ऋषय ऊचुः समन्तपञ्चकमिति यदुक्तं सूतनन्दन। एतत्सर्वं यथातत्त्वं श्रोतुमिच्छामहे वयम्॥
The Rishis said: we wish to hear, O son of Suta, all about the place you called Samantapanchaka.
सौतिरुवाच शृणुध्वं मम भो विप्रा ब्रुवतश्च कथा: शुभाः। समन्तपञ्चकाख्यं च श्रोतुमर्हथ सत्तमाः॥
Sauti said : Hear, O Brahmanas, the sacred words I say, You are fit, O best of men, to hear them.
त्रेताद्वापरयोः संधौ रामः शस्त्रभृतां वरः। असकृत्यार्थिव क्षत्रं जघानामर्षचोदितः॥
At the end of Treta and in the beginning of Dwapara Yuga, the greatest of all that ever wielded arms, Parashurama, being impatient of wrongs, repeatedly destroyed all the Kshatriya races of the world.
स सर्वं क्षत्रमुत्साद्य स्ववीर्येणानलद्युतिः। समन्तपञ्चके पञ्च चकार रौधिरान्ह्रदान॥
That fiery Rama, after destroying the Kshatriyas by his own prowess, made five lakes of blood at Samantapanchaka.
स तेषु रुधिराम्भ:सुह्रदेषु क्रोधमूर्छितः। पितॄन् संतर्पयामास रुधिरेणेति नः श्रुतम्॥
We have heard, that being senseless with anger, he offered oblations to the manes of his ancestors, standing in the bloody water of these lakes.
अथचीकादयोऽभ्येत्य पितरो राममब्रुवन्। राम राम महाभाग प्रीताः स्म तव भार्गव॥
Thereupon Richika and others of his ancestors appeared and said, "Rama, O blessed Rama, O son of Bhrigu, we are pleased
अनया पितृभक्त्या च विक्रमेण तव प्रभो। वरं वृणीष्व भद्रं ते यमिच्छसि महाद्युते॥
With your filial piety and prowess. O mighty one, blessing be upon you. O illustrious one. Ask the boon you desire to have.
राम उवाच यदि मे पितरः प्रीता यद्यनुग्राह्यता मयि। यच्च रोषाभिभूतेन क्षत्रमुत्सादितं मया॥ ह्रदाश्च तीर्थभूता मे भवेयुर्भुवि विश्रुताः॥
Rama said: If, O fathers, you are pleased with me, the boon, I ask is that I may be freed from the sin of annihilating the Kshatriyas and that the lakes, that I have made, may become celebrated shrines in the world.
एवं भविष्यतीत्येवं पितरस्तमथाब्रुवन्। तं क्षमस्वेति निषिषिधुस्ततः स विरराम ह॥
The ancestors then said, "It would be as you have wished. But be pacified.
तेषां समीपे यो देशो ह्रदानां रुधिराम्भसाम्। समन्तपञ्चकमिति पुण्यं तत्परिकीर्तितम्॥
The region, that lies near those five bloody lakes, has become famous from that day by the name of holy Samantapanchaka.
येन लिङ्गेन यो देशो युक्तः समुपलक्ष्यते। तेनैव नाम्ना तं देशं वाच्यमाहुर्मनीषिणः॥
The wise men have said that every place should be known by a name significant of something which may have made it famous.
अन्तरे चैव संप्राप्ते कलिद्वापरयोरभूत्। समन्तपञ्चके युद्धं कुरुपाण्डवसेनयोः॥
At the end of Dwapara and in the beginning of Kali, a great battle was fought between the Kurus and the Pandavas, here at this holy Samantapanchaka.
तस्मिन् परमधर्मिष्ठे देशे भूदोषवर्जिते। अष्टादश समाजग्मुरक्षौहिण्यो युयुत्सया॥
In that holy place, where there was not the least raggedness, were assembled eighteen Akshauhinis of soldiers, all eager for battle.
समेत्य तं द्विजास्ताश्च तत्रैव निधनं गताः। एतन्नामाभिनिर्वृत्तं तस्य देशस्य वै द्विजाः॥
an O Brahmanas, they were all killed in that place. Thus, O Brahmanas, its name is explained.
पुण्यश्च रमणीयश्च स देशो वः प्रकीर्तितः। तदेतत्कथितं सर्वं मया ब्राह्मणसत्तमाः। यथा देश: स विख्यातस्त्रिषु लोकेषु सुव्रताः॥
I have described to you that beautiful and holy place. I have told you, O best of Brahmanas, all about this place, a place famous in the three worlds.
ऋषय ऊचुः अक्षौहिण्य इति प्रोक्तं यत्त्वया सूतनन्दन। एतदिच्छामहे श्रोतुं सर्वमेव यथातथम्॥
The Rishis said : We wish to know, O Son of Suta, all about Akshauhini which you have mentioned to us.
अक्षौहिण्याः परीमाणं नराश्वरथदन्तिनाम्। यथावच्चैव नो ब्रूहि सर्वं हि विदितं तव॥
Tell us the numbers of foot-soldiers, horses chariots and elephants, which make Akshauhini, for you know every thing.
सौतिरुवाच एको रथो गजश्चैको नराः पञ्च पदातयः। त्रयश्च तुरगास्तज्ज्ञैः पत्तिरित्यभिधीयते॥
Sauti said: One chariot and one elephant, five foot soldiers and three horse-men, form a Patti.
पत्तिं तु त्रिगुणामेतामाहुः सेनामुखं बुधाः। त्रीणि सेनामुखान्येको गुल्म इत्यभिधीयते॥
Three Pattis make a Senamukha, three Senamukhas make a Gulma.
त्रयो गुल्मा गणो नाम वाहिनी तु गणास्त्रयः। स्मृतास्तिस्रस्तु वाहिन्यः पृतनेति विचक्षणैः॥
Three Gulmas make a Gana, three Ganas a Vahini, three Vahinis taking together, form a Pritana.
चमूस्तु पृतनास्तिस्रस्तिस्रश्चम्वस्त्वनीकिनी। अनीकिनी दशगुणा प्राहुरक्षौहिणी बुधाः॥
Three Pritanas make a Chamu, three Chamus an Anikini and ten times one Anikini is called by the learned as one Akshauhini.
अक्षौहिण्याः प्रसंख्याता रथानां द्विजसत्तमाः। संख्यागणितत्त्वज्ञैःसहस्राण्येकविंशतिः॥ शतान्युपरिचैवाष्टौ तथा भूयश्च सप्ततिः। गजानां च परीमाणमेतदेव विनिर्दिशेत्॥
O best of Brahmanas, mathematicians have calculated that there are twenty one thousand eight hundred and seventy chariots in an Akshauhini. The number of elephants is also the same.
ज्ञेयं शतसहस्रं तु सहस्राणि नवैव तु। नराणामपि पञ्चाशच्छतानि त्रीणि चानघाः॥ पञ्चषष्टिसहस्राणि तथाश्वनां शतानि च। दशोत्तराणि षट्प्राहुर्यथावदिह संख्यया॥
Know, the number of foot soldiers is one hundred nine-thousand three hundred and fifty; the number of horses is sixty-five thousand six-hundred and ten.
एतामक्षौहिणी प्राहुः संख्यातत्त्वविदो जनाः। यां वः कथितवानस्मि विस्तरेण तपोधनाः॥
Those who are acquainted with the Principle of number call the above, explained fully by me, the numbers of an Akshauhini.
एतया संख्यया ह्यासन्कुरुपाण्डवसेनयोः। अक्षौहिण्यो द्विजश्रेष्ठाः पिण्डिताष्टादशैव तु॥
O best of Brahmanas, the eighteen Akshauhinis of the Kurus and the Pandava soldiers were composed according to this count.
समेतास्तत्र वै देशे तत्रैव निधनं गताः। कौरवान्कारणं कृत्वा कालेनाद्भुतकर्मणा॥
Time brought them all together in this place and making the Kauravas the cause, destroyed thein all.
अहानि युयुधे भीष्मो दशैव परमास्त्रवित्। अहानि पञ्च द्रोणस्तु ररक्ष कुरुवाहिनीम्॥
Bhishma, skillfull in arms, fought for ten days. Drona defended the Kuru army for five days.
अहनी युयुधे द्वे तु कर्ण: परबलार्दनः। शल्योऽर्धदिवसं चैव गदायुद्धमतःपरम्॥ तस्यैव दिवसस्यान्तं द्रौणिहार्दिक्यगौतमाः॥
The destroyer of enemy's soldiers, Karna, fought for two days; Shalya for half a day and for a half a day then lasted the club-fight of Duryodhana and Bhima. At the close of that day, Ashvathama, Kritavarma and Kripa.
प्रसुप्तं निशि विश्वस्तं जघ्नुौधिष्ठिरं बलम्। यत्तु शौनकसत्रे ते भारताख्यानमुत्तमम्॥
Destroyed the army of Yudhishthira when his soldiers were unsuspectingly sleeping. O Shaunaka, the best of narrations, the Bharata, which is narrated here at your sacrifice,
जनमेजयस्य तत्सत्रे व्यासशिष्येण धीमता। कथितं विस्तरार्थं च यशो वीर्यं महीक्षिताम्॥
Was formerly narrated at the sacrifice of Janamejaya by the learned pupil of Vyasa. In it has been fully described the fame and valour of the kings of the world.
पौष्यं तत्र च पौलोममास्तीकं चादितः स्मृतम्। विचित्रार्थपदाख्यानमनेकसमयान्वितम्॥
There are three Parvas in the beginning (of this great work), namely Paushya, Pauloma and Astika, which contain many wonderful dictions and descriptions and senses.
प्रतिपन्नं नरैः प्राज्ञैर्वैराग्यमिव मोक्षिभिः। आत्मैव वेदितव्येषु प्रियेष्विव हि जीवितम्॥
As men desirous of final release, accept Vairagya, so it is accepted by the wise. As Self is among things to be known, as life among things that are dear.
इतिहासः प्रधानार्थः श्रेष्ठः सर्वागमेष्वयम्। अनाश्रित्येदमाख्यानं कथा भुवि न विद्यते॥
So is it the best among all histories and also among all Shastras. There is not a story current in the world which does not depend on it.
आहारमनपाश्रित्य शरीरस्येव धारणम्। तदेतद्धारतं नाम कविभिस्तूपजीव्यते॥
As the body depends on the food it partakes so all poets serve and cherish this Bharata.
उदयप्रेप्सुभिर्भूत्यैरभिजात इवेश्वरः। इतिहासोत्तमे यस्मिन्नर्पिता बुद्धिमत्तमा॥ स्वरव्यञ्जनयोः कृत्स्ना लोकवेदाश्रयेव वाक्॥
As the servant who wishes for promotion serves his master and as the words, constituting the various branches of knowledge and the Vedas, display vowels and consonants only, so this excellent history displays the highest knowledge.
तस्य प्रज्ञाभिपन्नस्य विचित्रपदपर्वणः। सूक्ष्मार्थन्याययुक्तस्य वेदार्थैर्भूषितस्य च। भारतस्येतिहासस्य श्रूयतां पर्वसंग्रहः॥
Hear the outline of the Parvas (chapters) of this Bharata history which is full of subtle meaning and logical connection and which is rich with the meanings of the Vedas.
पर्वानुक्रमणी पूर्वं द्वितीय: पर्वसंग्रहः। पौष्यं पौलोममास्तीकमादिरंशावतारणम्॥
The first is called Anukramanika, the second Parva Sangraha; then come Pauloma, Paushya, Astika, Adianshavatarana,
ततः संभवपर्वोक्तमद्भुतं रोमहर्षणम्। दाहो जतुगृहस्यात्र हैडिम्बं पर्व चोच्यते॥
After this the wonderful and thoughtful Sambhava, then Jatugrihadaha, then Hidimba,
ततो बकवधः पर्व पर्व चैत्ररथं ततः। ततः स्वयंवरो देव्याः पाञ्चाल्याः पर्व चोच्यते॥
Then Baka-vadha and then Chaitraratha, then Panchali-svayamvara Parva,
क्षात्रधर्मेण निर्जित्य ततो वैवाहिकं स्मृतम्। विदुरागमनं पर्व राज्यलम्भस्तथैव च॥
Then after defeating the rivals in rightful battle Vaivahika Parva, then Viduragamana and Rajya-lambha.
अर्जुनस्य वने वास: सुभद्राहरणं ततः। सुभद्राहरणादूर्ध्वं ज्ञेया हरणहारिका॥
Then Arjuna-vanavasa, Subhadraharana, Harana-harika,
ततः खाण्डवदाहाख्यं तत्रैव मयदर्शनम्। सभापर्व ततः प्रोक्तं मन्त्रपर्वं ततः परम्॥
Then Khandava-daha and Mayadarshana, then come Sabha Parva and Mantra Parva,
जरासंधवधः पर्व पर्व दिग्विजयं तथा। पर्व दिग्विजयादूर्ध्वं राजसूयिकमुच्यते॥
Then Jarasandha-vadha and Digvijaya; after Digvijaya comes the Parva called Rajasuyika.
ततश्चार्घाभिहरणं शिशुपालवधस्ततः। द्यूतपर्व ततः प्रोक्तमनुद्यूतमतः परम्॥ तत आरण्यकं पर्व किर्मीरवध उच्यते। अर्जुनस्याभिगमनं पर्व ज्ञेयमत: परम्॥
Then Arghabhiharana, Shishupalavadha, Dyuta, Anudyuta Parva; Then comes Aranyaka, Kirmira-vadha, Arjunabhigamana;
ईश्वरार्जुनयोयुद्धं पर्व कैरातसंज्ञितम्। इन्द्रलोकाभिगमनं पर्व ज्ञेयमतः परम्॥
And then Kairata, in which the battle between Arjuna and Shiva is described; Then Indralokabhigamana.
