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अरण्यकपर्वन् (araNyakaparvan)

 
Mahabharata
English
Araṇyakaparvan (“section relating to the forest life of the Pāṇḍavas, ” the 30th of the minor parvans of Mhbhr.). § 308: The Pāṇḍavas set out from Hāstinapura through the Vardhamāna gate with their weapons, accompanied by Kṛshṇā, in a northerly direction. Indrasena and other servants, 14 in number (see BR. s.v. pari
Nīl. and PCR. take it to be = 15), with their wives, followed them on swift cars. The citizens wished to leave the town and follow them, but were prevailed upon by Yudhishṭhira to return and cherish Bhīshma, Dhṛtarāshṭra, Vidura, Kuntī, etc. About the close of the day the Pāṇḍavas reached the banian Pramāṇa on the banks of the Gaṅgā, purified themselves by touching the water, and passed the night there, taking water alone as their sole sustenance, in the company of brahmans with and without fire, who had followed them (III,
1). When the day broke in, Yudhishṭhira tried to prevail upon the brahmans to leave him, in order that they might not undergo sufferings, living on fruits, roots, and deer. But they declared that they would follow him, themselves providing their own food.--§ 309: Then a learned brahman, Śaunaka, versed in Sāṅkhya and Yoga, quoting the ślokas of Janaka, told Yudhishṭhira not only to retire from the world, but also in his heart not to mind the loss of his wealth. Yudhishṭhira declared that it was not from avarice, but only because he could no more support the brahmans, that he regretted his wealth
“nobody should cook his food for himself alone, and nobody should slay an animal without devoting it to the gods, the pitṛs, and guests, nor should one eat of that food which had not been duly dedicated to the gods and the pitṛs.” Śaunaka said that sacrifices, study, gifts, and penance pave the way to the world of the Pitṛs--truth, forgiveness, subduing the senses, and renunciation of desire to the heaven of the gods, and they should be practised without reference to self (abhimāna). It was by their wealth of yoga that the Rudras, Sādhyas, Ādityas, Vasus, and Aśvins rule over the creatures. So Yudhishṭhira, who had already achieved success as to his indebtedness towards his ancestors and as to sacrifices, now ought to seek success in yoga and in ascetic austerities
then he would be able to realize all his wishes (III, 2). --§ 310: Yudhishṭhira then, having consulted Dhaumya, was taught by him (as Bhīma, Kārtavīrya, Vainya, and Nahusha had by ascetic meditation delivered the people from affliction) 108 names of Sūrya (), [originally]
proclaimed by Svayambhū (i.e. Brahmán)* (the Sun). Yudhishṭhira, touching the water of Gaṅgā, with his senses under control, and feeding upon air alone, stood engaged in prāṇāyāma, and began a hymn in praise of Sūrya (b) (the Sun). The Sun then showed himself to Yudhishṭhira and gave him a copper vessel, saying that if Pāñcālī (i.e. Kṛshṇā) kept this vessel fruits, roots, meat, and vegetables, cooked in their kitchen, would be inexhaustible for twelve years. Then the god vanished. Rising from the water, Yudhishṭhira took hold of Dhaumya's feet and embraced his brothers. The clean food that was dressed, however little, became inexhaustible, and only after the brahmans, the brothers, Yudhishṭhira, and at last Kṛshṇā had eaten the day's food became exhausted. Having then performed sacrifices, they set out for the Kāmyaka wood, accompanied by Dhaumya and the brahmans (III, 3).--§ 311: Dhṛtarāshṭra asked Vidura what they should do to secure the good-will of the citizens. Vidura said that he must give back to the Pāṇḍavas all that had been theirs, let Duryodhana, Śakuni, and Karṇa wait upon them, and Duḥśāsana ask their forgiveness in open court, and if Duryodhana would not consent to reign in peace jointly with Yudhishṭhira, he ought to abandon him and let Yudhishṭhira reign alone. Dhṛtarāshṭra did not approve, and saying “stay or go, as thou listest, ” he suddenly rose and went away, and Vidura went away to the Pāṇḍavas (III, 4).--§ 312: Starting from the Gaṅgā, the Pāṇḍavas went to Kurukshetra, performed ablutions in the Sarasvatī, Dṛśadvatī, and Yamunā, and, travelling in a westerly direction, they arrived at the Kāmyaka wood on the Sarasvatī. There Vidura came to them in a single car. When seeing him, Yudhishṭhira was afraid that he brought an invitation to a new match at dice with Śakuni about their weapons. Vidura told them that he had been forsaken by Dhṛtarāshṭra, and gave them advice how to secure adherents (III, 5).--§ 313: After Vidura had gone Dhṛtarāshṭra repented and fell down senseless, and having regained consciousness caused Sañjaya to bring Vidura back (III, 6). Duryodhana, being afraid because Vidura had returned, held counsel with Śakuni, Karṇa, and Duḥśāsana, who were of opinion that the Pāṇḍavas would remain the promised space of time in the wood. As Duryodhana, however, was not contented, Karṇa proposed to set out and slay them. When they had gone out Kṛshṇa Dvaipāyana came upon them and commanded them to desist, and then appeared before Dhṛtarāshṭra (III, 7). Vyāsa warned Dhṛtarāshṭra against permitting Duryodhana to try to slay the Pāṇḍavas (III, 8).--§ 314: As Dhṛtarāshṭra said he was unable to cast off his senseless son, Vyāsa told him: One day, when Indra saw Surabhi weeping in heaven, and asked her why she wept, she told him that one of her offspring (a cow) was exceedingly harassed by a husbandman
and although she had 1, 000 offspring, and her affections flowed equally towards all, yet she felt greater compassion for the weak. Indra poured down a shower of rain and caused obstruction to the husbandman's work. “So I feel anxious regarding the Pāṇḍavas in distress
let thy affections be greater towards the weak, and let Duryodhana make peace with them” (III, 9).--§ 315: Maitreya-śāpa (q.v.) (III, 10).