ādiparva - Chapter-15

आदिपर्व - ādiparva

अध्यायः – 15 ::Chapter-15

Shlokas	No. of Shlokas
वैशम्पायन उवाच। पाण्डोरुपरमं दृष्ट्वा देवकल्पा महर्षयः। ततो मन्त्रविदः सर्वे मन्त्रयांचक्रिरे मिथः॥ 1 तापसा ऊचुः। हित्वा राज्यं च राष्ट्रं च स महात्मा महायशाः। अस्मिंस्थाने तपस्तप्त्वा तापसाञ्शरणं गतः॥ 2 स जातमात्रान्पुत्रांश्च दारांश्च भवतामिह। प्रादायोपनिधिं राजा पाण्डुः स्वर्गमितो गतः॥ 3 तस्येमानात्मजान्देहं भार्यां च सुमहात्मनः। स्वराष्ट्रं गृह्य गच्छामो धर्म एष हि नः स्मृतः॥ 4 वैशम्पायन उवाच। ते परस्परमामन्त्र्य देवकल्पा महर्षयः। पाण्डोः पुत्रान्पुरस्कृत्य नगरं नागसाह्वयम्॥ 5 उदारमनसः सिद्धा गमने चक्रिरे मनः। भीष्माय पण्डवान्दातुं धृतराष्ट्राय चैव हि॥ 6 तस्मिन्नेव क्षणे सर्वे तानादाय प्रतस्थिरे। पाण्डोर्दारांश्च पुत्रांश्च शरीरे ते च तापसाः॥ 7 सुखिनी सा पुरा भूत्वा सततं पुत्रवत्सला। प्रपन्ना दीर्घमध्वानं संक्षिप्तं तदमन्यत॥ 8 सा त्वदीर्घेण कालेन संप्राप्ता कुरुजाङ्गलम्। वर्धमानपुरद्वारमाससाद यशस्विनी॥ 9 द्वारिणं तापसा ऊचू राजानं च प्रकाशय। ते तु गत्वा क्षणेनैव सभायां विनिवेदिताः॥ 10 तं चारणसहस्राणां मुनीनामागमं तदा। श्रुत्वा नागपुरे नॄणां विस्मयः समपद्यत॥ 11 मुहूर्तोदित आदित्ये सर्वे बालपुरस्कृताः। सदारास्तापसान्द्रष्टुं निर्ययुः पुरवासिनः॥ 12 स्त्रीसङ्घाः क्षत्रसङ्घाश्च यानसङ्घसमास्थिताः। ब्राह्मणैः सह निर्जग्मुर्ब्राह्मणानां च योषितः॥ 13 तथा विट्शूद्रसङ्घानां महान्यतिकरोऽभवत्। न कश्चिदकरोदीर्ष्यामभवन्धर्मबुद्धयः॥ 14 तथा भीष्मः शान्तनवः सोमदत्तो।ञथ बाह्लिकः। प्रज्ञाचक्षुश्च राजर्षिः क्षत्ता च विदुरः स्वयम्॥ 15 सा च सत्यवती देवी कौसल्या च यशस्विनी। राजदारैः परिवृता गान्धारी चापि निर्ययौ॥ 16 धृतराष्ट्रस्य दायादा दुर्योधनपुरोगमाः। भूषिता भूषणैश्चित्रैः शतसङ्ख्या विनिर्ययुः॥ 17 तान्महर्षिगणान्दृष्ट्वा शिरोभिरभिवाद्य च। उपोपविविशुः सर्वे कौरव्याः सपुरोहिताः॥ 18 तथैव शिरसा भूमावभिवाद्य प्रणम्य च। उपोपविविशुः सर्वे पौरजानपदा अपि॥ 19 तमकूजमभिज्ञाय जनौघं सर्वशस्तदा। पूजयित्वा यथान्यायं पाद्येनार्घ्येण च प्रभो॥ 20 भीष्मो राज्यं च राष्ट्रं च महर्षिभ्यो न्यवेदयत्। तेषामथो वृद्धतमः प्रत्युत्थाय जटाजिनी। ऋषीणां मतमाज्ञाय महर्षिरिदमब्रवीत्॥ 21 यः स कौरव्यदायादः पाण्डुर्नाम नराधिपः। कामभोगान्परित्यज्य शतशृङ्गमितो गतः॥ 22 ब्रह्मचर्यव्रतस्थस्य तस्य दिव्येन हेतुना॥ साक्षाद्धर्मादयं पुत्रस्तत्र जातो युधिष्ठिरः।23 तथैनं बलिनां श्रेष्ठं तस्य राज्ञो महात्मनः॥ मातरिश्वा ददौ पुत्रं भीमं नाम महाबलम्।24 पुरन्दरादयं जज्ञे कुन्त्यां सत्यपराक्रमः॥ यस्य कीर्तिर्महेष्वासान्सर्वानभिभविष्यति॥ 25 यौ तु माद्री महेष्वासावसूत पुरुषोत्तमौ॥ अश्विभ्यां पुरुषव्याघ्राविमौ तावपि तिष्ठतः।26 चरता धर्मनित्येन वनवासं यशस्विना। एष पैतामहो वंशः पाण्डुना पुनरुद्धृतः॥ 27 पुत्राणां जन्म वृद्धिं च वैदिकाध्ययनानि च। पश्यन्तः सततं पाण्डोः परां प्रीतिमवाप्स्यथ॥ 