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भगवद्यानपर्वन् (bhagavadyAnaparvan)

 
Mahabharata
English
[Bhagavadyānaparvan]
(“the section relating to the journey of Kṛshṇa, ” the 62nd of the minor parvans of Mhbhr.
cf. Bhagavadyāna). § 562: Yudhishṭhira spoke to Kṛshṇa about the mission of Sañjaya and the wickedness of Duryodhana and Dhṛtarāshṭra
though he was supported by the Kāśis, etc. (), he asked for only five villages (Avisthala, etc., ) or towns, and complained of the cruel duties of the kshattriya order. Kṛshṇa said he was willing to go to the Kuru court in order to negotiate a peace, and Yudhishṭhira, after some hesitation, agreed to the proposal (V, 72). Kṛshṇa mentioned the offences of the Kauravas, and said that he thought war to be certain
all the omens pointed in that direction
therefore Yudhishṭhira should collect everything needed for battle (V, 73). Bhīma told Kṛshṇa to speak mildly and not threaten the Kurus with war. “Just as, when Dharma became extinct, Kali was born in the race of the Asuras, who flourished with prosperity and blazed with energy, so was Udāvarta born among the Haihayas, etc. (). These vile individuals sprang up, at the end of each yuga, in their respective races for the destruction of their kinsmen
so has Duryodhana been born at the end of the yuga among us the Kurus. Yudhishṭhira and Arjuna too are averse from war” (V, 74). Kṛshṇa scoffed at Bhīma for his unusual mildness, though he had sworn, as the sun journeyed around Meru, to slay Duryodhana with his mace (V, 75). Bhīma mentioned his well-known valour, and said that he was for bearing their injuries, only for fear lest the Bharata race might be extirpated (V, 76). Kṛshṇa explained that he had only spoken through affection (V, 77). Arjuna told Kṛshṇa to strive sincerely to bring about peace
for he was able to do whatever he would
but if Kṛshṇa deemed the destruction of the Kurus to be preferable, “let it be effected soon”
he mentioned the offences of Duryodhana towards themselves and Draupadī. At all events, Kṛshṇa best knew what was for their good (V, 78). Kṛshṇa said he would try to bring about what was beneficial to both the Pāṇḍavas and the Kurus
to make peace was within his power
he would do all that could be done by human exertion, but he could not control destiny
Duryodhana, etc. (), would never make peace by giving up the kingdom
many a time he had tried to withdraw Kṛshṇa from Arjuna
about a year ago, on the occasion of attacking Virāṭa's kine, Bhīshma had solicited Duryodhana about this very peace (V, 79). Nakula told Kṛshṇa to act according to his own opinion, disregarding all he had heard. Their attachment for the kingdom was now greater than ever, as nobody could encounter Yudhishṭhira, etc. (). He should first speak mildly and then threaten Duryodhana. He did not doubt that he would accomplish his object, for Vidura, etc. (), would understand him (V, 80). Sahadeva said that Kṛshṇa ought to provoke a war, because of the insults to Draupadī. Sātyaki approved of this, and thus did all the heroes present (V, 81). Kṛshṇā approved of the words of Sahadeva and Sātyaki, mentioned weeping the injustice of the Dhārtarāshṭras, and that they had refused to give even five villages, Avisthala, etc. (), and was of opinion that there was no necessity for going thither in order to make peace. Kṛshṇa consoled her: “Thou wilt soon see thy husbands slay their enemies, and crowned by prosperity” (V, 82). Arjuna once more besought Kṛshṇa to try to make peace. On the next morning, at the Maitra hour, in the month of Kaumuda (Kārttika), under the constellation Revatī, at the season of dews, Autumn having departed (description), Kṛshṇa caused Śini's grandson Sātyaki to prepare his chariot (description)
they yoked to it Śaibya, Sugrīva, Meghapushpa, and Balāhaka. Garuḍa came and perched on the flagstaff. And taking Sātyaki also upon it, he set out under auspicious omens
