Chapter 25: Duryodhana and Dhṛtarāṣṭra conspire to remove the Pāṇḍavas; the plot at Vāraṇāvata is set in motion to burn them alive.
वैशम्पायन उवाच॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
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प्राणाधिकं भीमसेनं कृतविद्यं धनञ्जयम् । दुर्योधनो लक्षयित्व पर्यतप्यत दुर्मतिः ॥BORI: १-१२९-१॥
Seeing that Bhimasena was dearer than life itself and that Dhananjaya had mastered his training, the wicked-minded Duryodhana was deeply distressed. (BORI: 1-129-1)
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ततो वैकर्तनः कर्णः शकुनिश्चापि सौबलः । अनेकैरभ्युपायैस्ताञ्जिघांसन्ति स्म पाण्डवान् ॥BORI: १-१२९-२॥
Then Karṇa, son of Vikartana, and Śakuni, son of Subala, sought by many means to kill the Pāṇḍavas. (BORI: 1-129-2)
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पाण्डवाश्चापि तत्सर्वं प्रत्यजानन्नरिंदमाः । उद्भावनमकुर्वन्तो विदुरस्य मते स्थिताः ॥BORI: १-१२९-३॥
The Pandavas, those subduers of foes, were fully aware of all this, but gave no sign of it and followed Vidura’s counsel. (BORI: 1-129-3)
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गुणैः समुदितान्दृष्ट्वा पौराः पाण्डुसुतांस्तदा । कथयन्ति स्म सम्भूय चत्वरेषु सभासु च ॥BORI: १-१२९-४॥
Seeing that the sons of Pandu were endowed with virtues, the townspeople gathered at crossroads and in assembly halls and spoke among themselves: (BORI: 1-129-4)
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प्रज्ञाचक्षुरचक्षुष्ट्वाद्धृतराष्ट्रो जनेश्वरः । राज्यमप्राप्तवान्पूर्वं स कथं नृपतिर्भवेत् ॥BORI: १-१२९-५॥
Dhritarashtra, the lord of the people, though endowed with the eye of wisdom, did not obtain the kingdom before because he was blind. How, then, could he become king? (BORI: 1-129-5)
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तथा भीष्मः शान्तनवः सत्यसन्धो महाव्रतः । प्रत्याख्याय पुरा राज्यं नाद्य जातु ग्रहीष्यति ॥BORI: १-१२९-६॥
Likewise Bhishma, son of Shantanu, true to his word and firm in his great vow, renounced the kingdom long ago and will never accept it now. (BORI: 1-129-6)
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ते वयं पाण्डवं ज्येष्ठं तरुणं वृद्धशीलिनम् । अभिषिञ्चाम साध्वद्य सत्यं करुणवेदिनम् ॥BORI: १-१२९-७॥
Let us therefore duly consecrate today the eldest Pandava, young but mature in conduct, truthful and compassionate. (BORI: 1-129-7)
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स हि भीष्मं शान्तनवं धृतराष्ट्रं च धर्मवित् । सपुत्रं विविधैर्भोगैर्योजयिष्यति पूजयन् ॥BORI: १-१२९-८॥
For that knower of dharma will honor Bhishma, son of Shantanu, and Dhritarashtra with his sons, providing them with various enjoyments. (BORI: 1-129-8)
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तेषां दुर्योधनः श्रुत्वा तानि वाक्यानि भाषताम् । युधिष्ठिरानुरक्तानां पर्यतप्यत दुर्मतिः ॥BORI: १-१२९-९॥
When the foolish Duryodhana heard those words spoken by men devoted to Yudhishthira, he was deeply distressed. (BORI: 1-129-9)
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स तप्यमानो दुष्टात्मा तेषां वाचो न चक्षमे । ईर्ष्यया चाभिसन्तप्तो धृतराष्ट्रमुपागमत् ॥BORI: १-१२९-१०॥
Tormented, the wicked-minded man could not bear their words. Burning with jealousy, he went to Dhritarashtra. (BORI: 1-129-10)
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ततो विरहितं दृष्ट्वा पितरं प्रतिपूज्य सः । पौरानुरागसन्तप्तः पश्चादिदमभाषत ॥BORI: १-१२९-११॥
Then, finding his father alone, he paid him due respect and, tormented by the citizens’ affection, afterward said this: (BORI: 1-129-11)
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श्रुता मे जल्पतां तात पौराणामशिवा गिरः । त्वामनादृत्य भीष्मं च पतिमिच्छन्ति पाण्डवम् ॥BORI: १-१२९-१२॥
Father, I have heard the ominous words of the townspeople as they talk: disregarding you and Bhishma, they want the Pandava as their lord. (BORI: 1-129-12)
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मतमेतच्च भीष्मस्य न स राज्यं बुभूषति । अस्माकं तु परां पीडां चिकीर्षन्ति पुरे जनाः ॥BORI: १-१२९-१३॥
This is also Bhishma’s view, though he does not wish to be king. But the people in the city seek to inflict the utmost suffering on us. (BORI: 1-129-13)
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पितृतः प्राप्तवान्राज्यं पाण्डुरात्मगुणैः पुरा । त्वमप्यगुणसंयोगात्प्राप्तं राज्यं न लब्धवान् ॥BORI: १-१२९-१४॥
Pāṇḍu inherited the kingdom from his father long ago through his own virtues, while you, because of your lack of virtue, failed to obtain the kingdom that had come to you. (BORI: 1-129-14)
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स एष पाण्डोर्दायाद्यं यदि प्राप्नोति पाण्डवः । तस्य पुत्रो ध्रुवं प्राप्तस्तस्य तस्येति चापरः ॥BORI: १-१२९-१५॥
If this son of Pandu obtains Pandu’s inheritance, his son will surely obtain it, and after him another of his line, and so on. (BORI: 1-129-15)
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ते वयं राजवंशेन हीनाः सह सुतैरपि । अवज्ञाता भविष्यामो लोकस्य जगतीपते ॥BORI: १-१२९-१६॥
Then we, together with our sons, will be deprived of the royal lineage and despised by the people, O lord of the earth. (BORI: 1-129-16)
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सततं निरयं प्राप्ताः परपिण्डोपजीविनः । न भवेम यथा राजंस्तथा शीघ्रं विधीयताम् ॥BORI: १-१२९-१७॥
Act quickly, O king, so that we do not live in perpetual misery, dependent on others for our food. (BORI: 1-129-17)
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अभविष्यः स्थिरो राज्ये यदि हि त्वं पुरा नृप । ध्रुवं प्राप्स्याम च वयं राज्यमप्यवशे जने ॥BORI: १-१२९-१८॥
Had you stood firm in your rule before, O king, we too would certainly have gained the kingdom, even against the people’s will. (BORI: 1-129-18)
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गुणैः समुदितान्दृष्ट्वा पौराः पाण्डुसुतांस्तदा । कथयाञ्चक्रिरे तेषां गुणान्संसत्सु भारत ॥KUMB: १-१५२-४; NILA: ०१.१४१.०२३॥
Seeing that the sons of Pandu were endowed with virtues, the citizens then spoke of their qualities in public assemblies, O Bharata. (KUMB: 1-152-4; NILA: 01.141.023)
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राज्यप्राप्तिं च संप्राप्तं ज्येष्ठं पाण्डुसुतं तदा । कथयन्ति स्म संभूय चत्वरेषु सभासु च ॥KUMB: १-१५२-५; NILA: ०१.१४१.०२४॥
Gathering in public squares and assembly halls, they said that Pāṇḍu’s eldest son had now become eligible to receive the kingdom. (KUMB: 1-152-5; NILA: 01.141.024)
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वैशम्पायन उवाच॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
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धृतराष्ट्रस्तु पुत्रस्य श्रुत्वा वचनमीदृशम् । मुहूर्तमिव सञ्चिन्त्य दुर्योधनमथाब्रवीत् ॥BORI: १-१३०-१॥