नलोपाख्यानमपि च धार्मिकं करुणोदयम्। तीर्थयात्रा ततः पर्व कुरुराजस्य धीमतः॥
Then the pathetic, pious and religious story of Nala-upakhyana; Then Tirtha-yatra of the wise king of the Kurus.
जटासुरवधः पर्व यक्षयुद्धमतः परम्। निवातकवचैर्युद्धं पर्व चाजगरं ततः॥
Then Jatasura-vadha, then Yakshayuddha, then Nivatakavacha-yuddha and Ajagara;
मार्कण्डेयसमास्या च पर्वानन्तरमुच्यते। संवादश्च ततः पर्व द्रौपदीसत्यभामयोः॥
Then Markandeya-samasya, then the Parva of the meeting of Draupadi and Satyabhama;
घोषयात्रा ततः पर्व मृगस्वप्नोद्भवं ततः। व्रीहिद्रौणिकमाख्यानमैन्द्रद्युम्नं तथैव च॥
Then Ghoshayatra, Mriga-svapna, then Brihidraunikamakhyana and Aindradyumna;
द्रौपदीहरणं पर्व जयद्रथविमोक्षणम्। पतिव्रताया माहात्म्यं सावित्र्याश्चैवमद्भुतम्॥
Then Draupadi-Harana-Parva, then Jayadratha-Vimochana, then the story of Savitri, illustrating love of husband and chastity;
रामोपाख्यानमत्रैव पर्व ज्ञेयमतः परम्। कुण्डलाहरणं पर्व ततः परमिहोच्यते॥ चिन्तया।
After this the story of Rama, then Kundala-Harana Parva:
आरणेयं ततः पर्व वैराटं तदनन्तरम्। पाण्डवानां प्रवेशश्च समयस्य च पालनम्॥
That which comes next is Aranya and then Virata, where the Pandavas went (in disguise) and fulfilled their promise.
कीचकानां वधः पर्व पर्वं गोग्रहणं ततः। अभिमन्योश्च वैराट्याः पर्व वैवाहिकं स्मृतम्॥
Then the Kichaka-vadha, then Gograhana, then the marriage of Abhimanyu with the daughter of the king of Virata.
उद्योगपर्व विज्ञेयमत अर्ध्वं महाद्भुतम्। तत: संजययानाख्यं पर्वज्ञेयमतः परम्॥
Then is the most wonderful Parva Udyoga. The next one is Sanjaya-yana.
प्रजागरं तथा पर्व धृतराष्ट्रस्य पर्व सानत्सुजातं वै गुह्यमध्यात्मदर्शनम्॥
Then comes Prajagara, the anxieties of Dhritarashtra, then Sanatsujata, the mysteries of Philosophy.
यानसन्धिस्ततः पर्व भगवद्यानमेव च। मातलीयमुपाख्यानं चरितं गालवस्य च॥
Then Yanasandhi, the arrival of Sri Krishna. Then the story of Matali and that of Galava:
सावित्रं वामदेव्यं च वैन्योपाख्यानमेव च। जामदग्न्यमुपाख्यानं पर्व षोडशराजकम्॥
Then the stories of Savitri, Vamadeva and Vainya; then the stories of Jamadagni and Shodasharajika;
सभाप्रवेशः कृष्णस्य विदुलापुत्रशासनम्। उद्योग: सैन्यनिर्याणं विश्वोपाख्यानमेव च॥
Then the arrival of Krishna at the court, then Vidula-Putra-shasana, then the assemblage of troops and the story of Seta;
ज्ञेयं विवादपर्वात्र कर्णस्यापि महात्मनः। निर्याणं च ततः पर्व कुरुपाण्डवसेनयोः॥
Then comes the quarrel of the noble Karna, then the march of the Kuru and Pandava armies to the field of battle.
रथातिरथसंख्या च पर्वोक्तं तदनन्तरम्। उलूकदूतागमनं पर्वामर्षविवर्धनम्॥
Then Rathatiratha-Sankhya Parva, then the arrival of wrath-inspiring messenger Uluka;
अम्बोपाख्यानमत्रैव पर्व ज्ञेयमतः परम्। भीष्माभिषेचनं पर्व ततश्चाद्भुतमुच्यते॥ ६७॥
Then the story of Amba, then the wonderful installation of Bhishma;
जम्बूखण्डविनिर्माणं पर्वोक्तं तदन्तरम्। भूमिपर्व ततः प्रोक्तं द्वीपविस्तारकीर्तनम्॥
Then (the account of) the creation of Jambukhanda and Bhumi, then the account of island.
पर्वोक्तं भगवद्गीता पर्व भीष्मवधस्ततः। द्रोणाभिषेचनं पर्व संशप्तकवधस्ततः॥
Then Bhagavad-Gita Parva, then Bhishmavadha, then the installation of Drona and then the death of Sanshaptakas;
अभिमन्युवधः पर्व प्रतिज्ञापर्व चोच्यते। जयद्रथवधः पर्व घटोत्कचवधस्ततः॥
Then Abhimanyu-vadha, then Pratijna Parva, then Jayadratha-vadha and Ghatotkacha-vadha;
ततो द्रोणवधः पर्व विज्ञेयं लोमहर्षणम्। मोक्षो नारायणास्त्रस्य पर्वानन्तरमुच्यते॥
Then the hair-stirring Drona-vadha, then the discharge of Narayana weapon;
कर्णपर्व ततो ज्ञेयं शल्यपर्व ततः परम्। ह्रदप्रवेशनं पर्व गदायुद्धमतः परम्॥
Then Karna Parva and then next to it is Shalya Parva. Then Hrida Pravesha Parva, then Gada-Yudha.
सारस्वतं ततः पर्व तीर्थवंशानुकीर्तनम्। अत ऊर्ध्वं सुबीभत्सं पर्व सौप्तिकमुच्यते॥
Then Sarasvata and the description of Tirtha and Vansha and then Sauptika, describing the disgraceful conduct of the Kurus.
ऐषीकं पर्व चोद्दिष्टमत ऊर्ध्वं सुदारुणम्। जलप्रदानिकं पर्व स्त्रीविलापस्ततः परम्॥
Then dreadful Aishika Parva, then Jalapradana, then Strivilapa;
श्राद्धपर्व ततो ज्ञेयं कुरूणामौर्ध्वदेहिकम्। चार्वाकनिग्रहः पर्व रक्षसो ब्रह्मरूपिणः॥
Then Shraddha Parva, describing the funeral rites for the killed Kurus; then Charvaka-vadha who was a Rakshasa but appeared as a Brahmana.
आभिषेचनिकं पर्व धर्मराजस्य धीमतः। प्रविभागो गृहाणां च पर्वोक्तं तदनन्तरम्॥
Then the coronation of wise Yudhishthira, then Griha-pravibhagaparva;
शान्तिपर्व ततो यत्र राजधर्मानुशासनम्। आपद्धर्मश्च पर्वोक्तं मोक्षधर्मस्ततः परम्॥
Then Shanti Parva, then Rajadharmanushasana, then Apaddharma and Mokshadharma;
शुकप्रश्नाभिगमनं ब्रह्मप्रश्नानुशासनम्। प्रादुर्भावश्च दुर्वासः संवादश्चैव मायया॥
Then come Shukaprashna-abhigamana, Brahma-prashna-anushasana, the origin of Durvasa and colloquy with Maya.
ततः पर्व परिज्ञेयमानुशासनिकं परम्। स्वर्गारोहणिकं चैव ततो भीष्मस्य धीमतः॥
Next Anushasana, then the ascension of wise Bhishma to heaven.
ततोऽश्वमेधिकं पर्व सर्वपापप्रणाशनम्। अनुगीता ततः पर्व ज्ञेयमध्यात्मवाचकम्॥
The next is all sin-destroying Ashvamedha and then Anu-Gita, containing spiritual philosophy.
पर्व चाश्रमवासाख्यं पुत्रदर्शनमेव च। नारदागमनं पर्व ततः परमिहोच्यते॥
Next Ashramavashika, Putradarshana and the arrival of Narada;
मौसलं पर्व चोद्दिष्टं ततो घोरं सुदारुणम्। महाप्रस्थानिकं पर्व स्वर्गारोहणिकं ततः॥
Then comes Mausala, full of cruel and terrible incidents; then Mahaprasthana; and the ascension to heaven.
हरिवंशस्ततः पर्व पुराणं खिलसंज्ञितम्। विष्णुपर्व शिशोश्चर्या विष्णोः कंसवधस्तथा॥
Then follows the Purana which is called Khila Harivansha, in it is Vishnu Parva, comes one come describing the early life of Vishnu and the destruction of Kansa.
भविष्यपर्व चाप्युक्तं खिलेष्वेवाद्भुतं महत्। एतत्पर्वशतं पूर्ण व्यासेनोक्तं महात्मना॥
The last of all is Bhavishya Parva which contains future prophecies. These are, the one hundred Parvas, composed by the noble and great Vyasa.
यथावत्सूतपुत्रेण लोमहर्षणिना ततः उक्तानि नौमिषारण्ये पर्वाण्यष्टादशैव तु॥
Having placed them in eighteen Parvas, the son of Lomaharshana, the descendant of Suta, recited them in the forest of Naimisha;
समासो भारतस्यायमत्रोक्तः पर्वसंग्रहः। पौष्यं पौलोममास्तीकमादिरंशावतारणम्॥
Of which the above is an abridgement. Adi-Parva contains, Paushya, Pauloma, Astika, Adi-anshavatarana,
संभवो जतुवेश्माख्यं हिडिम्बबकयोर्वधः। तथा चैत्ररथं देव्याः पाञ्चाल्याश्च स्वयंवर॥
Sambhava; the burning of the house of lac, the destruction of Hidimba and Baka and Chaitraratha, the Svayamvara of Draupadi;
क्षात्रधर्मेण निर्जित्य ततो वैवाहिकं स्मृतम्। विदुरागमनं चैव राज्यलणस्तथैव च॥
Her marriage after a righteous battle with the rivals, the arrival of Vidura, the regaining of kingdom,
वनवासोऽर्जुनस्यापि सुभद्राहरणं ततः। हरणाहरणं चैव दहनं खाण्डवस्य च॥
Arjuna's exile into jungle, the stealing of Subhadra, the gift and receipt of the inarriage dower, the burning of Khandava forest,
मयस्य दर्शनं चैव आदिपर्वणि कथ्यते। पौष्ये पर्वणि महात्म्यमुत्तङ्कस्योपवर्णितम्॥
The meeting with Maya, these are the contents of Adi Parva. The Paushya Parva contains the greatness of Uttanka.
पौलोमे भृगुवंशस्य विस्तारः परिकीर्तितः। आस्तीके सर्वनागानां गरुडस्य च संभवः॥
In Pauloma Parva the account of the Bhrigu and his descendants has been narrated. Astika contains the account of the birth of Garuda all the Nagas,
क्षीरोदमथनं चैव जन्मोच्चैःश्रवसस्तथा। यजतः सर्पसत्रेण राज्ञः पारिक्षितस्य च॥ कथेयमभिनिर्वृत्ता भरतानां महात्मनाम्। विविधाः संभवा राज्ञामुक्ता: संभवपर्वणि॥ अन्येषां चैव शूराणामृषेद्वैपायनस्य च। अंशावतरणं चात्र देवानां परिकीर्तितम्॥
That of the churning of the ocean, the birth of Uchaishrava and last of all, the Bharata dynasty as described at the snake-sacrifice of king Parikshit. Sambhava Parva treats of the births of various kings. sages and heroes and that of the sage, Krishna Dvaipayana, the partial incarnations of the celestials,
दैत्यानां दानवानां च यक्षाणां च महौजसाम्। नागानामथ सर्पाणां गन्धर्वाणां पतत्रिणाम्॥
The births of Daityas, Danavas powerful Yakshas, of Nagas, of Gandharvas of birds,
अन्येषां चैव भूतानां विविधानां समुद्भवः। महर्षेराश्रमपदे कण्वस्य च तपस्विनः॥ शकुन्तलायां दुष्यन्ताद्भरतश्चापि जज्ञिवान्। यस्य लोकेषु नाम्नेदं प्रथितं भारतं कुलम्॥
And of all creatures and lastly of the son of Shakuntala by Dushyanta at the hermitage of the sage Kanva, Bharata, the name by which his descendants, are known.
वसूनां पुनरुत्पत्तिर्भागीरथ्यां महात्मनाम्। शान्तनोर्वेश्मनि पुनस्तेषां चारोहणं दिवि॥
It describes the births of the graet Vasus in the house of Shantanu in the womb of Bhagirathi and their again going to heaven.
