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He wishes to make gifts for advancing the happiness of his killed kinsmen and wellwishers now in the other world. O you of Kuru's race, he wishes to give away wealth that belongs to you by conquest.

दातुमिच्छति सर्वेषां सुहृदामौर्ध्वदेहिकम्। भवता निर्जितं वित्तं दातुमिच्छति कौरवः॥

Indeed, O mighty-armed one, it is for Bhishma and others that the old king is desirous of making those gifts. You should grant your permission. By good luck it is, O you of mighty arms, that Dhritarashtra today begs wealth of us, he who was formerly begged by us. Mark the reverses brought about by time. That king who was before the lord and protector of the whole Earth, now wishes to go into the forest, his kinsmen and associates all killed by enemies. O king, let not your views deviate from granting the permission asked.

भीष्मादीनां महाबाहो तदनुज्ञातुमर्हसि। दिष्ट्या त्वद्य महाबाहो धृतराष्ट्रः प्रयाचते॥ याचितो यः पुरास्माभिः पश्य कालस्य पर्ययम्। योऽसौ पृथिव्याः कृत्स्नाया भर्ता भूत्वा नराधिपः॥१२ परैर्विनिहतामात्यो वनं गन्तुमभीप्सति। मा तेऽन्यत् पुरुषव्याघ्र दानाद् भवतु दर्शनम्॥

O mighty-armed one, refusal, besides bringing infamy, will yield demerit. Do you learn your duty in this matter from the king, your eldest brother, who is lord of all.

अयशस्यमतोऽन्यत् स्यादधर्मश्च महाभुज। राजानमुपशिक्षस्व ज्येष्ठं भ्रातरमीश्वरम्॥

You should give instead of refusing, O chief of Bharata's race!' Bibhatsu who was saying so was applauded by king Yudhishthira the just.

अर्हस्त्वमपि दातुं वै नादातुं भरतर्षभ। एवं ब्रुवाणं वीभत्सुं धर्मराजोऽप्यपूजयत्॥

Yielding to anger Bhimasena said these words :-O Phalguna, it is we that shall make gifts in the matter of Bhishma's obsequies, as also of king Somavatta and of Bhurishravas, of the royal sage Valhika, and of the great Drona, and of all others. Our mother Kunti shall make such obsequial offerings for Karna. O foremost of men, let not Dhritarashtra perform those Sharaddhas.

भीमसेनस्तु सक्रोधः प्रोवाचेदं वचस्तदा। वयं भीष्मस्य दास्यामः प्रेतकार्यं तु फाल्गुन॥ सोमदत्तस्य नृपते रिश्रवस एव च। बाह्रीकस्य च राजर्षेनॊणस्य च महात्मनः॥ अन्येषां चैव सर्वेषां कुन्ती कर्णाय दास्यति। श्राद्धानि पुरुषव्याघ्र मा प्रादात् कौरवो नृपः॥

This is what I think. Let not our enemies be gladdened. Let Duryodhana and others sink from a miserable to a more miserable position.

इति मे वर्तते बुद्धिर्मा नो निन्दन्तु शत्रवः। कष्टात्कष्टतरं यान्तु सर्वे दुर्योधनादयः॥

Alas, it was those wretches of their family who caused the whole Earth to be exterininated? How have you been able to forget that anxiety of twelve long years and out living in deep forest in cognite that was so painful to Draupadi? Where was Dhritarashtra's affection for us then?

यैरियं पृथिवी कृत्स्ना घातिता कुलपांसनैः। कुतस्त्वमसि विस्मृत्य वैरं द्वादशवार्षिकम्॥ अज्ञातवासं गहनं द्रौपदीशोकवर्धनम्। क्व तदा धृतराष्ट्रस्य स्नेहोऽस्मन्द्रोचरो गतः॥ सार्धं पाञ्चालपुत्र्या

Clad in a black deer-skin and divested of all your ornaments, with the Princess of Panchala in your company, did you not follow this king?

कृष्णाजिनोपसंवीतो हृताभरणभूषणः। त्वं राजानमुपजग्मिवान्।॥

Where were Bhishma and Drona then, and where was Somadatta? You had to live for thirteen years in the forest depending on the products of the wilderness.

क्व तदा द्रोणभीष्मौ तौ सोमदत्तोऽपि वाऽभवत्। यत्र त्रयोदशसमा वने वन्येन जीवथ॥

Your eldest father did not then look at you with eyes of parental affection. Have you forgotten, O Partha, that it was this wretch of our family, of wicked understanding, who enquired of Vidura, when the match at dice was going on, 'What has been won?' Hearing thus far, king Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, gifted with great intelligence, rebuked him and told him to be silent.