Vasishṭha, etc. (), and D.-ṛ. and B.-ṛ. (devabrahmarshayaś caiva) walked around him (pradakshiṇam avartanta). Yudhishṭhira, etc. (), followed him on the way, and told him to salute Kuntī, etc. (). Arjuna said he was for peace, but if Duryodhana would not give them what they demanded, he would annihilate the Kshattriya race. Bhīma uttered a terrible shout, so that the bowmen trembled in fear, and steeds and elephants were seen to void urine and fæces. When all the kings had desisted following him, Kṛshṇa set out with Dāruka. On his way he met with some Ṛshis, and Jamadagni's son, the friend of Brahmán (Surāsurapāteḥ), told him that the D.-ṛ., brahmans, and R.-ṛ., who had witnessed the former feats of gods and Asuras (devāsurasya drashṭāraḥ purāṇasya), had come to see and hear the assemblage at Hāstinapura (V, 83). Ten chariot-warriors followed in Kṛshṇa's train, and 100 foot-soldiers and attendants by hundreds, carrying provisions in abundance. Sinister omens occurred over Hāstinapura
but where Kṛshṇa passed everything became auspicious. At Vṛkasthala he passed the night (V, 84). Meanwhile Dhṛtarāshṭra, having heard from his spies that Kṛshṇa was coming, respectfully addressed Bhīshma, etc. (), and said to Duryodhana and his counsellors that Kṛshṇa (“the lord of all creatures, ” etc.) should be received with the greatest honour
“let pavilions be set up on the road, ” etc. Bhīshma, etc., approved of it, and Duryodhana made the arrangements. But Kṛshṇa did not even glance at it (V, 85). When Kṛshṇa was staying at Vṛkasthala and intended to come to Hāstinapura the next morning, Dhṛtarāshṭra spoke to Vidura about how he intended to treat Kṛshṇa in order to honour him (V, 86). Vidura blamed Dhṛtarāshṭra for his insincerity
“the right hospitality to be offered to Kṛshṇa is to make peace with the Pāṇḍavas, and thou wilt not give them even five villages, and seekest only to separate Kṛshṇa from the Pāṇḍavas” (V, 87). Duryodhana said that it was of no use to bestow wealth and honour upon Kṛshṇa, as he could never be separated from the Pāṇḍavas, “and he will only think that we are worshipping him out of fear.” Bhīshma advised them to do as Kṛshṇa would say. Duryodhana declared that he would imprison Kṛshṇa. Dhṛtarāshṭra and all his counsellors became deeply afflicted, especially as Kṛshṇa came as an ambassador. Inflamed with rage, Bhīshma rose and left the place (V, 88). The next morning Kṛshṇa rose at daybreak and arrived in Hāstinapura, and was solemnly received by all the Dhārtarāshṭras (except Duryodhana), etc. (), and the citizens (description). Having saluted Dhṛtarāshṭra, etc. (), he went to the abode of Vidura (V, 89). In the afternoon he visited Kuntī, who wept for her sons, comparing Yudhishṭhira to Ambarīsha, etc. (), mentioning the feats of Bhīmasena (), comparing Arjuna to Kārtavīrya, etc. (), and also inquiring about Sahadeva and Nakula, and likewise about Draupadī (whom she had not seen for fourteen long years), mentioning how she was dragged by Duḥśāsana, while Bāhlika, etc. (), grieved
but especially she praised Vidura. “Full 14 years have gone since Duryodhana first exiled my son.” She mentioned the invisible voice on the night of Arjuna's birth, and trusted to Dharma and the Creator and Kṛshṇa. She asked Kṛshṇa to tell her sons that she besought them to avenge themselves and Draupadī, as even death was better than a life gained by meanness. Kṛshṇa consoled her, and then departed for Duryodhana's mansion (V, 90). Kṛshṇa entered Duryodhana's palace (description), where he also beheld Duḥśāsana, Karṇa, and Śakuni. Duryodhana asked him to dine at his house