तेजोऽशानां च संपातो भीष्मस्याप्यत्र संभवः। राज्यान्निवर्तनं तस्य ब्रह्मचर्यव्रते स्थितिः॥
And the birth of fiery Bhishma, his renunciation of royalty, his adoption of Brahmacharya,
प्रतिज्ञापालनं चैव रक्षा चित्राङ्गदस्य च। हते चित्राङ्गदे चैव रक्षा भ्रातुर्यवीयसः॥
His adherence to his vow, his protection of Chitrangada, his protection of his younger brother after the death of Chitrangada,
विचित्रवीर्यस्य तथा राज्ये संप्रतिपादनम्। धर्मस्य नृषु संभूतिरणीमाण्डव्यशापजा॥
His placing Vichitravirya on the throne, the birth of Dharma on account of the curse of Animandavya,
कृष्णद्वैपायनाच्चैव प्रसूतिर्वरदानजा। धृतराष्ट्रस्य पाण्डोश्च पाण्डवानां च संभवः॥
The births of Dhritarashtra and Pandu, by the blessing of Krishna Dvaipayana and also the birth of the Pandavas,
वारणावतयात्रायां मन्त्रो दुर्योधनस्य च। कूटस्य धार्तराष्ट्रेण प्रेषणं पाण्डवान्प्रति॥
The conspiracy of Duryodhana to send the Pandavas to Varanavata and other plotting of the sons of Dhritarashtra against the Pandavas;
हितोपदेशश्च पथि धर्मराजस्य धीमतः। विदुरेण कृतो यत्र हितार्थं म्लेच्छभाषया॥
Advice given to Yudhishthira in the language of the Mlecchas by that well-wisher of the Pandavas, Vidura,
विदुरस्य च वाक्येन सुरङ्गोपक्रमक्रिया। निषाद्याः पञ्चपुत्रायाः सुप्ताया जतुवेश्मनि॥ पुरोचनस्य चात्रैव दहनं संप्रकीर्तितम्। पाण्डवानां वने घोरे हिडिम्बायाश्च दर्शनम्॥
Digging of a under-ground passage in consequence of the words of Vidura; the burning of Purochana and the sleeping hunterwoman with her five sons in the house of lac; the meeting of Pandavas with Hidimbi in the forest.
तत्रैव च हिडिम्बस्य वधो भीमान्महाबलात्। घटोत्कचस्य चोत्पत्तिरत्रैव परिकीर्तिता॥
Then the destruction of Hidimba by powerful Bhima; then the birth of Ghatotkacha,
महर्षेर्दर्शनं चैव व्यासस्यामिततेजसः। तदाज्ञयैकचक्रायां ब्राह्मणस्य निवेशने॥
The meeting of the Pandavas with Vyasa, their stay according to his advice in a Brahmana's house at Ekachakra.
अज्ञातचर्यया वासो यत्र तेषां प्रकीर्तितः। बकस्य निधनं चैव नागराणां च विस्मयः॥
Living in disguise; the destruction of Baka and the astonishment of the people,
संभवश्चैव कृष्णाया धृष्टद्युम्नस्य चैव ह। ब्राह्मणात्समुपश्रुत्य व्यासवाक्यप्रचोदिताः॥
The wonderful births of Krishnaa (Draupadi) and Drishtadyumna; hearing from a Brahmana the news of the Svayamvara and in obedience to the request of Vyasa.
द्रौपदी प्रार्थयन्तस्ते स्वयंवरदिदृक्षया। पञ्चालानभितो जग्मुर्यत्र कौतूहलान्विताः॥
And also moved by the desire to win the hand of Draupadi, the departure of the Pandavas to Panchala;
अङ्गारपर्णं निर्जित्य गङ्गाकूलेऽर्जुनस्तदा। सख्यं कृत्वा ततस्तेन तस्मादेव च शुश्रुवे॥
The victory of Arjuna over Angaraparna on the banks of the Bhagirathi; making friendship with him and to hear from him.
तापत्यमथ वासिष्ठमौर्वं चाख्यानमुत्तमम्। भ्रातृभिः सहितः सर्वैः पञ्चालानभितो ययौ॥
The accounts of Tapati, Vasishtha and Aurva; then the arrival of the Pandavas with all the brothers at Panchala;
पाञ्चालनगरे चापि लक्ष्यं भित्त्वा धनंजयः। द्रौपदी लब्धवानत्र मध्ये सर्वमहीक्षिताम्॥
The hitting of the mark at the city of Panchala by Arjuna and the acquisition of Draupadi by him in the midst of all the kings of the world.
भीमसेनार्जुनौ यत्र संरब्धान् पृथिवीपतीन्। शल्यकर्णौ च तरसा जितवन्तौ महामृधे॥
The defeat of Shalya, Karna and all the angry kings by powerful Bhima and Arjuna in the battle that ensued.
दृष्ट्वा तयोश्च तद्वीर्यमप्रमेयममानुषम्। शङ्कमानौ पाण्डवांस्तान् रामकृष्णौ महामती॥
The doubting by Rama and Krishna from the great exploits of the brothers that whether they were Pandavas.
जग्मतुस्तैः समागन्तुं शालां भार्गववेश्मनि। पञ्चानामेकपत्नीत्वे विमर्शो दुपदस्य च॥
Their arrival at the house of the potter where the brothers were living; the grief of Drupada, because Draupadi would be married to five husbands;
पञ्चेन्द्राणामुपाख्यानमत्रैवाद्भुतमुच्यते। द्रौपद्या देवविहितो विवाहश्चाप्यमानुषः॥
The story of five Indras told in consequence; the wonderful and divinely arranged marriage of Draupadi;
क्षत्तुश्च धार्तराष्ट्रेण प्रेषणं पाण्डवान्प्रति। विदुरस्य च संप्राप्तिदर्शनं केशवस्य च॥
The sending of Vidura as an envoy to the Pandavas from the sons of Dhritarashtra; his arrival; and his meeting with Krishna;
खाण्डवप्रस्थवासश्च तथा राज्याधसर्जनम्। नारदस्याज्ञया चैव द्रौपद्याः समयक्रिया॥
Living of the Pandavas at Indraprastha and their rule over half of the kingdom; the fixing of time for the five brothers to live with Draupadi as directed by Narada;
सुन्दोपसुन्दयोस्तद्वदाख्यानं परिकीर्तितम्। अनन्तरं च द्रौपद्या सहासीनं युधिष्ठिरम्॥ अनुप्रविश्य विप्रार्थे फाल्गुनो गृह्य चायुधम्। मोक्षयित्वा गृहं गत्वा विप्रार्थं कृतनिश्चयः॥ समयं पालयन्वीरो वनं यत्र जगाम ह। पार्थस्य वनवासे च उलूप्या पथि संगमः॥
The histories of Sunda and Upasunda are narrated; and then the departure of Arjuna to the forest according to the vow and on account of his seeing Yudhishthira and Draupadi sitting together when he entered into the room to take arms to rescue the kine of a Brahmana; the meeting of Arjuna with Ulupi on his way.
पुण्यतीर्थानुसंयानं बभ्रुवाहनजन्म च। तत्रैव मोक्षयामास पञ्चसोऽप्सरसः शुभाः॥
It then describes the birth of Babhruvahana; and the account of Arjuna's visit to many holy pilgrimages; the deliverance by Arjuna of the five celestial maidens.
शापायाहत्वमापन्ना ब्राह्मणस्य तपस्विनः। प्रभासतीर्थे पार्थेन कृष्णस्य च समागमः॥
Who had become alligators by the curse of an ascetic Brahmana; the meeting of Arjuna and Krishna at the holy pilgrimage of Prabhasa;
द्वारकायां सुभद्रा च कामयानेन भामिनी। वासुदेवस्यानुमते प्राप्ता चैव किरीटिना॥
Arjuna's taking of Subhadra by force with the permission of Krishna on the car which goes every where at the will of the rider;
गृहीत्वा हरणं प्राप्ते कृष्णे देवकिनन्दने। अभिमन्योः सुभद्रायां जन्म चोत्तमतेजसः॥
Taking the dower of Krishna, Arjuna's departure to Indraprastha; the birth of that prodigy of prowess, Abhimanyu, in the womb of Subhadra;
द्रौपद्यास्तनयानां च संभवोऽनुप्रकीर्तितः। विहारार्थं च गतयोः कृष्णयोर्यमुनामनु॥
The birth of the children of Draupadi; the pleasure trip of Arjuna and Krishna to the banks of the Yamuna;
संप्राप्तिश्चक्रधनुषोः खाण्डवस्य च दाहनम्। मयस्य मोक्षो ज्वलनाद्भुजङ्गस्य च मोक्षणम्।।
The acquisition by them the celebrated bow Gandiva and the discus; the burning of the forest of Khandava; the saving of the life of Maya and the serpent;
महर्मन्दपालस्य शाङ्गयां तनयसंभवः। इत्येतदादिपर्वोक्तं प्रथमं बहुविस्तरम्॥
The giving birth to son by Rishi Mandapala in the womb of a bird, called Sharangi. The Adi-Parva has been described with these various matters.
अध्यायानां शते द्वे तु संख्याते परमर्षिणा। सप्तविंशरध्याया व्यासोनोत्तमतेजसा॥
Greatly powerful Vyasa has divided this Parva into two hundred and twenty seven chapters.
अष्टौ श्लोकसहस्राणि अष्टौ श्लोकशतानि च। श्लोकश्च चतुराशीतिर्मुनिनोक्तामहात्मना॥
These two hundred and twenty-seven chapters contain eight thousand eight hundred and eighty-four slokas. a
द्वितीयं तु सभापर्व बहुवृत्तान्तमुच्यते। सभाक्रिया पाण्डवानां किंकराणां च दर्शनम्॥
The second is Sabha Parva which is very extensive and full of matter. It describes the building of the assembly-hall by the Pandavas and the review of their servants;
लोकपालसभाख्यानं नारदाद्देवदर्शिनः। राजसूयस्य चारम्भो जरासंधवधस्तथा॥
The description of the courts of Lokapalas by Narada who knows all the celestial regions; the preparations for the Rajasuya Yajna; the destruction of Jarasandha;
गिरिव्रजे निरुद्धानां राज्ञां कृष्णेन मोक्षणम्। तथा दिग्विजयोऽत्रैव पाण्डवानां प्रकीर्तितः॥
The deliverance by Krishna of all the princes those were kept as prisoners (by Jarasandha) at (his capital city) Girivraja, Then it relates the conquest of the world by the Pandavas;
राज्ञामागमनं चैव सार्हणानां महाक्रतौ। राजसूयेऽर्धसंवादे शिशुपालवधस्तथा॥
The arrival of the chiefs and potentates with tribute at the Rajasuya Yajna; the destruction of Shishupala at the sacrifice, in connection with Arghya giving;
यज्ञे विभूतिं तां दृष्ट्वा दुःखामर्षान्वितस्य च। दुर्योधनस्यावहासो भीमेन च सभातले॥
The grief and envy of Duryodhana at the sight of the magnificence of the sacrifice; the joking of Bhima at the expense of Duryodhana in the great assembly.
यत्रास्य मन्युरुद्भूतो येन द्यूतमकारयत्। यत्र धर्मसुतं द्यूते शकुनिः कितवोऽजयत्॥
The preparation for the game of dice; the defeat of Yudhishthira at the play by cunning and crafty Shakuni;
यत्र द्यूतार्णवे मग्नां द्रौपदीं नौरिवार्णवात्। धृतराष्ट्रो महाप्राज्ञः स्नुषां परमदुःखिताम्॥
The deliverance, by the greatly wise Dhritarashtra, of the sorrowful Draupadi who was drowned in the ocean of distress on account of the game;
तारयामास तांस्तीर्णाज्ञात्वा दुर्योधनो नृपः। पुनरेव ततो द्यूते समाह्वयत पाण्डवान्॥
Seeing this, the attempt of Duryodhana to engage Yudhishthira again in
जित्वा स वनवासाय प्रेषयामास तांस्ततः। एतत्सर्वं सभापर्व समाख्यातं महात्मना॥
The exile of Yudhishthira with his brothers by the victorious Duryodhana. These are the matters that have been dwelt in the Sabha Parva.
अध्यायाः सप्ततिर्जेयास्तथा चाष्टौ प्रसंख्यया। श्लोकानां द्वे सहस्रे तु पञ्च श्लोकशतानि च॥ श्लोकाश्चैकादश ज्ञेयाः पर्वण्यस्मिन् द्विजोत्तमाः। अतः परं तृतीयं तु ज्ञेयमारण्यकं महत्॥
This Parva is divided into seventy eight chapters and it contains, O best of Brahmanas, two thousand five hundred and eleven slokas. Then comes the third Parva, called Aranya.
वनवासं प्रयातेषु पाण्डवेषु महात्मसु। पौरानुगमनं चैव धर्मपुत्रस्य धीमतः॥
It describes the departure of the Pandavas to the forest with the citizens following the wise Yudhishthira;
अन्नौषधीनां च कृते पाण्डवेन महात्मना। द्विजानां भरणार्थं च कृतमाराधनं रवेः॥ धौम्योपदेशात् तिग्मांशुप्रसादादन्नसंभवः। हितं च ब्रुवतः क्षत्तुः परित्यागोऽम्बिकासुतात्॥
In order to be gifted with the power of supplying food to the Brahmanas, Yudhishthira's adoration of the Sun by the advice of Dhauinya; the creation of food by this means; the expulsion of Vidura who was always a well-wisher of his master;
त्यक्तस्य पाण्डुपुत्राणां समीपगमनं तथा। पुनरागमनं चैव धृतराष्ट्रस्य शासनात्॥
Vidura's coming to the Pandavas; his return to Dhritarashtra by his request;
कर्णप्रोत्साहनाच्चैव धार्तराष्ट्रस्य दुर्मतेः। वनस्थान्याण्डवान्हन्तुं मन्त्रो दुर्योधनस्य च॥
The conspiracy of Duryodhana, being incited by Karna, to destroy the roving Pandavas;
तं दुष्टभावं विज्ञाय व्यासस्यागमनं द्रुतम्। निर्याणप्रतिषेधश्च सुरभ्याख्यानमेव च। १४९।।
Having learnt this evil intention of Duryodhana, Vyasa's arrival to him. His discussion with Duryodhana on the point of his going to the forest (after the Pandavas); the history of Surabhi related;
मैत्रेयागमनं चात्र राज्ञश्चैवानुशासनम्। शापोत्सर्गश्च तेनैव राज्ञो दुर्योधनस्य च॥
The arrival of Maitreya and his instructions to Dhritarashtra; his curse to Duryodhana;
किर्मीरस्य वधश्चात्र भीमसेनेन संयुगे। वृष्णीनामागमश्चात्र पञ्चालानां च सर्वशः॥
The slaying of Kirmira by Bhima, the arrival of the Panchalas and Vrishnis;
श्रुत्वा शकुनिना द्यूते निकृत्या निर्जितांश्च तान्। क्रुद्धस्यानुप्रशमनं हरेश्चैव किरीटिना॥
Having heard that the Pandavas had been defeated at an unjust game of dice by Shakuni, the arrival of Krishna and Arjuna allaying Krishna's anger.