न तदां त्वां पिता ज्येष्ठः पितृत्वेनाभिवीक्षते। किं ते तद् विस्मृतं पार्थ यदेष कुलपांसनः॥ दुर्बुद्धिर्विदुरं प्राह द्यूते किं जितमित्युत। तमेवं वादिनं राजा कुन्तीपुत्रो युधिष्ठिरः। उवाच वचनं धीमान् जोषमास्वेति भर्त्सयन्॥

Arjuna said O Bhima, you are my elder brother and, therefore, my senior and preceptor. I dare not say anything more than what I have already said. The royal sage Dhritarashtra deserves to be honoured by us in every way.

अर्जुन उवाच भीम ज्येष्ठो गुरुर्मे त्वं नातोऽन्यद् वक्तुमुत्सहे। धृतराष्ट्रस्तु राजर्षिः सर्वथा मानमर्हति॥

They who are good, they who are distinguished above the common level, they who break not the distinctions which characterise the good, remember which characterise the good, remember not the wrongs done to them but only the benefits they have got.

न स्मरन्त्यपराद्धानि स्मरन्ति सुकृतान्यपि। असम्भिन्नार्यमर्यादाः साधवः पुरुषोत्तमाः॥

Hearing these words of the great Phalguna, the righteous-souled Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, addressed Vidura and said these words, "Instructed by me, O Kshatri, do you say to the Kuru king that I shall give him as much wealth from my treasury as he wishes to give away for the obsequies of his sons, and of Bhishma and others among his well-wishers and benefactors, let not Bhima be dispirited at this.

इति तस्य वचः श्रुत्वा फाल्गुनस्य महात्मनः। विदुरं प्राह धर्मात्मा कुन्तीपुत्रो युधिष्ठिरः॥ इदं मद्वचनात् क्षत्तः कौरवं ब्रूहि पार्थिवम्। यावदिच्छति पुत्राणां श्राद्धं तावद् ददाम्यहम्॥ भीष्मादीनां च सर्वेषां सुहृदामुपकारिणाम्। मम कोशादिति विभो मा भूद् भीम: सुदुर्मनाः॥

Having said these words, king Yudhishthira the just highly applauded Arjuna. Meanwhile Bhimasena began to cast angry looks at Dhananjaya.

वैशम्पायन उवाच इत्युक्त्वा धर्मराजस्तमर्जुनं प्रत्यपूजयत्। भीमसेनः कटाक्षेण वीक्षां चक्रे धनंजयम्॥

Then Yudhishthira, gifted with great intelligence, once more addressed Vidura said, King Dhritarashtra should not be angry with Bhimasena.

ततः स विदुरं धीमान् वाक्यमाह युधिष्ठिरः। भीमसेने न कोपं स नृपतिः कतुमर्हति॥

This Bhima of great intelligence was greatly afflicted by cold and rain and heat and by a thousand others griefs while living in the forest. All this you know.

परिक्लिष्टो हि भीमोऽपि हिमवृष्ट्यातपादिभिः। दुःखैर्बहुविधैर्धीमानरण्ये विदितं तव॥

Do you, however, instructed by me, say to the king, O foremost one of Bharata's family, that he may take from my house whatever articles he wishes and in whatever measure also he likes.

किं तु मद्वचनाद् ब्रूहि राजानं भरतर्षभ। यद् यदिच्छसि यावच्च गृह्यतां मद्गृहादिति॥

You shall also tell the king that he should not suffer his heart to remember this show of pride in which Bhima, deeply afflicted, has indulged.

यन्मात्सर्यमयं भीमः करोति भृशदुःखितः। न तन्मनसि कर्तव्यमिति वाच्यः स पार्थिवः॥

Whatever wealth I have and whatever Arjuna has in his house, the owner thereof is king Dhritarashtra. This you should tell him.

यन्ममास्ति धनं किंचिदर्जुनस्य च वेश्मनि। तस्य स्वामी महाराज इति वाच्यः स पार्थिवः॥

Let the king made gifts to Brahmanas! Let him spend as largely as he likes. Let him liberate himself from the debt he owes to his sons and well-wishers.

ददातु राजा विप्रेभ्यो यथेष्टं क्रियतां व्ययः। पुत्राणां सुहृदां चैव गच्छत्वानृण्यमद्य सः॥

Let him be told besides, 'O monarch this very body of mine is at your disposal, and all the riches I have! Know this and let there be no doubt in this.

इदं चापि शरीरं मे तवायत्तं जनाधिप। धनानि चेति विद्धि त्वं न मे तत्रास्ति संशयः॥

Thus addressed by king Yudhishthira, Vidura, that foremost of intelligent persons, returned to Dhritarashtra and said to hin these words of great significance, 'I at first reported your message to king Yudhishthira, Reflecting on your words, Yudhishthira of great splendour spoke highly of them.

