SECTION 145
(Jatugriha Parva continued)
"Vaisampayana said, Then prince Duryodhana, along with his
brothers began to gradually win over the people to his side by grants of wealth
and honours. Meanwhile, some clever councillors, instructed by Dhritarashtra, one
day began to describe (in court) the town of Varanavata as a charming place.
And they said, The festival of Pasupati (Siva) hath commenced in the town of
Varanavata. The concourse of people is great and the procession is the most
delightful of all ever witnessed on earth. Decked with every ornament, it
charmed the hearts of all spectators.' Thus did those councillors, instructed
by Dhritarashtra, speak of Varanavata, and whilst they were so speaking, the
Pandavas, O king, felt the desire of going to that delightful town. And when
the king (Dhritarashtra) ascertained that the curiosity of the Pandavas had
been awakened, the son of Ambika addressed them, saying, 'These men of mine
often speak of Varanavata as the most delightful town in the world. If
therefore, ye children, ye desire to witness that festival, go to Varanavata
with your followers and friends and enjoy yourselves there like the celestials.
And give ye away pearls and gems unto the Brahmanas and the musicians (that may
be assembled there). And sporting there for some time as ye please like the
resplendent celestials and enjoying as much pleasure as ye like, return ye to
Hastinapura again.'
"Vaisampayana continued, 'Yudhishthira, fully understanding
the motives of Dhritarashtra and considering that he himself was weak and
friendless, replied unto the king, saying, 'So be it.' Then addressing Bhishma,
the son of Santanu, the wise Vidura, Drona, Valhika, the Kaurava, Somadatta, Kripa,
Aswatthaman, Bhurisravas, and the other councillors, and Brahmanas and
ascetics, and the priests and the citizens, and the illustrious Gandhari, he
said slowly and humbly, 'With our friends and followers we go to the delightful
and populous town of Varanavata at the command of Dhritarashtra. Cheerfully
give us your benedictions so that acquiring prosperity, therewith we may not be
touched by sin.' Thus addressed by the eldest of Kunti's sons, the Kaurava
chiefs all cheerfully pronounced blessings on them, saying, 'Ye sons of Pandu,
let all the elements bless you along your way and let not the slightest evil
befall you.'
"The Pandavas, having performed propitiatory rites for
obtaining (their share of) the kingdom, and finishing their preparations, set
out for Varanavata.'"
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