When Dhritarashtra heard these words from his son, he reflected for a moment and then said to Duryodhana: (BORI: 1-130-1)
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धर्मनित्यः सदा पाण्डुर्ममासीत्प्रियकृद्धितः । सर्वेषु ज्ञातिषु तथा मयि त्वासीद्विशेषतः ॥BORI: १-१३०-२॥
Pandu was ever devoted to righteousness, always doing what pleased and benefited me. He was likewise disposed toward all his kinsmen, but especially toward me. (BORI: 1-130-2)
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नास्य किञ्चिन्न जानामि भोजनादि चिकीर्षितम् । निवेदयति नित्यं हि मम राज्यं धृतव्रतः ॥BORI: १-१३०-३॥
There is nothing he wishes to do—not even take a meal—that I do not know about; steadfast in his vows, he always places the kingdom at my disposal. (BORI: 1-130-3)
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तस्य पुत्रो यथा पाण्डुस्तथा धर्मपरायणः । गुणवाँल्लोकविख्यातः पौराणां च सुसंमतः ॥BORI: १-१३०-४॥
His son Pandu is likewise devoted to righteousness, virtuous, renowned throughout the world, and highly esteemed by the citizens. (BORI: 1-130-4)
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स कथं शक्यमस्माभिरपक्रष्टुं बलादितः । पितृपैतामहाद्राज्यात्ससहायो विशेषतः ॥BORI: १-१३०-५॥
How can we forcibly dispossess him of the kingdom inherited from his father and grandfather, especially when he has allies? (BORI: 1-130-5)
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भृता हि पाण्डुनामात्या बलं च सततं भृतम् । भृताः पुत्राश्च पौत्राश्च तेषामपि विशेषतः ॥BORI: १-१३०-६॥
For the ministers were supported by Pandu, and the army was constantly maintained; their sons and grandsons too were especially well provided for. (BORI: 1-130-6)
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ते पुरा सत्कृतास्तात पाण्डुना पौरवा जनाः । कथं युधिष्ठिरस्यार्थे न नो हन्युः सबान्धवान् ॥BORI: १-१३०-७॥
Those Paurava people were honored in the past by Pandu, my son. Why would they not kill us and our kinsmen for Yudhishthira’s sake? (BORI: 1-130-7)
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दुर्योधन उवाच॥
Duryodhana said:
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एवमेतन्मया तात भावितं दोषमात्मनि । दृष्ट्वा प्रकृतयः सर्वा अर्थमानेन योजिताः ॥BORI: १-१३०-८॥
Father, I too have considered this matter in just this way. Recognizing the danger to myself, I have won over all the leading citizens with wealth and honors. (BORI: 1-130-8)
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ध्रुवमस्मत्सहायास्ते भविष्यन्ति प्रधानतः । अर्थवर्गः सहामात्यो मत्संस्थोऽद्य महीपते ॥BORI: १-१३०-९॥
They will certainly be our principal allies. The treasury, together with the ministers, is now under my control, O king. (BORI: 1-130-9)
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स भवान्पाण्डवानाशु विवासयितुमर्हति । मृदुनैवाभ्युपायेन नगरं वारणावतम् ॥BORI: १-१३०-१०॥
You should therefore quickly send the Pandavas away to the city of Varanavata, using only gentle means. (BORI: 1-130-10)
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यदा प्रतिष्ठितं राज्यं मयि राजन्भविष्यति । तदा कुन्ती सहापत्या पुनरेष्यति भारत ॥BORI: १-१३०-११॥
When the kingdom is securely established in my hands, O king, Kunti and her sons will return, O Bharata. (BORI: 1-130-11)
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धृतराष्ट्र उवाच॥
Dhritarashtra said:
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दुर्योधन ममाप्येतद्धृदि सम्परिवर्तते । अभिप्रायस्य पापत्वान्नैतत्तु विवृणोम्यहम् ॥BORI: १-१३०-१२॥
Duryodhana, this too has been turning over in my mind. But because the intention is wicked, I do not disclose it. (BORI: 1-130-12)
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न च भीष्मो न च द्रोणो न क्षत्ता न च गौतमः । विवास्यमानान्कौन्तेयाननुमंस्यन्ति कर्हिचित् ॥BORI: १-१३०-१३॥
Neither Bhishma nor Drona nor Kshatta nor Gautama will ever consent to the sons of Kunti being banished. (BORI: 1-130-13)
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समा हि कौरवेयाणां वयमेते च पुत्रक । नैते विषममिच्छेयुर्धर्मयुक्ता मनस्विनः ॥BORI: १-१३०-१४॥
For, my son, in the eyes of the Kauravas, we and these men are equal. Righteous and high-minded, they would not wish for unequal treatment. (BORI: 1-130-14)
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ते वयं कौरवेयाणामेतेषां च महात्मनाम् । कथं न वध्यतां तात गच्छेम जगतस्तथा ॥BORI: १-१३०-१५॥
How then, dear son, could we avoid becoming deserving of death at the hands of the Kauravas, these great-souled men, and likewise the world? (BORI: 1-130-15)
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दुर्योधन उवाच॥
Duryodhana said:
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मध्यस्थः सततं भीष्मो द्रोणपुत्रो मयि स्थितः । यतः पुत्रस्ततो द्रोणो भविता नात्र सांशयः ॥BORI: १-१३०-१६॥
Bhishma is always neutral, but Drona’s son stands with me. Wherever his son is, Drona will be too; there is no doubt of this. (BORI: 1-130-16)
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कृपः शारद्वतश्चैव यत एते त्रयस्ततः । द्रोणं च भागिनेयं च न स त्यक्ष्यति कर्हिचित् ॥BORI: १-१३०-१७॥
Kripa, son of Sharadvata, will likewise be wherever these three are. He will never abandon Drona and his nephew. (BORI: 1-130-17)
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क्षत्तार्थबद्धस्त्वस्माकं प्रच्छन्नं तु यतः परे । न चैकः स समर्थोऽस्मान्पाण्डवार्थे प्रबाधितुम् ॥BORI: १-१३०-१८॥
The chamberlain is bound to us by material interests, though secretly devoted to the others; and alone he is not capable of thwarting us on behalf of the Pandavas. (BORI: 1-130-18)
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स विश्रब्धः पाण्डुपुत्रान्सह मात्रा विवासय । वारणावतमद्यैव नात्र दोषो भविष्यति ॥BORI: १-१३०-१९॥
So, without misgivings, send the sons of Pandu away with their mother to Varanavata this very day. No blame will attach to this. (BORI: 1-130-19)
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विनिद्रकरणं घोरं हृदि शल्यमिवार्पितम् । शोकपावकमुद्भूतं कर्मणैतेन नाशय ॥BORI: १-१३०-२०॥
By this act, extinguish the terrible fire of grief that has arisen, causing sleeplessness and lodged in my heart like a dart. (BORI: 1-130-20)
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वैशम्पायन उवाच॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
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ततो दुर्योधनो राजा सर्वास्ताः प्रकृतीः शनैः । अर्थमानप्रदानाभ्यां सञ्जहार सहानुजः ॥BORI: १-१३१-१॥
Then King Duryodhana, together with his younger brothers, gradually won over all the subjects by bestowing wealth and honors upon them. (BORI: 1-131-1)
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धृतराष्ट्रप्रयुक्तास्तु केचित्कुशलमन्त्रिणः । कथयां चक्रिरे रम्यं नगरं वारणावतम् ॥BORI: १-१३१-२॥
