The Mahabharata, of, Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, BOOK 3, (Kirmirabadha Parva) SECTION XLI

 

The Mahabharata, of, Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, BOOK 3, (Kirmirabadha Parva)

SECTION XLI

Vaisampayana said, "The wielder of the Pinaka, having the bull for his

sign, thus disappeared in the very sight of the gazing son of Pandu, like

the sun setting in the sight of the world. Arjuna, that slayer of hostile

heroes, wondered much at this, saying, 'O, I have seen the great god of

gods. 'Fortunate, indeed I am, and much favoured, for I have both beheld

and touched with my hand the three-eyed Hara the wielder of the Pinaka,

in his boon-giving form. I shall win success. I am already great. My

enemies have already been vanquished by me. My purposes have been already

achieved.' And while the son of Pritha, endued with immeasurable energy,

was thinking thus, there came to that place Varuna the god of waters,

handsome and of the splendour of the lapis lazuli accompanied by all

kinds of aquatic creatures, and filling all the points of the horizon

with a blazing effulgence. And accompanied by Rivers both male and

female, and Nagas, and Daityas and Sadhyas and inferior deities, Varuna,

the controller and lord of all aquatic creatures, arrived at that spot.

There came also the lord Kuvera of body resembling pure gold, seated on

his car of great splendour, and accompanied by numerous Yakshas. And the

lord of treasures, possessed of great beauty, came there to see Arjuna,

illuminating the firmament with his effulgence. And there came also Yama

himself, of great beauty, the powerful destroyer of all the worlds,

accompanied by those lords of the creation--the Pitris--both embodied and

disembodied. And the god of justice, of inconceivable soul, the son of

Surya, the destroyer of all creatures, with the mace in hand, came there

on his car, illuminating the three worlds with regions of the Guhyakas,

the Gandharvas and the Nagas, like a second Surya as he riseth at the end

of the Yuga. Having arrived there, they beheld, from the effulgent and

variegated summits of the great mountain, Arjuna engaged in ascetic

austerities. And there came in a moment the illustrious Sakra also,

accompanied by his queen, seated on the back of (the celestial elephant)

Airavata, and surrounded also by all the deities. And in consequence of

the white umbrella being held over his head, he looked like the moon amid

fleecy clouds. And eulogised by Gandharvas, and Rishis endued with wealth

of asceticism, the chief of the celestials alighted on a particular

summit of the mountain, like a second sun. Then Yama possessed of great

intelligence, and fully conversant with virtue, who had occupied a summit

on the south, in a voice deep as that of the clouds, said these

auspicious words, 'Arjuna, behold us, the protectors of the worlds,

arrive here! We will grant thee (spiritual) vision, for thou deservest to

behold us. Thou wert in thy former life a Rishi of immeasurable soul,

known as Nara of great might At the command, O child, of Brahma, thou

hast been born among men! O sinless one, by thee shall be vanquished in

battle the highly virtuous grandsire of the Kurus--Bhishma of great

energy--who is born of the Vasus. Thou shalt also defeat all the

Kshatriyas of fiery energy commanded by the son of Bharadwaja in battle.

Thou shalt also defeat those Danavas of fierce prowess that have been

born amongst men, and those Danavas also that are called Nivatakavachas.

And, O son of the Kuru race, O Dhananjaya, thou shalt also slay Karna of

fierce prowess, who is even a portion of my father Surya, of energy

celebrated throughout the worlds. And, O son of Kunti, smiter of all

foes, thou shalt also slay all the portions of celestials and Danavas and

the Rakshasas that have been incarnate on earth. And slain by thee, these

shall attain to the regions earned by them according to their acts. And,

O Phalguna, the fame of thy achievements will last for ever in the world:

thou hast gratified Mahadeva himself in conflict. Thou shalt, with Vishnu

himself, lighten the burden of the earth. O accept this weapon of

mine--the mace I wield incapable of being baffled by any body. With this

weapon thou wilt achieve great deeds.'"

