| YouTube Channel

आश्रमवासपर्वन् (AzramavAsaparvan)

 
Schmidt Nachtrage zum Sanskrit Worterbuch
German
आश्रमवासपर्वन् n. (MBh.) und आश्रमवाद m. Titel von Werken, Opp. Cat. 1.
Mahabharata
English
[Āśramavāsaparvan]
(“the section relating to the dwelling in the hermitage”), the 95th of the minor parvans of Mhbhr. (cf. Āśramavāsa). § 787: Asked by Janamejaya how the Pāṇḍavas, having acquired their kingdom, conducted themselves towards Dhṛtarāshṭra, how Dhṛtarāshṭra and Gāndhārī behaved, and for how many years his grandfather ruled the kingdom, Vaiśampāyana said: The Pāṇḍavas ruled, placing Dhṛtarāshṭra at their head
Vidura, Sañjaya, and Yuyutsu used to wait upon Dhṛtarāshṭra
for 15 years they did all things under the advice of the old king
Kuntī obeyed Gāndhūrī
Draupadī and Subhadrā, etc., showed the utmost respect for the old king and his queen
the Pāṇḍavas surrounded the old king and his queen with every luxury, and Maireya wines, etc. Kṛpa waited upon Dhṛtarāshṭra
Vyāsa frequently visited him and recited histories of old Ṛ., celestial ascetics, P., and Rā.
Vidura, under the orders of Dhṛtarāshṭra, superintended religion and law
through his policy the Pāṇḍavas obtained numerous services from their feudatories and followers
Dhṛtarāshṭra liberated prisoners and pardoned those condemned to death
the old king, on his pleasure excursions, was supplied with everything by Yudhishṭhira
the kings who came to Hāstinapura waited upon Dhṛtarāshṭra as before
Kuntī, etc. (), served Gāndhārī like maidservants
Bhīmasena alone did not forget his grievances (XV,
1)
Dhṛtarāshṭra was honoured by Ṛ., and used to make gifts to the brahmans in rites for P. and śrāddhas for his sons, etc.
Dhṛtarāshṭra also felt great affection for the Pāṇḍavas, and so did Gāndhārī
Gāndhārī performed śrāddhas with gifts
grieved at the remembrance of Duryodhana, Dhṛtarāshṭra every morning blessed the Pāṇḍavas, wishing them victory in battle, etc. Yudhishṭhira became very much liked by all the four castes, and forgot the wrongs inflicted upon him by Dhṛtarāshṭra's sons
from fear of Yudhishṭhira nobody dared to speak evil of Duryodhana or Dhṛtarāshṭra. Bhīma, however, reverenced the old king outwardly, with a very unwilling heart (XV, 2). While there was no variance in the cordiality between Yudhishṭhira and Dhṛtarāshṭra, the latter could not but feel unfriendly towards Bhīma, and Bhīma, recollecting his foes Duryodhana, Karṇa, and Duḥśāsana, indulged in boastful language about Duryodhana and his brothers whom he had slain. Gāndhārī was not moved. After 15 years Dhṛtarāshṭra, afflicted by the wordy darts of Bhīma, became penetrated with despair and grief
Yudhishṭhira, etc. (), did not know it. Dhṛtarāshṭra opened his heart to his friends ()
now he was observing a vow of fast, which he had concealed from Yudhishṭhira, lying on the earth clad in deerskin
Gāndhārī observed similar vows
now he asked Yudhishṭhira's permission for himself and Gāndhārī to retire into the woods clad in rags and bark in order to practise austerities. Yudhishṭhira lamented () (“Let Yuyutsu be made king
I shall go into the woods”)
but Dhṛtarāshṭra's resolution remains unaltered
he asked Sañjaya and Kṛpa to speak for him to Yudhishṭhira
leaning on Gāndhārī he looked like one deprived of life
Yudhishṭhira lamented (), and gently rubbed Dhṛtarāshṭra's breast and face with cold water and revived him by the touch of his hand, on which were jewels and medicinal herbs. Dhṛtarāshṭra said that the touch of Yudhishṭhira was highly gratifying, embraced him, and smelt his head
Vidura, Kuntī, etc., wept
Gāndhārī bore her sorrow with fortitude. Dhṛtarāshṭra renewed his request
Vyāsa came (XV, 3) and asked Yudhishṭhira to permit Dhṛtarāshṭra to follow the path of all the ancient R.-ṛ.
