Sabhāparva - Chapter-3

 

सभापर्व - Sabhāparva

अध्यायः – 3  ::Chapter-3

Shlokas	No. of Shlokas
युधिष्ठिर उवाच॥ सम्राड्गुणमभीप्सन्वै युष्मान्स्वार्थपरायणः । कथं प्रहिणुयां भीमं बलात्केवलसाहसात् ॥ 1॥ भीमार्जुनावुभौ नेत्रे मनो मन्ये जनार्दनम् । मनश्चक्षुर्विहीनस्य कीदृशं जीवितं भवेत् ॥ 2॥ जरासन्धबलं प्राप्य दुष्पारं भीमविक्रमम् । श्रमो हि वः पराजय्यात्किमु तत्र विचेष्टितम् ॥ 3॥ अस्मिन्नर्थान्तरे युक्तमनर्थः प्रतिपद्यते । यथाहं विमृशाम्येकस्तत्तावच्छ्रूयतां मम ॥ 4॥ संन्यासं रोचये साधु कार्यस्यास्य जनार्दन । प्रतिहन्ति मनो मेऽद्य राजसूयो दुरासदः ॥ 5॥ वैशम्पायन उवाच॥ पार्थः प्राप्य धनुःश्रेष्ठमक्षय्यौ च महेषुधी । रथं ध्वजं सभां चैव युधिष्ठिरमभाषत ॥ 6॥ धनुरस्त्रं शरा वीर्यं पक्षो भूमिर्यशो बलम् । प्राप्तमेतन्मया राजन्दुष्प्रापं यदभीप्सितम् ॥ 7॥ कुले जन्म प्रशंसन्ति वैद्याः साधु सुनिष्ठिताः । बलेन सदृशं नास्ति वीर्यं तु मम रोचते ॥ 8॥ क्षत्रियः सर्वशो राजन्यस्य वृत्तिर्द्विषज्जये। सर्वैरपि गुणैर्हीनो वीर्यवान्हि तरेद्रिपून् ॥ 9 जयस्य हेतुः सिद्धिर्हि कर्म दैवं च संश्रितम् ॥ संयुक्तो हि बलैः कश्चित्प्रमादान्नोपयुज्यते ॥ 10 तेन द्वारेण शत्रुभ्यः क्षीयते सबलो रिपुः ॥ 11 दैन्यं यथाबलवति तथा मोहो बलान्विते । तावुभौ नाशकौ हेतू राज्ञा त्याज्यौ जयार्थिना ॥ 12॥ जरासन्धविनाशं च राज्ञां च परिमोक्षणम् । यदि कुर्याम यज्ञार्थं किं ततः परमं भवेत् ॥ 13॥ अनारम्भे तु नियतो भवेदगुणनिश्चयः । गुणान्निःसंशयाद्राजन्नैर्गुण्यं मन्यसे कथम् ॥ 14॥ काषायं सुलभं पश्चान्मुनीनां शममिच्छताम् । साम्राज्यं तु तवेच्छन्तो वयं योत्स्यामहे परैः ॥ 15॥ वासुदेव उवाच॥ जातस्य भारते वंशे तथा कुन्त्याः सुतस्य च । या वै युक्ता मतिः सेयमर्जुनेन प्रदर्शिता ॥ 16॥ न मृत्योः समयं विद्म रात्रौ वा यदि वा दिवा । न चापि कञ्चिदमरमयुद्धेनापि शुश्रुमः ॥ 17॥ एतावदेव पुरुषैः कार्यं हृदयतोषणम् । नयेन विधिदृष्टेन यदुपक्रमते परान् ॥ 18॥ सुनयस्यानपायस्य संयुगे परमः क्रमः । संशयो जायते साम्ये साम्यं च न भवेद्द्वयोः ॥ 19॥ ते वयं नयमास्थाय शत्रुदेहसमीपगाः । कथमन्तं न गच्छेम वृक्षस्येव नदीरयाः ॥ पररन्ध्रे पराक्रान्ताः स्वरन्ध्रावरणे स्थिताः ॥ 20॥ व्यूढानीकैरनुबलैर्नोपेयाद्बलवत्तरम् । इति बुद्धिमतां नीतिस्तन्ममापीह रोचते ॥ 21॥ अनवद्या ह्यसम्बुद्धाः प्रविष्टाः शत्रुसद्म तत् । शत्रुदेहमुपाक्रम्य तं कामं प्राप्नुयामहे ॥ 22॥ एको ह्येव श्रियं नित्यं बिभर्ति पुरुषर्षभ । अन्तरात्मेव भूतानां तत्क्षये वै बलक्षयः ॥ 23॥ अथवैनं निहत्याजौ शेषेणापि समाहताः। प्राप्नुयाम ततः स्वर्गं ज्ञातित्राणपरायणाः॥ 24	24 (153)
Yudhishthira said, 'O Krishna, I desire the throne, but driven by self-interest and relying solely on bravery, how can I send you to face Jarasandha? Bhima and Arjuna are like my eyes, and you, Janardana, are my mind. How can I endure being without my eyes and mind? Not even Yama can defeat the powerful forces of Jarasandha, who are also filled with great courage. What chance do we have against them? This plan that seems to lead to disaster could bring about great trouble. Therefore, I believe we should not attempt it. Listen, O Krishna, to what I think: refraining from this action seems wise to me. My heart feels heavy today. I find the Rajasuya ceremony difficult to achieve.' Vaisampayana said, 'Arjuna, who had acquired the best bow, two unending quivers, a chariot with a distinguished banner, and the royal