28 वर्तमानः सतां वृत्ते पुत्रलाभमवाप च। पितृलोकं गतः पाण्डुरितः सप्तदशेऽहनि॥ 29 तं चितागतमाज्ञाय वैश्वानरमुखे हुतम्। प्रविष्टा पावकं माद्री हित्वा जीवितमात्मनः॥ 30 सा गता सह तेनैव पतिलोकमनुव्रता। तस्यास्तस्य च यत्कार्यं क्रियतां तदनन्तरम्॥ 31 इमे तयोः शरीरे द्वे पुत्राश्चेमे तयोर्वराः। क्रियाभिरनुगृह्यन्तां सह मात्रा परंतपाः॥ 32 प्रेतकार्ये निवृत्ते तु पितृमेधं महायशाः। लभतां सर्वधर्मज्ञः पाण्डुः कुरुकुलोद्वहः॥ 33 वैशम्पायन उवाच। एवमुक्त्वा कुरून्सर्वान्कुरूणामेव पश्यताम्। क्षणेनान्तर्हिताः सर्वे तापसा गुह्यकैः सह॥ 34 गन्धर्वनगराकारं तथैवान्तर्हितं पुनः। ऋषिसिद्धगणं दृष्ट्वा विस्मयं ते परं ययुः॥ ॥ 35	35 (976)
Vaisampayana said, 'The godly sages, wise in their judgments, upon witnessing Pandu's death, consulted each other, saying, 'The virtuous and celebrated King Pandu, having forsaken his rule and kingdom, came here to practice asceticism and entrusted himself to the ascetics living on this mountain. He has now ascended to heaven, leaving his wife and infant sons for us to care for. Our duty is to return to his kingdom with these children and their mother.' Vaisampayana continued, 'Then, those noble sages, full of compassion and crowned with success in their austerities, called upon each other and decided to travel to Hastinapura with Pandu's children, hoping to put them in the care of Bhishma and Dhritarashtra. The ascetics set out at that very moment, taking the children, Kunti, and the two dead bodies with them. Despite having lived a life of ease, the loving Kunti now felt that the long journey ahead seemed quite short. Having quickly reached Kurujangala, the notable Kunti presented herself at the main gate. The ascetics then instructed the porters to inform the king of their arrival. The message was swiftly delivered to the court, and when the people of Hastinapura heard about the arrival of thousands of sages and ascetics, they were filled with awe. Soon after sunrise, they began to emerge in large numbers, along with their wives and children, eager to see these holy men. Countless Kshatriyas and Brahmanas, accompanied by their families, came out in various kinds of vehicles to greet them.' And the concourse of Vaisyas and Sudras too was as large on the occasion. The vast assemblage was very peaceful, for every heart then was inclined to piety. And there also came out Bhishma, the son of Santanu, and Somadatta or Valhika and the royal sage (Dhritarashtra) endued with the vision of knowledge and Vidura himself and the venerable Satyavati and the illustrious princess of Kosala and Gandhari accompanied by the other ladies of the royal household. And the hundred sons