but Kṛshṇa did not accept the invitation, because he hated the Pāṇḍavas, and went to Vidura's abode, where Droṇa, etc. (), came to him (V, 91). Vidura warned Kṛshṇa against Duryodhana, who would never make peace, because he trusted Bhīshma, etc. (), and distrusted Kṛshṇa (V, 92). Kṛshṇa said that he knew Duryodhana
but great would be the merit earned by him who liberates the whole earth from the noose of death
and even if he should meet failure, the merit of that intended act would become his
“moreover, I have come here in order that unrighteous, foolish, and inimical persons shall not afterwards be free to say that Kṛshṇa made no attempt to restrain them from slaughtering one another, though he was competent to do so.” Then he laid himself down for sleep (V, 93). In the morning Duryodhana and Śakūni came and invited him to go to the council where Dhṛtarāshṭra and Bhīshma, etc., were present
he rode thither in his chariot with Dāruka, putting on his gem Kaustubha, and being protected by the Vṛshṇis, and he was followed by Vidura in his own chariot, and by Duryodhana and Śakuni in one chariot, and by Sātyaki and Kṛtavarman and the other chariot-warriors of the Vṛshṇi race in chariots and on steeds and elephants (description). Then he entered the court with Vidura and Sātyaki
before him sat Karṇa and Duryodhana, behind him the Vṛshṇis with Kṛtavarman. Bhīshma, Droṇa, etc., with Dhṛtarāshṭra rose up in his honour, etc. He beheld the Ṛshis staying in the skies with Nārada at their head, and caused Bhīshma to offer them seats. Duḥśāsana gave a seat to Sātyaki, and Viviṃśati one to Kṛtavarman (V, 94). Kṛshṇa spoke of the just complaints and claims of the Pāṇḍavas, and said that with them as his allies Dhṛtarāshṭra would become invincible, having Bhīshma, etc. (). “Let not the peoples of the earth be exterminated! If thou regainest thy natural disposition, the earth may continue to be peopled as now.” All the kings there present highly applauded the words of Kṛshṇa in their hearts, but none of them ventured to say anything in the presence of Duryodhana (V, 95).--§ 563: Jāmadagnya then told Dambhodbhavopākhyāna (q.v.). “Great, indeed, was that feat of old achieved by Nara. Nārāyaṇa again became superior to Nara in consequence of many additional qualities. Therefore, O king, before such weapons as Kākudika, etc. (), are placed on the string of the Gāṇḍīva, go thou to Dhanañjaya, laying aside thy pride!” These weapons have other names corresponding to the eight passions (lust, wrath, etc.
description) (V, 96).--§ 564: Mātalīyopā-khyāna (q.v.).--§ 565: After Kaṇva had spoken, Kṛshṇa, Bhīshma, and Nārada in vain admonished Duryodhana. Nārada related the old story Gālavacarita (q.v.), and--§ 566: The fall of Yayāti (q.v.).--§ 567: Dhṛtarāshṭra complained that Duryodhana never listened to his, etc. (), words, and asked Kṛshṇa to admonish him. Kṛshṇa reminded Duryodhana of what was agreeable to Dhṛtarāshṭra, etc. (), and warned him against Duḥśāsana, etc. (). Bhīshma, etc. (), could not fight against Bhīma and Arjuna, who had vanquished D., G., Y., As., and Pn. at Khāṇḍavaprastha
who encountered many at Virāṭa's city, etc. () (V, 124). Bhīshma, Droṇa, Vidura, and Dhṛtarāshṭra recommended Duryodhana to follow the counsels of Kṛshṇa (V, 125). Bhīshma and Droṇa warned Duryodhana against Kṛshṇa, etc. () (V, 126). Duryodhana complained that Kṛshṇa always censured him
in the match of dice blame could not be attached to him. He quoted this saying of Mātaṅga, “one should always keep himself erect…” (V, 127). Kṛshṇa indignantly answered Duryodhana, mentioning his offences against the Pāṇḍavas, Vāraṇāvata, etc. (). Duḥśāsana said to Duryodhana that the Kauravas would bind him, and Bhīshma, Droṇa, and Dhṛtarāshṭra would make Duryodhana, Karṇa, and Duḥśāsana over to the Pāṇḍavas. Disregarding Vidura, etc. (), Duryodhana went out of the court in anger. Kṛshṇa blamed them for not having forcibly seized and bound Duryodhana
“I think the time has come for doing this”
