The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa Translated into English Prose: Virata Parva
Religion
The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa Translated into English Prose: Virata Parva
Epic literature, Sanskrit
Vaisampayana continued, "Having listened to the words of the grandsire
that tended to his own welfare, the wrathful king Duryodhana no longer
eager for battle, drew a deep sigh and became silent. And reflecting
that the advice of Bhishma was beneficial and seeing that the Pandavas
gaining in strength, the other warriors also, desirous of protecting
Duryodhana, resolved to return. And beholding those foremost of Kuru
heroes departing for their city, Dhananjaya, the son of Pritha, with a
cheerful heart followed them for a while, desirous of addressing and
worshipping them. And having worshipped the aged grandsire--the son of
Santanu, as also the preceptor Drona, and having saluted with beautiful
arrows Drona's son and Kripa and other venerable ones among the Kurus,
the son of Pritha broke into fragments Duryodhana's crown decked with
precious gems, with another arrow. And having saluted all the venerable
and brave warriors thus, he filled the three worlds with the twang of
the _Gandiva_. And suddenly blowing his conch called _Devadatta_, the
hero pierced the hearts of all his foes. And having humbled the hostile,
he looked resplendent on his car decked with a handsome flag. And
beholding the Kurus depart, Kiritin cheerfully said unto Matsya's son,
'Turn back thy steeds; thy kine have been recovered; the foe is going
away and do thou also return to thy city with a cheerful heart.' And the
celestials also, having witnessed that most wonderful encounter between
Phalguna and the Kurus, were highly delighted, and went to their
respective abodes, reflecting upon Partha's feats."
SECTION LXVI
Vaisampayana said, "Having vanquished the Kurus in battle, that one with
eyes like those of a bull brought back that profuse cattle wealth of
Virata. And while the Dhritarashtra, after their rout, were going away,
a large number of Kuru-soldiers issuing out of the deep forest appeared
with slow steps before Partha, their hearts afflicted with fear. And
they stood before him with joined palms and with hair dishevelled. And
fatigued with hunger and thirst, arrived in a foreign land, insensible
with terror, and confused in mind, they all bowed down unto the son of
Pritha and said,--_We are thy slaves_.'
"Arjuna said, 'Welcome, blessed be ye. Go ye away. Ye have no cause of
fear. I will not take the lives of them that are afflicted. Ye have my
assurance of protection.'"
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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