“Gāndhārī bears her grief with fortitude.” Yudhishṭhira yielded to Vyāsa's intercession
Vyāsa summed ap the reasons for Dhṛtarāshṭra's retirement (), and then proceeded to the woods. Yudhishṭhira then said that he would conform to the advice of Vyāsa, etc. () (XV, 4)
Dhṛtarāshṭra, Gāndhārī, etc. (), entering the palace of Dhṛtarāshṭra, ate a little. Then Dhṛtarāshṭra gave Yudhishṭhira advice about how the latter should rule his kingdom () (XV, 5). Continuation (XV, 6). Continuation
agreeably to the science known to Uśanas, [arrays called]
Śakaṭa, Padma, and Vajra should be formed
“thou hast been instructed in all duties by Bhīshma, Kṛshṇa, and Vidura”
100 horse-sacrifices and righteous rule are productive of equal merit (XV, 7). Yudhishṭhira gratefully accepted his instructions, as Bhīshma, etc. (), no longer were there to instruct him. Dhṛtarāshṭra wishes to depart soon, and Gāndhārī reminded him that he has got the permission of Vyāsa, and asks him when he would go to the forest with the permission of Yudhishṭhira
he wished first to make gifts for the advancement in the other world of his dead sons and other kinsmen (who were now pretas), and assembled all the subjects, while Yudhishṭhira brought all the articles necessary
Dhṛtarāshṭra, in a touching address, took leave of that large concourse of men of all the four castes () (XV, 8), recapitulating the history of the realm from Śāntanu downwards () (XV, 9). The citizens were exceedingly agitated upon hearing Dhṛtarāshṭra's address
they charged the learned brahman Śāmba (B. Sāmba) with answering him (): “King Duryodhana never did us any wrong
we were well protected and ruled by him
we have also enjoyed great happiness for thousands of years under Yudhishṭhira, who follows the conduct of the R.-ṛ. of old (Kuru, Saṃvaraṇa, Bharata, etc.)
the carnage on the field of Kurukshetra was not brought about by Duryodhana, Karṇa, and Śakuni, nor by Dhṛtarāshṭra, but by Destiny, which in 18 days caused 18 akshauhiṇīs to be destroyed by Bhīshma, etc. ()
the Pāṇḍavas are capable of ruling without either thee or ourselves to look after them
Kuntī, etc. (), will not do the least wrong to the people.” Then Dhṛtarāshṭra slowly dismissed the assembly, and entered his house with Gāndhārī (XV, 10). After that night had passed away, Dhṛtarāshṭra sent Vidura to Yudhishṭhira in order to announce that he would set out for the woods on the coming day of the full moon in the month of Kārttika, and to solicit some wealth for performing the śrāddha of Bhīshma, etc. (). Yudhishṭhira and Arjuna applauded his words
Bhīma was unwilling, recollecting Duryodhana
Arjuna sought to pacify him, applauded by Yudhishṭhira
Bhīmasena maintained that gifts for Bhīshma, etc. (), should be given by them, and by Kuntī for Karṇa
“Let Duryodhana, etc., sink from a miserable to a more miserable position, ” reminding his brothers of the woes and disgrace inflicted upon them by those for whose benefit Dhṛtarāshṭra asked for wealth (). Yudhishṭhira rebuked him (XV, 11). Arjuna urged Bhīma to forget the injuries. Yudhishṭhira said to Vidura that he would give Dhṛtarāshṭra so much wealth as he wished for the obsequies of his sons and Bhīshma, etc., and asked him to tell Dhṛtarāshṭra not to be angry with Bhīmasena (XV, 12). Vidura reported the speeches of Yudhishṭhira, Arjuna, and Bhīma to Dhṛtarāshṭra. Dhṛtarāshṭra expressed his satisfaction, and set his heart on making large presents on the day of full moon in the month of Kārttika (XV, 13). Dhṛtarāshṭra invited thousands of deserving brahmans [and]
superior Ṛ. for Bhīshma, etc.
