI: 1-114-5)
[PV-KDV:01_018_185]
एष धर्मभृतां श्रेष्ठो भविष्यति न संशयः । युधिष्ठिर इति ख्यातः पाण्डोः प्रथमजः सुतः ॥BORI: १-११४-६॥
He will undoubtedly be the foremost of those who uphold dharma. Known as Yudhishthira, he will be Pandu’s firstborn son. (BORI: 1-114-6)
[PV-KDV:01_018_186]
भविता प्रथितो राजा त्रिषु लोकेषु विश्रुतः । यशसा तेजसा चैव वृत्तेन च समन्वितः ॥BORI: १-११४-७॥
He will become a renowned king, famed throughout the three worlds and endowed with glory, splendor, and virtuous conduct. (BORI: 1-114-7)
[PV-KDV:01_018_187]
धार्मिकं तं सुतं लब्ध्वा पाण्डुस्तां पुनरब्रवीत् । प्राहुः क्षत्रं बलज्येष्ठं बलज्येष्ठं सुतं वृणु ॥BORI: १-११४-८॥
Having obtained that righteous son, Pandu again said to her, “They say that the warrior class is preeminent in strength; choose a son preeminent in strength.” (BORI: 1-114-8)
[PV-KDV:01_018_188]
ततस्तथोक्ता पत्या तु वायुमेवाजुहाव सा । तस्माज्जज्ञे महाबाहुर्भीमो भीमपराक्रमः ॥BORI: १-११४-९॥
Then, thus addressed by her husband, she invoked Vāyu himself. From him was born the mighty-armed Bhīma, a man of formidable prowess. (BORI: 1-114-9)
[PV-KDV:01_018_189]
तमप्यतिबलं जातं वागभ्यवददच्युतम् । सर्वेषां बलिनां श्रेष्ठो जातोऽयमिति भारत ॥BORI: १-११४-१०॥
A voice also proclaimed of him, born immensely strong and invincible, “This child is the foremost of all strong men,” O Bharata. (BORI: 1-114-10)
[PV-KDV:01_018_190]
इदमत्यद्भुतं चासीज्जातमात्रे वृकोदरे । यदङ्कात्पतितो मातुः शिलां गात्रैरचूर्णयत् ॥BORI: १-११४-११॥
And this most astonishing thing happened when Vṛkodara had just been born: falling from his mother’s lap, he shattered a rock with his limbs. (BORI: 1-114-11)
[PV-KDV:01_018_191]
कुन्ती व्याघ्रभयोद्विग्ना सहसोत्पतिता किल । नान्वबुध्यत संसुप्तमुत्सङ्गे स्वे वृकोदरम् ॥BORI: १-११४-१२॥
Kunti, alarmed by fear of a tiger, is said to have sprung up suddenly, unaware that Vrikodara lay fast asleep on her lap. (BORI: 1-114-12)
[PV-KDV:01_018_192]
ततः स वज्रसङ्घातः कुमारोऽभ्यपतद्गिरौ । पतता तेन शतधा शिला गात्रैर्विचूर्णिता । तां शिलां चूर्णितां दृष्ट्वा पाण्डुर्विस्मयमागमत् ॥BORI: १-११४-१३॥
Then the boy, solid as a thunderbolt, fell upon the mountain. As he fell, his limbs shattered the rock into a hundred pieces. Seeing the rock pulverized, Pandu was astonished. (BORI: 1-114-13)
[PV-KDV:01_018_193]
यस्मिन्नहनि भीमस्तु जज्ञे भरतसत्तम । दुर्योधनोऽपि तत्रैव प्रजज्ञे वसुधाधिप ॥BORI: १-११४-१४॥
On the very day that Bhima was born, O best of the Bharatas, Duryodhana too was born, O lord of the earth. (BORI: 1-114-14)
[PV-OTH:01_018_194]
जाते वृकोदरे पाण्डुरिदं भूयोऽन्वचिन्तयत् । कथं नु मे वरः पुत्रो लोकश्रेष्ठो भवेदिति ॥BORI: १-११४-१५॥
After Vṛkodara was born, Pāṇḍu reflected again: “How might I have an excellent son, the foremost in the world?” (BORI: 1-114-15)
[PV-KDV:01_018_195]
दैवे पुरुषकारे च लोकोऽयं हि प्रतिष्ठितः । तत्र दैवं तु विधिना कालयुक्तेन लभ्यते ॥BORI: १-११४-१६॥
This world rests upon both fate and human effort; of these, fate is secured through a rite performed at the proper time. (BORI: 1-114-16)
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इन्द्रो हि राजा देवानां प्रधान इति नः श्रुतम् ॥BORI: १-११४-१७A॥
We have heard that Indra, king of the gods, is foremost (BORI: 1-114-17A)
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अप्रमेयबलोत्साहो वीर्यवानमितद्युतिः ॥BORI: १-११४-१७B॥
possessed of immeasurable strength and energy, mighty and of boundless splendor. (BORI: 1-114-17B)
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तं तोषयित्वा तपसा पुत्रं लप्स्ये महाबलम् । यं दास्यति स मे पुत्रं स वरीयान्भविष्यति । कर्मणा मनसा वाचा तस्मात्तप्स्ये महत्तपः ॥BORI: १-११४-१८॥
By pleasing him through austerity, I shall obtain a mighty son. The son he gives me will be preeminent. Therefore, in deed, thought, and speech, I shall undertake great austerity. (BORI: 1-114-18)
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ततः पाण्डुर्महातेजा मन्त्रयित्वा महर्षिभिः । दिदेश कुन्त्याः कौरव्यो व्रतं सांवत्सरं शुभम् ॥BORI: १-११४-१९॥
Then the mighty Kaurava Pandu, after consulting the great seers, prescribed for Kunti an auspicious year-long vow. (BORI: 1-114-19)
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आत्मना च महाबाहुरेकपादस्थितोऽभवत् । उग्रं स तप आतस्थे परमेण समाधिना ॥BORI: १-११४-२०॥
The mighty-armed man himself stood on one foot and undertook severe austerities with perfect concentration. (BORI: 1-114-20)
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आरिराधयिषुर्देवं त्रिदशानां तमीश्वरम् । सूर्येण सह धर्मात्मा पर्यवर्तत भारत ॥BORI: १-११४-२१॥
Wishing to propitiate that god, the lord of the gods, the righteous man turned with the sun, O Bharata. (BORI: 1-114-21)
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तं तु कालेन महता वासवः प्रत्यभाषत । पुत्रं तव प्रदास्यामि त्रिषु लोकेषु विश्रुतम् ॥BORI: १-११४-२२॥