परिदेवनं च पाञ्चाल्या वासुदेवस्य सन्निधौ। आश्वासनं च कृष्णेन दुःखार्तायाः प्रकीर्तितम्॥
The lamentation of Draupadi before Krishna and his cheering of her;
तथा सौभवधाख्यानमत्रैवोक्तं महर्षिणा। सुभद्रायाः सपुत्रायाः कृष्णेन द्वारकां पुरीम्॥
The account of the fall of Saubhva was described by the great Rishi. Then it describes the departure of Krishna to Dwaraka with Subhadra and her son;
नयनं द्रौपदेयानां धृष्टद्युम्नेन चैव ह। प्रवेशः पाण्डवेयानां रम्ये द्वैतवने ततः॥
The taking of Draupadi's sons by Dhristadyumna to Panchala; the entry of the Pandavas into the beautiful forest of Dvaita.
धर्मराजस्य चात्रै व संवादः कृष्णया सह। संवादश्च तथा राज्ञा भीमस्यापि प्रकीर्तितः॥
It then relates the conversation of Draupadi and Bhima with Yudhishthira.
समीपं पाण्डुपुत्राणां व्यासस्यागमनं तथा। प्रतिस्मृत्याथ विद्याया दानं राज्ञो महर्षिणा॥
The arrival of Vyasa to the Pandavas, the bestowal of power of Pratismriti to Yudhishthira by the great Rishi.
गमनं काम्यके चापि व्यासे प्रतिगते ततः। अस्त्रहेतोर्विवासश्च पार्थस्यामिततेजसः॥
It then describes the departure of Vyasa, the Pandavas' going to the forest of Kamyaka; the rovings of greatly powerful Arjuna in quest of weapons;
महादेवेन युद्धं च किरातवपुषा सह। दर्शनं लोकपालानामस्त्रप्राप्तिस्तथैव च॥
His fight with Shiva who was in the disguise of a hunter; his meeting with the Lokapalas and his receipt of weapons from them;
महेन्द्रलोकगमनमस्त्रार्थे च किरीटिनः। यत्र चिन्ता समुत्पन्ना धृतराष्ट्रस्य भूयसी॥
His journey to the celestial kingdom of Indra and anxiety of Dhritarashtra in consequence.
दर्शनं बृहदश्वस्य महर्षे वितात्मनः। युधिष्ठिरस्य वार्तस्य व्यसनं परिदेवनम्॥
It then relates the lamentations of Yudhishthira in his meeting with the holy sage Brihadashva.
नलोपाख्यानमत्रैव धर्मिष्ठं करुणोदयम्। दमयन्त्याः स्थितिर्यत्र नलस्य चरितं तथा॥
It then contains the holy and most pathetic story of Nala, illustrating the great patience of Damayanti and the character of Nala.
तथाऽक्षहृदयप्राप्तिस्तस्मादेव महर्षितः। लोमशस्यागमस्तत्र स्वर्गात्पाण्डुसुतान्प्रति॥
It then describes how describes how Yudhishthira acquired the mysteries of dice from the great Rishi; then the arrival of great Rishi Lomasha from the celestial region where Arjuna was;
वनवासगतानां च पाण्डवानां महात्मनाम्। स्वर्गे प्रवृत्तिराख्याता लोमशेनार्जुनस्य वै॥
The receipt from the Rishi by the highsouled dwellers of forest (the Pandavas) the news of the third brother (Arjuna) who was then staying in the celestial regions;
संदेशादर्जुनस्यात्र तीर्थाभिगमनक्रिया। तीर्थानां च फलप्राप्तिः पुण्यत्वं चापि कीर्तितम्॥
The pilgrimages of the Pandavas to various holy places as asked by Arjuna; their attainment of merit and virtue in consequence;
पुलस्त्यतीर्थयात्रा च नारदेन महर्षिणा। तीर्थयात्रा च तत्रैव पांडवानां महात्मनाम्॥
The arrival of great sage Narada at the holy shrine of Pulastya; the arrival of the highsouled Pandavas also at that holy pilgrimage.
कर्णस्य परिमोक्षोऽत्र कुण्डलाभ्यां पुरन्दरात्। तथा यज्ञविभूतिश्च गयस्यात्र प्रकीर्तिता॥
Then it relates the account of the deprivation of Karna of his "ear-rings" by Indra and then the sacrificial greatness by Gaya;
आगस्त्यमपि चाख्यानं यत्र वातापिभक्षणम्। लोपामुद्राभिगमनमपत्यार्थषेस्तथा॥
The story of Agastya which relates how he ate up the Asura, Vatapi; his approaching Lopamudra to have an offspring.
ऋष्यशृङ्गस्य चरितं कौमारब्रह्मचारिणः। जामदग्न्यस्य रामस्य चरितं भूरितेजसः॥
It then tells the story of Rishyashringa who adopted the life of an ascetic from his boyhood. Then follows the story of greatly powerful Rama, the son of Jamadagni,
कार्तवीर्यवधो यत्र हैहयानां च वर्ण्यते। प्रभासतीर्थे पांडूनां वृष्णिभिश्च समागमः॥
In which is described the death of Kartavirya and Haihayas, then the meeting of the Pandavas and the Vrishnis at the holy pilgrimage of Prabhasa;
सौकन्यमपि चाख्यानं च्यवनो यत्र भार्गवः। शर्यातियज्ञे नासत्यौ कृतवान् सोमपीतिनौ॥
The story Sukanya in which Bhrigu's son, Chyavana, made the Ashvinis drink Soma Juice at the sacrifice of king Sharyati,
ताभ्यां च यत्र स मुनिौवनं प्रतिपादितः। मांधातुश्चाप्युपाख्यानं राज्ञोऽत्रैव प्रकीर्तितम्॥
And in which it has been shown how he himself (Chyavana) acquired perpetual youth. Then it relates the history of King Mandhata;
जन्तूपाख्यानमत्रैव यत्र पुत्रेण सोमकः। पुत्रार्थमयजदाजा लेभे पुत्रशतं च सः॥
Then it tells the story of prince Jantu and how king Somaka, by offering up his only son Jantu in sacrifice, got one hundred others.
ततः श्येनकपोतीयमुपाख्यानमनुत्तमम्। इन्द्राग्नी यत्र धर्मश्चाप्यजिज्ञासच्छिविं नृपम्॥
Then follows the beautiful story of the hawk and the pegion; then the trial of king Shivi by Indra, Agni and Dharma,
अष्टावक्रीयमत्रैव विवादो यत्र बन्दिना। अष्टावक्रस्य विप्रर्जनकस्याध्वरेऽभवत्। नैयायिकानां मुख्येन वरुणस्यात्मजेन च॥
The story of Ashtavakra in which is narrated the great debate between that Rishi and the first of logicians, named Bandi, the son of Varuna at the sacrifice of Janaka.
पराजितो यत्र बन्दी विवादेन महात्मना। विजित्य सागरं प्राप्तं पितरं लब्धवानृषिः। यवक्रीतस्य चाख्यानं रैभ्यस्य च महात्मनः॥
The defeat of Bandi and the release of the father of the Rishi (Ashtavakra) from the ocean. Then follows the story of Yavakrita, then that of the great Raibhya,
गन्धमादनयात्रा च वासो नारायणाश्रमे। नियुक्तो भीमसेनश्च द्रौपद्या गन्धमादने॥
Then the departure of the Pandavas for Gandhamadana and their staying at a hermitage called Narayana; Bhima's journey to Gandhamadana by the request of Draupadi;
व्रजन्पथि महाबाहुर्दृष्टवान् पवनात्मजम्। कदलीषंडमध्यस्थं हनूमन्तं महाबलम्॥
His meeting on his way with the Pandava's son, greatly powerful, Hanumana, who was in a grove of bananas;
यत्र सौगन्धिकार्थेऽसौ नलिनी तामधर्षयत्। यत्रास्य युद्धमभवत्सुमहद्राक्षसैः सह॥
His bath in the tank and the destruction of its flowers in searching for the sweet-scented the flower Nalini; his fight with powerful Rakshasas,
यक्षैश्चैव महावीर्यैर्मणिमत्प्रमुखैस्तथा। जटासुरस्य च वधो राक्षसस्य वृकोदरात्॥
Yakshas, including Manimana; destruction of the Asura Jata by him;
वृषपर्वणो राजपेस्ततोऽभिगमनं स्मृतम्। आर्टिषेणाश्रमे चैषां गमनं वास एव च॥
The meeting (of the Pandavas) with the Royal sage Vrishaparva; their departure for the hermitage of Arshtishena and then their stay there;
प्रोत्साहनं चपाञ्चाल्या भीमस्यात्र महात्मना। कैलासारोहणं प्रोक्तं यत्र यक्षैर्बलोत्कटैः॥
The inciting of Bhima against the Kurus by Draupadi. Then is related the ascent of Kailasa by Bhima, where with the powerful Yakshas,
युद्धमासीन्महाघोरं मणिमत्प्रमुखैः सह। समागमश्च पाण्डूनां यत्र वैश्रवणेन च। समागमश्चार्जुनस्य तत्रैव भ्रातृभिः सह। अवाप्य दिव्यान्यस्त्राणि गुर्वर्थं सव्यासाचिना॥
Headed by Manimana, he fought a great battle; the meeting of the Pandavas with Kubera. Then comes the meeting with Arjuna who had obtained many great weapons.
निवातकवचैर्युद्धं हिरण्यपुरवासिभिः। निवातकवचैोरैर्दानवैः सुरशत्रुभिः॥
Then it relates the battle between Arjuna and the great enemy of the celestials Nivatakavachas, who dwelt in Hiranyapuram.
पौलोमैः कालकेयैश्च यत्र युद्धं किरीटिनः। वधश्चैषां समाख्यातो राज्ञस्तेनैव धीमता॥
Then comes the account of Arjuna's fight with Paulomas and Kalkeyas; their death at his hand;
अस्त्रसंदर्शनारम्भो धर्मराजस्य संनिधौ। पार्थस्य प्रतिषेध च नारदेन सुरर्षिणा॥
The display of weapons by Arjuna before Yudhishthira and its prevention by the great Rishi Narada;
अवरोहणं पुनश्चैव पांडूनां गन्धमादनात्। भीमस्य ग्रहणं चात्र पर्वताभोगवर्मणा॥
The descent of the Pandavas from the Gandhamadana; the seizure of Bhima by a monster mountain-snake;
भुजगेन्द्रेण बलिना तस्मिन्सुगहने वने। अमोक्षयद्यत्र चैनं प्रश्नानुक्त्वा युधिष्ठिरः॥
The release of Bhima from the snake on answering certain questions of his by Yudhishthira;
काम्यकागमनं चैव पुनस्तेषां महात्मनाम्। तत्रस्थांश्च पुनर्द्रष्टुं पांडवान् पुरुषर्षभान्॥ वासुदेवस्यागमनमत्रैव परिकीर्तितम्। मार्कण्डेयसमास्यायामुपाख्यानानि सर्वशः॥
The return of the Pandavas to the forest of Kamyaka; the arrival of Krishna to see the sons of Pandu; the arrival of Rishi Markandeya; and his various recitals%3B
पृथोर्वैन्यस्य यत्रोक्तमाख्यानं परमर्षिणा। संवादश्च सरस्वत्यास्तायर्षेः सुमहात्मनः॥
The story of Pritha, the son of Vena, was told by the Rishi; also the debate of Sarasvati and that of Rishi Tarkshya.
मत्स्योपाख्यानमत्रैव प्रोच्यते तदनन्तरम्। मार्कण्डेयसमास्या च पुराणं परिकीर्त्यते॥
Then follows the story of Matsya and other old stories recited by Markandeya.
ऐन्द्रद्युम्नमुपाख्यानं धौन्धुमारं तथैव च। पतिव्रतायाश्चाख्यानं तथैवाङ्गिरसं स्मृतम्॥
Then come the stories of Indradyumna and Dhundumara, then the story of the chaste wife and the history of Angirasa.
द्रौपद्याः कीर्तितश्चात्र संवादः सत्यभामया। पुनद्वैतवनं चैव पाण्डवाः समुपागताः॥
Then is told the meeting of Draupadi and Satyabhama nd their conversation, the return of the Pandavas to the forest of Dvaita;
घोषयात्रा च गन्धर्वैर्यत्र बद्धः सुयोधनः। ह्रियमाणस्तु मन्दात्मा मोक्षितोऽसौ किरीटिना॥
The procession of the calves and the ! captivity of Duryodhana at the hands of Gandharvas. His rescue by Arjuna when the wretch was being carried away.
धर्मराजस्य चात्रैव मृगस्वप्ननिदर्शनात्। काम्यके काननश्रेष्ठे पुनर्गमनमुच्यते॥
Then follows the dream of the deer by Yudhishthira, then the return of the Pandavas to the forest of Kamyaka.
व्रीहिद्रौणिकमाख्यानमत्रैव बहुविस्तरम्। दुर्वाससोऽप्युपाख्यानमत्रैव परिकीर्तितम्॥
Here follows the long story of Vrihidraunika. Here is related the story of Durvasa.