and made large gifts to them, naming Droṇa, etc. ()
tellers and scribes appointed by Yudhishṭhira ceaselessly ask the old king as to what should be given to each recipient that presented himself
unto him that was to receive 100 a 1000 were given, and he who was to receive 1000 was presented with 10, 000 at the command of Yudhishṭhira
this was given by Dhṛtarāshṭra for the benefit in the other world of his sons and grandsons, as also of himself and Gāndhārī
the donation lasted for 10 days (XV, 14). On the day of full moon in the month of Kārttika Dhṛtarāshṭra (and Gāṅdhārī) summoned the Pāṇḍavas, caused the rites to be performed, and his sacred fire to be taken up, put on deerskins and bark, and set out with his daughtersin-law. The ladies uttered loud wails
Yudhishṭhira and Arjuna were pierced with grief
Bhīmasena, etc. (), all followed Dhṛtarāshṭra
Kuntī held on her shoulders the hand of Gāndhārī, who walked with her bandaged eyes
Dhṛtarāshṭra walked behind Gāndhārī, placing his hand on her shoulder
Kṛshṇā, etc. (), all-proceeded with Dhṛtarāshṭra
the citizens of all orders were as distressed as they had been at the departure of the Pāṇḍavas after the match of dice († 431--440) (XV, 15)
Dhṛtarāshṭra left the city through the principal gate, and then asked those who followed him to desist. Vidura and Sañjaya retired with him into the woods
Kṛpa and Yuyutsu he caused to remain, and made them over to Yudhishṭhira. Kuntī retired with Dhṛtarāshṭra, though Yudhishṭhira sought to dissuade her
she said: “Never show any disregard for Sahadeva: he is very much attached to me, and to thee also”
then she reminded him of Karṇa, etc. ()
Yudhishṭhira reminded her that she had herself formerly recited to them the story of Vidulā, when they were about to set out from the town, and that they had won sovereignty guided by her words communicated through Kṛshṇa. Also Bhīma dissuaded her, pointing out the grief of the sons of Mādrī
but in vain. Draupadī and Subhadrā followed her, and so did the Pāṇḍavas with all their wives and attendants
Kuntī addressed them (XV, 16), assigning her reasons for her conduct () (XV, 17). The Pāṇḍavas and Draupadī then desisted from following her. The Pāṇḍavas circumambulated Dhṛtarāshṭra, etc., for taking their leave to return. Dhṛtarāshṭra (with Gāndhārī and Vidura) made a final effort of dissuading Kuntī from retiring into the forest with him, but in vain. The ladies set up a loud wail of grief. Hāstinapura became plunged into sorrow: no festivals were observed. The Pāṇḍavas were without any energy. Dhṛtarāshṭra arrived on the banks of the Bhāgīrathī and took rest there for the night among the brahmans, who there, like himself, ignited their sacred fires
arrangement of the beds of Vidura, etc. ()
the Yājaka brahmans, etc., of the king laid themselves down on their respective beds
that night seemed as delightful to them as a Brāhmī night. When the night had passed away Dhṛtarāshṭra, etc., going through their morning acts and rites, continue their journey (XV, 18). Following the advice of Vidura, Dhṛtarāshṭra took up his abode on the banks of the Bhāgīrathī
many of the four orders came to see him
he gladdened them all by his words. At evening Dhṛtarāshṭra, etc. (), bathed in the stream, etc.
Kuntī led him and Gāndhārī. Then he proceeded to Kurukshetra to the retreat of R.-ṛ. Śatayūpa (), who received him with due rites
accompanied by him he proceeded to the retreat of Vyāsa, where he received the initiation [into the forest life]
after having returned he took up his abode in the retreat of Śatayūpa, who instructed him in all the rites of the forest mode of life, at the command of Vyāsa. Dhṛtarāshṭra, etc. (), began to practise austerities (XV, 19). Ṛ. Nārada, etc. (), came there and gladdened Dhṛtarāshṭra with discourses on religion. Ṛ. Nārada mentioned the kings that attained to heaven after practising penances in that very retreat (): Sahasracitya, Śailālaya, Pṛshadhra, Purukutsa, Śaśaloman
“Thou also wilt, with Gāndhārī, through the grace of Vyāsa, attain to a very high goal
dwelling in the presence of Indra, Pāṇḍu always thinks of thee, and will assist thee in the attainment of prosperity
Kuntī, by serving thee and Gāndhārī, will obtain residence with her husband in the other world
we behold all this with our spiritual vision
Vidura will enter into Yudhishṭhira
Sañjaya will ascend to Heaven.” Dhṛtarāshṭra, etc., praised Nārada. Śatayūpa asked Nārada what regions (lokāḥ) will be acquired by Dhṛtarāshṭra. Nārada said: On a visit to Indra I saw Pāṇḍu
Indra said that after three years Dhṛtarāshṭra and Gāndhārī would go to the abode of Kubera, on a car moving at will, and he would rove through the regions of D., G., and Rā.