After a long time, Vasava replied to him, “I shall give you a son renowned throughout the three worlds.” (BORI: 1-114-22)
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देवानां ब्राह्मणानां च सुहृदां चार्थसाधकम् । सुतं तेऽग्र्यं प्रदास्यामि सर्वामित्रविनाशनम् ॥BORI: १-११४-२३॥
I shall give you an eminent son who will further the interests of the gods, the Brahmins, and his friends, and who will destroy all his enemies. (BORI: 1-114-23)
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इत्युक्तः कौरवो राजा वासवेन महात्मना । उवाच कुन्तीं धर्मात्मा देवराजवचः स्मरन् ॥BORI: १-११४-२४॥
Thus addressed by the great Indra, the righteous Kuru king spoke to Kunti, recalling the lord of the gods’ words: (BORI: 1-114-24)
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नीतिमन्तं महात्मानमादित्यसमतेजसम् । दुराधर्षं क्रियावन्तमतीवाद्भुतदर्शनम् ॥BORI: १-११४-२५॥
Wise in statecraft, great-souled, radiant as the sun, unassailable, energetic, and extraordinarily wondrous in appearance… (BORI: 1-114-25)
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पुत्रं जनय सुश्रोणि धाम क्षत्रियतेजसाम् ॥BORI: १-११४-२६A॥
Bear a son, fair-hipped one, a repository of Kshatriya splendor. (BORI: 1-114-26A)
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लब्धः प्रसादो देवेन्द्रात्तमाह्वय शुचिस्मिते ॥BORI: १-११४-२६B॥
Indra’s favor has been secured; invoke him, bright-smiling one. (BORI: 1-114-26B)
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एवमुक्ता ततः शक्रमाजुहाव यशस्विनी । अथाजगाम देवेन्द्रो जनयामास चार्जुनम् ॥BORI: १-११४-२७॥
Thus addressed, the illustrious woman invoked Śakra. Then the lord of the gods came and fathered Arjuna. (BORI: 1-114-27)
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जातमात्रे कुमारे तु वागुवाचाशरीरिणी । महागम्भीरनिर्घोषा नभो नादयती तदा ॥BORI: १-११४-२८॥
As soon as the prince was born, a bodiless voice, deep and mighty in its resonance, rang through the heavens and spoke: (BORI: 1-114-28)
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कार्तवीर्यसमः कुन्ति शिबितुल्यपराक्रमः । एष शक्र इवाजेयो यशस्ते प्रथयिष्यति ॥BORI: १-११४-२९॥
O Kunti, he will equal Kartavirya and rival Shibi in valor. Invincible like Shakra in battle, he will spread your fame. (BORI: 1-114-29)
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अदित्या विष्णुना प्रीतिर्यथाभूदभिवर्धिता । तथा विष्णुसमः प्रीतिं वर्धयिष्यति तेऽर्जुनः ॥BORI: १-११४-३०॥
Just as Aditi’s joy was increased by Vishnu, so Arjuna, Vishnu’s equal, will increase your joy. (BORI: 1-114-30)
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एष मद्रान्वशे कृत्वा कुरूंश्च सह केकयैः । चेदिकाशिकरूषांश्च कुरुलक्ष्म सुधास्यति ॥BORI: १-११४-३१॥
After bringing the Madras under his sway, as well as the Kurus together with the Kekayas, the Cedis, Kasis, and Karushas, he will firmly establish the glory of the Kurus. (BORI: 1-114-31)
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एतस्य भुजवीर्येण खाण्डवे हव्यवाहनः । मेदसा सर्वभूतानां तृप्तिं यास्यति वै पराम् ॥BORI: १-११४-३२॥
Through the might of his arms, the bearer of offerings will attain supreme satisfaction in the Khandava Forest from the fat of all creatures. (BORI: 1-114-32)
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ग्रामणीश्च महीपालानेष जित्वा महाबलः ॥BORI: १-११४-३३A॥
After conquering chieftains and kings, this mighty hero, (BORI: 1-114-33A)
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भ्रातृभिः सहितो वीरस्त्रीन्मेधानाहरिष्यति ॥BORI: १-११४-३३B॥
together with his brothers, will perform three sacrifices. (BORI: 1-114-33B)
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जामदग्न्यसमः कुन्ति विष्णुतुल्यपराक्रमः । एष वीर्यवतां श्रेष्ठो भविष्यत्यपराजितः ॥BORI: १-११४-३४॥
O Kunti, equal to Jamadagni’s son and matching Vishnu in valor, he will be the foremost of mighty heroes and remain undefeated. (BORI: 1-114-34)
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तथा दिव्यानि चास्त्राणि निखिलान्याहरिष्यति ॥BORI: १-११४-३५A॥
He will also obtain all the celestial weapons, (BORI: 1-114-35A)
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विप्रनष्टां श्रियं चायमाहर्ता पुरुषर्षभः ॥BORI: १-११४-३५B॥
and this bull among men will recover the prosperity that has been lost. (BORI: 1-114-35B)
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एतामत्यद्भुतां वाचं कुन्तीपुत्रस्य सूतके । उक्तवान्वायुराकाशे कुन्ती शुश्राव चास्य ताम् ॥BORI: १-११४-३६॥
At the birth of Kunti’s son, Vayu uttered this most wondrous proclamation from the sky, and Kunti heard it. (BORI: 1-114-36)
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वाचमुच्चारितामुच्चैस्तां निशम्य तपस्विनाम् । बभूव परमो हर्षः शतशृङ्गनिवासिनाम् ॥BORI: १-११४-३७॥
On hearing that proclamation uttered aloud, the ascetics dwelling on Śataśṛṅga were filled with supreme joy. (BORI: 1-114-37)