जयद्रथेनापहारो द्रौपद्याश्चाश्रमान्तरात्। यत्रैनमन्वयादीमो वायुवेगसमो जवे॥ चक्रे चैनं पञ्चशिखं यत्र भीमो महाबलः। रामायणमुपाख्यानमत्रैव बहुविस्तरम्॥
Then is narrated the forcible abduction of Draupadi by Jayadratha from the hermitage; the pursuit of the wretch by Bhima, swift as the air; the shaving of Jayadratha at the hand of Bhima. Then follows the long story of Ramayana,
यत्र रामेण विक्रम्य निहतो रावणो युधि। सावित्र्याश्चाप्युख्यानमत्रैव परिकीर्तितम्॥
In which is shown how Ravana was killed by the prowess of Rama. Then is narrated the story of Savitri,
कर्णस्य परिमोक्षोऽत्र कुण्डलाभ्यां पुरन्दरात्। यत्रास्य शक्तिं तुष्टोऽसावदादेकवधाय च॥
Then Karna's deprivation of earrings by Indra and his presentation to him a weapon called Shakti;
आरणेयमुपाख्यानं यत्र धर्मोऽन्वशात्सुतम्। जग्मुर्लब्धवरा यत्र पाण्डवाः पश्चिमां दिशम्॥
The story of Araneya in which Dharma gave advice to his son and in which is related how the Pandavas received a boon and went to the west.
एतदारण्यकं पर्व तृतीयं परिकीर्तितम्। अत्राध्यायशते द्वे तु संख्यया परिकीर्तित॥ एकोनसप्ततिश्चैव तथाध्यायाः प्रकीर्तिताः। एकादश सहस्राणि श्लोकानां षट् शतानि च॥ चतुःषष्टिस्तथा श्लोकाः पर्वण्यस्मिन् प्रकीर्तिताः। अतःपरं निबोधेदं वैराटं पर्व विस्तरम्॥
These matters are all described in the third Parva called Aranyaka. It contains two hundred and sixty-nine chapters. Its numbers of slokas is eleven thousand, six hundred and sixty four. Then comes the extensive Virata Parva.
विराटनगरे गत्वा श्मशाने विपुलां शमीम्। दृष्ट्वा सन्निदधुस्तत्र पाण्डवा ह्यायुधान्युत॥
It described how the Pandavas arrived at the city of Virata and saw a Shami tree in a cremation ground on which they kept hidden their weapons.
यत्र प्रविश्य नगरं छद्मना न्यवसंस्तु ते। पाञ्चाली प्रार्थयानस्य कामोपहतचेतसः॥ दुष्टात्मनो वधो यत्र कीचकस्य वृकोदरात्। पाण्डवान्वेषणार्थ च राज्ञो दुर्योधनस्य च॥
Then have been related their entry into the city and their stay in disguise; then the slaying by Bhima of the wicked Kichaka who lustfully aspired for Draupadi; then the attempt of king Duryodhana to find out the Pandavas;
चाराः प्रस्थापिताश्चात्र निपुणाः सर्वतो दिशम्। न च प्रवृत्तिस्तैर्लब्धा पाण्डवानां महात्मनाम्॥
His despatch of clever spies to all countries to trace out the Pandavas; their failure to discover the mighty sons of Pandu;
गोग्रहश्च विराटस्य त्रिगर्तेः प्रथमं कृतः। यत्रास्य युद्धं सुमहत्तैरासील्लोमहर्षणम्॥
First the seizure of Virata's kine by the Trigartas, the fearful battle that followed;
ह्रियमाणश्च यत्रासौ भीमसेनेन मोक्षितः। गोधनं च विराटस्य मोक्षितं यत्र पाण्डवैः॥
The capture of Virata by the enemy and his rescue by Bhima; the release of his kine also by the Pandava (Bhima).
अनन्तरं च कुरुभिस्तस्य गोग्रहणं कृतम्। समस्ता यत्र पार्थेन निर्जिताः कुरवो युधि॥
Then seizure of Virata's kine by the Kurus, the defeat of the Kuru warriors by single handed Arjuna,
प्रत्याहृतं गोधनं च विक्रमेण किरीटिना। विराटेनोत्तरा दत्ता स्नुषा यत्र किरीटिनः॥ अभिमन्युं समुद्दिश्य सौभद्रमरिघातिनम्। चतुर्थमेतद्विपुलं वैराटं पर्व वर्णितम्॥
The release of the king's kine by Arjuna's valour; the bestowal by Virata of his daughter to Arjuna for his acceptance of her for his son by Subhadra, Abhimanyu, the destroyer of foes. These are the contents of the extensive fourth Parva Virata.
अत्रापि परिसंख्याता अध्यायाः परमर्षिणा। सप्तषष्टिरथो पूर्णा श्लोकानामपि मे शृणु॥ श्लोकानां द्वे सहस्रे तु श्लोकाः पञ्चाशदेव तु। उक्तानि वेदविदुषा पर्वण्यस्मिन् महर्षिणा॥
The great Rishi has composed it in sixty seven chapters and it contains two thousand and fifty slokas.
उद्योगपर्व विज्ञेयं पञ्चमं शृण्वतः परम्। उपल्पव्ये निविष्टेषु पाण्डवेषु जिगीषया॥
Here now, the contents of the fifth Parva, named Udyoga. When the Pandavas were living at Upaplavya,
दुर्योधनोऽर्जुनश्चैव वासुदेवमुपस्थितौ। साहाय्यमस्मिन्समरे भवान्नौ कर्तुमर्हति॥
Desirous of battle, both Arjuna and Duryodhana went to Krishna and said, "You should help us in this war."
इत्युक्ते वचने कृष्णो यत्रोवाच महामतिः। अयुध्यमानमात्मानं मन्त्रिणं पुरुषर्षभौ॥
When these words were uttered, the highsouled Krishna replied, “O best of men, a counsellor (myself) who will not fight,
अक्षौहिणी वा सैन्यस्य कस्य किं वा ददाम्यहम्। वत्रे दुर्योधनः सैन्यं मन्दात्मा यत्र दुर्मतिः॥
And one Akshauhini of my soldiers, between these two which shall I give to you?" Blind to his own interest, the foolish' Duryodhana asked for the soldiers.
अयुध्यमानं सचिवं वव्रे कृष्णं धनंजयः। मद्रराजं च राजानमायान्तं पाण्डवान्प्रति॥
Arjuna chose to possess Krishna as a counsellor, although he will not fight. Then is related the coming of the king of Madra for the assistance of the Pandavas.
उपहारैर्वञ्चयित्वा वर्मन्येव सुयोधनः। वरदं तं वरं वत्रे साहाय्यं क्रियतां मम॥
Having deceived him on the way by present. Duryodhana induced him to grant him a boon and for that boon he asked his help in the war.
शल्यस्तस्मै प्रतिश्रुत्य जगामोद्दिश्य पाण्डवान्। शान्तिपूर्वं चाकथयधनेन्द्रविजयं नृपः॥
Then it narrates how Shalya went to the Pandavas and how he consoled Yudhishthira by recounting the victory of Indra (over Vitra).
पुरोहितप्रेषणं च पाण्डवैः कौरवान्प्रति। वैचित्रवीर्यस्य वचः समादाय पुरोधसः॥ तथेन्द्रविजयं चापि यानं चैव पुरोधसः। संजयं प्रेषयामास शमार्थी पाण्डवान्प्रति॥
Then is told the dispatch of the Purohita by the Pandavas to the Kurus. Greatly powerful Dhritarashtra, having heard the story of Indra's victory from the Purohita, sent Sanjaya to the Pandavas to ask for peace.
यत्र दूतं महाराजो धृतराष्ट्रः प्रतापवान्। श्रुत्वा च पाण्डवान्यत्र वासुदेवपुरोगमान्॥ प्रजागरः सप्रजज्ञे धृतराष्ट्रस्य चिन्तया। विदुरो यत्र वाक्यानि विचित्राणि हितानि च। श्रावयामास राजानं धृतराष्ट्र मनीषिणम्॥
Dhritarashtra heard all about the Pandavas, their friends, Krishna and others; and his great anxiety and sleeplessness in consequence. Vidura's sound, wise and various counsels were given to the wise king Dhritarashtra.
तथा सनत्सुजातेन यत्राध्यात्ममनुत्तमम्॥
It then contains the excellent truths of spiritual philosophy that were told by Sanatsujata.
मास्तापान्वितो राजा श्रावितः शोकलालसः। प्रभाते राजसमितौ संजयो यत्र वा विभो॥
To the anxious and sorrowing king. Next morning in the Royal court, Sanjaya spoke.
ऐकात्म्यं वासुदेवस्य प्रोक्तवानर्जुनस्य च। यत्र कृष्णो दयापन्नः संधिमिच्छन् महामतिः॥
Of the great friendship between Arjuna and Krishna. It was then that great Krishna, moved by pity and being desirous of bringing peace.
स्वयमागाच्छमं कर्तुं नगरं नागसाह्वयम्। प्रत्याख्यानं च कृष्णस्य राज्ञा दुर्योधनेन वै॥
Went himself to Hastinapur, the capital of the Kurus. (It then relates) the rejection of the peaceful offer of Krishna by the king Duryodhana.
शमार्थे याचमानस्य पक्षयोरुभयोर्हितम्। दम्भोद्भवस्य चाख्यानमत्रैव परिकीर्तितम्॥
An offer which was for the benefit of both parties. Then is related the the story of Dambhodbhava;
वरान्वेषणमत्रैव मातलेश्च महात्मनः। महर्षेःचापि चरितं कथितं गालवस्य वै॥
Then the search for a bridegroom by Matali for his daughter; then follows the history of the great Rishi Galava.
विदुलायाश्च पुत्रस्य प्रोक्तं चाप्यनुशासनम्। कर्णदुर्योधनादीनां दुष्टं विज्ञाय मन्त्रितम्॥
Then the story of the training of the son of Vidula;. having heard of the evil counsel of Duryodhana and Karna and others;
योगेश्वरत्वं कृष्णेन यत्र राज्ञां प्रदर्शितम्। रथमारोप्य कृष्णेन यत्र कर्णोऽनुमन्त्रितः॥
Krishna's display of his Yoga powers to the kings; then his taking Karna on his chariot and giving him sound advice;
उपायपूर्वं शौटीर्यात्प्रत्याख्यातश्च तेन सः। आगम्य हास्तिनपुरादुपप्लव्यमरिंदमः॥
Karna's rejection of Krishna's advice out of pride; then the chastiser of his enemies, Krishna returned to Upaplavya from Hastinapur.
पाण्डवानां यथावृत्तं सर्वमाख्यातवान् हरिः। ते तस्य वचनं श्रुत्वा मन्त्रयित्वा च यद्धितम्॥ सांग्रामिकं ततः सर्वं सज्जं चक्रुः परंतपाः। ततो युद्धाय निर्याता नराश्वरथदन्तिनः॥
He told the Pandavas all that had happened. It was then the greatly powerful Pandavas, the chastisers of their foes, after consulting properly with one another, inade all preparations for war.
नगराद्धास्तिनपुरादलसंख्यानमेव च। यत्र राज्ञा लूकस्य प्रेषणं पाण्डवान्प्रति॥
Then follows the march of infantry cavalry, elephants and charioteers from Hastinapur; the review of troops by both parties; the sending of Uluka to the Pandavas by the king (Duryodhana).
श्वो भाविनि महायुद्धे दौत्येन कृतवान् प्रभुः। रथातिरथसंख्यानमम्बोपाख्यानमेव च॥
As an envoy on the day before the great battle; then the number of charioteers of different classes was related. Then is told the story of Amba.
एतत् सुबहुवृत्तान्तं पञ्चमं पर्व भारते। उद्योगपर्व निर्दिष्टं संधिविग्रहमिश्रितम्॥
These are the matters that have been dwelt on, the fifth Parva of the Bharata in full of incidents regarding both peace and war.
अध्यायानां शतं प्रोक्तं षडशीतिर्महर्षिणा। श्लोकानां षट्सहस्राणि तावन्त्येव शतानि च॥ श्लोकाच नवतिः प्रोक्तास्तथैवाष्टौ महात्मना। व्यासेनोदारमतिना पर्वण्यस्मिंस्तपोधनाः॥
Great Rishis, the great Vyasa has composed this Parva in one hundred and eighty six chapters. The number of slokas composed in it by the great Rishi is six thousand six hundred and ninety eight.
अतः परं विचित्रार्थं भीष्मपर्व प्रचक्षते। जम्बूखण्डविनिर्माणं यत्रोक्तं संजयेन ह॥
Then is told the wonderful Bhishma Parva. Sanjaya related in it the creation of Jambu country.
यत्र यौधिष्ठिरं सैन्यं विषादमगमत् परम्। यत्र युद्धमभूद्घोरं दशाहानि सुदारुणम्॥
Then is narrated the great depression of the army of Yudhishthira and the fierce battle that raged for ten successive days.
कश्मलं यत्र पार्थस्य वासुदेवो महामतिः। मोहजं नाशयामास हेतुभिर्मोक्षदर्शिभिः॥
The high-souled Krishna dispelled in this Parva the great compunction which was felt by Arjuna towards his relatives, by citing reasons based on the philosophy of final emancipation.
समीक्ष्याधोक्षज: क्षिप्रं युधिष्ठिरहिते रतः। रथादाप्लुत्य वेगेन स्वयं कृष्ण उदारधीः॥ प्रतोदपाणिराधावद्भीष्मं हन्तुं व्यपेतभीः। वाक्यप्रतोदाभिहतो यत्र कृष्णेन पाण्डवः॥
In it is also narrated how the magnanimous Krishna, seeing the loss inflicted on the Pandava army, jumped from the chariot and ran swiftly, with dauntless breast and his driving whip in hand, to kill Bhishma. In this Parva also, Krishna smote Arjuna.
