वैशम्पायन उवाच अनुभूय तु राज्ञस्तं राजसूयं महाक्रतुम्। युधिष्ठिरस्य नृपतेर्गान्धारीपुत्रसंयुतः॥ प्रियकृन्मतमाज्ञाय पूर्वं दुर्योधनस्य तत्। प्रज्ञाचक्षुषमासीनं शकुनिः सौबलस्तदा।॥ दुर्योधनवचः श्रुत्वा धृतराष्ट्रं जनाधिपम्। उपगम्य महाप्राज्ञं शकुनिर्वाक्यमब्रवीत्॥
Vaishampayana said O king, having been impressed with the great Rajasuya sacrifice of king Yudhishthira and having also learnt the intentions of Duryodhana, from what he said, and also in order to do what was pleasing to him (Duryodhana), the son of Subala, Shakuni, accompanied by Gandhari's son (Duryodhana) to the king Dhritarashtra whose knowledge was his eye, seated (on this throne). Approaching that greatly intelligent (king), Shakuni thus spoke to him.
शकुनिरुवाच दुर्योधनो महाराज विवर्णो हरिणः कृशः। दीनश्चिन्तापरचैव तं विद्धि मनुजाधिप॥
Shakuni said O great king, O best of the Bharata race, know that Duryodhana has become colourless, pale, and emaciated with anxiety. came
न वै परीक्षसे सम्यगसह्यं शत्रुसम्भवम्। ज्येष्ठपुत्रस्य हृच्छोकं किमर्थं नावबुध्यसे॥
Why do you not after due enquiry ascertain the cause of the grief that is in the heart of your eldest son, the grief caused by the enemy?
धृतराष्ट्र उवाच दुर्योधन कुतोमूलं भृशमार्तोऽसि पुत्रक। श्रोतव्यश्चन्मया सोऽर्थो ब्रूहि मे कुरुनन्दन॥
Dhritarashtra said O Duryodhana, O son, what is the cause of your grief? O Kuru prince, if it is fit for me to hear, tell it to me.
अयं त्वां शकुनिः प्राह विवर्णं हरिणं कृशम्। चिन्तयंश्च न पश्यामि शोकस्य तव सम्भवम्॥
This Shakuni says you are colourless, pale and emaciated. After reflection I can not find any cause for your grief.
ऐश्वर्यं हि महत् पुत्र त्वयि सर्वं प्रतिष्ठितम्। भ्रातरः सुहृदश्चैव नाचरन्ति तवाप्रियम्॥
O son, all my vast wealth is at your command. Your brothers and our relatives and friends never do anything injurious to you.
आच्छादयसि प्रावारानश्नासि विशदौदनम्। आजानेया वहन्त्यश्वाः केनासि हरिणः कृशः॥
You wear the best robes, you eat food prepared with meat, you ride the best horses, why then are you pale and emaciated?
शयनानि महार्हाणि योषितश्च मनोरमाः। गुणवन्ति च वेश्मानि विहाराश्च यथासुखम्॥
Costly beds, the charming damsels finely furnished mansions and grounds of sport are at pleasure (when you amuse).
देवानामिव ते सर्वं वाचि बुद्धं न संशयः। स दीन इव दुर्धर्ष कस्माच्छोचसि पुत्रकः॥
All these certainly wait your command as do they in the case of the celestials. () invincible hero, O son, why do you grieve (then) like a destitute person?
दुर्योधन उवाच अश्नाम्याच्छादये चाहं यथा कुपुरुषस्तथा। अमर्षं धारये चोग्रं निनिषुः कालपर्ययम्॥
Duryodhana said I, no doubt, eat and dress but I pass my time all the while like a wretch, for I am a prey to jealousy.
अमर्षण: स्वाः प्रकृतीरभिभूयः परं स्थितः। क्लेशान् मुमुक्षुः परजान् स वै पुरुष उच्यते॥
He is called a (true) man who lives after having vanquished his enemy in order to liberate his own subjects from the tyranny of that enemy.