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तथा देवऋषीणां च सेन्द्राणां च दिवौकसाम् । आकाशे दुन्दुभीनां च बभूव तुमुलः स्वनः ॥BORI: १-११४-३८॥
Likewise among the divine seers and the heaven-dwellers, including Indra; and in the sky there arose the tumultuous sound of drums. (BORI: 1-114-38)
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उदतिष्ठन्महाघोषः पुष्पवृष्टिभिरावृतः । समवेत्य च देवानां गणाः पार्थमपूजयन् ॥BORI: १-११४-३९॥
A mighty roar arose amid showers of flowers, and the hosts of gods gathered together and honored Partha. (BORI: 1-114-39)
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काद्रवेया वैनतेया गन्धर्वाप्सरसस्तथा । प्रजानां पतयः सर्वे सप्त चैव महर्षयः ॥BORI: १-११४-४०॥
The descendants of Kadru and Vinata, the Gandharvas and Apsarases, all the lords of creatures, and the seven great seers… (BORI: 1-114-40)
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भरद्वाजः कश्यपो गौतमश्च; विश्वामित्रो जमदग्निर्वसिष्ठः । यश्चोदितो भास्करेऽभूत्प्रनष्टे; सोऽप्यत्रात्रिर्भगवानाजगाम ॥BORI: १-११४-४१॥
Bharadvaja, Kashyapa, Gautama, Vishvamitra, Jamadagni, and Vasishtha—and the blessed Atri, who rose when the sun had disappeared—also came there. (BORI: 1-114-41)
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मरीचिरङ्गिराश्चैव पुलस्त्यः पुलहः क्रतुः । दक्षः प्रजापतिश्चैव गन्धर्वाप्सरसस्तथा ॥BORI: १-११४-४२॥
Marichi and Angiras, Pulastya, Pulaha, Kratu, Daksha Prajapati, and likewise the Gandharvas and Apsarases… (BORI: 1-114-42)
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दिव्यमाल्याम्बरधराः सर्वालङ्कारभूषिताः । उपगायन्ति बीभत्सुमुपनृत्यन्ति चाप्सराः । गन्धर्वैः सहितः श्रीमान्प्रागायत च तुम्बुरुः ॥BORI: १-११४-४३॥
Clad in celestial garlands and garments and adorned with every ornament, the Apsarases sang in praise of Bibhatsu and danced before him, while the glorious Tumburu sang together with the Gandharvas. (BORI: 1-114-43)
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भीमसेनोग्रसेनौ च ऊर्णायुरनघस्तथा । गोपतिर्धृतराष्ट्रश्च सूर्यवर्चाश्च सप्तमः ॥BORI: १-११४-४४॥
Bhimasena and Ugrasena, Urnayus and Anagha, Gopati and Dhritarashtra, and Suryavarchas as the seventh... (BORI: 1-114-44)
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युगपस्तृणपः कार्ष्णिर्नन्दिश्चित्ररथस्तथा । त्रयोदशः शालिशिराः पर्जन्यश्च चतुर्दशः ॥BORI: १-११४-४५॥
Yugapa, Trinapa, Karshni, Nandi, and Chitraratha as well; Shalishiras was the thirteenth and Parjanya the fourteenth. (BORI: 1-114-45)
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कलिः पञ्चदशश्चात्र नारदश्चैव षोडशः । सद्वा बृहद्वा बृहकः करालश्च महायशाः ॥BORI: १-११४-४६॥
Kali is the fifteenth here, and Narada the sixteenth; Sadva, Brihadva, Brihaka, and the illustrious Karala… (BORI: 1-114-46)
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ब्रह्मचारी बहुगुणः सुपर्णश्चेति विश्रुतः । विश्वावसुर्भुमन्युश्च सुचन्द्रो दशमस्तथा ॥BORI: १-११४-४७॥
Brahmacārī, Bahuguṇa, and the renowned Suparṇa, as well as Viśvāvasu, Bhumanyu, and Sucandra, the tenth. (BORI: 1-114-47)
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गीतमाधुर्यसम्पन्नौ विख्यातौ च हहाहुहू । इत्येते देवगन्धर्वा जगुस्तत्र नरर्षभम् ॥BORI: १-११४-४८॥
And Hāhā and Hūhū, renowned for the sweetness of their singing—these divine Gandharvas sang there in honor of the bull among men. (BORI: 1-114-48)
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तथैवाप्सरसो हृष्टाः सर्वालङ्कारभूषिताः । ननृतुर्वै महाभागा जगुश्चायतलोचनाः ॥BORI: १-११४-४९॥
Likewise, the delighted Apsarases, adorned with every ornament, danced and sang—those illustrious, wide-eyed women. (BORI: 1-114-49)
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अनूना चानवद्या च प्रियमुख्या गुणावरा । अद्रिका च तथा साची मिश्रकेशी अलम्बुसा ॥BORI: १-११४-५०॥
Anūnā, Anavadyā, Priyamukhyā, Guṇāvarā, Adrikā, Sācī, Miśrakeśī, and Alambusā… (BORI: 1-114-50)
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मरीचिः शिचुका चैव विद्युत्पर्णा तिलोत्तमा । अग्निका लक्षणा क्षेमा देवी रम्भा मनोरमा ॥BORI: १-११४-५१॥
Marīci, Śicukā, Vidyutparṇā, Tilottamā, Agnikā, Lakṣaṇā, Kṣemā, Devī, Rambhā, and Manoramā… (BORI: 1-114-51)
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असिता च सुबाहुश्च सुप्रिया सुवपुस्तथा । पुण्डरीका सुगन्धा च सुरथा च प्रमाथिनी ॥BORI: १-११४-५२॥
Asitā, Subāhu, Supriyā, Suvapus, Puṇḍarīkā, Sugandhā, Surathā, and Pramāthinī … (BORI: 1-114-52)
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काम्या शारद्वती चैव ननृतुस्तत्र सङ्घशः । मेनका सहजन्या च पर्णिका पुञ्जिकस्थला ॥BORI: १-११४-५३॥
Kāmyā and Śāradvatī also danced there in groups. Menakā, Sahajanyā, Parṇikā, and Puñjikasthalā… (BORI: 1-114-53)
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क्रतुस्थला घृताची च विश्वाची पूर्वचित्त्यपि । उम्लोचेत्यभिविख्याता प्रम्लोचेति च ता दश । उर्वश्येकादशीत्येता जगुरायतलोचनाः ॥BORI: १-११४-५४॥
