युधिष्ठिर उवाच श्रोतुमिच्छामि भगवन् विस्तरेण महामुने। राजधर्मान् द्विजश्रेष्ठ चातुर्वर्ण्यस्य चाखिलान्॥
Yudhishthira said O holy and great ascetic, I wish to hear at length what the duties of kings are and what the duties, in full, of all the four orders.
आपत्सु च यथा नीतिः प्रणेतव्या द्विजोत्तम। धर्म्यमालक्ष्य पन्थानं विजयेयं कथं महीम्॥
I wish to hear, O foremost of Brahmanas, how persons should behave in times of distress, and how I may subjugate the world by following path of morality.
प्रायश्चित्तकथा ह्येषा भक्ष्याभक्ष्यविवर्जिता। कौतूहलानुप्रवणा हर्ष जनयतीव मे॥
This discourse on expiation, describing facts and capable of exciting great curiosity, has pleased me.
धर्मचर्या च राज्यं च नित्यमेव विरुध्यते। एवं मुह्याति मे चेतश्चिन्तयानस्य नित्यशः॥
The practice of virtue and the performance of royal duties are always inconsistent with each other. I am always perplexed to think how one may reconcile the two.
वैशम्पायन उवाच तमुवाच महाराज व्यासो वेदविदां वरः। नारदं समभिप्रेक्ष्य सर्वज्ञानां पुरातनम्॥ श्रोतुमिच्छसि चेद् धर्मं निखिलेन नराधिप। प्रैहि भीष्मं महाबाहो वृद्धं कुरुपितामहम्॥
Vaishampayana said Then Vyasa, O king, that foremost of all persons conversant with the Vedas, looking at that ancient and omniscient person, viz., Narada, said,-If O king, you wish to hear of duties and morality at length, then ask Bhishma, O mighty-armed one, that old grandfather of the Kurus.
स ते धर्मरहस्येषु संशयान् मनसि स्थितान्। छेत्ता भागीरथीपुत्रः सर्वज्ञः सर्वधर्मवित्॥
Conversant with all duties and endued with universal knowledge that son of Bhagirathi will remove all your doubts regarding the difficult subjects of duties.
जनयामास यं देवी दिव्या त्रिपथगा नदी। साक्षाद् ददर्श यो देवान् सर्वानिन्द्रपुरोगमान्॥
That goddess the celestial river of three courses, gave birth to him. He saw with his physical eyes all the celestials headed by Indra.
बृहस्पतिपुरोगांस्तु देवर्षीनसकृत् प्रभुः। तोषयित्वोपचारेण राजनीतिमधीतवान्॥
Having pleased with his dutiful services the celestial Rishis, headed by Brihaspati, he acquired a knowledge of royal duties.
उशना वेद यच्छास्त्रं यच्च देवगुरुर्द्विजः। तच्च सर्वं सवैयाख्यं प्राप्तवान् कुरुसत्तमः॥
That foremost one among the Kurus acquired a knowledge also of that science, with its interpretations, which Ushanas and the Rishi who is the preceptor of the celestials know.
भार्गवाच्च्यवनाच्चापि वेदानगोपबंहितान्। प्रतिपेदे महाबाहुर्वसिष्ठाच्चरितव्रतः॥
Having practised rigid vows, that mightyarined one obtained a knowledge of all the Vedas and their branches, from Vashishtha and from Chyavana of Bhrigu's race.
पितामहसुतं ज्येष्ठं कुमारं दीप्ततेजसम्। अध्यात्मगतितत्त्वज्ञमुपाशिक्षत यः पुरा॥
In the days of yore he studied under the eldest son of the Grandfather himself, viz., the effulgent Sanatkumara, well conversant with the truths of mental and spiritual science.
मार्कण्डेयमुखात् कृत्स्नं यतिधर्ममवाप्तवान्। रामादस्त्राणि शक्राच्च प्राप्तवान् पुरुषर्षभः॥
He learnt the duties in full of the Yatis from Markandeya. That foremost of men learnt the science from Rama and Shakra.
मृत्युरात्मेच्छया यस्य जातस्य मनुजेष्वपि! तथानपत्यस्य सतः पुण्यलोका दिवि श्रुताः॥
Although born as man, his death itself is in his own hands. Although childless, yet he has many blissful regions hereafter as heard by us.
यस्य ब्रह्मर्षयः पुण्या नित्यमासन सभासदः। यस्य नाविदितं किंचिज्ज्ञानयज्ञेषु विद्यते॥
Rishis of great merit were his courtiers. There is nothing on earth which is unknown to him.
स ते वक्ष्यति धर्मज्ञः सूक्ष्मधर्मार्थतत्त्ववित्। तमभ्येहि पुरा प्राणान् स विमुञ्चति धर्मवित्॥
Conversant with all duties and the subtile truths of morality, he wili describe to you the duty and morality. See him before he dies.