Meanwhile, some skillful advisers, prompted by Dhritarashtra, began to speak of the charms of the city of Varanavata. (BORI: 1-131-2)
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अयं समाजः सुमहान्रमणीयतमो भुवि । उपस्थितः पशुपतेर्नगरे वारणावते ॥BORI: १-१३१-३॥
This great festival of Pashupati, the most delightful on earth, is now taking place in the city of Varanavata. (BORI: 1-131-3)
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सर्वरत्नसमाकीर्णे पुंसां देशे मनोरमे । इत्येवं धृतराष्ट्रस्य वचनाच्चक्रिरे कथाः ॥BORI: १-१३१-४॥
“in that place, filled with every kind of treasure and delightful to men.” Thus, at Dhritarashtra’s bidding, they spoke in this way. (BORI: 1-131-4)
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कथ्यमाने तथा रम्ये नगरे वारणावते । गमने पाण्डुपुत्राणां जज्ञे तत्र मतिर्नृप ॥BORI: १-१३१-५॥
O king, as the delightful city of Varanavata was being described in this way, the sons of Pandu conceived a desire to go there. (BORI: 1-131-5)
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यदा त्वमन्यत नृपो जातकौतूहला इति । उवाचैनानथ तदा पाण्डवानम्बिकासुतः ॥BORI: १-१३१-६॥
When the king thought, “They have grown curious,” Ambikā’s son then said to the Pāṇḍavas: (BORI: 1-131-6)
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ममेमे पुरुषा नित्यं कथयन्ति पुनः पुनः । रमणीयतरं लोके नगरं वारणावतम् ॥BORI: १-१३१-७॥
These men of mine constantly tell me, again and again, that the city of Varanavata is the most delightful place in the world. (BORI: 1-131-7)
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ते तात यदि मन्यध्वमुत्सवं वारणावते । सगणाः सानुयात्राश्च विहरध्वं यथामराः ॥BORI: १-१३१-८॥
My sons, if you wish to attend the festival at Varanavata, enjoy yourselves there like the gods, together with your companions and retinues. (BORI: 1-131-8)
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ब्राह्मणेभ्यश्च रत्नानि गायनेभ्यश्च सर्वशः । प्रयच्छध्वं यथाकामं देवा इव सुवर्चसः ॥BORI: १-१३१-९॥
Give jewels freely to the Brahmins and singers according to your pleasure, like the radiant gods. (BORI: 1-131-9)
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कञ्चित्कालं विहृत्यैवमनुभूय परां मुदम् । इदं वै हास्तिनपुरं सुखिनः पुनरेष्यथ ॥BORI: १-१३१-१०॥
After spending some time in this way and experiencing the greatest delight, you will return happily to Hastinapura. (BORI: 1-131-10)
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धृतराष्ट्रस्य तं काममनुबुद्ध्वा युधिष्ठिरः । आत्मनश्चासहायत्वं तथेति प्रत्युवाच तम् ॥BORI: १-१३१-११॥
Realizing Dhritarashtra’s wish and his own lack of allies, Yudhishthira replied to him, “So be it.” (BORI: 1-131-11)
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ततो भीष्मं महाप्राज्ञं विदुरं च महामतिम् । द्रोणं च बाह्लिकं चैव सोमदत्तं च कौरवम् ॥BORI: १-१३१-१२॥
Then Bhishma, the profoundly wise Vidura, Drona, Bahlika, and Somadatta the Kaurava... (BORI: 1-131-12)
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कृपमाचार्यपुत्रं च गान्धारीं च यशस्विनीम् । युधिष्ठिरः शनैर्दीनमुवाचेदं वचस्तदा ॥BORI: १-१३१-१३॥
Kripa, the preceptor’s son, and the illustrious Gandhari—Yudhishthira then softly spoke these sorrowful words to them: (BORI: 1-131-13)
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रमणीये जनाकीर्णे नगरे वारणावते । सगणास्तात वत्स्यामो धृतराष्ट्रस्य शासनात् ॥BORI: १-१३१-१४॥
Dear ones, we shall stay with our attendants in the delightful, populous city of Varanavata, in obedience to Dhritarashtra’s command. (BORI: 1-131-14)
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प्रसन्नमनसः सर्वे पुण्या वाचो विमुञ्चत । आशीर्भिर्वर्धितानस्मान्न पापं प्रसहिष्यति ॥BORI: १-१३१-१५॥
With joyful hearts, all of you utter auspicious words. Strengthened by your blessings, we shall not be overcome by evil. (BORI: 1-131-15)
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एवमुक्तास्तु ते सर्वे पाण्डुपुत्रेण कौरवाः । प्रसन्नवदना भूत्वा तेऽभ्यवर्तन्त पाण्डवान् ॥BORI: १-१३१-१६॥
Thus addressed by the son of Pandu, all the Kauravas brightened and approached the Pandavas. (BORI: 1-131-16)
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स्वस्त्यस्तु वः पथि सदा भूतेभ्यश्चैव सर्वशः । मा च वोऽस्त्वशुभं किञ्चित्सर्वतः पाण्डुनन्दनाः ॥BORI: १-१३१-१७॥
May you always fare well on your journey and be safe from all beings in every way. May no misfortune befall you from any quarter, sons of Pandu. (BORI: 1-131-17)
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ततः कृतस्वस्त्ययना राज्यलाभाय पाण्डवाः । कृत्वा सर्वाणि कार्याणि प्रययुर्वारणावतम् ॥BORI: १-१३१-१८॥
Then, after auspicious rites had been performed for their attainment of the kingdom, the Pandavas completed all their preparations and departed for Varanavata. (BORI: 1-131-18)
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ततो दुर्योधनो राजा सर्वास्तु प्रकृतीः शनैः । अर्थमानप्रदानाभ्यां संजहार सहानुजः । युयुत्सुमपनीयैकं धार्तराष्ट्रं सहोदरम् ॥KUMB: १-१५५-१॥
Then King Duryodhana, together with his younger brothers, gradually won over all the people by bestowing wealth and honors upon them, except for Yuyutsu alone, his brother and a son of Dhritarashtra. (KUMB: 1-155-1)
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अधीतानि च शास्त्राणि युष्माभिरिह कृत्स्नशः । अस्त्राणि च तथा द्रोणाद्गौतमाच्च शरद्वतः ॥KUMB: १-१५५-७॥
You have studied all the scriptures here thoroughly, as well as weaponry under Drona and Gautama, the son of Sharadvat. (KUMB: 1-155-7)
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कृतकृत्या भवन्तस्तु सर्वविद्याविशारदाः । सोऽहमेवं गते ताताश्चिन्तयामि समन्ततः । रक्षणे व्यवहारे च राज्यस्य सततं हिते ॥KUMB: १-१५५-८॥
You have accomplished all that was required and are proficient in every branch of learning. Therefore, dear sons, now that matters stand thus, I am constantly considering from every angle the kingdom’s protection, administration, and welfare. (KUMB: 1-155-8)
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निवसध्वं च तत्रैव संरक्षणपरायणाः । वैलक्षण्यं न वै तत्र भविष्यति परंतपाः ॥KUMB: १-१५५-१३॥
Remain there, wholly devoted to its protection; nothing will go amiss there, O scorchers of foes. (KUMB: 1-155-13)
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कृपमाचार्यपुत्रं च भूरिश्रवसमेव च । मान्यानन्यानमात्यांश्च ब्राह्मणांश्च तपोधनान् ॥KUMB: १-१५५-१६; NILA: ०१.१४३.०१३॥
Kripa and the preceptor’s son, as well as Bhurishravas, the other honored ministers, and Brahmins rich in austerity... (KUMB: 1-155-16; NILA: 01.143.013)
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पुरोहितांश्च पौत्रांश्च गान्धारीं च यशस्विनीम् । सर्वा मातॄरुपस्पृष्ट्वा विदुरस्य च योषितः । युधिष्ठिरः शनैर्दीन उवाचेदं वचस्तदा ॥KUMB: १-१५५-१७; NILA: ०१.१४३.०१४॥