गाण्डीवधन्वा समरे सर्वशस्त्रभृतां वरः। शिखण्डिनं पुरस्कृत्य यत्र पार्थो महाधनुः॥
The bearer of the Gandiva and the greatest warrior in battle among all wielders of weapons. In it also is narrated how the bowman Arjuna, placing Shikhandi before him.
विनिम्ननिशितैर्बाणै रथाद्भीष्ममपातयत्। शरतल्पगतश्चैव भीष्मो यत्र बभूव ह॥
Wounded Bhishma with his sharpest arrows and felled him from his chariot and how Bhishma lay on his bed of arrows.
षष्ठमेतत् समाख्यातं भारते पर्व विस्तृतम्। अध्यायानां शतं प्रोक्तं तथा सप्तदशापरे॥ पञ्च श्लोकसहस्राणि संख्ययाष्टौ शतानि च। श्लोकाश्च चतुराशीतिरस्मिन्पर्वणि कीर्तिताः॥ व्यासेन वेदविदुषा संख्याता भीष्मपर्वणि। द्रोणपर्व ततश्चित्रं बहुवृत्तान्तमुच्यते॥
This extensive Parva is the sixth in the Bharata. It is composed of one hundred and seventeen chapters. Its number of slokas is five thousand eight hundred and eighty-four as composed by Vyasa, well-learned in the Vedas. Then comes Drona Parva, full of wonderful incidents.
सैनापत्येऽभिषिक्तोऽथ यत्राचार्यः प्रतापवान्। दुर्योधनस्य प्रीत्यर्थं प्रतिजज्ञे पहास्त्रवित्॥ ग्रहणं धर्मराजस्य पाण्डुपुत्रस्य धीमतः। यत्र संशप्तकाः पार्थमपनिन्यू रणाजिरात्॥
It relates the installation of greatly powerful instructor Drona as the commander of the army; the vow of making Yudhishthira prisoner was taken by the great warrior to please Duryodhana; Sansaptakas taking Arjuna away from the bettle field.
भगदत्तो महाराजो यत्र शक्रसमो युधि। सुप्रतीकेन नागेन स हि शान्तः किरीटिना॥
The overthrow by Arjuna of the great king Bhagadatta, as great a warrior as Indra himself, with his elephant Supratika.
यत्राभिमन्युं बहवो जजुरेकं महारथाः। जयद्रथमुखा बालं शूरमप्राप्तयौवनम्॥
The death of the boy-hero, Abhimanyu in his teens, alone and unsupported at the hand of many great car-warriors including Jayadratha.
हतेऽभिमन्यौ क्रुद्धेन यत्र पार्थेन संयुगे। अक्षौहिणी: सप्त हत्वा हतो राजा जयद्रथः॥
On the death death of Abhimanyu, the destruction by Arjuna of seven Akshauhinis of soldiers alongwith Jayadratha in a great battle.
यत्र भीमो महाबाहुः सात्यकिश्च महारथः। अन्वेषणार्थं पार्थस्य युधिष्ठिरनृपाज्ञया॥
Then in order to search Partha, greatly powerful Bhima and the great car-warrior Satyaki, by command of king Yudhishthira.
प्रविष्टौ भारती सेनामप्रधृष्यां सुरैरपि। संशप्तकावशेषं च कृतं निःशेषमाहवे॥
Entered into the Kaurava ranks, impenetrable even by the celestial; the destruction of the rest of the Sansaptakas.
अलम्बुषः श्रुतायुश्च जलसन्धश्च वीर्यवान्। सौमदत्तिविराटश्च द्रुपदश्च महारथः॥ घटोत्कचादयश्चान्ये निहता द्रोणपर्वणि। अश्वत्थामाऽपि चात्रैव द्रोणे युधि निपातिते॥
In this Drona Parva is narrated the deaths of Alambusha, Shrutayus, valorous Jalasandha, Somdatti, Virata, great car-warrior Drupada, Ghatotkacha and others. Being exceedingly angry on account of the death of Drona in battle, Ashvathama also.
अस्त्रं प्रादुश्चकारोग्रं नारायणममर्षितः। आग्नेयं कीर्त्यते यत्र रुद्रमाहात्म्यमुत्तमम्॥ व्यासस्य चाप्यागमनं माहात्म्यं कृष्णपार्थयोः॥
Discharged his fearful weapon Narayana. Then is told the story of Rudra, in connection with the burning of the cities. The arrival of Vyasa and the glories of Partha and Krishna are told by him.
सप्तमं भारते पर्व महदेतदुदाहृतम्। यत्र ते पृथिवीपालाः प्रायशो निधनं गताः॥
These are the matters elaborately narrated in the seventh Parva of the Bharata, in which all the chief and potentates mentioned were killed.
द्रोणपर्वणि ये शूरा निर्दिष्टाः पुरुषर्षभाः। अत्राध्यायशतं प्रोक्तं तथाध्यायाश्च सप्ततिः॥ अष्टौ श्लोकसहस्राणि तथा नव शतानि च। श्लोका नव तथैवात्र संख्यातास्तत्त्वदर्शिना॥ पाराशर्येण मुनिना संचिन्त्य द्रोणपर्वणि।
The number of chapters in this Parva is one hundred and seventy. The number of slokas composed in the Drona Parva by the great Rishi, the son of Parashara and the master of great knowledge, is eight thousand nine hundred and nine.
अतः परं कर्णपर्वं प्रोच्यते परमाद्भुतम्। सारथ्ये विनियोगश्च मद्रराजस्य धीमतः॥
Then comes the most wonderful Parva named Karna. In it is described the appointment of king of the Madra as the charioteer (of Karna).
आख्यातं यत्र पौराणं त्रिपुरस्य निपातनम्। प्रयाणे परुषश्चात्र संवादः कर्णशल्ययोः॥
Then is told the old story of the death of Tripura; the interchange of strong words between Karna and Shalya on their setting out to battle.
हंसकाकीयमाख्यानं तत्रैवाक्षेपसंहितम्। वधः पाण्ड्यस्य च तथा अश्वत्थाम्ना महात्मना।।२७१।
Then is narrated the story of the swan and the crow as an insulting allusion to Karna. Then is the death of Pandya at the hands of the high-souled Ashvathama.
दण्डसेनस्य च ततो दण्डस्य च वधस्तथा। द्वैरथे यत्र कर्णेन धर्मराजो युधिष्ठिरः॥ संशयं गमितो युद्धे मिषतां सर्वधन्विनाम्। अन्योन्यं प्रति च क्रोधो युधिष्ठिरकिरीटिनोः॥
Then the death of Dandasena and then that of Danda, then the imminent risk of Yudhishthira in single combat with Karna which took place before all the warriors; the anger of Yudhishthira and Arjuna towards each other;
यत्रैवानुनयः प्रोक्त माधवेनार्जुनस्य हि। प्रतिज्ञापूर्वकं चापि वक्षो दुःशासनस्य च॥ भित्वा वृकोदरो रक्तं पीतवान्यत्र संयुगे। द्वैरथे यत्र पार्थेन हतः कर्णो महारथः॥
Krishna's pacification of Arjuna; Bhima's fulfilment of his vow by drinking the heart's blood of Dushasana after ripping open his breast; the slaying of Karna by Arjuna in single combat.
अष्टमं पर्व निर्दिष्टमेतद्भारतचिन्तकैः। एकोनसप्ततिः प्रोक्ता अध्यायाः कर्णपर्वणि॥ चत्वार्येव सहस्राणि नव श्लोकशतानि च। चतुःषष्टिस्तथा श्लोकाः पर्वण्यस्मिन् प्रकीर्तिताः॥
The leader of the Bharata calls this Parva the eighth Parva. The number of its chapters is sixty nine and that of the slokas is four thousand nine hundred and sixty four.
अतः परं विचित्रार्थं शल्यपर्व प्रकीर्तितम्। हतप्रवीरे सैन्ये तु नेता मद्रेश्वरोऽभवत्॥
Then is told the wonderful, Parva called Shalya. After the death of all great warriors, the king of Madra became the commander.
यत्र कौमारमाख्यानमभिषेकस्य कर्म च। वृत्तानि स्थयुद्धानि कीर्त्यन्ते यत्र भागशः। विनाशः कुरुमुख्यानां शल्यपर्वणि कीर्त्यते॥
Then is described one after the other the encounters of various charioteer; then the deaths of the chief warrior of the Kuru army.
शल्यस्य निधनं चात्र धर्मराजान्महात्मनः। शकुनेश्च वधोऽत्रैव सहदेवेन संयुगे॥
Then the death of Shalya at the hands of Yudhishthira, the death of Shakuni at the hands of Sahadeva.
सैन्ये च हतभूयिष्ठे किंचिच्छिष्टे सुयोधनः। ह्रदं प्रविश्य यत्रासौ संस्तभ्यापो व्यवस्थितः॥
When only a small remnant of his troops remained alive, Suyodhana retired in to a lake and there creating room for himself, lay hidden.
प्रवृत्तिस्तत्र चाख्याता यत्र भीमस्य लुब्धकैः। क्षेपयुक्तैर्वचोभिश्च धर्मराजस्य धीमतः॥ ह्रदात्समुत्थितो यत्र धार्तराष्ट्रोऽत्यमर्षणः। भीमेन गदया युद्धं यत्रासौ कृतवान्सह॥
The receipt of this news by Bhima from some hunters. Then is related how Duryodhana, ever unable to bear affronts, came out of the water, being angered by the insulting words of Yudhishthira. Then is described the fight of Bhima and Duryodhana with clubs.
समवाये च युद्धस्य रामस्यागमनं स्मृतम्। सरस्वत्याश्च तीर्थानां पुण्यता परिकीर्तिता॥
The arrival of Balarama at the time of the fight is next described. Then is told the sacredness of the Sarasvati.
गदायुद्धं च तुमुलमत्रैव परिकीर्तितम्। दुर्योधनस्य राज्ञोऽथ यत्र भीमेन संयुगे॥ ऊरू भग्नौ प्रसह्याजौ गदया भीमवेगया। नवमं पर्व निर्दिष्टमेतदद्भुतमर्थवत्॥
The continuation of the club fight; the breaking of Duryodhana's thighs by Bhima by a fearful hurl of his club. All this has been described in the wonderful ninth Parva.
एकोनषष्टिरध्यायाः पर्वण्यत्र प्रकीर्तिताः। संख्याता बहुवृत्तान्ताः श्लोकसंख्याऽत्र कथ्यते॥ त्रीणि श्लोकसहस्राणि द्वे शते विंशतिस्तथा। मुनिना संप्रणीतानि कौरवाणां यशोभृता॥
The number of chapters in this Parva is fifty-nine and the number of slokas composed by the great Vyasa, the spreader of the fame of the Kuru Dynasty, is three thousand two hundred and twenty.
अतः परं प्रवक्ष्यामि सौप्तिकं पर्व दारुणम्। भग्नोरं यत्र राजानं दुर्योधनममर्षणम्॥ अपयातेषु पार्थेषु त्रयस्तेऽभ्याययूरथाः। कृतवर्मा कृपो द्रौणि: सायाह्ने रुधिरक्षितम्॥
I shall now describe the contents of the terrible tenth Parva, named Sauptika. On the departure of the Pandavas the great car-warrior, Kritavarma. Kripa and the son of Drona (Ashvathama) came in the evening to he place where Duryodhana was lying with the brocken thigh.
समेत्य ददृशुर्भूमौ पतितं रणमूर्धनि। प्रतिजज्ञे दृढक्रोधो द्रौणिर्यत्र महारथः॥
They saw King Duryodhana lying on the ground, his thighs broken and his body covered with blood. The great car-warrior, fearfully angry son of Drona vowed.
अहत्वा सर्वपञ्चालान् धृष्टद्युम्नपुरोगमान्। पाण्डवांश्च सहामात्यान्न विमोक्ष्यामि दंशनम्॥
"I will not take off my armour without killing all the Panchalas with Dhristadyumna and the Pandavas with their allies."
यत्रैवमुक्त्वा राजानमपक्रम्य त्रयो स्थाः। सूर्यास्तमनवेलायामासेदुस्ते महद्वनम्॥
Having said these words, the three warriors left Duryodhana and entered into the great forest just when the sun was setting.
न्यग्रोधस्याथ महतो यत्राधस्ताद्व्यवस्थिताः। ततः काकान्बहून् रात्रौ दृष्टवोलूकेन हिंसिताम्॥
While they were resting under a large banian tree, they saw owl killing innumerable crows at night.
द्रौणिः क्रोधसमाविष्टः पितुर्वधमनुस्मरन्। पञ्चालानां प्रसुप्तानां वधं प्रति मनो दधे॥
Seeing this, Ashvathama, his heart being full of rage, remembering the death of his father, determined kill the sleeping Panchalas.
गत्वा च शिविरद्वार दुर्दृशं तत्र राक्षसम्। घोररूपमपश्यत्स दिवमावृत्य धिष्ठितम्॥
Going to the gate of the camp, he saw a fearful Rakshasa, his head reaching to the very skies, guarding the door. an to
तेन व्याघातमस्त्राणां क्रियमाणमवेक्ष्य च। द्रौणिर्यत्र विरूपाक्षं रुद्रमाराध्य सत्वरः॥
Seeing also that the Rakshasa obstructed him in his discharge of weapons, he began to worship the three-eyed divinity and it pacified him.