Kratusthala, Ghritachi, Vishvachi, and Purvachitti, as well as the one renowned as Umlocha and Pramlocha—these made ten; with Urvashi as the eleventh, these wide-eyed women sang. (BORI: 1-114-54)
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धातार्यमा च मित्रश्च वरुणोंऽशो भगस्तथा । इन्द्रो विवस्वान्पूषा च त्वष्टा च सविता तथा ॥BORI: १-११४-५५॥
Dhātṛ, Aryaman, Mitra, Varuṇa, Aṃśa, Bhaga, Indra, Vivasvat, Pūṣan, Tvaṣṭṛ, and Savitṛ... (BORI: 1-114-55)
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पर्जन्यश्चैव विष्णुश्च आदित्याः पावकार्चिषः । महिमानं पाण्डवस्य वर्धयन्तोऽम्बरे स्थिताः ॥BORI: १-११४-५६॥
and Parjanya and Vishnu—the fire-radiant Adityas—standing in the sky and magnifying the Pandava’s glory. (BORI: 1-114-56)
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मृगव्याधश्च शर्वश्च निरृतिश्च महायशाः । अजैकपादहिर्बुध्न्यः पिनाकी च परन्तपः ॥BORI: १-११४-५७॥
Mṛgavyādha, Śarva, the illustrious Nirṛti, Ajaikapād, Ahirbudhnya, and Pinākin, the scorcher of foes... (BORI: 1-114-57)
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दहनोऽथेश्वरश्चैव कपाली च विशां पते । स्थाणुर्भवश्च भगवान्रुद्रास्तत्रावतस्थिरे ॥BORI: १-११४-५८॥
Dahana, Ishvara, Kapalin, Sthanu, and the blessed Bhava, O lord of the people—the Rudras took their places there. (BORI: 1-114-58)
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अश्विनौ वसवश्चाष्टौ मरुतश्च महाबलाः । विश्वेदेवास्तथा साध्यास्तत्रासन्परिसंस्थिताः ॥BORI: १-११४-५९॥
The two Ashvins, the eight Vasus, the mighty Maruts, the Vishvedevas, and the Sadhyas were also assembled there. (BORI: 1-114-59)
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कर्कोटकोऽथ शेषश्च वासुकिश्च भुजङ्गमः । कच्छपश्चापकुण्डश्च तक्षकश्च महोरगः ॥BORI: १-११४-६०॥
Karkotaka, Shesha, Vasuki the serpent, Kacchapa, Apakunda, and Takshaka the great serpent... (BORI: 1-114-60)
[PV-PAX:01_018_244]
आययुस्तेजसा युक्ता महाक्रोधा महाबलाः । एते चान्ये च बहवस्तत्र नागा व्यवस्थिताः ॥BORI: १-११४-६१॥
Endowed with splendor, fiercely wrathful, and immensely powerful, they came. These and many other Nagas were assembled there. (BORI: 1-114-61)
[PV-PAX:01_018_245]
तार्क्ष्यश्चारिष्टनेमिश्च गरुडश्चासितध्वजः । अरुणश्चारुणिश्चैव वैनतेया व्यवस्थिताः ॥BORI: १-११४-६२॥
The sons of Vinata—Tarkshya, Arishtanemi, Garuda, Asitadhvaja, Aruna, and Aruni—were also present. (BORI: 1-114-62)
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तद्दृष्ट्वा महदाश्चर्यं विस्मिता मुनिसत्तमाः । अधिकां स्म ततो वृत्तिमवर्तन्पाण्डवान्प्रति ॥BORI: १-११४-६३॥
Seeing that great marvel, the foremost sages were astonished, and from then on they treated the Pandavas with even greater affection. (BORI: 1-114-63)
[PV-PAX:01_018_247]
पाण्डुस्तु पुनरेवैनां पुत्रलोभान्महायशाः । प्राहिणोद्दर्शनीयाङ्गीं कुन्ती त्वेनमथाब्रवीत् ॥BORI: १-११४-६४॥
But the illustrious Pandu, longing for sons, urged the lovely-limbed Kunti once again. Kunti then said to him: (BORI: 1-114-64)
[PV-KDV:01_018_248]
नातश्चतुर्थं प्रसवमापत्स्वपि वदन्त्युत । अतः परं चारिणी स्यात्पञ्चमे बन्धकी भवेत् ॥BORI: १-११४-६५॥
They say that even in adversity a woman should not bear a fourth child. Beyond that she would be promiscuous, and with a fifth she would become a prostitute. (BORI: 1-114-65)
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स त्वं विद्वन्धर्ममिमं बुद्धिगम्यं कथं नु माम् । अपत्यार्थं समुत्क्रम्य प्रमादादिव भाषसे ॥BORI: १-११४-६६॥
Since you know this rule, which is discernible by reason, how can you speak to me as though heedlessly transgressing it for the sake of offspring? (BORI: 1-114-66)
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आजगाम ततो देवो धर्मो मन्त्रबलात्ततः । विमाने सूर्यसङ्काशे कुन्ती यत्र उपस्थिता ॥KUMB: १-१२९-१६; NILA: ०१.१२३.००३॥
Then the god Dharma came through the power of the mantra, in a celestial chariot radiant as the sun, to where Kunti was waiting. (KUMB: 1-129-16; NILA: 01.123.003)
[PV-SVO:01_018_251]
विहस्य तां ततो ब्रूयाः कुन्ति किं ते ददाम्यहम् । सा तं विहस्यमानापि पुत्रं देह्यब्रवीदिदम् ॥KUMB: १-१२९-१७; NILA: ०१.१२३.००४॥
Then, smiling, you should say to her, “Kunti, what shall I give you?” Smiling at him in turn, she said, “Give me a son…” (KUMB: 1-129-17; NILA: 01.123.004)
[PV-SVO:01_018_252]
विक्रान्तः सत्यवाक्चैव राजा पृथ्व्यां भविष्यति ॥KUMB: १-१२९-२३; NILA: ०१.१२३.००८॥
He will be a valiant king on earth, true to his word. (KUMB: 1-129-23; NILA: 01.123.008)
[PV-SVO:01_018_253]
ततस्तामागतो वायुर्मृगारूढो महाबलः । किं ते कुन्ति ददाम्यद्य ब्रूहि यत्ते हृदि स्थितम् ॥NILA: ०१.१२३.०१२॥
Then Vāyu, immensely powerful and mounted on a deer, came to her. “What shall I give you today, Kuntī? Tell me what is in your heart.” (NILA: 01.123.012)
[PV-SVO:01_018_254]
सा सलज्जा वहस्याह पुत्रं देहि सुरोत्तम । बलवन्तं महाकायं सर्वदर्पप्रभञ्जनम् ॥NILA: ०१.१२३.०१३॥