of Dhritarashtra, decked with various ornaments, also came out. "The Kauravas, then, accompanied by their priest, saluted the Rishis by lowering their heads, and took their seats before them. The citizens also saluting the ascetics and bowing down unto them with touching the ground, took their seats there. Then Bhishma, setting that vast concourse perfectly still, duly worshipped, O king, those ascetics by offering them water to wash their feet with and the customary Arghya. And having done this, he spoke unto them about the sovereignty and the kingdom. Then the oldest of the ascetics with matted locks on head and loins covered with animal skin, stood up, and with the concurrence of the other Rishis, spoke as follows, 'You all know that that possessor of the sovereignty of the Kurus who was called king Pandu, had, after abandoning the pleasures of the world, repaired hence to dwell on the mountain of a hundred peaks. He adopted the Brahmacharya mode of life, but for some inscrutable purpose the gods have in view, this his eldest son, Yudhishthira, was born there, begotten by Dharma himself. Then that illustrious king obtained from Vayu this other son--the foremost of all mighty men--called Bhima. This other son, begotten upon Kunti by Indra, is Dhananjaya whose achievements will humble all bowmen in the world. Look here again at these tigers among men, mighty in the use of the bow, the twin children begotten upon Madri by the twin Aswins. Living righteously as a hermit in the woods, the noble Pandu has revived his nearly forgotten ancestry. The birth, upbringing, and Vedic education of his children will surely bring you great joy. Following the path of the virtuous and wise, Pandu left us seventeen days ago, leaving his children behind. His wife Madri, seeing him on the funeral pyre and about to be consumed by flames, chose to join him in death, sacrificing herself so she could accompany her husband to the realm of virtuous wives. Now, let's perform the necessary rituals for their benefit. Here are their unburned remains. Also present are their children—these fierce protectors—with their mother. Let them be honoured appropriately. After the initial rites for the deceased, may the virtuous Pandu, who upheld the honour of the Kurus, be properly acknowledged in the first annual offering to the ancestors. 'Vaisampayana continued, 'The sages and Guhyakas, having spoken thus to the Kurus, vanished from sight before the assembled crowd. The people, astounded to see the Rishis and Siddhas disappear like mist in the sky, returned home in wonder.'