प्रसुप्तान्निशि विश्वस्तान् धृष्टद्युम्नपुरोगमान्। पञ्चालान्सपरीवारान्द्रौपदेयांश्च सर्वशः॥ कृतवर्मणा च सहितः कृपेण च निजनिवान्। यत्रामुच्यन्त ते पार्थाः पञ्च कृष्णबलाश्रयात्॥ सात्यकिश्च महेष्वासः शेषाश्च निधनं गताः। पञ्चालानां प्रसुप्तानां यत्र द्रोणसुताद्वधः॥
Then accompanied by Kripa and Kritavarma, he entered the camp and killed all the sons of Draupadi and all the family of Panchalas, including Dhristadyumna, when they were all unsuspectingly sleeping on their beds. Only Satyaki and the five Pandavas escaped through the counsel of Krishna.
धृष्टद्युम्नश्च सूतेन पाण्डवेषु निवेदितः। द्रौपदी पुत्रशोकार्ता पितृभ्रातृवधार्दिता॥
The charioteer of Dhristhadyumna brought to the Pandavas the news of the massacre of the slumbering Panchalas by the son of Drona. Draupadi, grieved by the death of her father, brother and sons.
कृतानशनसंकल्पा पत्र भर्तृनुपाविशत्। द्रौपदीवचनाद्यत्र भीमो भीमपराक्रमः॥
Sat before her husbands and resolved to die of fasting. Then Bhima of fearful deed, being moved by the words of Draupadi.
प्रियं तस्याचिकीर्षन्वै गदामादाय वीर्यवान्। अन्वधावत्सुसंक्रुद्धो भारद्वाजं गुरोः सुतम्॥
Determined to please her, he speedily took up his club and ran in pursuit of the son of his preceptor.
भीमसेनभयाद्यत्र दैवेनाभिप्रचोदितः। अपाण्डवायेति रुषा द्रौणिरस्त्रमवासृजत्॥
The son of Drona, out of fear of Bhima and as fate would have it discharged the celestial weapon, crying “Let it make the world free of all the Pandavas."
मैवमित्यब्रवीत्कृष्णः शमयंस्तस्य तद्वचः। यत्रास्त्रमस्त्रेण च तच्छमयामास फाल्गुनः॥
Krishna neutralised the words by saying, “This shall not be," and Arjuna neutralised the weapon by one of his own.
द्रौणेश्च द्रोहबुद्धित्वं वीक्ष्य पापात्मनस्तदा। द्रौणिद्वैपायनादीनां शापाश्चान्योन्यकारिताः॥
Seeing the wicked intention of Ashvathama, Dvaipayana cursed him and he too cursed Dvaipayana.
मणिं तथा समादाय द्रोणपुत्रान्महारथात्। पाण्डवाः प्रददुहृष्टा द्रौपद्यै जितकाशिनः॥
The Pandavas took the Jewel on the head of Ashvathama and they with much pleasure presented it to the aggrieved and sorrowing Draupadi.
एतद्वैदशमं पर्व सौप्तिकं समुदाहृतम्। अष्टादशास्मिन्नध्यायाः पर्वण्युक्ता महात्मना॥ श्लोकानां कथितान्यत्र शतान्यष्टौ प्रसंख्यया। श्लोकाश्च सप्ततिः प्रोक्ता मुनिना ब्रह्मवादिना॥
These matters are dwelt with in this tenth Sauptika Parva. The great Vyasa composed it in eighteen chapters. The numbers of slokas composed in it by the great reciter of the sacred truths, is eight hundred and seventy.
सौप्तिकैषीके संबद्ध पर्वण्युत्तमतेजसी। अत ऊर्ध्वमिदं प्राहुः स्त्रीपर्व करुणोदयम्॥
The great Rishi has put together two Parvas, namely Sauptika and Aishika in this Parva. Then the most pathetic Parva called Stree is next told.
पुत्रशोकाभिसंतप्तः प्रज्ञाचक्षुर्नराधिपः। कृष्णोपनीतां यत्रासावायसी प्रतिमां दृढाम्॥ भीमसेनद्रोहबुद्धिधृतराष्ट्रो बभञ्ज ह। तथा शोकाभितप्तस्य धृतराष्ट्रस्य धीमतः॥ संसारगहनं बुद्ध्या हेतुभिर्मोक्षदर्शनैः। विदुरेण च यत्रास्य राज्ञ आश्वासनं कृतम्॥
Then greatly wise Dhritarashtra, being much afflicted by the death of his sons, moved with vengeance, crushed into pieces an iron statute, the substitute for Bhima, placed before him by Krishna. Then Vidura consoled the great king by removing his worldly affections with reasons pointing to final emancipation.
धृतराष्ट्रस्य चात्रैव कौरवायोधनं तथा। सान्तःपुरस्य गमनं शोकार्तस्य प्रकीर्तितम्॥
Then is described the journey of Dhritarashtra with the ladies of his house to the field of battle.
विलापो वीर पत्नीनां यत्रातिकरुणः स्मृतः। क्रोधावेशः प्रमोहश्च गान्धारीधृतराष्ट्रयोः॥
Then were the pathetic and heartrending lamentations of the wives of the heroes. The wrath of Gandhari and Dhritarashtra and their falling into a swoon.
यत्र तान् क्षत्रियाः शूरान्संग्रामेष्वनिवर्तिनः। पुत्रान् भ्रातॄन् पितंश्चैव ददृशुनिहतान् रणे॥
Then did the ladies see those heroes, their slain sons, brothers and father, lying on the field of battle.
पुत्रपौत्रवधार्तायस्तथात्रैव प्रकीर्तिता। गान्धार्याश्चापि कृष्णेन क्रोधोपशमनक्रिया॥
The pacification by Krishna of the wrath of Gandhari, who was greatly afflicted by the death of her sons and grandsons.
यत्र राजा महाप्राज्ञः सर्वधर्मभृतां वरः। राज्ञां तानि शरीराणि दाहयामास शास्त्रतः॥
The cremation of the chiefs and potentates by king Yudhishthira, the greatly wise and the foremost of all virtuous men, according to due rites.
तोयकर्माणि चारब्धे राज्ञामुदकदानिके। गूढोत्पन्नस्य चाख्यानं कर्णस्य पृथयात्मनः॥
When the presentation of water to the deceased princes was commenced, Kunti acknowledged Karna as her son born in secret.
सुतस्यैतदिह प्रोक्तं व्यासेन परमर्षिणा। एतदेकादशं पर्व शोकवैक्लव्यकारणम्॥
All this has been described by the great Rishi Vyasa in the most pathetic eleventh Parva.
प्रणीतं सज्जनमनो वैक्लव्याश्रुप्रवर्तकम्। सप्तविंशतिरध्यायाः पर्वण्यस्मिप्रकीर्तिताः॥ श्लोकसप्तशती चापि पञ्चसप्ततिसंयुता। संख्यया भारताख्यानमुक्तं व्यासेन धीमता॥
Its perusal moves every heart and draws tears from every eye. It contains twenty-seven chapters and its number of slokas is seven hundred and seventy-five.
अतः परं शान्तिपर्व द्वादशं बुद्धिवर्धनम्। यत्र निर्वेदमापन्नो धर्मराजो युधिष्ठिरः॥
Then comes the Shanti Parva, the twelfth in number, which increases the understanding. It relates the despondency of Yudhishthira.
घातयित्वा पितॄन् भ्रातॄन् पुत्रान् संबन्धिमातुलान्। शान्तिपर्वणि धर्माश्च व्याख्याताः शारतल्पिकाः॥ राजभिर्वेदितव्यास्ते सम्यग्ज्ञानबुभुत्सुभिः। आपद्धर्माश्च तत्रैव कालहेतुप्रदर्शिनः॥
On his having slain his fathers, brothers, sons, maternal uncles and relations by marriage. There is related how Bhishma taught laws and duties, worth the study of kings who desire to possess knowledge.
यान्बुध्वा पुरुषः सम्यक्सर्वज्ञत्वमवाप्नुयात्। मोक्षधर्माश्च कथिता विचित्रा बहुविस्तराः॥
If a person understands them, he attains to, consummate knowledge. The mysteries of final emancipation is also elaborately discussed.
द्वादशं पर्व निर्दिष्टमेतत्प्राज्ञजनप्रियम्। अत्र पर्वणि विज्ञेयमध्यायानां शतत्रयम्॥
This twelfth Parva, the favourite of the wise, contains three hundred and thirty nine chapters.
त्रिंशच्चैव तथाध्याया नव चैव तपोधनाः। चतुर्दश सहस्राणि तथा सप्त शतानिच॥ सप्त श्लोकास्तथैवात्र पञ्चविंशतिसंख्यया। अत ऊर्ध्वं च विज्ञेयमनुशासनमुत्तमम्॥
O Rishis, the wise son of Parashara has described this Parva in fourteen thousand seven hundred and thirty two slokas. Next comes the excellent Anushasana Parva.
यत्र प्रकृतिमापन्नः श्रुत्वा धर्मविनिश्चयम्। भीष्माद्भागीरथीपुत्रात्कुरुराजो युधिष्ठिरः॥
The king of the Kurus, Yudhishthira was consoled by hearing the expositions of duties by the son of the Bhagirathi, Bhishma.
व्यवहारोऽत्र कात्स्येन धर्मार्थीयः प्रकीर्तितः। विविधानां च दानानां फलयोगाः प्रकीर्तिताः॥
It then treats of the rules Dharma and Artha in detail, then the various rules of charity and its different merits.
तथा पात्रविशेषाश्च दानानां च परो विधिः। आचारविधियोगश्च सत्यस्य च परागतिः॥
The different merits of charity according to the subjects of charity; the rules of living, the ceremonials of individual duty and the matchless merits of truth.
महाभाग्यं गवां चैव ब्राह्मणानां तथैव च। रहस्यं चैव धर्माणां देशकालोपसंहितम्॥
It describes the great merit of Brahmanas and kine and it reveals the duties in relation to time and place.
एतत्सुबहुवृत्तांतमुत्तमं चानुशासनम्। भीष्यस्यात्रैव संप्राप्तिः स्वर्गस्य परिकीर्तिता॥
All these excellent matters have been treated in this Anushasana Parva containing variety of incidents. It also describes ascension of Bhishma to heaven.
एतत्त्रयोदशं पर्व धर्मनिश्चयकारकम्। अध्यायानां शतं त्वत्र षट्चत्वारिंशदेव तु॥
This is the thirteenth Parva which describe the certainty of righteousness. It contains one hundred and forty six chapters.
श्लोकानां तु सहस्राणि प्रोक्तान्यष्टौ प्रसंख्यया। ततोऽश्वमेधिकं नाम पर्व प्रोक्तं चतुर्दशम्॥
The number of slokas in it is eight thousand. Then comes the fourteenth Parva, called Ashvamedhika.
तत्संवर्तमरुत्तीयं यत्राख्यानमनुत्तमम्। सुवर्णकोशसंप्राप्तिर्जन्म चोक्तं परीक्षितः॥
It relates the beautiful story of Samvarta and Marutta; the discovery of treasures (by the Pandavas). Then is described the birth of Parikshit.
दग्धस्यास्त्राग्निना पूर्वं कृष्णात् संजीवनं पुनः। चर्यायां हयमुत्सृष्टं पाण्डवस्यानुगच्छतः॥
Who was burnt by the weapon of Ashvathama and therefore almost dead, but he was revived by Krishna; Arjuna's journey with the sacrificial horse let loose.
तत्र तत्र च युद्धानि राजपुत्रैरमर्षणैः। चित्राङ्गदाया: पुत्रेण पुत्रिकाया धनंजयः॥
And his fight with various chiefs and potentates who seized it in wrath, the encounter of Arjuna with the son of Chitrangada.
संग्रामे बभ्रुवाहेन संशयं चात्र दर्शितः। अश्वमेधे महायज्ञे नकुलाख्यानमेव च॥
And his great risk in the fight with Babhruvahana. Then follows the story of the mongoose in the horse-sacrifice.
इत्याश्वमेधिकं पर्व प्रोक्तमेतन्महाद्भुतम्। अध्यायानां शतं चैव त्रयोऽध्यायाश्च क्रीर्तिताः॥
Thus is described the wonderful Parva, called Ashvamedhika. Its number of chapters is one hundred and three.
त्रीणि श्लोकसहस्राणि तावन्त्येव शतानि च। विंशतिश्च तथा श्लोकाः संख्यातास्तत्त्वदर्शिना।।
The number of slokas, composed by the greatly wise Rishi, is three thousand three hundred and twenty.
ततस्त्वाश्रमवासाख्यं पर्व पञ्चदशं स्मृतम्। यत्र राज्यं समुत्सृज्य गान्धार्या सहितो नृपः॥ धृतराष्ट्रोश्रमपदं विदुश्च जगाम ह। यं दृष्ट्वा प्रस्थितं साध्वी पृथाप्यनुययौ तदा॥ पुत्रराज्यं परित्यज्य गुरुश्रुश्रूषणे रता। यत्र राजा हतान्पुत्रान्यौत्रानन्यांश्च पार्थिवान्॥
Then comes the fifteenth Parva, named Ashramvasika, in which, abdicating the kingdom and accompanied by Gandhari and Vidura, the King Dhritarashtra went to the forest. Seeing this, virtuous Pritha (Kunti) ever engaged in serving her superiors, left the kingdom of her sons and followed the old couple.
लोकान्तरगतान्वीरानपश्यत्पुनरागतान्। ऋषेः प्रसादात्कृष्णस्य दृष्ट्वाश्चर्यमनुत्तमम्॥
His wonderful seeing of the spirits of the slain heroes through the favour of Vyasa.
त्यक्त्वा शोकं सदारश्च सिद्धि परमिकां गतः। यत्र धर्मं समाश्रित्य विदुरः सुगतिं गतः॥
On this the old monarch abandoned his sorrow and acquired with his wife the highest fruits of his virtuous deeds Vidura also attained to the highest state, having learned on virtue all his life.