Bashfully, she smiled and said, “Best of the gods, give me a strong, huge-bodied son who will crush all pride.” (NILA: 01.123.013)
[PV-SVO:01_018_255]
अमानुषान्मानुषांश्च सङ्ग्रामे स हनिष्यति ॥KUMB: १-१३२-५; NILA: ०१.१२३.०२४॥
He will slay both nonhuman and human foes in battle. (KUMB: 1-132-5; NILA: 01.123.024)
[PV-SVO:01_018_256]
दुर्हृदां शोकजननं सर्वबान्धवनन्दनम् ॥KUMB: १-१३२-१०; NILA: ०१.१२३.०२९॥
causing grief to enemies and delight to all kinsmen... (KUMB: 1-132-10; NILA: 01.123.029)
[PV-SVO:01_018_257]
उदर्कस्तव कल्याणि तुष्टो देवगणेश्वरः ॥KUMB: १-१३२-१२; NILA: ०१.१२३.०३१॥
The outcome for you, O blessed lady, is that the lord of the hosts of gods, pleased with you... (KUMB: 1-132-12; NILA: 01.123.031)
[PV-SVO:01_018_258]
दातुमिच्छति ते पुत्रं यथा सङ्कल्पितं त्वया । अतिमानुषकर्माणं यशस्विनमरिन्दमम् ॥KUMB: १-१३२-१३; NILA: ०१.१२३.०३२॥
He wishes to grant you a son just as you have envisioned—one who will perform superhuman deeds, win renown, and subdue his enemies. (KUMB: 1-132-13; NILA: 01.123.032)
[PV-SVO:01_018_259]
शृण्वतां सर्वभूतानां तेषां चाश्रमवासिनाम् । कुन्तीमाभाष्य विस्पष्टमुवाचेदं शुचिस्मिताम् ॥KUMB: १-१३२-१९; NILA: ०१.१२३.०३७॥
While all beings and the residents of the hermitage listened, he addressed Kunti of the pure smile and spoke these words distinctly: (KUMB: 1-132-19; NILA: 01.123.037)
[PV-SVO:01_018_260]
एष युद्धे महादेवं तोषयिष्यति शङ्करम् । अस्त्रं पाशुपतं नाम तस्मात्तुष्टादवाप्स्यति ॥KUMB: १-१३२-२६; NILA: ०१.१२३.०४४॥
In battle, he will please the great god Śaṅkara and, when the god is pleased, obtain from him the weapon called Pāśupata. (KUMB: 1-132-26; NILA: 01.123.044)
[PV-SVO:01_018_261]
निवातकवचा नाम दैत्या विबुधविद्विषः । शक्राज्ञया महाबाहुस्तान्वधिष्यति ते सुतः ॥KUMB: १-१३२-२७; NILA: ०१.१२३.०४५॥
At Shakra’s command, your mighty-armed son will slay the Daityas called the Nivatakavachas, enemies of the gods. (KUMB: 1-132-27; NILA: 01.123.045)
[PV-SVO:01_018_262]
तथा महर्षयश्चापि जेपुस्तत्र समन्ततः ॥KUMB: १-१३२-३६; NILA: ०१.१२३.०५४॥
Likewise, the great seers also recited prayers there on every side. (KUMB: 1-132-36; NILA: 01.123.054)
[PV-SVO:01_018_263]
तांश्च देवगणान्सर्वांस्तपःसिद्धा महर्षयः । विमानगिर्यग्रगतान्ददृशुर्नेतरे जनाः ॥KUMB: १-१३२-५७; NILA: ०१.१२३.०७४॥
The great seers, perfected through austerities, saw all those hosts of gods seated atop mountain-like celestial chariots, but other people did not. (KUMB: 1-132-57; NILA: 01.123.074)
[PV-SVO:01_018_264]
जानन्ती धर्ममग्र्यं वै धर्मं वशमुपानयत् । आहूतो नियमात्कुन्त्या सर्वभूतनमस्कृतः ॥KUMB: १-१२९-१५॥
Knowing Dharma to be foremost, she brought him under her sway. Summoned by Kunti according to the prescribed rule, he who is revered by all beings… (KUMB: 1-129-15)
[PV-SVO:01_018_265]
ददृशे भगवान्धर्मः सन्तानार्थाय पाण्डवे ॥KUMB: १-१२९-१७॥
The blessed lord Dharma appeared so that Pandu might have offspring. (KUMB: 1-129-17)
[PV-SVO:01_018_266]
तस्मिन्बहुमृगेऽरण्ये शतशृङ्गे नगोत्तमे । पाण्डोरर्थे महाभागा कुन्ती धर्ममुपागमत् ॥KUMB: १-१२९-१८॥
In that forest abounding in game, on Śataśṛṅga, the finest of mountains, the greatly blessed Kuntī approached Dharma for Pāṇḍu’s sake. (KUMB: 1-129-18)
[PV-SVO:01_018_267]
ऋतुकाले शुचिः स्नाता शुक्लवस्त्रा यशस्विनी । शय्यां जग्राह सुश्रोणी सह धर्मेण सुव्रता ॥KUMB: १-१२९-१९॥
At the proper time in her cycle, purified by bathing and dressed in white, the illustrious, shapely-hipped woman of noble vows went to bed with Dharma. (KUMB: 1-129-19)
[PV-SVO:01_018_268]
ततः कुन्तीमभिक्रम्य शशासातीव भारत । वायुमावाहयस्वेति स देवो बलवत्तरः ॥KUMB: १-१२९-४५॥
Then, approaching Kunti, he earnestly commanded her, O Bharata: “Invoke Vayu, for that god is stronger.” (KUMB: 1-129-45)
[PV-SVO:01_018_269]
अश्वमेधः क्रतुश्रेष्ठो ज्योतिःश्रेष्ठो दिवाकरः । ब्राह्मणो द्विपदां श्रेष्ठो देवश्रेष्ठश्च मारुतः ॥KUMB: १-१२९-४६॥
The Ashvamedha is the foremost of sacrifices, the sun the foremost of lights, the Brahmin the foremost of bipeds, and Marut the foremost of gods. (KUMB: 1-129-46)
[PV-SVO:01_018_270]
मारुतं मरुतां श्रेष्ठं सर्वप्राणिभिरीडितम् । आवाहय त्वं नियमात्पुत्रार्थं वरवर्णिनि ॥KUMB: १-१२९-४७॥
O lovely woman, duly invoke Maruta, the foremost of the Maruts, praised by all living beings, so that you may have a son. (KUMB: 1-129-47)
[PV-SVO:01_018_271]
स नो यं दास्यति सुतं स प्राणबलवान्नृषु । भविष्यति वरारोहे बलज्येष्ठा हि भूमिपाः ॥KUMB: १-१२९-४८॥
The son he gives us will be endowed with vital strength among men, fair-hipped woman, for kings are preeminent in strength. (KUMB: 1-129-48)
[PV-SVO:01_018_272]
द्वितीयेनोपहारेण तेनोक्तविधिना पुनः ॥KUMB: १-१२९-४९॥
Then, with a second offering, once again in the manner he had prescribed... (KUMB: 1-129-49)
[PV-SVO:01_018_273]
तैरेव नियमैः स्थित्वा मन्त्रग्राममुदैरयत् । आजगाम ततो वायुः किं करोमीति चाब्रवीत् ॥KUMB: १-१२९-५०॥