he reminded them of how he had himself slain Kaṃsa, and then installed Ugrasena on the throne, for the benefit of all the Yādavas, Andhakas, and Vṛshṇis
and that when the gods and Asuras, etc. (), were arrayed for battle Parameshṭhin had commanded Dharma to bind the Daiteyas and the Dānavas and make them over to Varuṇa, who having bound them with Dharma's noose and also with his own, kept them within the depths of the ocean. In the same way they ought to bind Duryodhana, etc. () (V, 128). Dhṛtarāshṭra caused Vidura to fetch Gāndhārī, who blamed Dhṛtarāshṭra, because he had by his indulgence caused Duryodhana now to be the slave of delusion and incapable of being turned back
she then caused Vidura to fetch Duryodhana, whom she rebuked severely and asked to obey the words of his well-wishers Dhṛtarāshṭra, etc. ()
Bhīshma and Dhṛtarāshṭra and Bāhlīka [formerly]
gave the Pāṇḍavas their share from fear of a disunion. If Bhīshma, etc. (), became enraged the population of the earth would be exterminated. The affection of Bhīshma, Droṇa, and Kṛpa towards the Pāṇḍavas and the Dhārtarāshṭras was equal
“it is never seen in this world that men acquire wealth by avarice” (V, 129). Disregarding the words of his mother, Duryodhana again went away in anger, and began to consult with Śakuni, and Duryodhana, etc. (), resolved upon seizing Kṛshṇa
then the Pāṇḍavas with the Somakas would become depressed. Sātyaki knew it, caused Kṛtavarman to array the troops at the entrance of the court, and informed Kṛshṇa, Dhṛtarāshṭra, and Vidura, but laughed at the project. Vidura told Dhṛtarāshṭra that the last hour of all his sons was at hand. Kṛshṇa said to Dhṛtarāshṭra that if his sons perpetrated such a deed Yudhishṭhira's object would be accomplished, “for this very day, seizing them with all who follow them, I can make them over to the Pāṇḍavas
I will not, however, commit any such censurable deed that can proceed only from wrath and a sinful understanding.” Dhṛtarāshṭra once more caused Vidura to fetch Duryodhana with his brothers, etc., and rebuked them
“dost thou not know Kṛshṇa, who is incapable of being defeated in battle by D., men, G., As., and U.?” Vidura reminded Duryodhana that at the gates of Saubha the monkey Dvivida covered Kṛshṇa with a shower of stones, but could not seize him
nor could Naraka with all the Dānavas at Prāgjyotisha
slaying Naraka, Kṛshṇa brought away 1, 000 damsels and married them all. In the city of Nirmocana 6, 000 mighty Asuras failed to seize him with their nooses. He also mentioned Pūtanā Śakunī, etc. () (V, 130). Kṛshṇa reminded Duryodhana that he was not alone, and from his body issued myriads of gods, etc. ()
all the kings were terrified and closed their eyes, except Bhīshma, Droṇa, Vidura, Sañjaya, and the Ṛshis
for Kṛshṇa gave them celestial sight, etc. Then he went out with Sātyaki and Kṛtavarman. The Ṛshis Nārada, etc., vanished. He found Dāruka waiting with his chariot (description) drawn by Śaibya, and Kṛtavarman, who had mounted his chariot. Dhṛtarāshṭra excused himself, saying that he was powerless. Kṛshṇa bade farewell to Dhṛtarāshṭra, etc. (), and set out, followed by Bhīshma, etc. (), to the abode of Kuntī (V, 131). Kuntī asked him to admonish Yudhishṭhira to attend to the duties of his own order, and not contemplate virtue alone (“thy virtue is decreasing greatly”), citing Mucukunda (b). It is the king that creates the Kṛta, Tretā, or Dvāpara age
if he creates the Kṛta age, he enjoys heaven exceedingly
if he creates the Tretā, he enjoys heaven, but not exceedingly
if he causes the Dvāpara age to set in, he enjoys heaven according to his due