After paying his respects to the priests, the grandsons, the illustrious Gandhari, all the mothers, and Vidura’s wives, the dejected Yudhishthira then softly spoke these words. (KUMB: 1-155-17; NILA: 01.143.014)
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वैशम्पायन उवाच॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
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एवमुक्तेषु राज्ञा तु पाण्डवेषु महात्मसु । दुर्योधनः परं हर्षमाजगाम दुरात्मवान् ॥BORI: १-१३२-१॥
When the king had spoken thus to the noble Pandavas, the wicked Duryodhana was filled with supreme delight. (BORI: 1-132-1)
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ततः सुबलपुत्रश्च कर्णदुर्योधनावपि । दहने सह पुत्रायाः कुन्त्या मतिमकुर्वत । मन्त्रयित्वा स तैः सार्धं दुरात्मा धृतराष्ट्रजः ॥KUMB: १-१५६-२॥
Then Subala’s son, Karna, and Duryodhana resolved to burn Kunti together with her sons. After consulting with them, the wicked son of Dhritarashtra… (KUMB: 1-156-2)
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स पुरोचनमेकान्तमानीय भरतर्षभ । गृहीत्वा दक्षिणे पाणौ सचिवं वाक्यमब्रवीत् ॥BORI: १-१३२-२॥
O best of the Bharatas, he took his counselor Purocana aside, grasped him by the right hand, and said: (BORI: 1-132-2)
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ममेयं वसुसम्पूर्णा पुरोचन वसुन्धरा । यथेयं मम तद्वत्ते स तां रक्षितुमर्हसि ॥BORI: १-१३२-३॥
This earth, full of riches, is mine, Purocana. Just as it is mine, so it is yours; therefore you should protect it. (BORI: 1-132-3)
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न हि मे कश्चिदन्योऽस्ति वैश्वासिकतरस्त्वया । सहायो येन सन्धाय मन्त्रयेयं यथा त्वया ॥BORI: १-१३२-४॥
For I have no other ally more trustworthy than you, with whom I could consult in confidence as I can with you. (BORI: 1-132-4)
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संरक्ष तात मन्त्रं च सपत्नांश्च ममोद्धर । निपुणेनाभ्युपायेन यद्ब्रवीमि तथा कुरु ॥BORI: १-१३२-५॥
Keep this counsel secret, my dear, and eliminate my enemies by a skillful stratagem. Do as I tell you. (BORI: 1-132-5)
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पाण्डवा धृतराष्ट्रेण प्रेषिता वारणावतम् । उत्सवे विहरिष्यन्ति धृतराष्ट्रस्य शासनात् ॥BORI: १-१३२-६॥
Dhritarashtra has sent the Pandavas to Varanavata. At his command, they will enjoy the festival there. (BORI: 1-132-6)
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स त्वं रासभयुक्तेन स्यन्दनेनाशुगामिना । वारणावतमद्यैव यथा यासि तथा कुरु ॥BORI: १-१३२-७॥
Therefore, arrange to go to Varanavata this very day in a swift chariot drawn by donkeys. (BORI: 1-132-7)
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तत्र गत्वा चतुःशालं गृहं परमसंवृतम् । आयुधागारमाश्रित्य कारयेथा महाधनम् ॥BORI: १-१३२-८॥
Once there, have a very costly four-winged house built beside the arsenal, thoroughly enclosed. (BORI: 1-132-8)
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शणसर्जरसादीनि यानि द्रव्याणि कानिचित् । आग्नेयान्युत सन्तीह तानि सर्वाणि दापय ॥BORI: १-१३२-९॥
Have all the flammable materials available here—hemp, resin, and anything else of that kind—brought there. (BORI: 1-132-9)
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सर्पिषा च सतैलेन लाक्षया चाप्यनल्पया । मृत्तिकां मिश्रयित्वा त्वं लेपं कुड्येषु दापयेः ॥BORI: १-१३२-१०॥
Mix clay with ghee, oil, and a large quantity of lac, and have the walls coated with it. (BORI: 1-132-10)
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शणान्वंशं घृतं दारु यन्त्राणि विविधानि च । तस्मिन्वेश्मनि सर्वाणि निक्षिपेथाः समन्ततः ॥BORI: १-१३२-११॥
You should place hemp, bamboo, ghee, timber, and various devices throughout that house. (BORI: 1-132-11)
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यथा च त्वां न शङ्केरन्परीक्षन्तोऽपि पाण्डवाः । आग्नेयमिति तत्कार्यमिति चान्ये च मानवाः ॥BORI: १-१३२-१२॥
It must be made so that neither the Pandavas nor any other people, even upon examining it, suspect you or think that it is combustible. (BORI: 1-132-12)
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वेश्मन्येवं कृते तत्र कृत्वा तान्परमार्चितान् । वासयेः पाण्डवेयांश्च कुन्तीं च ससुहृज्जनाम् ॥BORI: १-१३२-१३॥
Once the house there has been prepared in this way, you should receive the sons of Pandu with the highest honors and lodge them there, along with Kunti and their friends. (BORI: 1-132-13)
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तत्रासनानि मुख्यानि यानानि शयनानि च । विधातव्यानि पाण्डूनां यथा तुष्येत मे पिता ॥BORI: १-१३२-१४॥
There you must provide the sons of Pandu with the finest seats, conveyances, and beds, so that my father may be pleased. (BORI: 1-132-14)
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यथा रमेरन्विश्रब्धा नगरे वारणावते । तथा सर्वं विधातव्यं यावत्कालस्य पर्ययः ॥BORI: १-१३२-१५॥
Everything must be arranged so that they may enjoy themselves without suspicion in the city of Varanavata until the appointed time has elapsed. (BORI: 1-132-15)
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ज्ञात्वा तु तान्सुविश्वस्ताञ्शयानानकुतोभयान् । अग्निस्ततस्त्वया देयो द्वारतस्तस्य वेश्मनः ॥BORI: १-१३२-१६॥
But once you know that they are sound asleep, fully trusting and free from fear, you must then set fire to the house at its door. (BORI: 1-132-16)
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दग्धानेवं स्वके गेहे दग्धा इति ततो जनाः । ज्ञातयो वा वदिष्यन्ति पाण्डवार्थाय कर्हिचित् ॥BORI: १-१३२-१७॥
Then, once they have thus been burned in their own house, the people—or even their relatives—will eventually say of the Pandavas, “They were burned to death.” (BORI: 1-132-17)
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तत्तथेति प्रतिज्ञाय कौरवाय पुरोचनः । प्रायाद्रासभयुक्तेन नगरं वारणावतम् ॥BORI: १-१३२-१८॥
Having promised the Kaurava, “It shall be so,” Purocana set out in a donkey-drawn carriage for the city of Varanavata. (BORI: 1-132-18)
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स गत्वा त्वरितो राजन्दुर्योधनमते स्थितः । यथोक्तं राजपुत्रेण सर्वं चक्रे पुरोचनः ॥BORI: १-१३२-१९॥
Having gone there swiftly, O king, Purochana, intent on carrying out Duryodhana’s plan, did everything as the prince had instructed. (BORI: 1-132-19)
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ततः सुबलपुत्रश्च कर्णदुर्योधनावपि । दहने सह पुत्रायाः कुन्त्या मतिमकुर्वत । मन्त्रयित्वा स तैः सार्धं दुरात्मा धृतराष्ट्रजः ॥KUMB: १-१५६-२॥
Then Subala’s son, Karna, and Duryodhana resolved to burn Kunti together with her sons. After consulting with them, the wicked son of Dhritarashtra… (KUMB: 1-156-2)
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बल्वजेन च संमिश्रं मधूच्छिष्टेन चैव हि ॥KUMB: १-१५६-११॥