धृतराष्ट्र उवाच। पाण्डोर्विदुर सर्वाणि प्रेतकार्याणि कारय। राजवद्राजसिंहस्य माद्र्याश्चैव विशेषतः॥ 1 पशून्वासांसि रत्नानि धनानि विविधानि च। पाण्डोः प्रयच्छ माद्र्याश्च येभ्यो यावच्च वाञ्छितम्॥ 2 यथा च कुन्ती सत्कारं कुर्यान्माद्र्यास्तथा कुरु। यथा न वायुर्नादित्यः पश्येतां तां सुसंवृताम्॥ 3 न शोच्यः पाण्डुरनघः प्रशस्यः स नराधिपः। यस्य पञ्च सुता वीरा जाताः सुरसुतोपमाः॥ 4 वैशम्पायन उवाच। विदुरस्तं तथेत्युक्त्वा भीष्मेण सह भारत। पाण्डुं संस्कारयामास देशे परमपूजिते॥ 5 ततस्तु नगरात्तूर्णमाज्यगन्धपुरस्कृताः। निर्हृताः पावका दीप्ताः पाण्डो राजन्पुरोहितैः॥ 6 अथैनामार्तवैः पुष्पैर्गन्धैश्च विविधैर्वरैः। शिबिकां तामलङ्कृत्य वाससाऽऽच्छाद्य सर्वशः॥ 7 तां तथा शोभितां माल्यैर्वासोभिश्च महाधनैः। अमात्या ज्ञातयश्चैनं सुहृदश्चोपतस्थिरे॥ 8 नृसिंहं नरयुक्तेन परमालङ्कृतेन तम्। अवहन् यानमुख्येन सह माद्र्या सुसंवृतम्॥ 9 पाण्डुरेणातपत्रेण चामरव्यजनेन च। सर्ववादित्रनादैश्च समलञ्चक्रिरे ततः॥ 10 रत्नानि चाप्युपादाय बहूनि शतशो नराः। प्रददुः काङ्क्षमाणेभ्यः पाण्डोस्तस्यौर्ध्वदेहिके॥ 11 अथ च्छत्राणि शुभ्राणि चामराणि बृहन्ति च। आजह्रुः कौरवस्यार्थे वासांसि रुचिराणि च॥ 12 याजकैः शुक्लवासोभिर्हूयमाना हुताशनाः। अगच्छन्नग्रतस्तस्य दीप्यमानाः स्वलङ्कृताः॥ 13 ब्राह्मणाः क्षत्रिया वैश्याः शूद्राश्चैव सहस्रशः। रुदन्तः शोकसंतप्ता अनुजग्मुर्नराधिपम्॥ 14 अयमस्मानपाहाय दुःखे चाधाय शाश्वते। कृत्वा चास्माननाथांश्च क्व यास्यति नराधिपः॥ 15 क्रोशन्तः पाण्डवाः सर्वे भीष्मो विदुर एव च। रमणीये वनोद्देशे गङ्गातीरे समे शुभे॥ 17 न्यासयामासुरथं तां शिबिकां सत्यवादिनः। सभार्यस्य नृसिंहस्य पाण्डोरक्लिष्टकर्मणः॥ 18 ततस्तस्य शरीरं तु सर्वगन्धाधिवासितम्। शुचिकालीयकादिग्धं दिव्यचन्दनरूषितम्॥ 19 पर्यषिञ्चञ्जलेनाशु शातकुम्भमयैर्घटैः। चन्दनेन च शुक्लेन सर्वतः समलेपयन्॥ 20 कालागुरुविमिश्रेण तथा तुङ्गरसेन च। अथैनं देशजैः शुक्लैर्वासोभिः समयोजयन्॥ 21 संछन्नः स तु वासोभिर्जीवन्निव नराधिपः। शुशुभे स नव्याघ्रो महार्हशयनोचितः॥ 22 याजकैरभ्यनुज्ञाते प्रेतकर्मण्यनिष्ठिते। घृतावसिक्तं राजानं सह माद्र्या स्वलङ्कृतम्॥ 24 तुङ्गपद्मकमिश्रेण चन्दनेन सुगन्धिना। अन्यैश्च विविधैर्गन्धैर्विधिना समदाहयन्॥ 26 ततस्तयोः शरीरे द्वे दृष्ट्वा मोहवशं गता। हाहा पुत्रेति कौसल्या पपात सहसा भुवि॥ 27 तां प्रेक्ष्य पतितामार्तां पौरजानपदो जनः। रुरोद दुःखसंतप्तो राजभक्त्या कृपाऽन्वितः॥ 28 कुन्त्याश्चैवार्तनादेन सर्वाणि च विचुक्रुशुः। मानुषैः सह भूतानि तिर्यग्योनिगतान्यपि॥ 29 तथा भीष्मः शान्तनवो विदुरश्च महामतिः। सर्वशः कौरवाश्चैव प्राणदन्भृशदुःखिताः॥ 30 ततो भीष्मोऽथ विदुरो राजा च सह पाण्डवैः। उदकं चक्रिरे तस्य सर्वाश्च कुरुयोषितः॥ 31 चुक्रुशुः पाण्डवाः सर्वे भीष्मः शान्तनवस्तथा। विदुरो ज्ञातयश्चैव चक्रुश्चाप्युदकक्रियाः॥ 32 कृतोदकांस्तानादाय पाण्डवाञ्छोककर्शितान्। सर्वाः प्रकृतयो राजञ्शोचमाना न्यवारयन्॥ 33 यथैव पाण्डवा भूमौ सुषुपुः सह बान्धवैः। तथैव नागरा राजञ्शिश्यिरे ब्राह्मणादयः॥ 34 तद्गतानन्दमस्वस्थमाकुमारमहृष्टवत्। बभूव पाण्डवैः सार्धं नगरं द्वादश क्षपाः॥ ॥ 35	35 (1011)