Observing those same restraints, she recited the group of mantras. Then Vāyu came and said, “What shall I do?” (KUMB: 1-129-50)
[PV-SVO:01_018_274]
लज्जान्विता ततः कुन्ती पुत्रमैच्छन्महाबलम् । तथास्त्विति च तां वायुः समालभ्य दिवं गतः ॥KUMB: १-१२९-५१॥
Then Kunti, overcome with shyness, asked for a son of immense strength. Saying, “So be it,” Vayu embraced her and returned to heaven. (KUMB: 1-129-51)
[PV-SVO:01_018_275]
जातमात्रे कुमारे तु सर्वलोकस्य पार्थिवाः । मूत्रं प्रसुस्रुवुः सर्वे व्यथां चापि प्रपेदिरे । वाहनानि व्यशीर्यन्त व्यमुञ्चन्नश्रुबिन्दवः ॥KUMB: १-१२९-५३; KUMB: १-१२९-५४॥
The moment the boy was born, all the rulers of the world urinated and were overcome with distress; their mounts collapsed and shed tears. (KUMB: 1-129-53; KUMB: 1-129-54)
[PV-SVO:01_018_276]
यथाऽनिलः समुद्भूतः समर्थः कम्पने भुवः । तथा ह्युपचिताङ्गो वै भीमो भीमपराक्रमः ॥KUMB: १-१२९-५५॥
Just as a rising wind can shake the earth, so Bhima, sturdy of limb, was truly of fearsome prowess. (KUMB: 1-129-55)
[PV-SVO:01_018_277]
कुन्ती तु सह पुत्रेण याता सुरुचिरं सरः । स्नात्वा च सुतमादाय दशमेऽहनि यादवी ॥KUMB: १-१२९-५७॥
Kunti went with her son to a lovely lake. On the tenth day, after bathing and taking up her son, the Yadava woman… (KUMB: 1-129-57)
[PV-SVO:01_018_278]
दैवतान्यर्चयिष्यन्ती निर्जगामाश्रमात्पृथा । शैलाभ्याशेन गच्छन्त्यास्तदा भरतसत्तम ॥KUMB: १-१२९-५८॥
Pṛthā left the hermitage to worship the deities. As she was walking near the mountain, O best of the Bharatas, then... (KUMB: 1-129-58)
[PV-SVO:01_018_279]
निश्चक्राम महाव्याघ्रो जिघांसुर्गिरिगह्वरात् । तमापतन्तं शार्दूलं विकृष्य धनुरुत्तमम् ॥KUMB: १-१२९-५९॥
A huge tiger emerged from a mountain cave, intent on killing. As it charged at him, he drew his excellent bow and… (KUMB: 1-129-59)
[PV-SVO:01_018_280]
निर्बिभेद शरैः पाण्डुस्त्रिभिस्तिरदशविक्रमः । नादेन महता तां तु पूरयन्तं गिरेर्गुहाम् ॥KUMB: १-१२९-६०॥
Pandu, whose valor equaled that of the gods, pierced it with three arrows as it filled the mountain cave with a mighty roar. (KUMB: 1-129-60)
[PV-SVO:01_018_281]
दृष्ट्वा शैलमुपारोढुमैच्छत्कुन्ती भयात्तदा । त्रासात्तस्याः सुतस्त्वङ्कात्पपात भरतर्षभ ॥KUMB: १-१२९-६१॥
Seeing it, Kunti then wished in fear to climb the mountain; but in her fright her son fell from her lap, O bull of the Bharatas. (KUMB: 1-129-61)
[PV-SVO:01_018_282]
पर्वतस्योपरिस्थायामधस्तादपतच्छिशुः । स शिलां चूर्णयामास वज्रवद्वज्रिचोदितः ॥KUMB: १-१२९-६२॥
As she stood atop the mountain, the infant fell to the ground below. He shattered the rock like a thunderbolt hurled by Indra. (KUMB: 1-129-62)
[PV-SVO:01_018_283]
पुत्रस्नेहात्ततः पाण्डुरभ्यधावद्गिरेस्तटम् ॥KUMB: १-१२९-६३॥
Then, out of love for his son, Pandu rushed to the mountainside. (KUMB: 1-129-63)
[PV-SVO:01_018_284]
स तु जन्मनि भीमस्य विनदन्तं विनादितम् । ददर्श गिरिशृङ्गस्थं व्याघ्रं व्याघ्रपराक्रमः ॥KUMB: १-१२९-६४; KUMB: १-१२९-६५॥
But at Bhima’s birth, that tiger-like warrior saw a tiger on a mountain peak, roaring loudly. (KUMB: 1-129-64; KUMB: 1-129-65)
[PV-SVO:01_018_285]
दारसंरक्षणार्थाय पुत्रसंरक्षणाय च । सदा बाणधनुष्पाणिरभवत्कुरुनन्दनः ॥KUMB: १-१२९-६५; KUMB: १-१२९-६६॥
To protect his wife and son, the delight of the Kurus always carried bow and arrows in his hands. (KUMB: 1-129-65; KUMB: 1-129-66)
[PV-SVO:01_018_286]
मघे चन्द्रमसा युक्ते सिंहे चाभ्युदिते गुरौ । दिवा मध्यगते सूर्ये तिथौ पुण्ये त्रयोदशे । पित्र्ये मुहूर्ते सा कुन्ती सुषुवे भीममच्युतम् ॥KUMB: १-१२९-६६; KUMB: १-१२९-६७॥
When the moon was conjoined with Magha, Jupiter had risen in Leo, and the sun stood at midday, on the auspicious thirteenth lunar day, at the hour sacred to the ancestors, Kunti gave birth to the steadfast Bhima. (KUMB: 1-129-66; KUMB: 1-129-67)
[PV-SVO:01_018_287]
उत्तराभ्यां तु पूर्वाभ्यां फल्गुनीभ्यां ततो दिवा । जातस्तु फाल्गुने मासि तेनासौ फल्गुनःस्मृतः ॥KUMB: १-१३२-१७॥
He was then born by day in the month of Phalguna, under both the Uttara and Purva Phalgunis; therefore he was known as Phalguna. (KUMB: 1-132-17)
[PV-SVO:01_018_288]
सर्वभूतप्रहर्षिणी । सूतके वर्तमानां तां ॥KUMB: १-१३२-१८॥
bringing joy to all beings. While she was in confinement after childbirth... (KUMB: 1-132-18)
[PV-SVO:01_018_289]
पाण्डुः प्रीतेन मनसा देवतादीनपूजयत् । पाण्डुना पूजिता देवाः प्रत्यूचुर्नरसत्तमम् ॥KUMB: १-१३२-५९॥
With a joyful heart, Pandu worshipped the gods and others. Worshipped by Pandu, the gods replied to that best of men: (KUMB: 1-132-59)
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प्रादुर्बूतो ह्ययं धर्मो देवतानां प्रसादतः । मातरिश्वा ह्ययं भीमो बलवानरिमर्दनः ॥KUMB: १-१३२-६०॥
For Dharma himself has manifested here through the favor of the gods, and this Bhima is Matarishvan himself—mighty and a crusher of foes. (KUMB: 1-132-60)