Vaisampayana continued, "O Janamejaya, the son of Pritha then received

from Yama that weapon duly, along with the Mantras and rite, and the

mysteries of hurling and withdrawing it. Then Varuna, the lord of all

aquatic creatures, blue as the clouds, from a summit he had occupied on

the west, uttered these words, 'O son of Pritha, thou art the foremost of

Kshatriyas, and engaged in Kshatriya practices. O thou of large coppery

eyes, behold me! I am Varuna, the lord of waters. Hurled by me, my nooses

are incapable of being resisted. O son of Kunti, accept of me these

Varuna weapons along with the mysteries of hurling and withdrawing them.

With these, O hero, in the battle that ensued of your on account of

Taraka (the wife of Vrihaspati), thousands of mighty Daityas were seized

and tied. Accept them of me. Even if Yama himself by thy foe, with these

in thy hands, he will not be able to escape from thee. When thou wilt

armed with these, range over the field of battle, the land, beyond doubt,

will be destitute of Kshatriyas.'"

Vaisampayana continued, "After both Varuna and Yama had given away their

celestial weapons, the lord of treasures having his home on the heights

of Kailasa, then spake, 'O son of Pandu, O thou of great might and

wisdom, I too have been pleased with thee. And this meeting with thee

giveth me as much pleasure as a meeting with Krishna. O wielder of the

bow with the left hand, O thou of mighty arms, thou wert a god before,

eternal (as other gods). In ancient Kalpas, thou hadst every day gone

through ascetic austerities along with us. O best of men, I grant thee

celestial vision. O thou of mighty arms, thou wilt defeat even invincible

Daityas and Danavas. Accept of me also without loss of time, an excellent

weapon. With this thou wilt be able to consume the ranks of

Dhritarashtra. Take then this favourite weapon of mine called

Antarddhana. Endued with energy and prowess and splendour, it is capable

of sending the foe to sleep. When the illustrious Sankara slew Tripura,

even this was the weapon which he shot and by which many mighty Asuras

were consumed. O thou of invincible prowess I take it up for giving it to

thee. Endued with the dignity of the Meru, thou art competent to hold

this weapon.'"

"After these words had been spoken, the Kuru prince Arjuna endued with

great strength, duly received from Kuvera that celestial weapon. Then the

chief of the celestials addressing Pritha's son of ceaseless deeds in

sweet words, said, in a voice deep as that the clouds or the kettle-drum,

'O thou mighty-armed son of Kunti, thou art an ancient god. Thou hast

already achieved the highest success, and acquired the statue of a god.

But, O represser of foes, thou hast yet to accomplish the purposes of the

gods. Thou must ascend to heaven. Therefore prepare thou O hero of great

splendour! My own car with Matali as charioteer, will soon descend on the

earth. Taking thee, O Kaurava, to heaven, I will grant thee there all my

celestial weapons.'"

"Beholding those protectors of the worlds assembled together on the

heights of Himavat, Dhananjaya, the son of Kunti, wondered much, Endued

with great energy, he then duly worshipped the assembled Lokapalas, with

words, water, and fruits. The celestials then returning that worship,

went away. And the gods capable of going everywhere at will, and endued

with the speed of the mind, returned to the places whence they had come."

"That bull among men--Arjuna--having obtained weapons thus, was filled

with pleasure. And he regarded himself as one whose desires had been

fulfilled and who was crowned with success."

SECTION XLII

(Indralokagamana Parva)

