वैशम्पायन उवाच निहते राक्षसे तस्मिन् पुनर्नारायणाश्रमम्। अभ्येत्य राजा कौन्तेयो निवासमकरोत् प्रभुः॥
Vaishampayana said: That Rakshasa being killed, the lord king Yudhishthira, the royal son of Kunti, returning to the hermitage of Narayana, began to dwell there.
स समानीय तान् सर्वान् भ्रातृनित्यब्रवीद् वचः। द्रौपद्या सहितान् काले संस्मरन् भ्रातरं जयम्॥
He, (Yudhishthira) once upon a time, (during his stay in the hermitage) remembering Jaya (Arjuna) and summoning all his brothers together with Draupadi 1O his presence, addressed them thus:
समाश्चतस्रोऽभिगताः शिवेन चरतां वने। कृतोद्देशः स बीभत्सु पञ्चमीमभितः समाम्॥
We have peacefully ranged in the forests these four years. It was arranged by Vivatsu that in the fifth year,
प्राप्य पर्वतराजानं श्वेतं शिखरिणां वरम्। पुष्पितैर्दुमषण्डैश्च मत्तकोकिलषट्पदैः॥
He would get to that prince of mountains Shveta (Kailasha), the best of all peaks, enlivened with continuous festivities, celebrated by blossoming floral plants, Kokilas and black bees brimful of joy,
मयूरैश्चातकैश्चापि नित्योत्सवविभूषितम्। व्याप्रैर्वराहैर्महिषैर्गवयैर्हरिणैस्तथा॥
And by peacocks and Chatakas, inhabited by tigers, boars, buffaloes, Gabayas and deer,
श्वापदैर्व्यालरूपैश्च रुरुभिश्च निषेवितम्। फुल्लैः सहस्रपत्रैश्च शतपत्रैस्तथोत्पलैः॥
And by all sorts of ferocious animals and Rurus; decked with full-blown lotuses of a thousand and hundred petals,
प्रफुल्लैः कमलैश्चैव तथा नीलोत्पलैरपि। महापुण्यं पवित्रं च सुरासुरनिषेवितम्॥
And (bright) with blooming lilies and blue lilies; sacred, pure and frequented by the Suras (gods) and the Asuras (demons).
तत्रापि च कृतोद्देशः समागमदिदृक्षुभिः। कृतश्च समयस्तेन पार्थेनामिततेजसा॥
And we too, with an ardent desire to meet him, had engaged to repair thither. It had been appointed by Partha of matchless prowess,
पञ्चवर्षाणि वत्स्यामि विद्यार्थीति पुरा मयि। अत्र गाण्डीवधन्वानमवाप्तास्त्रमरिन्दमम्॥ देवलोकादिमं लोकं द्रक्ष्यामः पुनरागतम्। इत्युक्त्वा ब्राह्मणान् सर्वानामन्त्रयत पाण्डवः॥
That he should remain in the region of the gods for five years in order to learn all the tactics of warfare. We shall behold in that place (in the mountain Shveta) the wielder of the Gandiva, the terror of his foes returning to our world from the abode of the gods (enriched) with weapons (obtained from them). The Pandava Yudhishthira, having expressed himself thus, greeted the assembled Brahmanas.
कारणं चैव तत् तेषामाचचक्षे तपस्विनाम्। तानुग्रतपसः प्रीतान् कृत्वा पार्थाः प्रदक्षिणाम्॥
And having gone round and thereby pleased the sages of fervid devotion he related to them the matter mentioned above.
ब्राह्मणास्तेऽन्वमोदन्त शिवेन कुशलेन च। सुखोदकमिमं क्लेशमचिराद् भरतर्षभ।॥
The Brahmanas then approved of the proposal in terms bespeaking happiness and prosperity, saying, "O the most exalted of all the Bharatas, these troubles shall soon end in prosperity.
क्षत्रधर्मेणधर्मज्ञ तीर्खा गां पालयिष्यसि। तत् तु राजा वचस्तेषां प्रतिगृह्य तपस्विनाम्॥
O virtuous one, getting over all these difficulties you will govern the earth by the code of laws practised by the Kshatriyas.” Then the Raja Yudhishthira, having bowed to these words of the ascetics,
प्रतस्थे सह विप्रैस्तैर्धातृभिश्च परन्तपः। राक्षसैरनुयातो वै लोमशेनाभिरक्षितः॥
Set out with his brothers and those Brahmanas (for the Shveta) followed by the Rakshasas and protected by Lomasha.