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साक्षादिन्द्रः स्वयं जातः प्रसादाच्च शतक्रतोः । पितृत्वाद्देवतानां हि नास्ति पुण्यतरस्त्वया ॥KUMB: १-१३२-६१॥
Through Śatakratu’s favor, Indra himself has been born in person. Since you are the father of gods, there is surely no one more blessed than you. (KUMB: 1-132-61)
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पितॄणामृणनिर्मुक्तः स्वर्गं प्राप्स्यसि पुण्यभाक् । इत्युक्त्वा देवताः सर्वा विप्रजग्मुर्यथागतम् ॥KUMB: १-१३२-६२॥
Freed from your debt to the ancestors, you will attain heaven and share in its blessings.” Having spoken thus, all the gods departed the way they had come. (KUMB: 1-132-62)
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वैशम्पायन उवाच॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
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कुन्तीपुत्रेषु जातेषु धृतराष्ट्रात्मजेषु च ॥BORI: १-११५-१A॥
After Kunti’s sons and Dhritarashtra’s sons had been born (BORI: 1-115-1A)
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मद्रराजसुता पाण्डुं रहो वचनमब्रवीत् ॥BORI: १-११५-१B॥
The daughter of the king of Madra spoke privately to Pandu: (BORI: 1-115-1B)
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न मेऽस्ति त्वयि सन्तापो विगुणेऽपि परन्तप । नावरत्वे वरार्हायाः स्थित्वा चानघ नित्यदा ॥BORI: १-११५-२॥
I feel no anguish over your incapacity, O scorcher of foes, nor over always having remained in an inferior position though worthy of the highest, O sinless one... (BORI: 1-115-2)
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गान्धार्याश्चैव नृपते जातं पुत्रशतं तथा । श्रुत्वा न मे तथा दुःखमभवत्कुरुनन्दन ॥BORI: १-११५-३॥
Likewise, O king, when I heard that Gandhari had borne a hundred sons, I did not feel such sorrow, O delight of the Kurus. (BORI: 1-115-3)
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इदं तु मे महद्दुःखं तुल्यतायामपुत्रता । दिष्ट्या त्विदानीं भर्तुर्मे कुन्त्यामप्यस्ति सन्ततिः ॥BORI: १-११५-४॥
But this is my great sorrow: though Kunti and I are equals, I am childless. Fortunately, my husband now has offspring through Kunti. (BORI: 1-115-4)
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यदि त्वपत्यसन्तानं कुन्तिराजसुता मयि । कुर्यादनुग्रहो मे स्यात्तव चापि हितं भवेत् ॥BORI: १-११५-५॥
If Kunti, the king’s daughter, would provide me with offspring, it would be a favor to me and would also be to your benefit. (BORI: 1-115-5)
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स्तम्भो हि मे सपत्नीत्वाद्वक्तुं कुन्तिसुतां प्रति । यदि तु त्वं प्रसन्नो मे स्वयमेनां प्रचोदय ॥BORI: १-११५-६॥
For because she is my co-wife, I feel inhibited from speaking to Kunti's daughter. But if you are pleased with me, urge her yourself. (BORI: 1-115-6)
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पाण्डुरुवाच॥
Pāṇḍu said:
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ममाप्येष सदा माद्रि हृद्यर्थः परिवर्तते । न तु त्वां प्रसहे वक्तुमिष्टानिष्टविवक्षया ॥BORI: १-११५-७॥
The same thought has always been on my mind, Madri, but I could not bring myself to speak to you, uncertain whether you would welcome it or not. (BORI: 1-115-7)
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तव त्विदं मतं ज्ञात्वा प्रयतिष्याम्यतः परम् । मन्ये ध्रुवं मयोक्ता सा वचो मे प्रतिपत्स्यते ॥BORI: १-११५-८॥
But now that I know your wish, I shall make the effort from this point on. I believe that, when I speak to her, she will surely heed my words. (BORI: 1-115-8)
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वैशम्पायन उवाच॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
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ततः कुन्तीं पुनः पाण्डुर्विविक्त इदमब्रवीत् । कुलस्य मम सन्तानं लोकस्य च कुरु प्रियम् ॥BORI: १-११५-९॥
Then, when they were alone, Pandu again said this to Kunti: “Continue my lineage, and do what is pleasing to the world—” (BORI: 1-115-9)
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मम चापिण्डनाशाय पूर्वेषामपि चात्मनः । मत्प्रियार्थं च कल्याणि कुरु कल्याणमुत्तमम् ॥BORI: १-११५-१०॥
To ensure that I, our ancestors, and you yourself are not left without descendants to offer the funeral oblation, and for my sake, blessed lady, perform this supremely good deed. (BORI: 1-115-10)
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यशसोऽर्थाय चैव त्वं कुरु कर्म सुदुष्करम् । प्राप्याधिपत्यमिन्द्रेण यज्ञैरिष्टं यशोर्थिना ॥BORI: १-११५-११॥
And for the sake of fame, undertake this extremely difficult deed. After attaining sovereignty, Indra too, seeking fame, performed sacrifices. (BORI: 1-115-11)
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तथा मन्त्रविदो विप्रास्तपस्तप्त्वा सुदुष्करम् । गुरूनभ्युपगच्छन्ति यशसोऽर्थाय भामिनि ॥BORI: १-११५-१२॥
Likewise, O radiant lady, Brahmins versed in sacred formulas undertake extremely difficult austerities and approach teachers for the sake of fame. (BORI: 1-115-12)