संतोषो वै श्रियं हन्ति हभिमानं च भारत। अनुक्रोशभये चोभे यैर्वृतो नाश्नुते महत्॥
O descendant of Bharata, contentment and pride destroy (one's) prosperity. Being engrossed with compassion and fear he can never rise.
न मां प्रीणाति मद्भुक्तं श्रियं दृष्ट्वा युधिष्ठिरे। अति ज्वलन्तीं कौन्तेये विवर्णकरणी मम॥
Seeing the prosperity of Yudhishthira, whatever I enjoy does not gratify or please me. The great and splendid prosperity of the son of Kunti makes me pale.
सपत्नानृध्यतोऽऽत्मानं हीयमानं निशम्य च । अदृश्यामपि कौन्तेयश्रियं पश्यन्निवोद्यताम्॥
Though I am not now seeing the greatly effulgent prosperity of the son of Kunti, yet knowing the affluence of the foe and my destitution, I (feel as if I) see it before me. For this reason I am colourless melancholy, pale and emaciated.
तस्मादहं विवर्णश्च दीनश्च हरिणः कृशः। अष्टाशीतिसहस्राणि सातका गृहमेधिनः॥
Yudhishthira supports by giving thirty servant maids to each of eighty eight thousands Snataka Brahmanas who lead domestic life.
त्रिंशदासीक एकैको यान् बिभर्ति युधिष्ठिरः। दशान्यानि सहस्राणि नित्यं तत्रानमुत्तमम्। भुञ्जते रुक्मपात्रीभिर्युधिष्ठिरनिवेशने॥
Besides these, ten thousand other B:ahmanas daily eat well cooked food from golden plates at the palace of Yudhishthira.
कदलीमृगमोकानि कृष्णश्यामारुणानि च। काम्बोजः प्राहिणोत् तस्मै परार्ध्यानपि कम्बलान्। गजयोषिद्गवाश्वस्य शतशोऽथ सहस्रशः॥ त्रिशतं चोष्ट्रवामीनां शतानि विचरन्त्युत। राजन्या बलिमादाय समेता हि नृपक्षये॥
The king of Kamboja sent to him hundreds and thousands of black darkish and red skins of the deer called Kadali, and also blankets of excellent texture. Hundreds and hundreds and thousands and thousands of female elephants, horses and cows and thirty thousand female camels wander (within his palace); the kings brought them all as tribute when they assembled there.
पृथग्विधानि रत्नानि पार्थिवाः पृथिवीपते। आहरन् ऋतुमुख्येऽस्मिन् कुन्तीपुत्राय भूरिशः॥
O lord of earth, the kings brought to that foremost of sacrifice heaps of gems and jewels for the son of Kunti,
न क्वचिद्धि मया तादृग् दृष्टपूर्वो न च श्रुतः। यादृग् धनागमो यज्ञे पाण्डुपुत्रस्य धीमतः॥
I never heard or saw such enormous wealth as was brought to the sacrifice of the intelligent (son) of Pandu (Yudhishthira).
अपर्यन्तं धनौघं तं दृष्ट्वा शत्रोरहं नृपा शमं नैवाभिगच्छामि चिन्तयानो विशाम्पते।॥
O king, seeing that enormous collection of wealth belonging to the enemy. I cannot enjoy peace of mind. 'I am afflicted with their thoughts. O king.
ब्राह्मणा वाटधानाश्च गोमन्तः शतसङ्घशः। त्रिखर्वं बलिमादाय द्वारि तिष्ठन्ति वारिताः॥
Being stopped there by the gatekeepers hundreds of Brahmanas, supported by the land presented to them (by Yudhishthira) and possessing wealth of kine, waited at the palace gate with three thousands of millions of tribute.