क्वचित् पद्भ्यां ततोऽगच्छद् राक्षसैरुह्यते क्वचित्। तत्र तत्र महातेजा भ्रातृभिः सह सुव्रतः॥
And that one (Yudhishthira) of unrivalled energy and pious vows at some places walked on foot with his brothers and at others was carried by the Rakshasa.
ततो युधिष्ठिरो राजा बहून् क्लेशान् विचिन्तयन्। सिंहव्याघ्रगजाकीर्णामुदीची प्रययौ दिशम्॥
Then King Yudhishthira, apprehending a good many troubles, proceeded towards the north teeming with lions, tigers and elephants.
अवेक्षमाणः कैलासं मैनाकं चैव पर्वतम्। गन्धमादनपादांश्च श्वेतं चापि शिलोच्चयम्॥
Beholding the mountain Kailasha and Mainaka, the base of the mountain Gandhamadana and the rocky chiff Shveta,
उपर्युपरि शैलस्य बह्वीश्च सरितः शिवाः। पृष्ठं हिमवतः पुण्यं ययौ सप्तदशेऽहनि॥
And many a sacred stream one above the other issuing from the mountain, he ascended the sacred plateau of the Himalayas on the seventeenth day.
ददृशुः पाण्डवा राजन् गन्धमादनमन्तिकात्। पृष्ठे हिमवतः पुण्ये नानाद्रुमलतावृते॥ सलिलावर्तसंजातैः पुष्पितैश्च महीरुहैः। समावृतं पुण्यतममाश्रमं वृषपर्वणः॥
Then, O king in the neighbourhood of the mountain Gandhamadana and on the sacred plateau of the Himalayas, decked with various sort of trees and creepers, the Pandavas beheld the most sacred hermitage of Vrishaparva encircled by blossoming trees growing near the water courses.
तमुपागम्य राजर्षिधर्मात्मानमरिन्दमाः। पाण्डवा वृषपर्वाणमवन्दन्त गतक्लमाः॥
The Pandavas, the tormentors of foes, on recovering from fatigue, approached the royal sage Vrishaparva and saluted him.
अभ्यनन्दत् स राजर्षिः पुत्रवद् भरतर्षभान्। पूजिताश्चावसंस्तत्र सप्तरात्रमरिन्दमाः॥
The royal sage too welcomed those most exalted of the Bharatas as if they were his own children. Thus received, the tormentors of foes remained there for seven nights.
अष्टमेऽहनि सम्प्राप्ते तमृषि लोकविश्रुतम्। आमन्त्र्य वृषपर्वाणं प्रस्थानं प्रत्यरोचयन्॥
On the eighth day, greeting the royal sage of world wide renown, they expressed their desire to start on their journey.
एकैकशश्च तान् विप्रान् निवेद्य वृषपर्वणि। न्यासभूतान् यथाकालं बन्धूनिव सुसत्कृतान्॥
And at the proper time having introduced to Vrishaparva the Brahmana, whom he only honoured and who had remained in his charge as friends,
पारिबर्ह च तं शेषं परिदाय महात्मने। ततस्ते यज्ञपात्राणि रत्नान्याभरणानि च।॥ न्यदधुः पाण्डवा राजन्नाश्रमे वृषपर्वणः। अतीतानागते विद्वान् कुशलः सर्वधर्मवित्॥
And having also committed to his charge their remaining clothes, O king, the sons of Pandu left their sacred ornaments and sacrificial vessels in the hermitage of Vrishaparva. That (sage) well learned, versed in all religions, having a knowledge of the past and the future,
अन्वशासत् सधर्मज्ञः पुत्रवद्भरतर्षभान्। तेऽनुज्ञाता महात्मानः प्रययुर्दिशमुत्तराम्॥
And pious gave instructions to the most exalted of the Bharatas as to his own sons. Thus instructed, the high-souled ones proceeded towards the north.
तान् प्रस्थितानभ्यगच्छद् वृषपर्वा महीपतिः। उपन्यस्य महातेजा विप्रेभ्यः पाण्डवांस्तदा॥ अनुसंसार्य कौन्तेयानाशीर्भिरभिनन्द्य च। वृषपर्वा निववृते पन्थानमुपदिश्य च॥
The high-souled Vrishaparva accompanied them to a certain distance. And then committing those Pandavas of indomitable spirit of the care of the Brahma's and instructing and blessing those sons of Kunti, Vrishaparva retraced his steps after giving them directions as to the path they were to follow.