this is a mystery of the gods. All the persons present (as also Dhṛtarāshṭra) became highly pleased. Then they went away by the path of the Siddhas (XV, 20).--§ 788: The anxiety of the Pāṇḍavas and citizens about the fate of Dhṛtarāshṭra, etc., and their despair when they reflected on that terrible slaughter of their kinsmen ()
only Parikshit somehow consoled them (XV, 21)
afflicted with grief, they failed to derive pleasure from anything, nor did they attend to their kingly offices, thinking of Kuntī and Gāndhārī. They set their heart upon seeing Dhṛtarāshṭra in his forest retreat. Sahadeva, lamenting the fate of Kuntī, and expressing his longing to see her, proposed a visit to the woods, supported by Draupadī, who mentioned Kuntī and Gāndhārī and Dhṛtarāshṭra. Yudhishṭhira caused his army to be equipped, ordered litters, etc., for the ladies, and proclaimed that they would march out to-morrow, permitting the citizens to follow them. The next morning they set out, then waited five days for such citizens as would accompany them, and then proceeded towards the forest (XV, 22), headed by Arjuna (on a car with white horses) and Kṛpa (description of the expedition)
Bhīma on a gigantic elephant, the twins on two fleet steeds, the ladies in closed litters, scattering showers of wealth as they proceeded, headed by Draupadī. They proceeded slowly. Yuyutsu and Dhaumya protected the city. They reached Kurukshetra, crossed the Yamunā, and approached the retreat of Dhṛtarāshṭra (XV, 23). The Pāṇḍavas and their followers, alighting from their cars, walked on foot
the ascetics told them that Dhṛtarāshṭra had gone to the Yamunā for his ablutions, etc., and pointed out the way to them. Sahadeva ran with speed towards Kuntī
they both wept
she informed Gāndhārī, and then advanced towards Yudhishṭhira, etc. (), dragging the childless old couple
the Pāṇḍavas fell down at their feet, and took from their hands the jars of water they were carrying. Yudhishṭhira presented all his followers one after another to Dhṛtarāshṭra, mentioning their names and races. Dhṛtarāshṭra rejoiced and went to his retreat that was applauded by Si. and Cā. (XV, 24). To the ascetics, who had come from various regions in order to see the Pāṇḍavas, Sañjaya pointed out each of them (†)
then Dhṛtarāshṭra asked († v. 660--674) (XV, 25) Yudhishṭhira about the welfare of the Pāṇḍavas and their devotion to P. and D.
Yudhishṭhira answered, enquiring after Vidura, who turned out to be engaged in penances, subsisting on air alone, and was now seen at a distance with matted locks, and gravel in his mouth, and exceedingly emaciated, naked, and besmeared with filth and dust
Vidura fled, pursued by Yudhishṭhira
at last he stood motionless in yoga, and entered the body of Yudhishṭhira, who felt that he had become stronger than before and had acquired many additional virtues and accomplishments, and recollected his own state before his birth among men
he had heard of yoga-practice from Vyāsa. He desired to cremate the lifeless body of Vidura, but was prevented by an invisible voice which said, that in Vidura (who was Dharma) was Yudhishṭhira's body also, and that Vidura would attain to the regions (lokāḥ) called Santānikāḥ. Yudhishṭhira came and informed Dhṛtarāshṭra
all became filled with wonder. They passed that night under a tree (XV, 26), conversing on morality and wealth. The next morning they surveyed the retreat (description) and the other retreats in the forest. Yudhishṭhira made presents to the ascetics (specification)
then he returned to Dhṛtarāshṭra, etc. ()
many M.-ṛ. (Śatayūpa, etc.) who dwelt in Kurukshetra came there, as also Vyāsa (XV, 27), who enquired after Dhṛtarāshṭra's, etc. (), welfare, and told them who Vidura was, mentioning the curse of Dharma by Māṇḍavya (with an expenditure of his penances)
he was superior to Bṛhaspati and Śukra
and how Vyāsa had procreated him upon the soil of Vicitravīrya
he was Dharma in consequence of his practices of dhāraṇā and dhyāna
from Dharma also Yudhishṭhira took his birth. Vyāsa says that he has come to show a wonderful effect of his own penances: “what dost thou wish to see, or ask, or hear?” (XV, 28).