कमण्डलूनुपादाय जातरूपमयाञ्छुभान्। एतद् धनं समादाय प्रवेशं लेभिरे न च॥
Even having brought with them Ghee in golden Kamandalus (sort of water pot), they could not get admission into the palace.
यथैव मधु शक्राय धारयन्त्यमरस्त्रियः। तदस्मै कांस्यमाहार्षीद् वारुणं कलशोदधिः॥
Ocean himself brought to him in vessels of white copper Ambrosia which was generated within his waters and which was superior to that which the wives of the immortal (Soma, i.e. flowers and annual plants) produce for Shakra (Indra)
शैक्यं रुक्मसहस्रस्य बहुरत्नविभूषितम्। शङ्खप्रवरमादाय वासुदेवोऽभिषिक्तवान्॥
Having brought an excellent conch, Vasudeva bathed him (Yudhishthira at the conclusion of the sacrifice) with they holy water brought in one thousand golden jars inlaid with numerous gems.
दृष्ट्वा च मम तत् सर्वं ज्वररूपमिवाभवत्। गृहीत्वा तत् तु गच्छन्ति समुद्रौ पूर्वदक्षिणौ॥ तथैव पश्चिमं यान्ति गृहीत्वा भरतर्षभ। उत्तरं तु न गच्छन्ति विना तात पतत्रिणः॥
Seeing all this, I felt myself as if attacked with fever. O best of men, O sire, they (jars) were taken to the eastern and the southern seas. They were also taken to the western sea. But none can go to the northern sea except birds.
तत्र गत्वार्जुनो दण्डमाजहारामितं धनम्। इदं चाद्भुतमत्रासीत् तन्मे निगदतः शृणु॥
Arjuna, however, went there and exacted as tribute a vast quantity of wealth. There happened another wonderful incident, which I shall describe to you. Listen to it.
पूर्णे शतसहस्रे तु विप्राणां परिविष्यताम्। स्थापिता तत्र संज्ञाभूच्छलो ध्मायति नित्यशः॥
When (full) one lac Brahmanas were every day fed, it was arranged (to notify) the fact by blowing conchs in a chorus.
मुहुर्मुहुः प्रणदतस्तस्य शङ्खस्य भारत। अनिशं शब्दमश्रौषं ततो रोमाणि मेऽहषन्॥
O descendant of Bharata, I continually heard (choruses of) conchs blown; and that too often repeatedly. It each time indicated that one lac Brahmanas had been fed. Having heard these sounds, my hairs stood on end.
पार्थिवैर्बहुभिः कीर्णमुपस्थानं दिदृक्षुभिः। अशोभत महाराज नक्षत्रै?रिवामला॥
O great king, that palatial grounds crowded with many kings who came there as spectators, looked as beautiful as the cloudless sky studded with stars.
सर्वरत्नान्युपादाय पार्थिवा वै जनेश्वर। यज्ञे तस्य महाराज पाण्डुपुत्रस्य धीमतः॥
O ruler of men, O great king, the monarchs came to the sacrifice of the wise son of Pandu, bringing with them every king of wealth.
वैश्या इव महीपाला द्विजातिपरिवेषकाः। न सा श्रीर्देवराजस्य यमस्य वरुणस्य च। गुह्यकाधिपतेर्वापि या श्री राजन् युधिष्ठिरे॥
Like the Vaishyas the kings became the distributors of food to the Brahmanas. Such wealth does not belong even to the king of the celestials (Indra) or to Yama or to Varuna,
तां दृष्ट्वा पाण्डुपुत्रस्य श्रियं परमिकामहम्। शान्ति न परिगच्छामि दह्यमानेन चेतसा॥
Or to the lord of the Guhyakas, as belongs to Yudhishthira. O king, seeing that great prosperity of the son of Pandu, my heart is burning. I cannot get peace (of mind).