नानामृगगणैर्जुष्टं कौन्तेयः सत्यविक्रमः। पदातिर्धातृभिः सार्धं प्रातिष्ठत युधिष्ठिरः॥
Then Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti possessed of true prowess, began to proceed on foot along the mountain path inhabited by various kinds of beasts.
नानाद्रुमनिरोधेषु वसन्तः शैलसानुषु। पर्वतं विविशुः श्वेतं चतुर्थेऽहनि पाण्डवाः॥
And at times having dwelt on the level grounds above the mountains thickly overgrown with many trees, the Pandavas on the fourth day got to the mountain Shveta.
महाभ्रघनसंकाशं सलिलोपहितं शुभम्। मणिकाञ्चनरूप्यस्य शिलानां च समुच्चयम्॥
Looking like a mighty mass of clouds, abounding in sacred waters and consisting of a mass of gems, gold, silver and marble.
ते समासाद्य पन्थानं यथोक्तं वृषपर्वणा। अनुससुर्यथोद्देशं पश्यन्तो विविधान्नगान्॥
Following the route directed by Vrishaparva they proceeded on their journey beholding various mountains on (their way).
उपर्युपरिः शैलस्य गुहाः परमदुर्गमाः। सुदुर्गमांस्ते सुबहून् सुखेनैवाभिचक्रमुः॥
There were many inaccessible caves higher and higher up the mountains which also were equally inaccessible; but they passed them with pleasure all these difficulties notwithstanding.
धौम्यः कृष्णा च पार्थाश्च लोमशश्च महानृषिः। अगच्छन् सहितास्तत्र न कश्चिदवहीयते॥
Dhaumya, Krishna, Parthas and the great sage Lomasha all walked together (none lagging behind) without experiencing any fatigue.
ते मृगद्विजसंघुष्टं नानादुमलतायुतम्। शाखामृगगणैश्चैव सेवितं सुमनोरमम्॥ पुण्यं पद्मसरोयुक्तं सपल्वलमहावनम्। उपतस्थुर्महाभागा माल्यवन्तं महागिरिम्॥
Those highly fortunate ones then reached that sacred and highly beautiful and mighty mountain Malayavana, resounding with the voices of birds and beasts, abounding in many trees and creepers, inhabited by monkeys and containing lotus lakes, marshes and great forests.
ततः किम्पुरुषावासं सिद्धचारणसेवितम्। ददृशुर्हष्टरोमाणः पर्वतं गन्धमादनम्॥
Then with their hair standing on the end, they beheld with great pleasure the mount Gandhamadana, the abode of the Kimpurušas, frequented by the Siddhas and the Charanas,
विद्याधरानुचरितं किन्नरीभिस्तथैव च। गजसङ्घसमावासं सिंहव्याघ्रगणायुतम्॥
Visited by the Vidyadharas and the Kinnars, the abode of herds of elephants, full of lions and tigers,
शरभोन्नादसंघुष्टं नानामृगनिषेवितम्। ते गन्धमादनवनं तन्नन्दनवनोपमम्॥ मुदिताः पाण्डुतनया मनोहृदयनन्दनम्। विविशुः क्रमशो वीराः शरण्यं शुभकाननम्॥ द्रौपदीसहिता वीरास्तैश्च विप्रैर्महात्मभिः। शृण्वन्तः प्रीतिजननान् वल्गून् मदकलाञ्छुभान्॥
Resounding with the roar of Saravas and inhabited by various other animals. Then with great delight, the heroic Pandavas gradually entered the forest of the Gandhamadana resembling the Nandana gardens, pleasant to the mind and heart, auspicious and capable of affording protection,
श्रोत्ररम्यान् सुमधुराज्छब्दान् खगमुखरितान्। सर्वर्तुफलभाराढ्यान् सर्वर्तुकुसुमोज्ज्वलान्॥ पश्यन्तः पादपांश्चापि फलभारावनामितान्। आम्रनाम्रातकान् भव्यान् नारिकेलान् सतिन्दुकान्॥