hall, addressed Yudhishthira and said, 'O king, I have gained a bow, weapons, arrows, energy, allies, lands, fame, and strength. All of these are hard to come by, no matter how much we desire them. Respected scholars always commend noble lineage in good company, but nothing surpasses strength. Indeed, O monarch, nothing pleases me more than shows of might. Born into a family renowned for valour, someone without bravery barely deserves respect.' However, someone who is brave, even if born into a family not known for bravery, is far better than the previous kind. This person, O king, embodies the spirit of a warrior, earning fame and wealth by defeating foes. A person with courage, even lacking other qualities, will defeat his enemies. But someone without courage, regardless of having all other virtues, will struggle to achieve anything. All virtues stand alongside courage in a budding state. Focus, effort, and fate are the three factors that lead to victory. Yet, a brave person does not deserve success if he acts carelessly. This is why a strong enemy may fall to his opponents. Just as weakness brings down the feeble, foolishness can sometimes afflict the strong. Therefore, a king seeking victory should steer clear of both of these pitfalls. If we attempt to defeat Jarasandha and rescue the kings he cruelly holds captive, there’s no greater endeavor we could pursue. If we don’t take on this challenge, people will always see us as inadequate. We are certainly capable, O king! So why do you consider us incapable? Those who become sages seeking peace can easily don yellow robes. So, if we conquer the enemy, the empire will soon be ours. Therefore, we shall confront our foes. Vasudeva said, 'Arjuna has pointed out how someone born into the Bharata lineage, especially Kunti's son, should act. We cannot predict when death will come, whether by night or day. And we have never heard that anyone gains immortality by shying away from battle. Thus, men have a duty to confront all enemies based on established principles. This brings satisfaction to the heart. With good strategy and unless hindered by fate, an endeavour can led to success. When two parties equipped with such wisdom clash, one will prevail; they cannot both win or lose. However, if a battle proceeds with poor strategy and a lack of known tactics, it leads to defeat or ruin. If both sides are equally matched, the outcome becomes uncertain. Both cannot succeed. In such a scenario, why not, with good strategy, approach the enemy and strike like a river uprooting a tree? If we skilfully exploit the enemy's weaknesses, why shouldn’t we succeed? Truly, wise leaders do not confront overwhelmingly powerful enemies head-on. This is my belief as well. If we stealthily enter the enemy's territory and strike at the right moment, we will not be blamed. That mighty man, Jarasandha, glows with undying glory, like the soul within every living being. Yet, I foresee his downfall. Eager to protect our kin, we will either defeat him in battle or ascend to heaven, even if we ourselves are ultimately slain.'
