The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa Translated into English Prose: Vana Parva, Part 1
Religion
The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa Translated into English Prose: Vana Parva, Part 1
Epic literature, Sanskrit
Vaisampayana said, "One day, knowing that Arjuna's glances were cast
upon Urvasi, Vasava, calling Chitrasena to himself, addressed him in
private saying, 'O king of Gandharvas, I am pleased; go thou as my
messenger to that foremost of Apsaras, Urvasi, and let her wait upon
that tiger among men, Phalguna. Tell her, saying these words of mine,
'As through my instrumentality Arjuna hath learnt all the weapons and
other arts, worshipped by all, so shouldst thou make him conversant with
the arts of acquitting one's self in female company.' Thus addressed by
Indra, the chief of the Gandharvas in obedience to that command of
Vasava, soon went to Urvasi that foremost of Apsaras. And as he saw her,
she recognised him and delighted him by the welcome she offered and the
salutation she gave. And seated at ease he then smilingly addressed
Urvasi, who also was seated at ease, saying, 'Let it be known, O thou of
fair hips, that I come hither despatched by the one sole lord of heaven
who asketh of thee a favour. He who is known amongst gods and men for
his many inborn virtues, for his grace, behaviour, beauty of person,
vows and self-control; who is noted for might and prowess, and respected
by the virtuous, and ready-witted; who is endued with genius and
splendid energy, is of a forgiving temper and without malice of any
kind; who hath studied the four Vedas with their branches, and the
_Upanishads_, and the Puranas also; who is endued with devotion to his
preceptors and with intellect possessed of the eight attributes, who by
his abstinence, ability, origin and age, is alone capable of protecting
the celestial regions like Mahavat himself; who is never boastful; who
showeth proper respect to all; who beholdeth the minutest things as
clearly as if those were gross and large; who is sweet-speeched; who
showereth diverse kinds of food and drink on his friends and dependents;
who is truthful, worshipped of all, eloquent, handsome, and without
pride; who is kind to those devoted to him, and universally pleasing and
dear to all; who is firm in promise; who is equal to even Mahendra and
Varuna in respect of every desirable attribute, _viz_., Arjuna, is known
to thee. O Urvasi, know thou that hero is to be made to taste the joys
of heaven. Commanded by Indra, let him today obtain thy feet. Do this, O
amiable one, for Dhananjaya is inclined to thee.'
"Thus addressed, Urvasi of faultless features assumed a smiling face,
and receiving the words of the Gandharva with high respect, answered
with a glad heart, saying, 'Hearing of the virtues that should adorn
men, as unfolded by thee, I would bestow my favours upon any one who
happened to possess them. Why should I not then, choose Arjuna for a
lover? At the command of Indra, and for my friendship for thee, and
moved also by the numerous virtues of Phalguna, I am already under the
influence of the god of love. Go thou, therefore, to the place thou
desirest. I shall gladly go to Arjuna.'"
SECTION XLVI
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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