And as those heroes together with Draupadi and the noble-minded Brahmanas entered the forest of the Gandhamadana they began to hear inarticulate notes causing delight, sweet, auspicious, pleasant to the ear, sweetly melodious and issuing out of the mouth of birds. And they beheld various trees bending down under the weight of fruits and radiant with flowers of all seasons-such as mango Amarataka, Bhabya, Coconut, Tinduka,
मुञ्जातकांस्तथाञ्जीरान् दाडिमान् बीजपूरकान्। पनसॉल्लकुचान् मोचान् खजूरानम्लवेतसान्॥
Munjataka, Jiva, Pomegranate, Beejpuran, Panasha, Lakucha, plantains, Kharjara, Amlabatasha,
पारावतांस्तथा क्षौद्रान् नीपांश्चापि मनोरमान्। बिल्वान् कपित्थाञ्जम्बूंश्च काश्मरीबंदरीस्तथा॥
Parvata, Champaka and lovely Kadamba, Vilva, Kapitha, Jamboos, Kansmari, Badari,
प्लक्षानुदुम्बरबटानश्वत्थान् क्षीरिकांस्तथा। भल्लातकानामलकीहरीतकबिभीतकान्॥
Plaksha, Udumbaras, Vata, Asvattha, Khirika, Bhallataka, Amalaki, Haritaki, Bhibhitaki,
इङ्गुदान् करमर्दाश्च तिन्दुकांश्च महाफलान्। एतानन्यांश्च विविधान् गन्धमादनसानुषु॥
Inguda, Karamarda, Tinduka and Mahaphalas, these any many other trees on the plateau of the Gandhamadana,
फलैरमृतकल्पैस्तानाचितान् स्वादुभिस्तरून्। तथैव चम्पकाशोकान् केतकान् बकुलांस्तथा॥
Clustered with delicious fruits of ambrosial taste. And (besides these) they beheld Champakas, Ashokas, Aetakas, Aakulas,
पुन्नागान् सप्तपर्णाश्च कर्णिकारान् सकेतकान्। पाटलान् कुटजान् रम्यान् मन्दारेन्दीवरांस्तथा॥
Punnagas, Saptaparnas, Karnikaras, Patalas, Kutajas and beautiful Mandaras and lotuses,
पारिजातान् कोविदारान् देवदारुदुमांस्तथा। शालांस्तालास्तमालांच पिप्पलान् हिङ्गुकांस्तथा॥
Parijatas, Kovidaras, Devadarus, Salas, Talas, Tamala, Pippalas, Hingukas,
शाल्मली: किंशुकाशोकाञ्छिशपाः सरलांस्तथा। चकोरैः शतपत्रैश्च भृङ्गराजैस्तथा शुकैः॥
Salmalis, Kinshukas, Ashokas, Singshapas and Saralas. And these trees were inhabited by Chakoras, Satapatras, Bhringarajas, Shukas,
कोकिलैः कलविहेच हारितैर्जीवजीविकैः। प्रियकैश्चातकैश्चैव तथान्यैर्विविधै खगैः॥ ओत्ररम्यं सुमधुरं कूजद्भिश्चात्यधिष्ठितान्। सरांसि च मनोज्ञानि समन्ताज्जलचारिभिः॥
Kokilas, Kalabinkas, Haritas, Jibojibakas, Priakas, Chatakas and various other birds warbling forth sweet notes pleasant to the ear. And they beheld also lakes all around looking beautiful with water birds filled.
कुमुदैः पुण्डरीकैश्च तथा कोकनदोत्पलैः। कलारैः कमलैश्चैव आचितानि समन्ततः॥
And interspersed with Kumudas, lotuses, Kakonadas and Utpalas, Kalharas and Kamalas,
कादम्बैश्चक्रवाकैश्च कुररैर्जलकुक्कुटैः। कारण्डवैः प्लवैहसैर्बकैर्महगुभिरेव च॥
And teeming with Kadambas, Chakrabakas, Kuraras, waterfowls, Karandavas, Palavas, swans, cranes, Madgus,
एतैश्चान्यैश्च कीर्णानि समन्ताज्जलचारिभिः। हृष्टैस्तथा तामरसरसासवमदालसैः॥ पद्मोदरच्युतरजः किंजल्कारुणरञ्जितैः। मञ्जुस्वरैर्मधुकरैर्विरुतान् कमलाकरान्॥
And other aquatic birds of all description. And those most exalted of men beheld on the plateau of the Gandhamadana lakes decorated all over with arrays of lotuses and ringing with the sweet hum of gladdened black-bees drowsy with drinking the intoxicating juice of red lotuses and reddened with pollens falling from the lotus-cups.