Vaisampayana said, "After the Lokapalas had gone away, Arjuna--that

slayer of all foes--began to think, O monarch, of the car of Indra! And

as Gudakesa gifted with great intelligence was thinking of it, the car

endued with great effulgence and guided by Matali, came dividing the

clouds and illuminating the firmament and filling the entire welkin with

its rattle deep as the roar of mighty masses of clouds. Swords, and

missiles of terrible forms and maces of frightful description, and winged

darts of celestials splendour and lightnings of the brightest effulgence,

and thunderbolts, and propellors furnished with wheels and worked with

atmosphere expansion and producing sounds loud as the roar of great

masses of clouds, were on that car. And there were also on that car

fierce and huge-bodied Nagas with fiery mouths, and heaps of stones white

as the fleecy clouds. And the car was drawn by ten thousands of horses of

golden hue, endued with the speed of the wind. And furnished with prowess

of illusion, the car was drawn with such speed that the eye could hardly

mark its progress. And Arjuna saw on that car the flag-staff called

Vaijayanta, of blazing effulgence, resembling in hue the emerald or the

dark-blue lotus, and decked with golden ornaments and straight as the

bamboo. And beholding a charioteer decked in gold seated on that car, the

mighty-armed son of Pritha regarded it as belonging to the celestials.

And while Arjuna was occupied with his thoughts regarding the car, the

charioteer Matali, bending himself after descending from the car,

addressed him, saying, 'O lucky son of Sakra! Sakra himself wisheth to

see thee. Ascend thou without loss of time this car that hath been sent

by Indra. The chief of the immortals, thy father--that god of a hundred

sacrifices--hath commanded me, saying, 'Bring the son of Kunti hither.

Let the gods behold him.' And Sankara himself, surrounded by the

celestials and Rishis and Gandharvas and Apsaras, waiteth to behold thee.

At the command of the chastiser of Paka, therefore, ascend thou with me

from this to the region of the celestials. Thou wilt return after

obtaining weapons.'"

"Arjuna replied, 'O Matali, mount thou without loss of time this

excellent car, a car that cannot be attained even by hundreds of Rajasuya

and horse sacrifices. Even kings of great prosperity who have performed

great sacrifices distinguished by large gifts (to Brahmanas), even gods

and Danavas are not competent to ride this car. He that hath not ascetic

merit is not competent to even see or touch this car, far less to ride on

it. O blessed one, after thou hast ascended, it, and after the horses

have become still, I will ascend it, like a virtuous man stepping into

the high-road of honesty.'"

Vaisampayana continued, "Matali, the charioteer of Sakra, hearing these

words of Arjuna, soon mounted the car and controlled the horses. Arjuna

then, with a cheerful heart, purified himself by a bath in the Ganges.

And the son of Kunti then duly repeated (inaudibly) his customary

prayers. He then, duly and according to the ordinance, gratified the

Pitris with oblations of water. And, lastly, he commenced to invoke the

Mandara--that king of mountains--saying, 'O mountain, thou art ever the

refuge of holy, heaven-seeking Munis of virtuous conduct and behaviour.