वैशम्पायन उवाच एवमुक्तस्तु राज्ञा स विदुरो बुद्धिसत्तमः। धृतराष्ट्रमुपेत्यैवं वाक्यमाह महार्थवत्॥ उक्तो युधिष्ठिरो राजा भवद्वचनमादितः। स च संश्रुत्य वाक्यं ते प्रशशंस महाद्युतिः॥

The highly energetic Bibhatsu, also, places all his places with all the riches therein, as also his very lifc-breaths, at your disposal.

बीभत्सुश्च महातेजा निवेदयति ते गृहान्। वसु तस्य गृहे यच्च प्राणानपि च केवलान्॥

Your son, king Yudhishthira, too, offers you, O royal sage, his kingdom and life-breaths and riches and all else which belongs to him.

धर्मराजश्च पुत्रस्ते राज्यं प्राणान् धनानि च। अनुजानाति राजर्षे यच्चान्यदपि किंचन॥

Bhima, however, of mighty-arins, recollecting all his numberless sorrows has with difficulty given his consent, breathing many heavy sighs.

भीमश्च सर्वदुःख नि संस्मृत्य बहुलान्युत। कृच्छ्रादिव महाबाहुरनुजज्ञे विनिःश्वसन्॥

That mighty-armed hero, O monarch, was solicited by the righteous king as also by Bibhatsu, and induced to treat you cordially.

स राजन् धर्मशीलेन राज्ञा बीभत्सुना तथा। अनुनीतो महाबाहुः सौहृदे स्थापितोऽपि च॥

King Yudhishthira the just has prayed you not to be displeased for the improper conduct which Bhima has shown at the recollection of foriner hostilities. This is generally the conduct of Kshatriyas in battle, O king, and this Vrikodara is devoted to battle and the practices of Kshatriyas.

न च मन्युस्त्वया कार्य इति त्वां प्राह धर्मराट्। संस्मृत्य भीमस्तद्वैरं यदन्यायवदाचरत्॥ एवं प्रायो हि धर्मोऽयं क्षत्रियाणां नराधिप। युद्धे क्षत्रियधर्मे च निरतोऽयं वृकोदरः॥

Both myself and Arjuna, O king, repeatedly beg you for pardoning Vrikodara. Be gracious to us. You are our lord, O king, you can give away as you like whatever money we have. You, O Bharata, are the master of this kingdom and of all lives in it.

वृकोदरकृते चाहमर्जुनश्च पुनः पुनः। प्रसीद याचे नृपते भवान् प्रभुरिहास्ति यत्॥ तद् ददातु भवान् वित्तं यावदिच्छसि पार्थिव। त्वमीश्वरोऽस्य राज्यस्य प्राणानामपि भारत॥

Let the foremost one of the Kuru race give away for the obsequial rites of his sons, all those foremost of gifts which should be given to the Brahmanas. Indeed, let him make those gifts to persons of the twice-born caste, taking away from our places jewels, gems, and kine, and slaves both male and female, and goats and sheep. Let gifts be made to also those who are poor or blind or in great distress, selecting the objects of his charity as he likes.

ब्रह्मदेयाग्रहारांश्च पुत्राणामौर्ध्वदेहिकम्। इतो रत्नानि गाश्चैव दासीदासमजाविकम्॥ आनयित्वा कुरुश्रेष्ठो ब्राह्मणेभ्यः प्रयच्छतु। दीनान्धकृपणेभ्यश्च तत्र तत्र नृपाज्ञया॥

Let, O Vidura, large pavilions be made, rich with food and drink of various tastes collected in abundance. Let reservoirs of water be made for enabling kine to drink, and let other meritorious works be done.

बह्वन्नरसपानाढ्याः सभा विदुर कारय। गवां निपानान्यन्यच्च विविधं पुण्यकं कुरु॥

These were the words said to me by the king as also by Pritha's son Dhananjaya. You should say what should be done next.

इति मामब्रवीद् राजा पार्थश्चैव धनंजयः। यदत्रानन्तरं कार्यं तद् भवान् वक्तुमर्हति॥

After Vidura had said these words, O Janamejaya, Dhritarashtra expressed his satisfaction at them and made up his mind for making large presents on the day of full moon in the month of Kartika.

इत्युक्ते विदुरेणाथ धृतराष्ट्रोऽभिनन्द्य तान्। मनश्चक्रे महादाने कार्तिक्यां जनमेजय॥

Vaishampayana said Having settled the hour of his departure for the forest, the royal son of Ambika, viz., Dhritarashtra, summoned those heroes, the Pandavas.