अपश्यंस्ते नरव्याघ्रा गन्धमादनसानुषु। तथैव पद्मपण्डैश्च मण्डितांश्च समन्ततः॥ शिखण्डिनीभिः सहिताँल्लतामण्डलकेषु च। मेघतूर्यरवोद्दाममदनाकुलितान् भृशम्॥ कृत्वैव केकामधुरं संगीतं मधुरस्वरम्। चित्रान् कलापान् विस्तीर्य सविलासान् मदालसान्।। मयूरान् ददृशुर्हष्टान् नृत्यतो वनलालसान्। कांश्चित् प्रियाभिः सहितान् रममाणान् कलापिनः॥६२। वल्लीलतासंकटेषु कुटजेषु स्थितांस्तथा। कांश्चिच्च कुटजानां तु विटपेषूत्कटानिव्र॥ कलापरुचिराटोपनिचितान् मुकुटानिव। विवरेषु तरूणां च रुचिरान् ददृशुश्च ते॥
And in the groves of creepers they beheld those joyful-wood-loving peacocks with their mates, maddened with an excess of animal propensity caused by the sound of the clouds resembling the trumpet-notes, sportive and drowsy with lust, dancing with their gorgeous tails out spread and warbling forth sweet and melodious notes. Some of the peacocks, seated on the Kutaja trees densely carpeted with creepers, were sporting with their sweet hearts; some, seated on the boughs of the Kutaja trees and proud of their splendid tails spread out looked like so many crowns worn by the trees; and some seated in the holes of trees looked exceedingly beautiful.
सिन्धुवारांस्तथोदारान् मन्मथस्येव तोमरान्। सुवर्णवर्णकुसुमान् गिरीणां शिखरेषु च॥ कर्णिकारान् विकसितान् कर्णपूरानिवोत्तमान्। तथापश्यन् कुरबकान् वनराजिषु पुष्पितान्॥ कामवश्यौत्सुक्यकरान् कामस्येव शरोत्करान्। तथैव वनराजीनामुदारान् रचितानिव॥ विराजमानांस्तेऽपश्यस्तिलकांस्तिलकानिव। तथानङ्गशराकारान् सहकारान् मनोरमान्॥ अपश्यन् भ्रमरारावान् मञ्जरीभिर्विराजितान्। हिरण्यसदृशैः पुष्पैर्दावाग्निसदृशैरपि॥ लोहितैरञ्जनाभैश्च वैदूर्यसदृशैरपि। अतीव वृक्षा राजन्ते पुष्पिता: शैलसानुषु॥
On the summits of the mountains they saw the graceful Sindoofar trees looking like the arrows of Cupid and the blossoming and gold coloured Karnikaras appearing like ear-rings of excellent workmanship. And in the woods of the Gandhamadana they beheld the blossoming Kurubakas appearing like the shafts of Cupid and making the lustful persons more and more amorous. They beheld also the Tilaka trees appearing like beauty-spots painted on the forehead of the forest. They beheld further the beautiful Shahakaras (mango trees) have the efficacy of Cupid's darts, graced with blossoms and hummed over by black bees. There grew several trees on the plateau of the mountains; some of which bearing flowers of a golden hue, some, of the colour resembling forest conflagration, some red, some green and some sable, looked supremely beautiful.
तथा शालांस्तमालांश्च पाटलान् बकुलानपि। माला इव समासक्ताः शैलानां शिखरेषु च॥
Then again there were rows of Sala, Tamalas Patalas and Bakulas encircling the summing of the mountains like so many garlands.
विमलस्फाटिकाभानि पाण्डुरच्छदनैर्द्विजैः। कलहंसैरुपेतानि सारसाभिरुतानि च॥ सरांसि बहुशः पार्थाः पश्यन्तः शैलासनुषु। पद्मोत्पलविमिश्राणि सुखशीतजलानि च।॥ एवं क्रमेण ते वीरा वीक्षमाणाः समन्ततः। गन्धवन्त्यथ माल्यानि रसवन्ति फलानि च॥ सरांसि च मनोज्ञानि वृक्षांश्चातिमनोरमान्। विविशुः पाण्डवाः सर्वे विस्मयोत्फुल्ललोचनाः॥
Thus, gradually beholding on the plateau of the Gandhamadana, many lakes as transparent as crystal, full of swans of white plumage, ringing with the cries of Sarasas, decked with lotuses and lilies and containing water of pleasurable feel and also beholding fragrant flowers and luscious fruits, beautiful lakes and highly beautiful trees, the heroic Parthas with eyes expanded with wonder penetrated into the forest (of Gandhamadana).