mixed with balvaja grass and also with beeswax… (KUMB: 1-156-11)
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लाक्षाशममधूच्छिष्टवेष्टितानि मृदापि च । लेपयित्वा गुरूण्याशु दारुयन्त्राणि दापय ॥KUMB: १-१५६-१३॥
After coating the heavy wooden contrivances, wrapped in lac, hemp, and beeswax, with clay as well, have them installed at once. (KUMB: 1-156-13)
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यथा च तन्न जानन्ति नगरे वारणावते ॥KUMB: १-१५६-१७॥
so that they do not learn of it in the city of Varanavata. (KUMB: 1-156-17)
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तेषां तु पाण्डवेयानां गृहं रौद्रमकल्पयत् ॥KUMB: १-१५६-२२॥
But he prepared a dreadful house for those sons of Pandu. (KUMB: 1-156-22)
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वैशम्पायन उवाच॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
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पाण्डवास्तु रथान्युक्त्वा सदश्वैरनिलोपमैः । आरोहमाणा भीष्मस्य पादौ जगृहुरार्तवत् ॥BORI: १-१३३-१॥
The Pandavas yoked their chariots with fine horses like the wind and, as they mounted, clasped Bhishma’s feet like men in distress… (BORI: 1-133-1)
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राज्ञश्च धृतराष्ट्रस्य द्रोणस्य च महात्मनः । अन्येषां चैव वृद्धानां विदुरस्य कृपस्य च ॥BORI: १-१३३-२॥
and those of King Dhritarashtra, the great-souled Drona, the other elders, Vidura, and Kripa. (BORI: 1-133-2)
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एवं सर्वान्कुरून्वृद्धानभिवाद्य यतव्रताः । समालिङ्ग्य समानांश्च बालैश्चाप्यभिवादिताः ॥BORI: १-१३३-३॥
Thus, after saluting all the elder Kurus, those faithful to their vows embraced their peers and received the salutations of the younger ones... (BORI: 1-133-3)
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सर्वा मातृस्तथापृष्ट्वा कृत्वा चैव प्रदक्षिणम् । सर्वाः प्रकृतयश्चैव प्रययुर्वारणावतम् ॥BORI: १-१३३-४॥
Having taken leave of all their mothers and all the citizens, and having circumambulated them, they departed for Varanavata. (BORI: 1-133-4)
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विदुरश्च महाप्राज्ञस्तथान्ये कुरुपुङ्गवाः । पौराश्च पुरुषव्याघ्रानन्वयुः शोककर्शिताः ॥BORI: १-१३३-५॥
The exceedingly wise Vidura, the other foremost Kurus, and the citizens, worn down by grief, followed the tigers among men. (BORI: 1-133-5)
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तत्र केच्चिद्ब्रुवन्ति स्म ब्राह्मणा निर्भयास्तदा । शोचमानाः पाण्डुपुत्रानतीव भरतर्षभ ॥BORI: १-१३३-६॥
Then some fearless Brahmins there, grieving deeply for the sons of Pandu, said, “O best of the Bharatas,” (BORI: 1-133-6)
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विषमं पश्यते राजा सर्वथा तमसावृतः । धृतराष्ट्रः सुदुर्बुद्धिर्न च धर्मं प्रपश्यति ॥BORI: १-१३३-७॥
The king, shrouded entirely in darkness, sees things wrongly. Dhritarashtra is utterly foolish and does not perceive what is right. (BORI: 1-133-7)
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न हि पापमपापात्मा रोचयिष्यति पाण्डवः । भीमो वा बलिनां श्रेष्ठः कौन्तेयो वा धनञ्जयः । कुत एव महाप्राज्ञौ माद्रीपुत्रौ करिष्यतः ॥BORI: १-१३३-८॥
For the sinless Yudhishthira will not approve of evil, nor will Bhima, foremost of the strong, nor Kunti’s son Dhananjaya. How much less would Madri’s two exceedingly wise sons commit it? (BORI: 1-133-8)
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तद्राज्यं पितृतः प्राप्तं धृतराष्ट्रो न मृष्यते । अधर्ममखिलं किं नु भीष्मोऽयमनुमन्यते । विवास्यमानानस्थाने कौन्तेयान्भरतर्षभान् ॥BORI: १-१३३-९॥
Dhritarashtra cannot abide the kingdom they inherited from their father. How can this Bhishma condone such utter injustice—the sons of Kunti, bulls of the Bharatas, being wrongfully driven into exile? (BORI: 1-133-9)
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पितेव हि नृपोऽस्माकमभूच्छान्तनवः पुरा । विचित्रवीर्यो राजर्षिः पाण्डुश्च कुरुनन्दनः ॥BORI: १-१३३-१०॥
For Shantanu’s son, our lord, was formerly like a father to us, as were the royal sage Vichitravirya and Pandu, delight of the Kurus. (BORI: 1-133-10)
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स तस्मिन्पुरुषव्याघ्रे दिष्टभावं गते सति । राजपुत्रानिमान्बालान्धृतराष्ट्रो न मृष्यते ॥BORI: १-१३३-११॥
Now that that tiger among men has met his appointed fate, Dhritarashtra cannot tolerate these young princes. (BORI: 1-133-11)
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वयमेतदमृष्यन्तः सर्व एव पुरोत्तमात् । गृहान्विहाय गच्छामो यत्र याति युधिष्ठिरः ॥BORI: १-१३३-१२॥
All of us, unable to endure this from the foremost man of the city, will leave our homes and go wherever Yudhishthira goes. (BORI: 1-133-12)
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तांस्तथावादिनः पौरान्दुःखितान्दुःखकर्शितः । उवाच परमप्रीतो धर्मराजो युधिष्ठिरः ॥BORI: १-१३३-१३॥
Deeply distressed by the suffering citizens who spoke in this way, the righteous king Yudhishthira addressed them with great affection: (BORI: 1-133-13)
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पिता मान्यो गुरुः श्रेष्ठो यदाह पृथिवीपतिः । अशङ्कमानैस्तत्कार्यमस्माभिरिति नो व्रतम् ॥BORI: १-१३३-१४॥
The king is our father, worthy of honor, and our highest teacher. Whatever he commands, we must carry out without hesitation—such is our vow. (BORI: 1-133-14)
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भवन्तः सुहृदोऽस्माकमस्मान्कृत्वा प्रदक्षिणम् । आशीर्भिरभिनन्द्यास्मान्निवर्तध्वं यथागृहम् ॥BORI: १-१३३-१५॥
You are our friends. Walk around us clockwise, bless us with your good wishes, and then return to your respective homes. (BORI: 1-133-15)
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यदा तु कार्यमस्माकं भवद्भिरुपपत्स्यते । तदा करिष्यथ मम प्रियाणि च हितानि च ॥BORI: १-१३३-१६॥
But when we have need of you, you shall do what is both pleasing and beneficial to me. (BORI: 1-133-16)
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ते तथेति प्रतिज्ञाय कृत्वा चैतान्प्रदक्षिणम् । आशीर्भिरभिनन्द्यैनाञ्जग्मुर्नगरमेव हि ॥BORI: १-१३३-१७॥
They promised, “So be it,” circumambulated them, blessed them, and then returned to the city. (BORI: 1-133-17)
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पौरेषु तु निवृत्तेषु विदुरः सर्वधर्मवित् । बोधयन्पाण्डवश्रेष्ठमिदं वचनमब्रवीत् । प्राज्ञः प्राज्ञं प्रलापज्ञः सम्यग्धर्मार्थदर्शिवान् ॥BORI: १-१३३-१८॥
When the townspeople had turned back, the wise Vidura, knower of every duty, skilled in discourse and discerning dharma and artha correctly, instructed the wise foremost of the Pandavas and spoke these words: (BORI: 1-133-18)