वैशम्पायन उवाच ततः प्रभाते राजा स धृतराष्ट्रोऽम्बिकासुतः। आहूय पाण्डवान् वीरान् वनवासे कृतक्षणः॥

Endued with great intelligence, the old king, with Gandhari, duly accosted those princes. Having caused the minor rites to be performed, by Brahmanas knowing the Vedas, on that day which was the day of full moon in the month of Kartika, he caused the fire which he adored daily to be taken up. Casting off his proper dress he wore deer-skins and barks, and accompanied by his daughters-in-law, he left is palace.

गान्धारीसहितो धीमानभ्यनन्दद् यथाविधि। कार्तिक्यां कारयित्वेष्टिं ब्राह्मणैर्वेदपारगैः॥ अग्निहोत्रं पुरस्कृत्य बल्कलाजिनसंवृतः। वधूजनवृतो राजा निर्ययौ भवनात् ततः॥

When the royal son of Vichitravirya thus started, the Pandava and the Kaurava ladies as also other women belonging to the Kaurava race, began to bewail aloud.

ततः स्त्रियः कौरवपाण्डवानां याश्चापराः कौरवराजवंश्याः। तासां नादः प्रादुरासीत् तदानीं वैचित्रवीर्ये नृपतौ प्रयाते॥

The king adored the palace in which he had lived with fried paddy and excellent flowers of various kinds. He also honoured all his servants with gifts of wealth, and then leaving that house set out on his journey.

ततो लाजैः सुमनोभिश्च राजा विचित्राभिस्तद् गृहं पूजयित्वा। सम्यूज्याथै त्यवर्गं च सर्वे ततः समुत्सृज्य ययौ नरेन्द्रः॥

Then, O son, king Yudhishthira, trembling all over, with words choked by tears, said these words in aloud voice, viz., 'O righteous king, where do you go?' and fell down in a swoon.

ततो राजा प्राञ्जलिर्वेपमानो युधिष्ठिरः सस्वरं वाष्पकण्ठः। विमुच्योच्चैर्महानादं हि साधो क्व यास्यसीत्यपतत् तात भूमौ॥

Arjuna, burning with great grief, sighed repeatedly. That foremost of Bharata princes, telling Yudhishthira that he should not behave thus, stood cheerlessly and with heart plunged into distress.

तथार्जुनस्तीव्रदुःखाभितप्तो मुहुर्मुहुनिःश्वसन् भारताग्र्यः। युधिष्ठिरं मैवमित्येवमुक्त्वा निगृह्याथो दीनवत् सीदमानः॥

Vrikodara, the heroic Phalguna, the two sons of Madri, Vidura, Sanjaya, Dhritarashtra's son by his Vaishya wife, and Kripa, and Dhaumya, and other Brahmanas, all followed the old king with voices choked in grief.

वृकोदरः फाल्गुनश्चैव वीरौ माद्रीपुत्रौ विदुरः संजयश्चा वैश्यापुत्रः सहितो गौतमेन धौम्यो विप्राश्चान्वयुर्बाष्पकण्ठाः॥

Kunti walked first, carrying on her shoulders the hand of Gandhari who walked with her bandaged eyes. King Dhritarashtra walked confidently behind Gandhari, placing his hand on her shoulder.

कुन्ती गान्धारी बद्धनेत्रां व्रजन्ती स्कन्धासक्तं हस्तमथोद्वहन्ती। राजा गान्धार्याः स्कन्धदेशेऽवसज्य पाणिं ययौ धृतराष्ट्रः प्रतीतः॥

Drupada's daughter Krishna, she of the Salvata race, Uttara the daughter-in-law of the Kauravas, who had recently become a mother. . Chitrangada, and other ladies attached to the royal house, all followed the old king.

तथा कृष्णा द्रौपदी सात्वती च बालापत्या चोत्तरा कौरवी च। चित्राङ्गदा याश्च काश्चिस्त्रियोऽन्याः सार्धं राज्ञा प्रस्थितास्ता वधूभिः॥

The wail they uttered at that time, O king, from sorrow, resembled the loud lainentations of a swarm of she-ospreys. Then the wives of the citizens-Brahmanas and Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas and Shudras-also came out into the streets from all sides.

तासां नादो रुदतीनां तदासीद् राजन् दुःखात् कुररीणामिवोच्चैः। ततो निष्पेतुर्ब्राह्मणक्षत्रियाणां विट्शूद्राणां चैव भार्याः समन्तात्॥

At Dhritarashtra's departure, O king, all the citizens of Hastinapur became as distressed as they had been, O monarch, when they had seen the departure of the Pandavas in former days after their defeat at the match at dice.