एवमुक्तस्तु कौन्तेयो दीर्घप्रज्ञो महामतिः उवाच वदतां श्रेष्ठं व्यासं सत्यवतीसुतम्॥
Thus accosted by him, the high-souled and wise son of Kunti, said the following to Satyavati's son Vyasa, that foremost of all orators.
युधिष्ठिर उवाच वैशसं सुमहत् कृत्वा ज्ञातीनां रोमहर्षणम्। आगस्कृत् सर्वलोकस्य पृथिवीनाशकारकः॥
Yudhishthira said Having caused a great and dreadful destruction of kinsmen, I have offended all and am a destroyer of the Earth.
घातयित्वा तमेवाजौ छलेनाजिह्मयोधिनम्। उपसम्प्रष्टुमर्हामि तमहं केन हेतुना॥
Having caused that Bhishma himself, that honest warrior, to be killed deceitfully how shall I approach him for asking him (about duties and morality)?
वैशम्पायन उवाच ततस्तं नृपतिश्रेष्ठं चातुर्वर्ण्यहितेप्सया। पुनराह महाबाहुर्यदुश्रेष्ठो महामतिः॥
Vaishampayana said Actuated by the desire of benefiting all the four orders, the mighty-armed and great chief of Yadu's race once more addressed that
वासुदेव उवाच नेदानीमतिनिर्बन्धं शोके त्वं कर्तुमर्हसि। यदाह भगवान् व्यासस्तत् कुरुष्व नृपोत्तम॥
You should not thus continually indulge in grief. Do, O best of kings, what the holy Vyasa has said.
ब्राह्मणास्त्वां महाबाहो भ्रातरच महौजसः। पर्जन्यमिव घर्मान्ते नाथमाना उपासते॥
The Brahmanas, O mighty-armed one, and these your highly energetic brothers stand before you beseechingly like persons soliciting Indra the gods of the clouds at the close of summer.
हतशिष्टाश्च राजानः कृत्स्नं चैव समागतम्। चातुर्वण्र्यं महाराज राष्ट्रं ते कुरुजाङ्गलम्॥
The surviving kings, and the people belonging to all the four orders of your kingdom of Kurujangala, O king, are here.
प्रियार्थमपि चैतेषां ब्राह्मणानां महात्मनाम्। नियोगादस्य च गुरोर्व्यासस्यामिततेजसः॥ सुहृदामस्मदादीनां द्रौपद्याश्च परंतप। कुरु प्रियममित्रन लोकस्य च हितं कुरु॥
For the sake of doing what is agreeable to these great Brahmanas, for satisfying the behest of your reverend senior Vyasa of immeasurable energy, and at the request of ourselves who are well-wishers, and of Draupadi, O destroyer of foes, do what is agreeable to us, O slayer of foes, and what is beneficial to the world.
वैशम्पायन उवाच एवमुक्तः स कृष्णेन राजा राजीवलोचनः हितार्थं सर्वलोकस्य समुत्तस्थौ महात्मनाः॥
Vaishampayana said Thus addressed by Krishna, the great king (Yudhishthira) having eyes like lotus petals, rose from his seat for the well-being of the entire world.
सोऽनुनीतो नरव्याघ्र विष्टरश्रवसा स्वयम्। द्वैपायनेन च तथा देवस्थानेन जिष्णुना॥ एतैश्चान्यैश्च बहुभिरनुनीतो युधिष्ठिरः। व्यजहान्मानसं दुःखं संतापं च महायशाः॥
That foremost of men, the illustrious Yudhishthira, solicited by Krishna himself, by the Dvaipayana (Vyasa), by Devasthana, by Jishnu, by these and many others, shook off his grief, and anxiety.
श्रुतवाक्यः श्रुतनिधिः श्रुतश्रव्यविशारदः। व्यवस्य मनसः शान्तिमगच्छत् पाण्डुनन्दनः॥
Full conversant with the teachings of the Srutis, with the science that explains them and with all that men usually hear and all that is worthy of being heard, the son of Pandu acquired peace of mind and resolved upon what he should next do.
स तैः परिवृतो राजा नक्षत्रैरिव चन्द्रमाः। धृतराष्ट्र पुरस्कृत्य स्वपुरं प्रविवेश ह॥
Surrounded by them all like the moon by the stars, the king, placing Dhritarashtra at the head started for the city.
प्रविविक्षुः स धर्मज्ञः कुन्तीपुत्रो युधिष्ठिरः। अर्चयामास देवांश्च ब्राह्मणांश्च सहस्रशः॥
Desirous of entering the city, Kunti's son Yudhishthira, conversant with everyday, worshipped the gods and thousands of Brahmanas.