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विज्ञायेदं तथा कुर्यादापदं निस्तरेद्यथा । अलोहं निशितं शस्त्रं शरीरपरिकर्तनम् । यो वेत्ति न तमाघ्नन्ति प्रतिघातविदं द्विषः ॥BORI: १-१३३-१९॥
Understanding this, one should act so as to escape danger. Enemies do not strike down one who recognizes the sharp, non-iron weapon that cuts the body and knows how to counter it. (BORI: 1-133-19)
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कक्षघ्नः शिशिरघ्नश्च महाकक्षे बिलौकसः । न दहेदिति चात्मानं यो रक्षति स जीवति ॥BORI: १-१३३-२०॥
The fire that consumes dry grass and dispels the cold would not burn creatures dwelling in holes in a vast thicket; whoever thus protects himself survives. (BORI: 1-133-20)
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नाचक्षुर्वेत्ति पन्थानं नाचक्षुर्विन्दते दिशः । नाधृतिर्भूतिमाप्नोति बुध्यस्वैवं प्रबोधितः ॥BORI: १-१३३-२१॥
A blind man does not know the path or discern the directions; one without fortitude does not attain prosperity. Understand this, now that you have been instructed. (BORI: 1-133-21)
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अनाप्तैर्दत्तमादत्ते नरः शस्त्रमलोहजम् । श्वाविच्छरणमासाद्य प्रमुच्येत हुताशनात् ॥BORI: १-१३३-२२॥
A man accepts a weapon not made of iron when it is given by those he does not trust. By reaching a porcupine’s shelter, he may escape from a fire. (BORI: 1-133-22)
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चरन्मार्गान्विजानाति नक्षत्रैर्विन्दते दिशः । आत्मना चात्मनः पञ्च पीडयन्नानुपीड्यते ॥BORI: १-१३३-२३॥
By traveling, one comes to know the roads; by the stars, one finds the directions. By mastering one’s five senses through self-control, one is not afflicted. (BORI: 1-133-23)
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अनुशिष्ट्वानुगत्वा च कृत्वा चैनान्प्रदक्षिणम् । पाण्डवानभ्यनुज्ञाय विदुरः प्रययौ गृहान् ॥BORI: १-१३३-२४॥
After instructing and accompanying the Pandavas, and circumambulating them, Vidura took his leave of them and departed for home. (BORI: 1-133-24)
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निवृत्ते विदुरे चैव भीष्मे पौरजने तथा । अजातशत्रुमामन्त्र्य कुन्ती वचनमब्रवीत् ॥BORI: १-१३३-२५॥
When Vidura, Bhishma, and the townspeople had departed, Kunti addressed Ajatashatru and said: (BORI: 1-133-25)
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क्षत्ता यदब्रवीद्वाक्यं जनमध्येऽब्रुवन्निव । त्वया च तत्तथेत्युक्तो जानीमो न च तद्वयम् ॥BORI: १-१३३-२६॥
What Kshatta said amid the people, as though saying nothing, and to which you replied, “Yes”—we do not understand it. (BORI: 1-133-26)
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यदि तच्छक्यमस्माभिः श्रोतुं न च सदोषवत् । श्रोतुमिच्छामि तत्सर्वं संवादं तव तस्य च ॥BORI: १-१३३-२७॥
If it is proper for us to hear it and there is no fault in doing so, I wish to hear the entire conversation between you and him. (BORI: 1-133-27)
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युधिष्ठिर उवाच॥
Yudhishthira said:
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विषादग्नेश्च बोद्धव्यमिति मां विदुरोऽब्रवीत् । पन्थाश्च वो नाविदितः कश्चित्स्यादिति चाब्रवीत् ॥BORI: १-१३३-२८॥
Vidura told me, “You must be alert to poison and fire.” He also said, “Let no path at all be unknown to you.” (BORI: 1-133-28)
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जितेन्द्रियश्च वसुधां प्राप्स्यसीति च माब्रवीत् । विज्ञातमिति तत्सर्वमित्युक्तो विदुरो मया ॥BORI: १-१३३-२९॥
He also told me, “With your senses under control, you will gain the earth.” I replied to Vidura, “I understand all that.” (BORI: 1-133-29)
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वैशम्पायन उवाच॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
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अष्टमेऽहनि रोहिण्यां प्रयाताः फल्गुनस्य ते । वारणावतमासाद्य ददृशुर्नागरं जनम् ॥BORI: १-१३३-३०॥
They set out on the eighth day of Phalguna, under Rohini. Upon reaching Varanavata, they saw the townspeople. (BORI: 1-133-30)
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प्राज्ञं प्राज्ञः प्रलापज्ञः प्रलापज्ञं वचोब्रवीत् ॥NILA: ०१.१४५.०२०॥
The wise man, versed in cryptic speech, spoke to the wise man who was likewise versed in it: (NILA: 01.145.020)
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यो जानाति परप्रज्ञां नीतिशास्त्रानुसारिणीम् ॥KUMB: १-१५७-२०; NILA: ०१.१४५.०२१॥
who understood another’s wisdom when it accorded with the science of statecraft. (KUMB: 1-157-20; NILA: 01.145.021)
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एवमुक्तः प्रत्युवाच धर्मराजो युधिष्ठिरः । विदुरं विदुषां श्रेष्ठं ज्ञातमित्येव पाण्डवः ॥KUMB: १-१५७-२६; NILA: ०१.१४५.०२७॥
Thus addressed, Dharma King Yudhishthira, the Pandava, replied to Vidura, foremost of the wise: “It is understood.” (KUMB: 1-157-26; NILA: 01.145.027)
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कुड्याश्चविदिताःकार्याःस्याच्छुद्धिरितिचाब्रवीत् ॥KUMB: १-१५७-३१॥
“The walls, too, must be investigated; then there will be certainty,” he said. (KUMB: 1-157-31)
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वैशम्पायन उवाच॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
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ततः सर्वाः प्रकृतयो नगराद्वारणावतात् । सर्वमङ्गलसंयुक्ता यथाशास्त्रमतन्द्रिताः ॥BORI: १-१३४-१॥
Then all the citizens of Varanavata, equipped with every auspicious object and diligently following the prescribed rites… (BORI: 1-134-1)
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श्रुत्वागतान्पाण्डुपुत्रान्नानायानैः सहस्रशः । अभिजग्मुर्नरश्रेष्ठाञ्श्रुत्वैव परया मुदा ॥BORI: १-१३४-२॥
On hearing that the sons of Pandu had arrived, they came by the thousands in various conveyances to meet those foremost of men, filled with supreme joy at the news. (BORI: 1-134-2)
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ते समासाद्य कौन्तेयान्वारणावतका जनाः । कृत्वा जयाशिषः सर्वे परिवार्योपतस्थिरे ॥BORI: १-१३४-३॥
The people of Vāraṇāvata approached the sons of Kuntī, and after all had offered blessings for their victory, they gathered around them and stood in attendance. (BORI: 1-134-3)
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तैर्वृतः पुरुषव्याघ्रो धर्मराजो युधिष्ठिरः । विबभौ देवसङ्काशो वज्रपाणिरिवामरैः ॥BORI: १-१३४-४॥
Surrounded by them, Yudhishthira, the king of dharma and tiger among men, shone like a god—like the wielder of the thunderbolt among the immortals. (BORI: 1-134-4)
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सत्कृतास्ते तु पौरैश्च पौरान्सत्कृत्य चानघाः । अलङ्कृतं जनाकीर्णं विविशुर्वारणावतम् ॥BORI: १-१३४-५॥
Honored by the townspeople, those blameless men in turn honored them and entered Varanavata, adorned and thronged with people. (BORI: 1-134-5)