तन्निर्याणे दुःखितः पौरवर्गो गजाह्वये चैव बभूव राजन्! यथा पूर्वं गच्छतां पाण्डवानां द्यूते राजन् कौरवाणां सभाया:॥

Ladies who had never seen the sun or the moon, came out into the streets on that occasion, in grcat sorrow, when king Dhritarashtra proceeded towards the great forest.

या नापश्यंश्चन्द्रमसं न सूर्य रामाः कदाचिदपि तस्मिन् नरेन्द्र। महावनं गच्छति कौरवेन्द्रे शोकेनार्ता राजमार्ग प्रपेदुः॥

Great was the uproar, at that time, O king, of both men and women standing on the terraces of palaces or on the Earth.

तत: प्रासादहर्येषु वसुधायां च पार्थिव। नारीणां च नराणां च नि:स्वनः सुमहानभूत्॥

Endued with great intelligence, the old king, with joined hands, and trembling with weakness, passed with difficulty along the principal street which was crowded with persons of both sexes.

स राजा राजमार्गेण नृनारीसंकुलेन च। कथंचिनिर्ययौ धीमान् वेपमानः कृताञ्जलिः॥

He left the city of Hastinapur by the principal gate, and then repeatedly asked that crowd of people to return to their homes.

स वर्द्धमानद्वारेण निर्ययौ गजसाह्वयात्। विसर्जयामास च तं जनौघं स मुहुर्मुहुः॥

Vidura had made up his mind for going to the forest with the king. The Suta Sanjaya also, the son of Gavalgani, the chief minister of Dhritarashtra, was of the same heart.

वनं गन्तुं च विदुरो राज्ञा सह कृतवणः । संजयश्च महामात्रः सूतो गावल्गणिस्तथा॥

King Dhritarashtra, however, caused Kripa and the powerful car-warrior Yuyutsu 10 refrain from following him. He made them over to Yudhishthira's hands.

कृपं निवर्तयामास युयुत्सुं च महारथम्। धृतराष्ट्रो महीपाल परिदाप्य युधिष्ठिरे॥

After the citizens had ceased following the monarch, king Yudhishthira, with the ladies of his house, prepared to stop, at the command of Dhritarashtra you desist.

निवृत्ते पौरवर्गे च राजा सान्त:पुरस्तदा। धृतराष्ट्राभ्यनुज्ञातो निवर्तितुमियेष ह॥

Seeing that his other Kunti was desirous of retiring into the forest, the king said to her, 'I shall follow the old king. Do

सोऽब्रवीन्मातरं कुन्तीं वनं तमनुजग्मुषीम्। अहं राजानमन्विष्ये भवती विनिवर्तताम्॥

You should, O queen, return to the city, accompanied by these your daughters-in-law! This king, goes to the forest, determined upon practicing penances.

वधूपरिवृता राज्ञि नगरं गन्तुमर्हसि। राजा यात्वेष धर्मात्मा तापस्ये कृतनिश्चयः॥

Though king Yudhishthira said these words to her, with his eyes bathed in tears, Kunti, however, without answering him, continued to go, catching hold of Gandhari.

इत्युक्ता धर्मराजेन बाष्पव्याकुललोचना। जगामैव तदा कुन्ती गान्धारी परिगृह्य ह॥

Kunti said O king, never neglect Sahadeva. He is very much attached to me, O monarch, and to you also always.

कुन्ती उवाच सहदेवे महाराज माऽप्रसादं कृथाः क्वचित्। एष मामनुरक्तो हि राजंस्त्वां चैव सर्वदा॥

You should always bear in mind Karna who never retreated from battle. Through my folly that hero has been killed in the field of battle.

कर्णं स्मरेथाः सततं संग्रामेष्वपलायिनम्। अवकीर्णो हि समरे वीरो दुष्प्रज्ञया तदा॥

Surely, my son, this heart of mine is made of steel, since it does not break into a hundred pieces at not sceing that child born of the SunGod.

आयसं हृदयं नूनं मन्दाया मम पुत्रका यत् सूर्यजमपश्यन्त्याः शतधा न विदीर्यते॥

When such has been the case, O chastise of enemies, what can I now do? I am very much to blame for 1101 having said the truth about the birth of Surya's child.

एवं गते तु किं शक्यं मया कर्तुमरिंदम। मम दोषोऽयमत्यर्थं ख्यापितो यन्न सूर्यजः॥

O crusher of enemies, I hope you will, with all your brothers, make excellent gifts for the sake of that son of the Sun-God.