if he promotes the Kali age, he will reside in hell for countless years. “That understanding according to which thou art now acting, is not in accordance with the intentions of Pāṇḍu, or myself, or thy grandsire, when we uttered blessings on thee before, ” etc. (V, 132). “In this connection is cited an old story: § 568. Vidulāputraśāsana” (q.v.).--§ 569: Kuntī asked Kṛshṇa to remind Arjuna of the voice heard at his birth (that he should rival Indra, vanquish the Kurus, conquer the earth aided by Bhīma
slay the Kurus in battle with Kṛshṇa as his ally, and recover his share in the kingdom, and, with his brothers, perform three great sacrifices)
to Bhīma he should say that “the time has come for that in view of which a kshattriya lady brings forth a son”
Kṛshṇā he should praise for her behaviour towards the Pāṇḍavas
he should remind Nakula and Sahadeva, that they must not forgive the insults towards Draupadī, that was worse than the defeat at dice and the exile
Arjuna should always tread in the path pointed out by Draupadī
Bhīma and Arjuna are a pair of Yamas capable of slaying the very gods
they should revenge the harsh words said by Duḥśāsana to Bhīma. Kṛshṇa bade farewell to Bhīshma, etc., took Karṇa upon his chariot and set out with Sātyaki, deliberating with Karṇa for a long time. Then he dismissed Karṇa, and driven by Dāruka the steeds soon reached Upaplavya. The Kurus assembled and talked about Kṛshṇa (V, 137). Bhīshma and Droṇa reminded Duryodhana of what Kuntī had said to Kṛshṇa, and the exploits of Arjuna
they recommended peace
fearful omens appeared (V, 138). Duryodhana was cheerless and silent. Bhīshma complained. Droṇa said that his affection for Arjuna was greater than for Aśvatthāman
Duryodhana ought to have followed the counsels of the elders
Yudhishṭhira was invincible
the Pāṇḍavas had procured wealth from Kubera's abode
“the periods of our lives have run out”
etc. (V, 139). Requested by Dhṛtarāshṭra, Sañjaya related the conversation between Kṛshṇa and Karṇa (see the note of PCR.). Kṛshṇa disclosed to Karṇa that he was virtually the son of Pāṇḍu, and on the side of his father was related to the Pāṇḍavas, on the side of his mother to the Vṛshṇis. He ought to come with him to the Pāṇḍavas, being the elder brother of Yudhishṭhira, and be installed as king by Dhaumya, etc. (), Yudhishṭhira being his heir-presumptive and ruling the kingdom under him
“during the sixth period Draupadī also will come to thee”
“let the Draviḍas, etc. (), walk before thee” (V, 140). Karṇa admitted that he was virtually the son of Pāṇḍu, Kuntī having, while a maiden, born him to Sūrya and then abandoned him. But the Sūta Adhiratha had taken him to his home
from her affection for him Rādhā's breasts were filled with milk that very day, and she held his urine and fæces
“how can one like us….deprive her of her piṇḍa?” Adhiratha regarded Karṇa as a son, and Karṇa regarded Adhiratha as a father
he had caused all the rites of infancy to be performed on Karṇa according to the scriptures
he had caused the name Vasusheṇa to be bestowed upon him by the brahmans
when Karṇa attained to youth he married wives according to Adhiratha's selection
with them he had begotten sons and grandsons. Through Duryodhana he had enjoyed sovereignty for thirteen years. His many sacrifices had always been with Sūtas, as had also his family rites and marriage rites. It was only after having got hold of Karṇa that Duryodhana had decided upon war with the Pāṇḍavas, Karṇa having been chosen as the antagonist of Arjuna. Their discourse ought to be kept secret, lest Yudhishṭhira should refuse to accept the kingdom
and “if the empire becomes mine I shall certainly make it over to Duryodhana only.” He praised Yudhishṭhira, etc. (), and the weapons of Arjuna (), comparing the combat to a sacrifice
and Bhīma's drinking the blood of Duḥśāsana to the Soma-drinking, etc. (V, 141). Kṛshṇa said the victory of the Pāṇḍavas was very certain
he described Arjuna's banner, made by Bhaumana by celestial illusion
his Aindra, Āgneya, and Māruta weapons, etc.