It is through thy grace, O mountain, that Brahmanas and Kshatriyas and

Vaisyas attain heaven, and their anxieties gone, sport with the

celestials. O king of mountains, O mountain, thou art the asylum of

Munis, and thou holdest on thy breast numerous sacred shrines. Happily

have I dwelt on thy heights. I leave thee now, bidding thee farewell. Oft

have I seen thy tablelands and bowers, thy springs and brooks, and the

sacred shrines on thy breast. I have also eaten the savoury fruits

growing on thee, and have slated my thirst with draughts of perfumed

water oozing from the body. I have also drunk the water of thy springs,

sweet as amrita itself. O mountain, as a child sleepeth happily on the

lap of his father, so have I, O king of mountains, O excellent one,

sported on thy breast, echoing with the notes of Apsaras and the chanting

of the Vedas. O mountain, every day have I lived happily on thy

tablelands.' Thus having bidden farewell to the mountain, that slayer of

hostile heroes--Arjuna--blazing like the Sun himself, ascended the

celestial car. And the Kuru prince gifted with great intelligence, with a

glad heart, coursed through the firmament on that celestial car effulgent

as the sun and of extra-ordinary achievements. And after he had become

invisible to the mortals of the earth, he beheld thousands of cars of

extra-ordinary beauty. And in that region there was no sun or moon or

fire to give light, but it blazed in light of its own, generated by

virtue of ascetic merit. And those brilliant regions that are seen from

the earth in the form of stars, like lamps (in the sky)--so small in

consequence of their distance, though very large--were beheld by the son

of Pandu, stationed in their respective places, full of beauty and

effulgence and blazing with splendour all their own. And there he beheld

royal sages crowned with ascetic success, and heroes who had yielded up

their lives in battle, and those that had acquired heaven by their

ascetic austerities, by hundreds upon hundreds. And there were also

Gandharvas, of bodies blazing like the sun, by thousands upon thousands,

as also Guhyakas and Rishis and numerous tribes of Apsaras. And beholding

those self-effulgent regions, Phalguna became filled with wonder, and

made enquiries of Matali. And Matali also gladly replied unto him,

saying, 'These, O son of Pritha, are virtuous persons stationed in their

respective places. It is these whom thou hast seen, O exalted one, as

stars, from the earth.' Then Arjuna saw standing at the gates (Indra's

region) the handsome and ever victorious elephant--Airavata--furnished

with four tusks, and resembling the mountain of Kailasa with its summits.

And coursing along that path of the Siddhas, that foremost of the Kurus

and the son of Pandu, sat in beauty like Mandhata--that best of kings.

Endued with eyes like lotus leaves, he passed through the region set

apart for virtuous kings. And the celebrated Arjuna having thus passed

through successive regions of heaven at last beheld Amaravati, the city

of Indra."

