The Mahabharata/Book 1: Adi Parva/Section 224

Section CXXIV. ( *Khandava-daha Parva.* ) Vaisampayana said, "The Pandavas, after they had taken up their abode at Indra-prastha at the command of Dhrita-rashtra and Bhisma, began to bring other kings under their sway. And all the subjects (of the kingdom) lived most happily, depending upon Yudhish-thira the just, like a soul living happily, depending upon a body blest with auspicious marks and pious deeds. And, O thou bull of the Bharata race, Yudhish-thira paid homage unto virtue, pleasure, and profit, in judicious proportion, as if each were a friend dear unto him like his own self. And it seemed as if the three pursuits—virtue, pleasure, and profit—became personified on earth and amongst whom the king shined as a fourth. And the subjects having obtained Yudhish-thira as their king, obtained in him one that was devoted to the study of the Vedas, one that was a performer of great sacrifices, and one that was the protector of all good people. And in consequence of Yudhishthira's influence, the good fortune of all the monarchs of the earth became stationary, and their hearts became devoted to the meditation of the Supreme spirit, and virtue itself began to grow every way all around. And in the midst of and assisted by his four brothers, the king looked more resplendent (than if he were alone), like a great sacrifice depending upon and assisted by the four Vedas. And many learned Brahmanas with Dhanankaya at their head, each like unto Vrihaspati, waited surrounding the monarch, like the celestials waiting around the Lord himself of the creation. And from excess of affection, the eyes and hearts of all the people equally took great delight in Yudhish-thira who was even as the full moon without a stain. And the people took delight in him not only because he was their king but also from true affection. And the king always did what was agreeable unto them. And the sweet-speeched Yudhish-thira of great intelligence never uttered anything that wus improper or untrue or unbearable or disagreeable. And that best of monarchs of the Bharata race, endued with great energy, passed his days happily in seeking the good of everybody as his own. And his brothers also, bringing by their energy other kings under their sway, passed their days in happiness without a foe to disturb their peace. "After a few days, Vivatshu, addressing Krishna, said, 'The summer days have set in, O Krishna! Therefore, let us go to the banks of the Yamunā. And, O slayer of Madhu, sporting there in the company of friends, we will, O Janārddana, return in the evening!' Hearing this, Vāsudeva said, 'O son of Kunti, this also is my wish. Let us, O Pārtha, sport in the waters as we like, in the company of friends!'" Vaisampayana continued, "Then, O Bhārata, having consulted thus with each other, Pārtha and Govinda, with Yudhish-thira's leave, set out surrounded by friends. And reaching a fine spot (on the banks of the Yamunā) fitted for purposes of pleasure, that was overgrown with numerous tall trees and where had been erected several high mansions that made the place look like the celestial city, and within which had been collected for Krishna and Pārtha numerous costly and well-flavoured viands drinks and other articles of enjoyment and floral wreaths and various perfumes, the party entered without delay the inner apartments that were all adorned with many precious jewels of pure rays. And entering those apartments, everybody, O Bhārata, began to sport according to his pleasure. And the women of the party, all of full rotund hips and fine and deep bosoms and handsome eyes and gait unsteady with wine, began to sport there at the command of Krishna and Pārtha. And some amongst the women sported as they liked in the woods, and some in the waters, and some within the mansions, as directed by Pārtha and Govinda. And Draupadi and Subhadrā, exhilarated with wine, began to give away unto the women so sporting there costly robes and ornaments. And some amongst those women began to dance in joy, and some began to sing; and some amongst them began to laugh and jest, and some to drink excellent wines. And some began to obstruct one another's progress and some to fight with one another, and some to discourse with one another in private. And those mansions and the woods, filled with the charming music of flutes and guitars and kettle-drums, became the scene of prosperity itself. "And when such was the state of things there, Arjuna and Vāsudeva went to a certain charming spot (in those woods) not remote from the place where the others were. And, O monarch, the high-souled Krishna, and Arjuna that subjugator of hostile cities, going thither sat themselves down upon two very costly seats. And Mādhava and Pārtha amused themselves there in discoursing upon many past achievements of prowess and upon many other topics. And unto Vāsudeva and Dhananjaya happily sitting there like the twin Ashwinas in heaven, a certain Brahmana came. And the Brahmana that came there was like unto a tall *shal* tree. And his complexion was like unto molten gold. And his beard was bright yellow tinged with green. And the height and the thickness of his body were in just proportion. Of matted locks and dressed in rags, in splendour he resembled the morning sun. Of eyes like lotus leaves and of a tawny hue, he seemed to be blazing in splendour. And beholding that foremost of Brahmanas blazing in splendour, approach towards them, both Arjuna and Vāsudeva, hastily rising from their seats, stood waiting (for his commands)." Thus ends the two hundred and twenty-fourth Section in the Khāndava-dāha of the Adi Parva.