“then all signs of the Kṛta, Tretā, and Dvāpara ages will disappear.” He forebade Bhīmasena's dancing, having quaffed the blood of Duḥśāsana, etc. (). “Returning hence, say to Bhīshma, etc. (), that the present month is a delightful one
7 days hence it will be the day of the new moon, presided over by Indra
let the battle commence then” (V, 142). Karṇa ascribed the approaching destruction to Śakuni, etc. (), and mentioned diverse sinister visions of planets (), etc., and he had seen in a vision, foreboding victory, Yudhishṭhira, etc. (), and the inverse respecting Bhīshma, etc. (). “Karṇa embraced Kṛshṇa, descended from his chariot, and riding in his own chariot, which was decked with gold, came back with us” (V, 143). Vidura approached Kuntī and spoke of the state and disposition of Yudhishṭhira, etc. (), and the allies of Yudhishṭhira (). Kuntī thought with grief on those who were going to fight (). Especially she was afraid of Karṇa
she recollected the boon of Durvāsas and its consequences (). She went to Karṇa, who was standing performing his prayers on the bank of Gaṅgā with his face turned towards the east and his arms upraised
and she stayed behind him, waiting for the completion of his prayers. Then, turning round, he beheld Kuntī (V, 144). Kuntī disclosed to Karṇa his birth, mentioned the justice of the Pāṇḍava cause and the injustice of Duryodhana's, and besought him to join the Pāṇḍavas (V, 145). Sūrya corroborated the words of Kuntī. But Karṇa represented to her the great injury she had done him
he could not now frustrate the hope of the Kauravas
but “except Arjuna thy other sons shall not be slain by me.” They then left the spot, turning into different directions (V, 146). At Upaplavya Kṛshṇa represented to the Pāṇḍavas all that had happened at Hāstinapura. In the night, Yudhishṭhira again brought Kṛshṇa into their midst, and caused him to repeat what had been said by Bhīshma, etc. ()
Bhīshma had related his own life ()
he mentioned a duel with Rāma [Jāmadagnya], where Vicitravīrya fled, having been deserted by his subjects
upon Vicitravīrya's death anarchy prevailed in the kingdom, and Indra did not give a drop of rain
afflicted by hunger and maladies (very few of them were still alive), the subjects then asked Bhīshma --in vain--to ascend the throne
“when Pāṇḍu became king, his sons must obtain their paternal inheritance” (V, 147). Droṇa had related the life of Pāṇḍu. Vidura had asked Bhīshma to go to the woods with him and Dhṛtarāshṭra, or to bind Duryodhana and rule the kingdom with the Pāṇḍavas. Gāndhārī proved that the kingdom by right belonged to the Pāṇḍavas and their sons and grandsons, and to no others (V, 148). Dhṛtarāshṭra had repeated to Duryodhana the genealogy of the Kuru race from Soma, mentioning especially that Yayāti (b) had placed his youngest son Pūru on the throne
and that Devāpi's installation was forbidden by the brahmans and all aged persons because of a skin disease (leprosy, Nīl.), and as Bāhlika abandoned his father and brother and obtained the wealthy kingdom of his maternal uncle, Śāntanu, the youngest of the three brothers, became king. “Being defective of a limb, I was likewise excluded by Pāṇḍu
at his death the kingdom must pass to his sons …thou art not the son of a king, and therefore hast no right to the kingdom” (V, 149). Kṛshṇa continued his relation
Duryodhana had repeatedly instructed the kings, saying: “To-day is Pushya [in conjunction with the moon]
march ye.” “Eleven akshauhiṇīs have been assembled headed by Bhīshma (with the device of the palmyra in his banner)” (V, 150).