SECTION XLIII

Vaisampayana said, "And the city of Indra which Arjuna saw was delightful

and was the resort of Siddhas and Charanas. And it was adorned with the

flowers of every season, and with sacred trees of all kinds. And he

beheld also celestial gardens called Nandana--the favourite resort of

Apsaras. And fanned by the fragrant breezes charged with the farina of

sweet-scented flowers, the trees with their lord of celestial blossoms

seemed to welcome him amongst them. And the region was such that none

could behold it who had not gone through ascetic austerities, or who had

not poured libations on fire. It was a region for the virtuous alone, and

not for those who had turned their back on the field of battle. And none

were competent to see it who had not performed sacrifices or observed

rigid vows, or who were without a knowledge of the Vedas, or who had not

bathed in sacred waters, or who were not distinguished for sacrifices and

gifts. And none were competent to see it who were disturbers of

sacrifices, or who were low, or who drank intoxicating liquors, or who

were violators of their preceptors' bed, or who were eaters of

(unsanctified) meat, or who were wicked. And having beheld those

celestial gardens resounding with celestial music, the strong-armed son

of Pandu entered the favourite city of Indra. And he beheld there

celestial cars by thousands, capable of going everywhere at will,

stationed in proper places. And he saw tens of thousands of such cars

moving in every direction. And fanned by pleasant breezes charged with

the perfumes of flowers, the son of Pandu was praised by Apsaras and

Gandharvas. And the celestials then, accompanied by the Gandharvas and

Siddhas and great Rishis, cheerfully reverenced Pritha's son of white

deeds. Benedictions were poured upon him, accompanied by the sounds of

celestial music. The strong-armed son of Pritha then heard around him the

music of conchs and drums. And praised all around, the son of Pritha then

went, at the command of Indra, to that large and extensive starry way

called by the name of Suravithi. There he met with the Sadhyas, the

Viswas, the Marutas, the twin Aswins, the Adityas, the Vasus, the Rudras,

the Brahmarshis of the great splendour, and numerous royal sages with

Dilipa at their head, and Tumvura and Narada, and that couple of

Gandharvas known by the names of Haha and Huhu. And the Kuru prince--that

chastiser of foes--having met and duly saluted them, last of all beheld

the chief of the celestials--the god of a hundred sacrifices. Then the

strong-armed son of Pritha, alighting from the car approached the lord

himself of the gods--his father--that chastiser of Paka. And a beautiful

white umbrella furnished with a golden staff was held over the chief of

the celestials. And he was fanned with a Chamara perfumed with celestial

scents. And he was eulogised by many Gandharvas headed by Viswavasu and

others, by bards and singers, and by foremost Brahmanas chanting Rik and

Yajus hymns. And the mighty son of Kunti, approaching Indra, saluted him

by bending his head to the ground. And Indra thereupon embraced him with

his round and plump arms. And taking his hand, Sakra made him sit by him

on a portion of his own seat, that sacred seat which was worshipped by

gods and Rishis. And the lord of the celestials-that slayer of hostile

heroes--smelt the head of Arjuna bending in humility, and even took him

upon his lap. Seated on Sakra's seat at the command of that god of a

thousand eyes, Pritha's son of immeasurable energy began to blaze in

splendour like a second Indra. And moved by affection, the slayer of

Vritra, consoling Arjuna, touched his beautiful face with his own

perfumed hands. And the wielder of the thunderbolt, patting and rubbing

gently again and again with his own hands which bore the marks of the

thunderbolt the handsome and huge arms of Arjuna which resembled a couple

of golden columns and which were hard in consequence of drawing the

bowstring and son enhanced the beauty of the assembly, like the sun and

moon god of a thousand eyes--eyeing his son of curly locks smilingly and

with eyes expanded with delight, seemed scarcely to be gratified. The

more he gazed, the more he liked to gaze on. And seated on one seat, the

father and son enhanced the beauty of the assembly, like the sun and moon

beautifying the firmament together on the fourteenth day of the dark

fortnight. And a band of Gandharvas headed by Tumvuru skilled in music

sacred and profane, sang many verses in melodious notes. And Ghritachi

and Menaka and Rambha and Purvachitti and Swayamprabha and Urvasi and

Misrakesi and Dandagauri and Varuthini and Gopali and Sahajanya and

Kumbhayoni and Prajagara and Chitrasena and Chitralekha and Saha and

Madhuraswana, these and others by thousands, possessed of eyes like lotus

leaves, who were employed in enticing the hearts of persons practising

rigid austerities, danced there. And possessing slim waists and fair

large hips, they began to perform various evolutions, shaking their deep

bosoms, and casting their glances around, and exhibiting other attractive

attitude capable of stealing the hearts and resolutions and minds of the

spectators."

SECTION XLIV

Vaisampayana said, "The gods and the Gandharvas then, understanding the

wishes of India, procured an excellent Arghya and reverenced the son of

Pritha in a hurry. And giving water to wash both his feet and face, they

caused the prince to enter the palace of Indra. And thus worshipped,

Jishnu continued to live in the abode of his father. And the son of Pandu

continued all the while to acquire celestial weapons, together with the

means of withdrawing them. And he received from the hands of Sakra his

favourite weapon of irresistible force, viz., the thunder-bolt and those

other weapons also, of tremendous roar, viz., the lightnings of heaven,

whose flashes are inferable from the appearance of clouds and (the

dancing of) peacocks. And the son of Pandu, after he had obtained those

weapons, recollected his brothers. And at the command of Indra, however,

he lived for full five years in heaven, surrounded by every comfort and

luxury.

"After some time, when Arjuna had obtained all the weapons. Indra

addressed him in due time, saying, 'O son of Kunti, learn thou music and

dancing from Chitrasena. Learn the instrumental music that is current

among the celestials and which existeth not in the world of men, for, O

son of Kunti, it will be to thy benefit. And Purandara gave Chitrasena as

a friend unto Arjuna. And the son of Pritha lived happily in peace with

Chitrasena. And Chitrasena instructed Arjuna all the while in music;

vocal and instrumental and in dancing. But the active Arjuna obtained no

peace of mind, remembering the unfair play at dice of Sakuni, the son of

Suvala, and thinking with rage of Dussasana and his death. When however,

his friendship with Chitrasena had ripened fully, he at times learned the

unrivalled dance and music practised among the Gandharvas. And at last

having learnt various kinds of dance and diverse species of music, both

vocal and instrumental, that slayer of hostile heroes obtained no peace

of mind remembering his brothers and mother Kunti."

SECTION XLV

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.'"