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ते प्रविश्य पुरं वीरास्तूर्णं जग्मुरथो गृहान् । ब्राह्मणानां महीपाल रतानां स्वेषु कर्मसु ॥BORI: १-१३४-६॥
After entering the city, those heroes quickly went, O king, to the homes of Brahmins devoted to their own duties… (BORI: 1-134-6)
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नगराधिकृतानां च गृहाणि रथिनां तथा । उपतस्थुर्नरश्रेष्ठा वैश्यशूद्रगृहानपि ॥BORI: १-१३४-७॥
Those best of men also visited the homes of the city officials and chariot warriors, as well as those of Vaishyas and Shudras. (BORI: 1-134-7)
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अर्चिताश्च नरैः पौरैः पाण्डवा भरतर्षभाः । जग्मुरावसथं पश्चात्पुरोचनपुरस्कृताः ॥BORI: १-१३४-८॥
Honored by the townspeople, the Pandavas, bulls of the Bharata line, then went to their residence with Purochana leading the way. (BORI: 1-134-8)
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तेभ्यो भक्ष्यान्नपानानि शयनानि शुभानि च । आसनानि च मुख्यानि प्रददौ स पुरोचनः ॥BORI: १-१३४-९॥
Purocana provided them with food and drink, fine beds, and the finest seats. (BORI: 1-134-9)
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तत्र ते सत्कृतास्तेन सुमहार्हपरिच्छदाः । उपास्यमानाः पुरुषैरूषुः पुरनिवासिभिः ॥BORI: १-१३४-१०॥
There they were treated with honor by him and furnished with exceedingly costly amenities; attended by men of the city, they remained there. (BORI: 1-134-10)
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दशरात्रोषितानां तु तत्र तेषां पुरोचनः । निवेदयामास गृहं शिवाख्यमशिवं तदा ॥BORI: १-१३४-११॥
After they had stayed there for ten nights, Purochana told them of the inauspicious house called “Auspicious.” (BORI: 1-134-11)
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तत्र ते पुरुषव्याघ्रा विविशुः सपरिच्छदाः । पुरोचनस्य वचनात्कैलासमिव गुह्यकाः ॥BORI: १-१३४-१२॥
At Purocana’s bidding, those tiger-like men entered it with their retinue and belongings, like the Guhyakas entering Kailasa. (BORI: 1-134-12)
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तत्त्वगारमभिप्रेक्ष्य सर्वधर्मविशारदः । उवाचाग्नेयमित्येवं भीमसेनं युधिष्ठिरः । जिघ्रन्सोम्य वसागन्धं सर्पिर्जतुविमिश्रितम् ॥BORI: १-१३४-१३॥
After inspecting that house, Yudhishthira, well versed in every duty, smelled the odor of fat mixed with ghee and lac and said to Bhimasena, “My dear Bhima, this is combustible.” (BORI: 1-134-13)
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कृतं हि व्यक्तमाग्नेयमिदं वेश्म परन्तप । शणसर्जरसं व्यक्तमानीतं गृहकर्मणि । मुञ्जबल्वजवंशादि द्रव्यं सर्वं घृतोक्षितम् ॥BORI: १-१३४-१४॥
It is clear, scorcher of foes, that this house has been made highly combustible. Hemp and sarja resin have plainly been brought in for its construction, and all the materials—muñja grass, balvaja grass, bamboo, and the like—have been soaked in ghee. (BORI: 1-134-14)
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शिल्पिभिः सुकृतं ह्याप्तैर्विनीतैर्वेश्मकर्मणि । विश्वस्तं मामयं पापो दग्धुकामः पुरोचनः ॥BORI: १-१३४-१५॥
It was expertly built by trusted, obedient craftsmen skilled in house construction. This wicked Purocana intends to burn me when I am unsuspecting. (BORI: 1-134-15)
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इमां तु तां महाबुद्धिर्विदुरो दृष्टवांस्तदा । आपदं तेन मां पार्थ स सम्बोधितवान्पुरा ॥BORI: १-१३४-१६॥
But the highly intelligent Vidura had foreseen this danger, O Partha, and for that reason had warned me beforehand. (BORI: 1-134-16)
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ते वयं बोधितास्तेन बुद्धवन्तोऽशिवं गृहम् । आचार्यैः सुकृतं गूढैर्दुर्योधनवशानुगैः ॥BORI: १-१३४-१७॥
Warned by him, we realized that the deadly house had been skillfully built by craftsmen secretly acting under Duryodhana’s orders. (BORI: 1-134-17)
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भीम उवाच॥
Bhima said:
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यदिदं गृहमाग्नेयं विहितं मन्यते भवान् । तत्रैव साधु गच्छामो यत्र पूर्वोषिता वयम् ॥BORI: १-१३४-१८॥
If you believe that this house was built to be set on fire, then we should go back to the very place where we stayed before. (BORI: 1-134-18)
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युधिष्ठिर उवाच॥
Yudhishthira said:
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इह यत्तैर्निराकारैर्वस्तव्यमिति रोचये । नष्टैरिव विचिन्वद्भिर्गतिमिष्टां ध्रुवामितः ॥BORI: १-१३४-१९॥
I think they should remain here unrecognized, like men who are lost and searching for a safe and desirable way out of here. (BORI: 1-134-19)
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यदि विन्देत चाकारमस्माकं हि पुरोचनः । शीघ्रकारी ततो भूत्वा प्रसह्यापि दहेत नः ॥BORI: १-१३४-२०॥
For if Purocana were to discover our whereabouts, he would act swiftly and burn us by force. (BORI: 1-134-20)
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नायं बिभेत्युपक्रोशादधर्माद्वा पुरोचनः । तथा हि वर्तते मन्दः सुयोधनमते स्थितः ॥BORI: १-१३४-२१॥
Purocana fears neither public condemnation nor wrongdoing; for the fool acts in this way because he is devoted to Suyodhana’s designs. (BORI: 1-134-21)
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अपि चेह प्रदग्धेषु भीष्मोऽस्मासु पितामहः । कोपं कुर्यात्किमर्थं वा कौरवान्कोपयेत सः । धर्म इत्येव कुप्येत तथान्ये कुरुपुङ्गवाः ॥BORI: १-१३४-२२॥
And even if we were burned to death here, why would our grandfather Bhishma become angry or provoke the Kauravas? He would be angry only for the sake of dharma, as would the other foremost Kurus. (BORI: 1-134-22)
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वयं तु यदि दाहस्य बिभ्यतः प्रद्रवेम हि । स्पशैर्नो घातयेत्सार्वान्राज्यलुब्धः सुयोधनः ॥BORI: १-१३४-२३॥
But if we fled for fear of being burned, Suyodhana, greedy for the kingdom, would have us all killed by his spies. (BORI: 1-134-23)
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अपदस्थान्पदे तिष्ठन्नपक्षान्पक्षसंस्थितः । हीनकोशान्महाकोशः प्रयोगैर्घातयेद्ध्रुवम् ॥BORI: १-१३४-२४॥
Secure in power while we are dispossessed, supported by allies while we have none, and possessed of a vast treasury while ours is depleted, he would surely have us killed through stratagems. (BORI: 1-134-24)
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तदस्माभिरिमं पापं तं च पापं सुयोधनम् । वञ्चयद्भिर्निवस्तव्यं छन्नवासं क्वचित्क्वचित् ॥BORI: १-१३४-२५॥
Therefore, we must live a hidden life, now here, now there, outwitting both this wicked man and the wicked Suyodhana. (BORI: 1-134-25)
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ते वयं मृगयाशीलाश्चराम वसुधामिमाम् । तथा नो विदिता मार्गा भविष्यन्ति पलायताम् ॥BORI: १-१३४-२६॥
We are accustomed to hunting, so let us roam this land. In that way, the escape routes will become known to us. (BORI: 1-134-26)