शकुनिरुवाच यामेतामतुलां लक्ष्मी दृष्टवानसि पाण्डवे। तस्याः प्राप्तावुपायं मे शृणु सत्यपराक्रम॥
Shakuni said O hero whose prowess is truth, hear the means by which you can obtain the matchless prosperity that you have seen in the Pandava.
अहमक्षेष्वभिज्ञातः पृथिव्यामपि भारत। हृदयज्ञः पणज्ञश्च विशेषज्ञश्च देवने॥
O descendant of Bharata, I am an adept in dice, superior to all in the world. I can ascertain the success or otherwise of every throw, and also when to stake and when not to stake. I have special knowledge of the play.
द्यूतप्रियश्च कौन्तेयो न च जानाति देवितुम्। आहूतश्चैष्यति व्यक्तं द्यूतादपि रणादपि॥
The son of Kunti (Yudhishthira) is also fond of the play, although he possesses little skill in it. He is sure to come, if challenged to pay or to fight.
नियतं तं विजेष्यामि कृत्वा तु कपटं विभो। आनयामि समृद्धिं तां दिव्यां चोपाह्वयस्व तम्॥
O lord, I shall always defeat him at every throw by practising deception. I shall win all.. his celestial-like wealth; and you will (then) be able to enjoy it.
वैशम्पायन उवाच एवमुक्तः शकुनिना राजा दुर्योधनस्ततः। धृतराष्ट्रमिदं वाक्यमपदान्तरमब्रवीत्॥
Vaishampayana said Having been thus addressed by Shakuni, the king Duryodhana, without allowing a moment to elapse, spoke thus to Dhritarashtra.
अयमुत्सहते राजच्छियमाहर्तुमक्षवित्। द्यूतेन पाण्डुपुत्रस्य तदनुज्ञातुमर्हसि॥ .
O king, this (Shakuni) is an adept in dice; he is ready to win at dice the wealth of the sons of Pandu. You should grant him permission.
धृतराष्ट्र उवाच क्षत्ता मन्त्री महाप्राज्ञः स्थितो यस्यास्मि शासने। तेन संगम्य वेत्स्यामि कार्यस्यास्य विनिश्चयम्॥
Dhritarashtra says I always follow the counsel of greatly intelligent Khattwa (Vidura), my minister. Having consulted with him, I shall inform you my decision (in this matter).
स हि धर्मं पुरस्कृत्य दीर्घदर्शी परं हितम्। उभयोः पक्षयोर्युक्तं वक्ष्यत्यर्थविनिश्चयम्॥
He is endued with great foresight; keeping the rules of morality before his eyes, he will point out what is good and what is proper for both parties and what should be done in this matter.
दुर्योधन उवाच निवर्तयिष्यति त्वासौ यदि क्षत्ता समेष्यति। निवृत्ते त्वयि राजेन्द्र मरिष्येऽहमसंशयम्॥
Duryodhana said If you consult with Kshatta (Vidura) he will make you desist (from it). O king of kings, if you desist (from this), I will certainly kill myself.
स त्वं मयि मृते राजन् विदुरेण सुखी भव। भोक्ष्यसे पृथिीं कृत्स्ना किं मया त्वं करिष्यसि॥
O king, when I am dead, be happy with Vidura. Enjoy then the whole earth. What need you have with me?
वैशम्पायन उवाच आर्तवाक्यं तु तत् तस्य प्रणयोक्तं निशम्य सः। धृतराष्ट्रोऽब्रवीत् प्रेष्यान् दुर्योधनमते स्थितः॥
Vaishampayana said Hearing his (Duryodhana's) words of affection. Dhritarashtra, ever ready to do what Duryodhana said, commanded his servant thus.
स्थूणासहस्रैर्वृहतीं शतद्वारा सभां मम। मनोरमां दर्शनीयामाशु कुर्वन्तु शिल्पिनः॥
Dhritarashtra said. Let artifices be employed to crect without delay a delightful, charming and spacious Sabha with one hundred doors and with one thousand pillars.
