The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa Translated into English Prose: Adi Parva — John Shaqi
The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa Translated into English Prose: Adi Parva
Religion
The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa Translated into English Prose: Adi Parva
Epic literature, Sanskrit
"The extensive Parva that comes next is called Virata. The Pandavas
arriving at the dominions of Virata saw in a cemetery on the outskirts of
the city a large shami tree whereon they kept their weapons. Here hath
been recited their entry into the city and their stay there in disguise.
Then the slaying by Bhima of the wicked Kichaka who, senseless with lust,
had sought Draupadi; the appointment by prince Duryodhana of clever spies;
and their despatch to all sides for tracing the Pandavas; the failure of
these to discover the mighty sons of Pandu; the first seizure of Virata's
kine by the Trigartas and the terrific battle that ensued; the capture of
Virata by the enemy and his rescue by Bhimasena; the release also of the
kine by the Pandava (Bhima); the seizure of Virata's kine again by the
Kurus; the defeat in battle of all the Kurus by the single-handed Arjuna;
the release of the king's kine; the bestowal by Virata of his daughter
Uttara for Arjuna's acceptance on behalf of his son by Subhadra--Abhimanyu
--the destroyer of foes. These are the contents of the extensive fourth
Parva--the Virata. The great Rishi Vyasa has composed in these sixty-seven
sections. The number of slokas is two thousand and fifty.
"Listen then to (the contents of) the fifth Parva which must be known as
Udyoga. While the Pandavas, desirous of victory, were residing in the
place called Upaplavya, Duryodhana and Arjuna both went at the same time
to Vasudeva, and said, 'You should render us assistance in this war.' The
high-souled Krishna, upon these words being uttered, replied, 'O ye first
of men, a counsellor in myself who will not fight and one Akshauhini of
troops, which of these shall I give to which of you?' Blind to his own
interests, the foolish Duryodhana asked for the troops; while Arjuna
solicited Krishna as an unfighting counsellor. Then is described how, when
the king of Madra was coming for the assistance of the Pandavas,
Duryodhana, having deceived him on the way by presents and hospitality,
induced him to grant a boon and then solicited his assistance in battle;
how Salya, having passed his word to Duryodhana, went to the Pandavas and
consoled them by reciting the history of Indra's victory (over Vritra).
Then comes the despatch by the Pandavas of their Purohita (priest) to the
Kauravas. Then is described how king Dhritarashtra of great prowess,
having heard the word of the purohita of the Pandavas and the story of
Indra's victory decided upon sending his purohita and ultimately
despatched Sanjaya as envoy to the Pandavas from desire for peace. Here
hath been described the sleeplessness of Dhritarashtra from anxiety upon
hearing all about the Pandavas and their friends, Vasudeva and others. It
was on this occasion that Vidura addressed to the wise king Dhritarashtra
various counsels that were full of wisdom. It was here also that Sanat-
sujata recited to the anxious and sorrowing monarch the excellent truths
of spiritual philosophy.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account