SECTION 185
(Chaitraratha Parva continued)
"Arjuna asked, 'O Gandharva, thou art acquainted with
everything. Tell us, therefore, which Veda-knowing Brahmana is worthy to be
appointed as our priest.'
"The Gandharva replied, 'There is in these woods a shrine of
the name of Utkochaka. Dhaumya, the younger brother of Devala is engaged there
in ascetic penances. Appoint him, if ye desire, your priest."
"Vaisampayana said, 'Then Arjuna, highly pleased with
everything that had happened, gave unto that Gandharva, his weapon of fire with
befitting ceremonies. And addressing him, the Pandava also said, 'O Gandharva,
let the horses thou givest us remain with thee for a time. When the occasion
cometh, we will take them from thee. Blest be thou.' Then the Gandharva and the
Pandavas, respectfully saluting each other, left the delightful banks of the
Bhagirathi and went wheresoever they desired. Then, the Pandavas going to
Utkochaka, the sacred asylum of Dhaumya installed Dhaumya as their priest. And
Dhaumya, the foremost of all conversant with the Vedas, receiving them with
presents of wild fruits and edible roots, consented to become their priest. And
the Pandavas with their mother forming the sixth of the company, having obtained
that Brahmana as their priest regarded their sovereignty and kingdom as already
regained and the daughter of the Panchala king as already obtained in the
Swayamavara. And they, having obtained the master Dhaumya as their priest, also
regarded themselves as placed under a powerful protector. And Dhaumya,
acquainted with the true meaning of the Vedas and every rule of morality,
becoming the spiritual preceptor of Pandavas, made them his Yajamanas
(spiritual disciples). And that Brahmana regarded them as already restored, by
virtue of their own accomplishments to their sovereignty and kingdom. Pandavas,
having had benedictions uttered upon them by that Brahmana, resolved to go,
accompanied by him, to the Swayamvara of the Princess of Panchala.'"
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