ततो नवं रथं शुभं कम्बलाजिनसंवृतम्। युक्तं षोडशभिर्गोभिः पाण्डुरैः शुभलक्षणैः॥ मन्त्रैरभ्यर्चितं पुण्यैः स्तूयमानश्च बन्दिभिः। आरुरोह यथा देवः सोमोऽमृतमयं रथम्॥
He then got upon a new and white car covered with blankets and deer-skins, and to which were yoked sixteen white bullocks endued with auspicious marks, and which had been purified with Vedic Mantras. Adored by panegyrists and bards, the king got upon that car like Soma riding upon his own nectarine vehicle.
जग्राह रश्मीन् कौन्तेयो भीमो भीमपराक्रमः। अर्जुनः पाण्डुरं छत्रं धारयामास भानुमत्॥
His powerful brother Bhima took the reins. Arjuna held over his head a highly lustrous umbrella.
ध्रियमाणं तच्छत्रं पाण्डुरं रथमूर्धनि। शुशुभे तारकाकीर्णं सितमभ्रमिवाम्बरे॥
That white a umbrella held upon the car shone like a white cloud adorned with stars in the sky.
चामरव्यजने त्वस्य वीरौ जगृहतुस्तदा। चन्द्ररश्मिप्रभे शुभ्रे माद्रीपुत्रावलंकृते॥
The two heroic sons of Madri, viz., Nakula and Sahadeva, took up two yak-tails white as the rays of the moon and let with gems, for fanning the king.
ते पञ्च रथमास्थाय भ्रातरः समलंकृताः। भूतानीव समस्तानि राजन् ददृशिरे तदा।॥
The five brothers, adorned with ornaments, having got upon the car, O king, shone like the five elements.
आस्थाय तु रथं शुभ्रं युक्तमश्वैर्मनोजवैः। अन्वयात् पृष्ठतो राजन् युयुत्सुः पाण्डवाग्रजम्॥
Riding upon another white car to which were yoked horses fleet as thought, Yuyutsu, O king, followed the eldest son of Pandu.
रथं हेममयं शुभं शैव्यसुग्रीवयोजितम्। सह सात्यकिना कृष्णः समास्थायान्वयात् कुरून्॥३९।
Upon his own shining car of gold to which were yoked Shivya and Sugriva. Krishna, with Satyaki, followed the Kurus.
नरयानेन तु ज्येष्ठः पिता पार्थस्य भारत। अग्रतो धर्मराजस्य गान्धारीसहितो ययौ॥
The eldest uncle of Pritha's son, O Bharata, accompanied by Gandhari, headed the train, upon a vehicle carried by men.
कुरुस्त्रियश्च ताः सर्वाः कुन्ती कृष्णा तथैव च। यानरुच्चावचैर्जग्मुर्विदुरेण पुरस्कृताः॥
The other Kuru ladies, as also Kunti and Krishna, all proceeded on excellent cars, headed by Vidura.
ततो रथाश्च बहुला नागाश्वसमलंकृताः। पादाताश्च हयाश्चैव पृष्ठतः समनुव्रजन्॥
Then followed a large number of cars and elephants adorned with ornaments, and the infantry and horses.
ततो वैतालिकैः सूतैर्मागधैश्च सुभाषितैः। स्तूयमानो ययौ राजा नगरं नागसाह्वयम्॥
His praises sung by sweet-voiced panegyrists and birds, the king went towards the city of Hastinapur.
तत् प्रयाणं महाबाहोर्बभूवाप्रतिमं भुवि। आकुलाकुलमुत्क्रुष्टं हृष्टपुष्टजनाकुलम्॥
The march, O might-armed one, of king Yudhishthira, was so beautiful that its like had never been witnessed on Earth. Containing healthy and cheerful men, the busy hum of numberless voices was heard there.
अभियाने तु पार्थस्य नरैर्नगरवासिभिः। नगरं राजमार्गाश्च यथावत्समलकृताः॥
During the march of Pritha's son, the city and its streets were adorned with lively citizens.
पाण्डुरेण च माल्येन पताकाभिश्च मेदिनी। संस्कृतो राजमार्गोऽभूद्धूपनैश्च प्रधूपितः॥
The part through which the king passed had been adorned with white festoons of flowers and numberless flags. The streets of the city were perfumed with incense.
अथ चूर्णैश्च गन्धानां नानापुष्पप्रियङ्गद्धभिः। माल्यदामभिरासक्तै राजवेश्माभिसंवृतम्॥
The palace was covered with powdered perfumes and flowers and fragrant plants, and ornamented with garlands and wreaths.
कुम्भाश्च नगरद्वारि वारिपूर्णा नवा दृढाः। सिताः सुमनसो गौरा: स्थापितास्तत्र तत्र ह॥
New inetallic jars, brimful with water, were kept at the door of every house, and bevies of beautiful maidens stood at different parts.
तथा स्वलंकृतद्वारं नगरं पाण्डुनन्दनः। स्तूयमानः शुभैर्वाक्यैः प्रविवेश सुहृवृतः॥
Accompanied by his friends, and welcomed with sweet words the son of Pandu, entered the city through its well-adorned gate.