तन्निमित्तं महाबाहो दानं दद्यास्त्वमुत्तमम्। सदैव भ्रातृभिः सार्धं सूर्यजस्यारिमर्दन॥

O mower of enemies, you should always do what is agreeable to Draupadi. You should look after Bhimasena and Arjuna and Nakula and Sahadeva. The charge of the Kuru race have now fallen on you, O king.

द्रौपद्याश्च प्रिये नित्यं स्थातव्यमरिकर्शन। भीमसेनोऽर्जुनश्चैव नकुलश्च कुरूद्वह॥

I shall live in the forest with Gandhari, besmearing my body with fifth, engaged in the practice of penances, and devoted to the service of my father-in-law and mother-in-law.

समाधेयास्त्वया राजंस्त्वय्यद्य कुलधूर्गता। श्रश्रूश्वशुरयोः पादान् शुश्रूषन्ती वने त्वहम्॥

Vaishampayana said Thus addressed by her, the virtuous Yudhishthira, with passions under complete restraint, became, with all his brothers, plunged into great sorrow. Gifted with grcat intelligence, the king said not a word.

वैशम्पायन उवाच गान्धारीसहिता वत्स्ये तापसी मलपङ्किनी। एवमुक्तः स धर्मात्मा भ्रातृभिः सहितो वशी। विषादमगपद् धीमान् न च किंचिदुवाच ह॥

Having thought for a inoment, king Yudhishthira just, dispirited and plunged in anxiety and sorrow, said to his mother, saying,

मुहूर्तमिव तु ध्यात्वा धर्मराजो युधिष्ठिरः। उवाच मातरं दीनश्चिन्ताशोकपरायणः॥

What, indeed, is your object? You should not do it. I can never grant you permission! you should show us mercy.

किमिदं ते व्यवसितं नैव त्वं वक्तुमर्हसि। न त्वामभ्यनुजानामि प्रसादं कर्तुमर्हसि॥

Formerly, when we were about to leave Hastinapur for the forest, O you of agreeable features, It was you who, reciting to us the story of Vidula's instructions to her son, stimulated us to exertion. You should not leave us now.

पुरोद्यतान् पुरा ह्यस्मानुत्साह्य प्रियदर्शने। विदुलाया वचोभिस्त्वं नास्मान् संत्यक्तुमर्हसि॥

Having killed the kings of Earth, I have acquired sovereignty, guided by your wise words communicated through Vasudeva.

निहत्य पृथिवीपालान् राज्यं प्राप्तमिदं मया। तव प्रज्ञामुपश्रुत्य वासुदेवान्नरर्षभात्॥

Where now is that understanding of yours about which I had heard from Vasudeva? Do you wish now to deviate from those Kshatriya practices about which you had instructed us?

क्व सा बुद्धिरियं चाद्य भवत्या यच्छुतं मया। क्षत्रधर्मे स्थितिं चोक्त्वा तस्याश्च्यवितुमिच्छसि॥

Leaving ourselves, this kingdom, and this illustrious daughter-in-law of yours, how will you live in the inaccessible forest? Do you relent.

अस्मानुत्सृज्य राज्यं च स्नुषा हीमा यशस्विनि। कथं वत्स्यसि दुर्गेषु वनेष्वद्य प्रसीद मे॥

Kunti, with tears in her eyes, heard these words of her son, but continued to go her way. Then Bhima addressed her, saying,

इति बाष्पकला वाचः कुन्ती पुत्रस्य शृण्वती। सा जगामाश्रुपूर्णाश्री भीमस्तामिदमब्रवीत्॥

When, O Kunti, sovereignty has been acquired, and when the time has coine for you to enjoy that sovereignty thus acquired by your children, when the duties of royalty await discharge by you, whence has this desire entered into your mind?

यदा राज्यमिदं कुन्ति भोक्तव्यं पुत्रनिर्जितम्। प्राप्तव्या राजधर्माश्च तदेयं ते कुतो मतिः॥

Why then did you causc us to exterminate the Earth? Why would you leave all and wish to take up your residence in the forest?

किं वयं कारिताः पूर्वे भवत्या पृथिवीक्षयम्। कस्य हेतोः परित्यज्य वनं गन्तुमभीप्ससि॥

We were born in the forest. Why then did you bring us from the forest while we were children? See, the two sons of Madri are overwhelmed with sorrow and grief.

वनाच्चापि किमानीता भवत्या बालका वयम्। दुःखशोकसमाविष्टौ माद्रीपुत्राविमौ तथा॥

Relent, O mother! O you of great fame, do not go into the forest now! Do you enjoy that prosperity which, acquired by power, has become Yudhishthira's today.