संजयश्च सहामात्यो विद्वान्गावल्गणिर्वशी। ददर्श नारदं यत्र धर्मराजो युधिष्ठिरः॥
The learned son of Gavalgana the wise and learned Sanjaya also, attained to the highest state. Then it relates the meeting of the just king Yudhishthira with Narada.
नारदाच्चैव शुश्राव वृष्णीनां कदनं महत्। एतदाश्रमवासाख्यं पर्वोक्तं महदद्भुतम्॥
Yudhishthira heard from Narada destruction of the Vrishni race. Thus is described this wonderful Parva, called Ashramvasika.
द्विचत्वारिंशदध्यायाः पर्वैतदभिसंख्यया। सहस्रमेकं श्लोकानां पञ्च श्लोकशतानि च॥ घडेव च तथा श्लोकाः संख्यातास्तत्त्वदर्शिना। अतः परं निबोधेदं मौसलं पर्व दारुणम्॥
The number of chapters in it is forty two and the number of slokas, composed by the great Rishi, learned in truth, is one thousand five hundred and six. Then is told the terrible Mausala Parva.
यत्र ते पुरुषव्याघ्राः शस्त्रस्पर्शहता युधि। ब्रह्मदण्डविनिष्पिष्टाः समीपे लवणाम्भसः॥ आपाने पानकलिता दैवेनाभिप्रचोदिताः। एरकारूपिभिर्वर्जेनिजरितरेतरम्॥
It relates how on account of the Brahmana a curse, when they were all deprived of their senses with drink, those tigers of men (belonging to the Vrishni race), with many scars of battle on their bodies, slew one another on the shores of the salt-sea with Eraka grass which became deadly thunders in their hands,
यत्र सर्वक्षयं कृत्वा तावुभौ रामकेशवौ। नातिचक्रामतुः कालं प्राप्तं सर्वहरं महत्॥
It then relates that Rama and Krishna, after destroying their race, did not rise superior to the way of all-destroying time.
यत्रार्जुनो द्वारवतीमेत्य वृष्णिविनाकृताम्। दृष्ट्वा विषादमगमत्परां चार्तिं नरर्षभः॥
Then is described the arrival of Arjuna, the foremost of men, at Dwarka and his sorrow and affliction seeing the city destitute of the Vrishnis.
स संस्कृत्य नरश्रेष्ठं मातुलं शौरिमात्मनः। ददर्श यदुवीराणामापाने वैशसं महत्॥
Performing the funeral ceremony of his maternal uncle Vasudeva, the foremost man of the Yadu dynasty, he saw the Yadu heroes lying dead where they had been drinking.
शरीरं वासुदेवस्य रामस्य च महात्मनः। संस्कारं लम्भयामास वृष्णीनां च प्रधानतः॥
He then performed the cremation ceremonies of the illustrious Krishna and Balarama and of the other chief men of the Yadu race.
स वृद्धबालमादाय द्वारवत्यास्ततो जनम्। ददर्शापदि कष्टायां गाण्डीवस्य पराभवम्॥
Then is described the journey of Arjuna from Dwarka with the women and children, the old and the decrepit and the great calamity he met with on the way. He also saw the overthrow of his Gandiva.
सर्वेषां चैव दिव्यानामस्तत्राणामप्रसन्नताम्। नाशं वृष्णिकलत्राणां प्रभावानामनित्यताम्॥
He also saw unpropitiousness of his celestial weapons. Seeing that it was impossible to protect the Yadu women.
दृष्ट्वा निर्वेदमापन्नो व्यासवाक्यप्रचोदितः। धर्मराजं समासाद्य संन्यासं समरोचयत्॥
And seeing all this, he went to Yudhishthira by the advice of Vyasa and asked permission to adopt the life of an ascetic.
इत्येतन्मौसलं पर्व षोडशं परिकीर्तितम्। अध्यायाष्टौ समाख्याताः श्लोकानां च शतत्रयम्।। श्लोकानां विंशतिश्चैव संख्याता तत्त्वदर्शिना। महाप्रस्थानिकं तस्मादूर्ध्वं सप्तदशं स्मृतम्॥
Thus is described the sixteenth Parva, called Mausala Parva. Its number of chapters is eight and the number of slokas, composed by Vyasa, learned in truth, is three hundred and twenty. The next is Mahaprasthanika, the seventeenth Parva.
यत्र राज्यं परित्यज्य पाण्डवाः पुरुषर्षभाः। द्रौपद्या सहिता देव्या महाप्रस्थानमास्थिताः॥
It relates that the best of men, the Pandavas, abdicating their kingdom went with Draupadi in their great journey (Mahaprasthana.)
यत्र तेऽग्नि ददृशिरे लौहित्यं प्राप्य सागरम्। यत्राग्निना चोदितश्च पार्थस्तस्मै महात्मने॥
They met with Agni when they arrived at the sea of red waters. Asked by Agni, the highsouled Partha.
ददौ संपूज्य तद्दिव्यं गाण्डीवं धनुरुत्तमम्। यत्र भ्रातृन्निपतितान् द्रौपदी च युधिष्ठिरः॥ दृष्ट्वा हित्वा जगामैव सर्वाननवलोकयन्। एतत्सप्तदशं पर्व महाप्रस्थानिकं स्मृतम्॥
After worshipping him duly, returned to him the great celestial bow Gandiva. Yudhishthira went on his journey and did not look back when one afier the other of his brothers, including Draupadi dropped down dead. Thus is told the seventeenth Parva, called, Mahaprasthanika.
यत्राध्यायास्त्रयः प्रोक्ताः श्लोकानां च शतत्रयम्। विंशतिश्च तथा श्लोकाः संख्यातास्तत्त्वदर्शिना॥३६७।
There are three chapters in it and the number of slokas, composed by all truthknowing Vyasa, is three hundred and twenty.
स्वर्गपर्व ततो ज्ञेयं दिव्यं यत्तदमानुषम्। प्राप्तं दैवस्थं स्वर्गान्नेष्टवान्यत्र धर्मराट्॥
Know, the Parva that comes next is called Svarga, full of heavenly matters; in which is related how the celestial car came to take Yudhishthira.
आरोढुं सुमहाप्राज्ञ आनृशंस्याच्छुना विना। तामस्या विचला ज्ञात्वा स्थिति धर्मे महात्मनः॥ श्वरूपं यत्र तत्त्यक्त्वा धर्मेणासौ समन्वितः। स्वर्ग प्राप्तः स च तथा यातना विपुला भृशम्॥
He however, declined to ascend it without the dog that accompanied him. Seeing the steady adherence of the illustrious Yudhishthira to virtue Dharma giving up the from of the dog, showed himself to the king. Then Yudhishthira, attaining to the celestial regions, felt much pain.
देवदूतेन नरकं यत्र व्याजेन दर्शितम्। शुश्राव यत्र धर्मात्मा भ्रातृणां करुणा गिरः॥
The celestial messenger showed him hell by deception, where the virtuous minded king heard the heart-rending lamentations of his brothers,
निदेशे वर्तमानानां देशे तत्रैव वर्तताम्। अनुदर्शितश्च धर्मेण देवराज्ञा च पाण्डवः॥
Suffering in that region by the laws of Yama. This was shown to Yudhishthira by Indra and Dharma.
आप्लुत्याकाशगङ्गायां देहं त्यक्त्वा स मानुषम्। स्वधर्मनिर्जितं स्थानं स्वर्गे प्राप्य स धर्मराट्॥
Then Yudhishthira, after bathing in the celestial Ganga, gave up his human body and gained that state which his acts merited.
मुमुदे पूजितः सर्वैः सेन्द्रैः सुरगणैः सह। एतदष्टादशं पर्व प्रोक्तं व्यासेन धीमता॥
He lived in happiness, honoured by Indra and the celestial. This is the eighteenth Parva narrated by the illustrious Vyasa.
अध्यायाः पञ्च संख्याताः पर्वण्यस्मिन्महात्मना। श्लोकानां द्वे शते चैव प्रसंख्याते तपोधनाः॥ नव श्लोकास्तथैवान्ये संख्याताः परमर्षिणा। अष्टादशैवमेतानि पर्वाण्येतान्यशेषतः॥
The number of chapters in it is five and its numbers of slokas, O Rishis, composed by the great Vyasa, is two hundred and nine. These are the contents of the eighteen Parvas.
खिलेषु हरिवंशश्च भविष्यं च प्रकीर्तितम्। दश श्लोकसहस्राणि विंशच्छ्लोकशतानि च॥ खिलेषु हरिवंशे च संख्यातानि महर्षिणा। एतत्सर्वं समाख्यातं भारते पर्वसंग्रहः॥
There are Harivansha and Bhavishya in its appendix. The number of slokas, composed by the great Rishi in the Harivansha, is twelve thousand. These are the contents of the chapters called Parva Sangraha in the Bharata.
अष्टादश समाजग्मुरक्षौहिण्यो युयुत्सया। तन्महादारुणं युद्धमहान्यष्टादशाभवत्॥
Eighteen Akshauhinis of soldiers assembled to fight and the battle raised for eighteen days.
यो विद्याच्चतुरो वेदान् साङ्गोपनिषदो द्विजः। न चाख्यानमिदं विद्यान्नैव स स्याद्विचक्षणः॥
He who is learned in the four Vedas with all the Angas and Upanishads, but does not know this history, cannot be considered to be wise.
अर्थशास्त्रमिदं प्रोक्तं धर्मशास्त्रमिदं महत्। कामशास्त्रमिदं प्रोक्तं व्यासेनामितबुद्धिना॥
The greatly intelligent Vyasa has spoken it as a treatise on Dharma, Artha and Kama.
श्रुत्वा त्विदमुपाख्यानं श्राव्यमन्यन्न रोचते। पुंस्कोकिलगिरं श्रुत्वा रूक्षा ध्वांक्षस्य वागिव॥३८२
Those who have heard it can never listen to other histories, as those who have heard the sweet voice of the male Kokila (bird) can never listen to the harsh cawing of the crows.
इतिहासोत्तमादस्माज्जायन्ते कविबुद्धयः। पञ्चभ्य इव भूतेभ्यो लोकसंविधयस्त्रयः॥
As the three worlds have been created from the five elements, so inspiration of all poets proceeds from this excellent work.
अस्याख्यानस्य विषये पुराणं वर्तते द्विजाः। अन्तरिक्षस्य विषये प्रजा इव चतुर्विधाः॥
O Brahmanas, as four kinds of creatures depend on space for their existence so all the Puranas depend on this history,
क्रियागुणानां सर्वेषामिदमाख्यानमाश्रयः। इन्द्रियाणां समस्तानां चित्रा इव मनःक्रियाः॥
As all the senses are dependent on the wonderful workings of the mind, so all the acts and moral qualities depend on this treatise.
अनाश्रित्यैतदाख्यानं कथा भुवि न विद्यते। आहारमनपाश्रित्य शरीरस्येव धारणम्॥
As the body depends on the food is takes, so all the stories current in the world depend on this work.
इदं कविवरैः सर्वैराख्यानमुपजीव्यते। उदयप्रेप्सुभिर्भूत्यैरभिजात इवेश्वरः॥
As servants, wishing to have elevation, always depend on their noble masters, so do all poets depend on this Bharata.
अस्य काव्यस्य कवयो न समर्था विशेषणे। साधोरिव गृहस्थस्य शेषास्त्रय इवाश्रमाः॥
As the blessed domestic Ashrama cannot be surprised by the other Ashramas, so can no poet surpass this poem.
धर्मे मतिर्भवतु वः सततोत्थितानां स ह्येक एव परलोकगतस्य बन्धुः। अर्थाः स्त्रियश्च निपुणैरपि सेव्यमाना नैवाप्तभावमुपयान्ति न च स्थिरत्वम्॥
O Rishis, be up and doing. Let your hearts be fixed in virtue, for virtue is the only friend in the other world. Even the most intelligent men can never make their wealth and wives their own hy carefully cherishing them. They are not things lasting.
द्वैपायनौष्ठपुटनिःसृतमप्रमेयं पुण्यं पवित्रमथ पापहरं शिवं च। यो भारतं समधिगच्छति वाच्यमानं किं तस्य पुष्करजलैरभिषेचनेन॥
The Bharata, uttered from the lips of Dvaipayana is matchless, it is sacred, it is virtue itself. It destroys sins and produces good. What is the necessity for him, who hears it when it is being recited, to bathe in the sacred Pushkara!
यदह्नात् कुरुते पापं ब्राह्मणस्त्विन्द्रियैश्चरन्। महाभारतमाख्याय सन्ध्यां मुच्यति पश्चिमाम्॥३९१
What ever sin committed in the day by a Brahmana through his senses are all purged off, if he reads the Bharata in the evening.
यद्रात्रौ कुरुते पापं कर्मणा मनसा गिरा। महाभारतमाख्याय पूर्व सन्ध्यां प्रमुच्यते॥
Whatever sins also he might have cominit in the night by deeds words or mind are all purged off if he reads the Bharata in the first twilight of the morning.
यो गोशतं कनकशृङ्गमयं ददाति विप्राय वेदविदुषे च बहुश्रुताय। पुण्यां च भारतकथां शृणुयाच्च नित्यं तुल्यं फलं भवति तस्य च तस्य चैव।। ३९३।
He who gives to a Brahmana, learned in the Vedas and other sciences, one hundred cows with their horns plated with gold and he who listens, daily to the sacred histories of the Bharata, gain equal merit.
आख्यानं तदिदमनुत्तमं महार्थं विज्ञेयं महदिह पर्वसंग्रहेण। श्रुत्वादौ भवति नृणां सुखावगाहं विस्तीर्णं लवणजलं यथा प्लवेन॥
As the wide ocean can be easily crossed by men having boats, so this extensive history of great excellence and deep meaning can be understood by the help of this chapter, which is called Parva-Sangraha.