कमलोत्पलकह्लारपुण्डरीकसुगन्धिना। सेव्यमाना वने तस्मिन् सुखस्पर्शेन वायुना॥
And as they walked on they were fanned by the breeze of balmy feel perfumed by Kamalas, Utapalas, Kalparas and Pandarikas.
ततो युधिष्ठिरो भीममाहेदं प्रीतिमद् वचः। अहो श्रीमदिदं भीम गन्धमादनकाननम्॥
Then Yudhishthira said to Bhima in affectionate terms "O Bhima, beautiful indeed is this forest of the Gandhamadana!
वने ह्यस्मिन् मनोरम्ये दिव्याः काननजा द्रुमाः। लताश्च विविधाकाराः पत्रपुष्पफलोपगा:॥
In this pleasant forest there are various excellent wild trees and creepers covered with foliage, flowers and fruits.
भान्त्येते पुष्पविकचाः पुंस्कोकिलकुलाकुलाः। नात्र कण्टकिनः केचिन्न च विद्यन्त्यपुष्पिताः॥
This forest is beautified with handsome flowers and maddened male Kokilas, nor there are in it any thorny trees and trees that do not flower.
स्निग्धपत्रफला वृक्षा गन्धमादनसानुषु। भ्रमरारावमधुरा नलिनी: फुल्लपङ्कजाः॥ विलोड्यमानाः पश्येमाः करिभिः सकरेणुभिः। पश्येमां नलिनी चान्यां कमलोत्पलमालिनीम्॥ स्रग्धरां विग्रहवती साक्षाच्छ्रियमिवापराम्। नानाकुसुमगन्धाढ्यास्तस्येमाः काननोत्तमे॥ उपगीयमाना भ्रमरै राजन्ते वनराजयः। पश्य भीम शुभान् देशान् देवाक्रीडान् समन्ततः॥८३।
On the plateau of the Gandhamadana all the trees are furnished with glossy foliage and fruits. Look! how these lotus-lakes decked with full blown lotuses and sweet with the hum of black fees are being agitated by elephants with their mates! look at another lotus lake decked with an array of lotuses and looking like a second Sree in very flesh and blood with a garland encircling her neck. In this excellent forest, there are ranges of woods rich with the fragrance of various flowers and ringing with the hum of the black fees. O Bhima, behold on all sides the auspicious sporting grounds of the gods!
अमानुषगति प्राप्ताः संसिद्धाः स्म वृकोदर। लताभिः पुष्पिताग्राभिः पुष्पिताः पादपोत्तमाः॥ संश्लिष्टाः पार्थ शोभन्ते गन्धमादनसानुषु। शिखण्डिनीभिश्चरतां सहितानां शिखण्डिनाम्॥ नदतां शृणु निर्घोषं भीम पर्वतसानुषु। चकोराः शतपत्राश्च मत्तकोकिलसारिकाः॥
O Vrikodara, by our arrival here we have attained to a state transcending the human and our desire has been fulfilled. O Partha, on these plateaus of the Gandhamadana, you excellent blossoming trees, embraced by flower creepers, look supremely handsome. O Bhima, listen to the warbles of the peacocks wandering with their sweet-hearts on the slopes of the mountain, of the Chataka, Satapatra and maddened Kokila and Sarikas.