प्रसीद मातर्मा गास्त्वं वनमद्य यशस्विनि। श्रियं यौधिष्ठिरी मात(क्ष्व तावद् बलार्जिताम्॥

Firmly resolved to retire into the forest, Kunti disregarded these lamentations of her sons.

इति सा निश्चितैवाशु वनवासाय भाविनी। लालप्यतां बहुविधं पुत्राणां नाकरोद् वचः॥

Then Draupadi, with a cheerless face, accompanied by Subhadra, followed her weeping mother-in-law who was proceeding on from desire of going into the forest.

द्रौपदी चान्वयाच्छ्वधू विषण्णवदना तदा। वनवासाय गच्छन्ती रुदती भद्रया सह॥

Highly wise and firmly resolved on retirement from the world, the blessed dame walked on, frequently loO king at her weeping children.

सा पुत्रान् रुदतः सर्वान् मुहुर्मुहुरवेक्षती। जगामैव महाप्राज्ञा वनाय कृतनिश्चया॥

The Pandavas, with all their wives and servitors, continued to follow her. Restraining then her tears, she addressed her children in these words.

अन्वयुः पाण्डवास्तां तु सभृत्यान्तः पुरास्तथा। तत: प्रमृज्य साश्रूणि पुत्रान् वचनमब्रवीत्॥

Hearing these words of Kunti, the sinless Pandavas, O best of kings, became ashamed. They, therefore, desisted, along with the princess of Panchala, from following her.

वैशम्पायन उवाच कुन्त्यास्तु वचनं श्रुत्वा पाण्डवा राजसत्तम। वीडिताः संन्यवर्तन्त पाञ्चाल्या सहिताऽनघाः॥

Seeing Kunti determined upon going into the forest, the ladies of the Pandava family uttered loud lamentations.

ततः शब्दो महानेव सर्वेषामभवत् तदा। अन्तःपुराणां रुदतां दृष्ट्वा कुन्ती तथागताम्॥

The Pandavas then went round the king and saluted him duly. They ccased to follow further, having failed to persuade Pritha to return.

प्रदक्षिणमथावृत्य राजानं पाण्डवास्तदा। अभिवाद्य न्यवर्तन्त पृथां तामनिवर्त्य वै॥

Then Ambika's energetic son, viz., Dhritarashtra, addressing Gandhari and Vidura and supporting himself on them, said, Let the royal mother of Yudhishthira cease to go with us! What Yudhishthira has said, is all very true.

ततोऽब्रवीन्महातेजा धृतराष्ट्रोऽम्बिकासुतः। गान्धारी विदुरं चैव समाभाष्यावगृह्य च॥ युधिष्ठिरस्य जननी देवी साधु निवर्त्यताम्। यथा युधिष्ठिरः प्राह तत् सर्वं सत्यमेव हि॥

Renouncing this high prosperity of her sons, abandoning those high fruits that may be hers, why should she go into the inaccessible forest, leaving her children like a person of little intelligence?

पुत्रैश्वर्यं महदिदमपास्य च महाफलम्। का नु गच्छेद् वनं दुर्गं पुत्रानुत्सृज्य मूढवत्॥

Living in the enjoyment of sovereignty, she is capable of practicing penances and observing the great vow of gifts. Let her, therefore, listen to my words.

राज्यस्थया तपस्तप्तुं कर्तुं दानव्रतं महत्। अनया शक्यमेवाद्य श्रूयतां च वचो मम॥

O Gandhari, I have been much pleased with the services rendered to me by this daughter-inlaw of mine. Conversant as you are with all duties, you should command her to return.

गान्धारि परितुष्टोऽस्मि वध्वाः शुश्रूषणेन वै तस्मात् त्वमेनां धर्मज्ञे समनुज्ञातुमर्हसि॥

Thus addressed by her husband, the daughter of Subala repeated to Kunti all those words of the old king and added her own words of grave meaning.

इत्युक्ता सौबलेयी तु राज्ञा कुन्ती मुवाच ह। तत् सर्वं राजवचनं स्वं च वाक्यं विशेषवत्॥

She, however, could not make Kunti to desist inasmuch as that chaste lady, devoted to virtue, had determined upon living in the forest.

न च सा वनवासाय देवी कृतमति तदा। शक्नोत्युपावर्तयितुं कुन्ती धर्मपरां सतीम्॥

The Kuru ladies, understanding how firm her resolution was about her retirement into the forest, and seeing that those foremost ones of Kuru's race (viz., their own lords), had ceased to follow her, began to bewail aloud.

तस्यास्तां तु स्थिति ज्ञात्वा व्यवसायं कुरुस्त्रियः। निवृत्तांश्च कुरुश्रेष्ठान् दृष्ट्वा प्ररुरुदुस्तदा॥

After all the sons of Pritha and all the ladies had returned homewards, the highly wise king Yudhishthira his journey to the forest.