ततः संस्तीर्य रत्नस्तां तक्ष्ण आनाय्य सर्वशः। सुकृतां सुप्रवेशां च निवेदयत मे शनैः॥
Having brought carpenters and joiners, set jewels and precious stones all over its walls. Make it handsome and easy of access; and then inform me when every thing is complete.
दुर्योधनस्य शान्त्यर्थमिति निश्चित्य भूमिपः। धृतराष्ट्रो महाराज प्राहिणोद् विदुराय वै॥
Vaishampayana said O great king, having resolved to pacify Duryodhana the ruler of earth, Dhritarashtra, sent men to Vidura to summon him (before his presence).
अपृष्ट्वा विदुरं स्वस्य नासीत् कश्चिद् विनिश्चयः। द्यूते दोषांश्च जानन् स पुत्रस्नेहादकृष्यत॥
Because without asking Vidura, he (Dhritarashtra) never framed any resolution. Knowing (full well) the evils of gambling, he was still attracted towards it out of his fondness for his son.
तच्छ्रुत्वा विदुरो धीमान् कलिद्वामुपस्थितम्। विनाशमुखमुत्पन्नं धृतराष्ट्रमुपाद्रवत्॥
Having heard this, the intelligent Vidura knew that the arrival of Kali (Yuga) is near at hand. Seeing also the way to destruction (of the Kuru race) about to the opened, he soon came to Dhritarashtra.
सोऽभिगम्य महात्मानं भ्राता भ्रातरमग्रजम्। मूर्धा प्रणम्य चरणाविदं वचनमब्रवीत्॥
Coming to his illustrious eldest brother and bowing his head to his feet, he thus spoke to him.
विदुर उवाच नाभिनन्दामि ते राजन् व्यवसायमिमं प्रभो। पुत्रैर्भेदो यथा न स्याद् द्यूतहेतोस्तथा कुरु॥
Vidura said O king, O lord, I do not approve of the resolution you have formed. You should act in such a way that no dispute may arise amongst your sons on account of this gambling.
धृतराष्ट्र उवाच क्षत्तः पुत्रेषु पुत्रैर्मे कलहो न भविष्यति। यदि देवाः प्रसादं नः करिष्यन्ति न संशयः॥
Dhritarashtra said O Khattwa, there is no doubt that if the gods are propitious to us, no dispute will ever arise amongst my children.
अशुभं वा शुभं वापि हितं वा यदि वाहितम्। प्रवर्ततां सुहृद्यूतं दिष्टमेतन्न संशयः॥
Auspicious or not auspicious, beneficial or not beneficial, let this friendly gambling match be held. This is certainly what Fate has ordained (for us).
मयि संनिहिते द्रोणे भीष्मे त्वयि च भारत। अनयो दैवविहितो न कथंचिद् भविष्यति॥
O descendant of Bharata, when Drona, Bhishma, you and I will be near at hand, no evil, can possible happen, even if Fate has ordained it.
गच्छ त्वं रथमास्थाय हयैर्वातसमैर्जवे। खाण्डवप्रस्थमद्यैव समानय युधिष्ठिरम्॥
Go ascending a car yoked with horses possessing the speed of wind, so that you may reach Khandavaprastha day. Bring Yudhishthira with you.
न वाच्यो व्यवसायो मे विदुरैतद् ब्रवीमि ते। दैवमेव परं मन्ये येनैतदुपपद्यते॥
O Vidura, I tell you, this is my resolution. Do not tell me any thing. I regard Fate as supreme; she brings all this.
इत्युक्तो विदुरो धीमान् नेदमस्तीति चिन्तयन्। आपगेयं महाप्राज्ञमभ्यगच्छत् सुदुःखितः॥
Vaishampayana said Having heard this, and having concluded that his race was doomed, the intelligent to Vidura went to the greatly wise Bhishma in great sorrow.