पत्रिणः पुष्पितानेतान् संपतन्नि महाद्दुमान्। रक्तपीतारुणाः पार्थ पादपाग्रगताः खगाः॥ परस्परमुदीक्षन्ते बहवो जीवजीवकाः। हरितारुणवर्णानां शाद्वलानां समीपतः॥
Birds alighting these great blossoming trees. O Partha, seated on the boughs these myriad of Yivajevaka birds of scarlet, yellow and red colour are looking at one another. And near the green and red grass plots,
सारसाः प्रतिदृश्यन्ते शैलप्रस्रवणेष्वपि। वदन्ति मधुरा वाचः सर्वभूतमनोरमाः॥ भृङ्गराजोपचक्राश्च लोहपृष्ठाः पतत्त्रिणः। चतुर्विषाणाः पद्माभाः कुञ्जराः सकरेणवः॥ एते वैदूर्यवर्णाभं क्षोभयन्ति महत् सरः। बहुतालसमुत्सेधाः शैलशृङ्गपरिच्युताः॥
And also near the mountain spring. The cranes are seen and the Bhringaraja, Chakoas and herons are sending forth melodious notes causing delight to all creatures. Elephants, furnished with four tusks and of the colour of lotuses, accompanied by their mates,
नानाप्रस्रवणेभ्यश्च वारिधाराः पतन्ति च। भास्कराभाः प्रभाभिश्च शारदाभ्रधनोपमाः॥ शोभयन्ति महाशैलं नानारजतधातवः। क्वचिदञ्जनवर्णाभाः क्वचित् काञ्चनसंनिभाः॥ धातवो हरितालस्य क्वचिद्धिमुलकस्य च। मनः शिलागुहाश्चैव सन्ध्याभ्रनिकरोपमाः॥ शशलोहितवर्णाभाः क्वचिनैरिकधातवः। सितासिताभ्रप्रतिमा बालसूर्यसमप्रभाः॥ एते बहुविधाः शैलं शोभयन्ति महाप्रभाः। गन्धर्वाः सह कान्ताभिर्यथोक्तं वृषपर्वणा॥
Are agitating that great lake of the colour of lapses. And torrents gushing down from the summits of the mountains are spouting forth as high as several palm trees from the springs. And many silvery minerals of sun-like splendour and looking like a dense mass of autumnal clouds are beautifying this mighty mountain. In some places minerals of the hue of the collyrium, in some of golden hue and in some yellow orpiment, in some vermilion and in some caves of red arsenic resembling the evening clouds, in some red chalk of the hue of the rabbit and in some minerals resembling white and sable clouds and of the rays of the rising sun-these and many other minerals of mighty splendour, are adding largely to the beauty of the mountain. As was told by Vrishparvana, Gandharvas with their sweethearts,
दृश्यन्ते शैलशृङ्गेषु पार्थ किम्पुरुषैः सह। गीतानां समतालानां तथा साम्नां च निःस्वनः॥
And accompanied by the Kimpurushas, O Partha, are seen on the summits of the mountain. Songs exactly keeping time and also the chanting of the Samaveda,
श्रूयते बहुधा भीम सर्वभूतमनोहरः। महागङ्गामुदीक्षस्व पुण्यां देवनदी शुभाम्॥
Delightful to all creatures are being repeatedly heard. Behold the auspicious and sacred celestials river Mahaganga
कलहंसगणैर्जुष्टामृषिकिन्नरसेविताम् धातुभिश्च सरिदिश्च किन्नरैर्मृगपक्षिभिः॥ गन्धर्वैप्सरोभिश्च काननैश्च मनोरमैः। व्यालैश्च विविधाकारैः शतशीषैः समन्ततः॥ उपेतं पश्य कौन्तेय शैलराजमरिन्दम।
Adorned with swans and worshipped by the sages and the Kinnaras. O tormentor of foes, O son of Kunti, behold this prince of mountains containing minerals and rivulets, Kinnaras, deer and birds, Gandharvas and Apsaras and pleasant gardens and snakes of many shapes and of hundred heads.
वैशम्पायन उवाच ते प्रीतमनसः शूराः प्राप्ता गमिमनुत्तमाम्॥ नातृप्यन् पर्वतेन्द्रस्य दर्शनेन परन्तपाः। उपेतमथ माल्यैश्च फलवद्भिश्च पादपैः॥ आष्टिषेणस्य राजर्षेराश्रमं ददृशुस्तदा। ततस्ते तिग्मतपसं कृशंधमनिसंततम्। पारगं सर्वधर्माणामार्टिषेणमुपागमन्॥
Vaishampayana said: Those tormentors of foes, those heroes accompanied by Draupadi and the high-souled Brahmanas having attained to an excellent state were highly glad at heart and were not satiated by beholding (over and over again) that prince of mountains. They then viewed the hermitage of the royal sage Arstisena adorned with flowers and trees bearing fruits. And they approached that royal sage of fervid devotion, versed in all religious lores and having muscles bare.