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तथा राजर्षयः सर्वे ब्राह्मणाश्च तपोधनाः । चक्रुरुच्चावचं कर्म यशसोऽर्थाय दुष्करम् ॥BORI: १-११५-१३॥
Likewise, all royal seers and Brahmins rich in austerity performed arduous deeds of every kind for the sake of renown. (BORI: 1-115-13)
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सा त्वं माद्रीं प्लवेनेव तारयेमामनिन्दिते । अपत्यसंविभागेन परां कीर्तिमवाप्नुहि ॥BORI: १-११५-१४॥
Therefore, blameless woman, rescue this Mādrī as though in a boat; by granting her a share in offspring, attain the highest renown. (BORI: 1-115-14)
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एवमुक्ताब्रवीन्माद्रीं सकृच्चिन्तय दैवतम् । तस्मात्ते भवितापत्यमनुरूपमसंशयम् ॥BORI: १-११५-१५॥
Thus addressed, she said to Madri, “Think of a deity just once. From him you will undoubtedly have a child resembling him.” (BORI: 1-115-15)
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ततो माद्री विचार्यैव जगाम मनसाश्विनौ । तावागम्य सुतौ तस्यां जनयामासतुर्यमौ ॥BORI: १-११५-१६॥
Then Madri, after due consideration, fixed her mind on the Ashvins. They came and fathered twin sons upon her. (BORI: 1-115-16)
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नकुलं सहदेवं च रूपेणाप्रतिमौ भुवि । तथैव तावपि यमौ वागुवाचाशरीरिणी ॥BORI: १-११५-१७॥
Nakula and Sahadeva, unequalled in beauty on earth… A disembodied voice likewise addressed the twins: (BORI: 1-115-17)
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रूपसत्त्वगुणोपेतावेतावन्याञ्जनानति । भासतस्तेजसात्यर्थं रूपद्रविणसम्पदा ॥BORI: १-११५-१८॥
Endowed with beauty, strength, and virtue, these two greatly outshine other men in splendor and in their abundance of beauty and wealth. (BORI: 1-115-18)
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नामानि चक्रिरे तेषां शतशृङ्गनिवासिनः । भक्त्या च कर्मणा चैव तथाशीर्भिर्विशां पते ॥BORI: १-११५-१९॥
The inhabitants of Shatashringa gave them names with devotion, ritual observances, and blessings, O lord of the people. (BORI: 1-115-19)
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ज्येष्ठं युधिष्ठिरेत्याहुर्भीमसेनेति मध्यमम् । अर्जुनेति तृतीयं च कुन्तीपुत्रानकल्पयन् ॥BORI: १-११५-२०॥
They called the eldest Yudhishthira, the middle one Bhimasena, and the third Arjuna, thus naming Kunti’s sons. (BORI: 1-115-20)
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पूर्वजं नकुलेत्येवं सहदेवेति चापरम् । माद्रीपुत्रावकथयंस्ते विप्राः प्रीतमानसाः । अनुसंवत्सरं जाता अपि ते कुरुसत्तमाः ॥BORI: १-११५-२१॥
Those delighted Brahmins called the elder of Mādrī’s sons Nakula and the other Sahadeva. Although those foremost Kurus were born at one-year intervals… (BORI: 1-115-21)
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कुन्तीमथ पुनः पाण्डुर्माद्र्यर्थे समचोदयत् । तमुवाच पृथा राजन्रहस्युक्ता सती सदा ॥BORI: १-११५-२२॥
Then Pandu again urged Kunti on Madri’s behalf. O king, the ever-virtuous Pritha, addressed by him in private, said to him: (BORI: 1-115-22)
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उक्ता सकृद्द्वन्द्वमेषा लेभे तेनास्मि वञ्चिता ॥BORI: १-११५-२३A॥
Instructed only once, she obtained a pair; in this way she has deceived me. (BORI: 1-115-23A)
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बिभेम्यस्याः परिभवान्नारीणां गतिरीदृशी ॥BORI: १-११५-२३B॥
I fear being outdone by her—such is the way of women. (BORI: 1-115-23B)
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नाज्ञासिषमहं मूढा द्वन्द्वाह्वाने फलद्वयम् ॥BORI: १-११५-२४A॥
Fool that I was, I did not know that invoking a pair would yield a double result. (BORI: 1-115-24A)
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तस्मान्नाहं नियोक्तव्या त्वयैषोऽस्तु वरो मम ॥BORI: १-११५-२४B॥
Therefore you must not ask this of me again; let this be the boon you grant me. (BORI: 1-115-24B)
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एवं पाण्डोः सुताः पञ्च देवदत्ता महाबलाः । सम्भूताः कीर्तिमन्तस्ते कुरुवंशविवर्धनाः ॥BORI: १-११५-२५॥
Thus were born Pandu’s five mighty sons, begotten by the gods—renowned men who would increase the Kuru lineage. (BORI: 1-115-25)
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शुभलक्षणसम्पन्नाः सोमवत्प्रियदर्शनाः । सिंहदर्पा महेष्वासाः सिंहविक्रान्तगामिनः । सिंहग्रीवा मनुष्येन्द्रा ववृधुर्देवविक्रमाः ॥BORI: १-११५-२६॥
Endowed with auspicious marks and as pleasing to behold as the moon, proud as lions and mighty archers, striding with the valor of lions, lion-necked, those princes grew in might like the gods. (BORI: 1-115-26)
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विवर्धमानास्ते तत्र पुण्ये हैमवते गिरौ । विस्मयं जनयामासुर्महर्षीणां समेयुषाम् ॥BORI: १-११५-२७॥
As they grew up there on the sacred Himalayan mountain, they inspired wonder among the great seers who had assembled. (BORI: 1-115-27)
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