उपावृत्तेषु पार्थेषु सर्वास्वेव वधूषु च। ययौ राजा महाप्राज्ञो धृतराष्ट्रो वनं तदा॥

The Pandavas, exceedingly cheerless and stricken with grief and sorrow accompanied by their wives, returned to the city, on their cars.

पाण्डवाश्चातिदीनास्ते दुःखशोकपरायणाः। यानैः स्त्रीसहिताः सर्वे पुरं प्रविविशुस्तदा॥

At that time the city of Hastinapur, with its entire population of men, both old and young, and women, became dispirited and plunged into grief. No festivals of rejoicing were observed.

तदहष्टमनानन्दं गतोत्सवमिवाभवत्। नगरं हास्तिनपुरं सस्त्रीवृद्धकुमारकम्॥

Afflicted with grief, the Pandavas were shorn of energy. Abandoned by Kunti, they were deeply afflicted with grief, like calves destitute of their dais.

सर्वे चासन् निरुत्साहा: पाण्डवा जातमन्यवः। कुन्त्या हीनाः सुदुःखार्ता वत्सा इव विनाकृताः॥

Dhritarashtra reached that day a place far distant from the city. The powerful king arrived at last on the banks of the Bhagirathi and took rest there for the night.

धृतराष्ट्रस्तु तेनाला गत्वा सुमहदन्तरम्। ततो भागीरथीतीरे निवासमकरोत् प्रभुः॥

Brahmanas knowing the Vedas duly ignited their sacred fires in that retreat of ascetics. Surrounded by those foremost of Brahmanas, those sacred fires shonc forth in beauty. The sacred fire of the old king was also lighted up.

प्रादुष्कृता यथान्यायमग्नयो वेदपारगैः। व्यराजन्त द्विजश्रेष्ठैस्तत्र तत्र तपोवने॥ प्रादुष्कृताग्निरभवत् स च वृद्धो नराधिपः।

Sitting near his own fire, he poured libations on it according to due rites, and then adored the thousand-raycd sun as he was on the point of setting.

स राजाग्नीन् पर्युपास्य हुत्वा च विधिवत् तदा॥ संध्यागत सहस्रांशुमुपातिष्ठत भारत।

Then Vidura and Sanjaya made a bed for the king by spreading some blades of Kusha grass. Near the bed of that Kuru hero they made another for Gandhari.

विदुरः संजयश्चैव राज्ञः शय्यां कुशैस्ततः॥ चक्रतुः कुरुवीरस्य गान्धार्याश्चाविदूरतः।

Near to Gandhari, Yudhishthira's mother Kunti, observant of excellent vows, happily laid herself down.

गान्धार्याः संनिकर्षे तु निषसाद कुशे सुखम्॥ युधिष्ठिरस्य जननी कुन्ती साधुव्रते स्थिता।

Within bearing-distance of those three, slept Vidura and others. The Yajaka Brahmanas and other followers of the king laid slept on their respective beds.

तेषां संश्रवणे चापि निषेदुर्विदुरादयः॥ याजकाश्च यथोद्देशं द्विजा ये चानुयायिनः।

The foremost of Brahmanas, who were there, chanted aloud many sacred hymns. The sacrificial fires blazed forth all around. That night, therefore, seemed as delightful to them as a Brahmi night.

प्राधीतद्विजमुख्या सा सम्प्रज्वलितपावका॥ बभूव तेषां रजनी ब्राह्मीव प्रीतिवर्धिनी।

When the night passed away, thcy all arose from their beds and performed their morning acts. Pouring libations then on the sacred fire, they continued their journey.

ततो रात्र्यां व्यतीतायां कृतपुर्वाह्निकक्रियाः॥ हुत्वाग्निं विधिवत् सर्वे प्रययुस्ते यथाक्रमम्।

Their first days' expe:"ence of the forest proved very painful to them of grieving hearts, them who were grieved by the inhabitants of both the city and the provinces of the Kuru kingdom.

उदगमुखा निरीक्षन्त उपवासपरायणाः॥ स तेषामतिदुःखोऽभून्निवास: प्रथमेऽहनि। शोचतां शोचमानानां पौरजागदैर्जनैः॥

Vaishampayana said Acting according to the advice of Vidura, the king took up his residence on the banks of the Bhagirathi which were sacred and deserved to be inhabited by the righteous.

वैशम्पायन उवाच ततो भागीरथीतीरे मेध्ये पुण्यजनोचिते। निवासमकरोद् राजा विदुरस्य मते स्थितः॥