Vaisampayana continued, 'Dhritarashtra then said, 'O Vidura, hold the funeral rites for our noble king, Pandu, and his wife, Madri, with the dignity they deserve. For the sake of their souls, distribute cattle, clothes, jewels, and various riches to everyone present, letting them take as much as they wish. Also, ensure that Kunti can honour Madri's last rites in a way that pleases her. Wrap Madri's body with utmost care so that neither the Sun nor the wind can see it. Do not mourn for the innocent Pandu; he was a great king who leaves behind five heroic sons, strong as the gods themselves.' Vaisampayana continued, 'Then Vidura, O Bharata, replied, 'As you say,' and along with Bhishma, chose a holy site for Pandu's funeral. The family priests hurried out of the city, carrying with them the sacred fire, fuelled by clarified butter and sweetly scented. Friends, family, and relatives wrapped his body in cloth, adorned it with seasonal flowers, and sprinkled it with fine perfumes. They also decorated the funeral bier with garlands and exquisite drapes. Lifting the covered body of the king and that of his queen onto a splendidly decorated bier, it was carried on the shoulders of men. With a white state umbrella held above, swaying yak-tails, and the sounds of various musical instruments playing, the scene was bright and majestic. Hundreds began to distribute jewels among the crowd during the king's funeral. Finally, beautiful robes, white umbrellas, and larger yak-tails were brought for the grand ceremony. The priests, dressed in white, led the procession, pouring offerings of clarified butter onto the sacred fire blazing in a decorative vessel. Thousands of Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras followed the deceased king, crying out, 'O prince, where are you going, leaving us behind in our sorrow and despair forever?' Bhishma, Vidura, and the Pandavas also cried out in grief. They eventually reached a beautiful forest by the Ganges. There, they placed the hearse containing the brave prince and his wife. They brought water in golden vessels, washed the prince's body, previously covered in fragrant pastes, and applied sandalwood paste once more. They dressed him in white clothing made from local fabric. In his new attire, the king appeared as if he were alive and merely resting on a luxurious bed. Once the other funeral rites were completed according to the priests' instructions, the Kauravas lit the funeral pyres for the king and queen, adding lotuses, sandalwood, and fragrant offerings. As the flames engulfed the bodies, Kausalya (Ambalika) cried out, 'O my son, my son!' and collapsed to the ground. Witnessing her distress, the citizens and people from the surrounding areas began to weep for their beloved king. Even the birds and animals were moved by Kunti's lament. Bhishma, the son of Santanu, wise Vidura, and others present felt an overwhelming sense of grief. As they wept, Bhishma, Vidura, Dhritarashtra, the Pandavas, and the Kuru women all carried out the king's water ceremony. Once this was done, the people, filled with their own sorrow, sought to comfort the grieving sons of Pandu. The Pandavas, along with their friends, settled down to sleep on the ground. In response, the Brahmanas and the other townspeople also gave up their beds. Young and old, the entire community mourned for king Pandu's sons, spending twelve days in sorrow alongside the weeping Pandavas.