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भौमं च बिलमद्यैव करवाम सुसंवृतम् । गूढोच्छ्वसान्न नस्तत्र हुताशः सम्प्रधक्ष्यति ॥BORI: १-१३४-२७॥
Let us make a well-concealed underground passage this very day. Because it has a hidden outlet, the fire will not burn us there. (BORI: 1-134-27)
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वसतोऽत्र यथा चास्मान्न बुध्येत पुरोचनः । पौरो वापि जनः कश्चित्तथा कार्यमतन्द्रितैः ॥BORI: १-१३४-२८॥
We must act vigilantly so that neither Purocana nor any of the townspeople realizes that we are living here. (BORI: 1-134-28)
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तृणबल्वजकार्पासवंशदारुकटान्यपि । आग्नेयान्यत्र क्षिप्तानि परितो वेश्मनस्तथा ॥KUMB: १-१५८-१६॥
Grass, balvaja grass, cotton, bamboo, timber, and mats as well—all combustible—have likewise been placed here all around the house… (KUMB: 1-158-16)
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नित्यमस्मद्धितैषिणा ॥KUMB: १-१५८-१९; NILA: ०१.१४६.०१८॥
by one who always seeks our welfare… (KUMB: 1-158-19; NILA: 01.146.018)
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पित्रा कनीयसा स्नेहाद् ॥KUMB: १-१५८-२०; NILA: ०१.१४६.०१९॥
by our younger paternal uncle, out of affection, (KUMB: 1-158-20; NILA: 01.146.019)
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दर्शयित्वा पृथग्गन्तुं न कार्यं प्रतिभाति मे । अशुभं वा शुभं वा स्यात्तैर्वसाम सहैव तु ॥KUMB: १-१५८-२२॥
Having shown ourselves, it does not seem right to me that we should go our separate way. Whether good or ill may come, let us live together with them. (KUMB: 1-158-22)
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अद्यप्रभृति चास्मासु गतेषु भयविह्वलः । रूढमूलो भवेद्राज्ये धार्तराष्ट्रो जनेश्वरः ॥KUMB: १-१५८-२३॥
From this day onward, once we are gone, the Dhartarashtra lord of men, overwhelmed by fear, would become firmly established in the kingdom. (KUMB: 1-158-23)
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तदीयं तु भवेद्राज्यं तदीयाश्च जना इमे । तस्मात्सहैव वत्स्यामो गलन्यस्तपदा वयम् ॥KUMB: १-१५८-२४॥
Yet the kingdom would be his, and these people would be his. Therefore we shall remain here with him, our feet planted on his neck. (KUMB: 1-158-24)
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अस्माकं कालमासाद्य राज्यमाच्छिद्य शत्रुतः । अर्थं पैतृकमस्माकं सुखं भोक्ष्याम शाश्वतम् ॥KUMB: १-१५८-२५॥
When our time comes, we shall wrest the kingdom from the enemy and enjoy our ancestral wealth and lasting happiness. (KUMB: 1-158-25)
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धृतराष्ट्रवचोऽस्माभिः किमर्थमनुपाल्यते । तेभ्यो भित्त्वाऽन्यथागन्तुं दौर्बल्यं ते कुतो नृप ॥KUMB: १-१५८-२६॥
Why should we obey Dhritarashtra’s command? O king, why are you too weak to break away from them and take a different course? (KUMB: 1-158-26)
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आपत्सु रक्षिताऽस्माकं विदुरोऽस्ति महामतिः । मध्यस्थ एव गाङ्गेयो राज्यभोगपराङ्मुखः ॥KUMB: १-१५८-२७॥
The wise Vidura is our protector in times of danger. The son of Ganga remains neutral, being averse to the enjoyment of royal power. (KUMB: 1-158-27)
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बाह्लीकप्रमुखा वृद्धा मध्यस्था एव सर्वदा । अस्मदीयो भवेद्द्रोणः फल्गुनप्रेमसंयुतः ॥KUMB: १-१५८-२८॥
The elders led by Bahlika are always neutral, while Drona, though fond of Phalguna, would be on our side. (KUMB: 1-158-28)
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तस्मात्सहैव वस्तव्यं न गन्तव्यं कथं नृप । अथवास्मासु ते कुर्युः किमशक्ताः पराक्रमैः ॥KUMB: १-१५८-२९॥
Therefore we must remain together and under no circumstances leave, O king. Or what could they do to us, powerless as they are in feats of arms? (KUMB: 1-158-29)
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क्षुद्राः कपटिनो धूर्ता जाग्रत्सु मनुजेश्वर । किं न कुर्युः पुरा मह्यं किं न दत्तं महाविषम् ॥KUMB: १-१५८-३०॥
—those base, deceitful rogues—while we are awake, O lord of men? What did they not do to me before? Was I not given deadly poison? (KUMB: 1-158-30)
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आशीविषैर्महाघोरैः सर्पैस्तैः किं न दंशितः । प्रमाणकोट्यां संगृह्य निद्रापरवशे मयि ॥KUMB: १-१५८-३१॥
After they seized me at Pramanakoti while I was overcome by sleep, was I not bitten by those exceedingly fearsome venomous snakes? (KUMB: 1-158-31)
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सर्पैर्दृष्टिविषैर्गोरैर्गङ्गायां शूलसन्ततौ । किं तैर्न पातितो भूप तदा किं मृतवानहम् ॥KUMB: १-१५८-३२॥
Was I not thrown by them, O king, into the Ganges, amid a mass of spikes and terrible snakes whose very gaze was venomous? Did I die then? (KUMB: 1-158-32)
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आपत्सु तासु घोरासु दुष्प्रयुक्तासु पापिभिः । अस्मानरक्षद्यो देवो जगद्यस्य वशे स्थितम् ॥KUMB: १-१५८-३३॥
In those terrible dangers, wickedly contrived by evildoers, the god in whose power the world rests protected us. (KUMB: 1-158-33)
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चराचरात्मकं सोऽद्य यातः कुत्र नृपोत्तम । यावत्सोढव्यमस्माभिस्तावत्सोढास्मि यत्नतः ॥KUMB: १-१५८-३४॥
composed of moving and unmoving beings. Where has he gone now, O best of kings? As long as we must endure, I shall make every effort to endure. (KUMB: 1-158-34)
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यदा न शक्ष्यतेऽस्माभिस्तदा पश्याम नो हितम् । किं द्रष्टव्यमिहास्माभिर्विगृह्य तरसा बलात् ॥KUMB: १-१५८-३५॥
When we can no longer bear it, we shall consider what is best for us. What is there for us to gain here by rushing violently into conflict? (KUMB: 1-158-35)
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सान्त्ववादेन दानेन भेदेनापि यतामहे । अर्धराज्यस्य संप्राप्त्यै ततो दण्डः प्रशस्यते ॥KUMB: १-१५८-३६॥
Let us strive to obtain half the kingdom through conciliation, gifts, or even dissension; only then is force advisable. (KUMB: 1-158-36)
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तस्मात्सहैव वस्तव्यं तन्मनोर्पितशल्यवत् । दर्शयित्वा पृथक् क्वापि न गन्तव्यं सुभीतवत् ॥KUMB: १-१५८-३७॥
Therefore, we must remain together, like a thorn lodged in their minds, and must not go off separately anywhere, making ourselves appear utterly afraid. (KUMB: 1-158-37)
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उपपन्नं तु दग्धेषु कुलवंशानुकीर्तिताः । कुप्येरन्यदि धर्मज्ञास्तथान्ये कुरुपुङ्गवाः ॥KUMB: १-१५८-४३॥
But if, once they have been burned, the foremost Kurus—men versed in dharma and others renowned for their family lineage—should become angry, that is only to be expected. (KUMB: 1-158-43)
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