वासुदेव उवाच॥ न स शक्यो रणे जेतुं सर्वैरपि सुरासुरैः । प्राणयुद्धेन जेतव्यः स इत्युपलभामहे ॥ 1॥ मयि नीतिर्बलं भीमे रक्षिता चावयोर्जुनः । साधयिष्याम तं राजन्वयं त्रय इवाग्नयः ॥ 2॥ त्रिभिरासादितोऽस्माभिर्विजने स नराधिपः । न संदेहो यथा युद्धमेकेनाभ्युपयास्यति ॥ 3॥ अवमानाच्च लोकस्य व्यायतत्वाच्च धर्षितः । भीमसेनेन युद्धाय ध्रुवमभ्युपयास्यति ॥ 4॥ अलं तस्य महाबाहुर्भीमसेनो महाबलः । लोकस्य समुदीर्णस्य निधनायान्तको यथा ॥ 5॥ यदि ते हृदयं वेत्ति यदि ते प्रत्ययो मयि । भीमसेनार्जुनौ शीघ्रं न्यासभूतौ प्रयच्छ मे ॥ 6॥ वैशम्पायन उवाच॥ एवमुक्तो भगवता प्रत्युवाच युधिष्ठिरः । भीमपार्थौ समालोक्य सम्प्रहृष्टमुखौ स्थितौ ॥ 7॥ अच्युताच्युत मा मैवं व्याहरामित्रकर्षण । पाण्डवानां भवान्नाथो भवन्तं चाश्रिता वयम् ॥ 8॥ यथा वदसि गोविन्द सर्वं तदुपपद्यते । न हि त्वमग्रतस्तेषां येषां लक्ष्मीः पराङ्मुखी ॥ 9 निहतश्च जरासन्धो मोक्षिताश्च महीक्षितः । राजसूयश्च मे लब्धो निदेशे तव तिष्ठतः ॥ 10॥ क्षिप्रकारिन्यथा त्वेतत्कार्यं समुपपद्यते । मम कार्यं जगत्कार्यं तथा कुरु नरोत्तम ॥ 11॥ त्रिभिर्भवद्भिर्हि विना नाहं जीवितुमुत्सहे । धर्मकामार्थरहितो रोगार्त इव दुर्गतः ॥ 12॥ न शौरिणा विना पार्थो न शौरिः पाण्डवं विना । नाजेयोऽस्त्यनयोर्लोके कृष्णयोरिति मे मतिः ॥ 13॥ अयं च बलिनां श्रेष्ठः श्रीमानपि वृकोदरः । युवाभ्यां सहितो वीरः किं न कुर्यान्महायशाः ॥ 14॥ सुप्रणीतो बलौघो हि कुरुते कार्यमुत्तमम् । अन्धं जडं बलं प्राहुः प्रणेतव्यं विचक्षणैः ॥ 15॥ यतो हि निम्नं भवति नयन्तीह ततो जलम् । यतश्छिद्रं ततश्चापि नयन्ते धीधना बलम् ॥ 16॥ एवमुक्तास्ततः सर्वे भ्रातरो विपुलौजसः । वार्ष्णेयः पाण्डवेयौ च प्रतस्थुर्मागधं प्रति ॥ 17॥	17 (170)
Krishna said, 'Jarasandha cannot be defeated in battle, even by all the gods and demons combined. Yet, we believe he can be overcome in a personal duel. I bring strategy, Bhima brings strength, and Arjuna brings victory; together, we will definitely defeat the ruler of Magadha as the first step to the Rajasuya. When we approach him in secret, he will undoubtedly fight one of us. Driven by fear of defeat, greed, and pride, he will certainly choose to battle Bhima. Just like death that conquers even the proud, the powerful Bhimasena will bring down the king. If you understand my intentions and trust me, then quickly give me Bhima and Arjuna to accomplish the task.' Vaisampayana continued, addressing the honoured one, Yudhishthira saw both Bhima and Arjuna with bright smiles and responded, saying, 'O Achyuta, you, who defeat all foes, don’t speak like that. You are the leader of the Pandavas! We rely on you. What you say, O Govinda, aligns with wise advice. You never mislead those whom Fortune has abandoned. Under your command, I believe Jarasandha is already defeated, the kings he held captive have been freed, and I have completed the Rajasuya. O ruler of the world, O the greatest of men, please act carefully so that we can finish this task. Without you, I cannot endure, like a sorrowful person suffering from an illness, lacking the three essentials of morality, pleasure, and wealth. Partha cannot exist without Sauri (Krishna), nor can Sauri survive without Partha. There is nothing in this world that can resist these two, Krishna and Arjuna. This strong Bhima is also exceptional in strength. What can’t he achieve alongside you two? Troops perform best under great leadership. An unled force is said to be lifeless, according to the wise. Thus, experienced leaders should guide our forces. Just as the wise direct water to lower places, we too will strive to achieve our goals under your guidance.” Vaisampayana said, 'Responding to Yudhishthira, the dynamic trio of Krishna, Arjuna, and Bhima, donned in the attire of Snataka Brahmins and glowing with vitality, journeyed towards Magadha, supported by the kind words of friends and family.'
वैशम्पायन उवाच। वार्ष्णेयः पाण्डवौ चैव प्रतस्थुर्मागधं पुरम्। हृष्टपुष्टजनोपेतं चातुर्वर्ण्यसमाकुलम्॥1 स्फीतोत्सवमनाधृष्यमासेदुश्च गिरिव्रजम् ॥ ॥ तेऽथ द्वारमनासाद्य पुरस्य गिरिमुच्छ्रितम् ॥ 2 बार्हद्रथैः पूज्यमानं तथा नगरवासिभिः ॥ ॥ मागधानां सुरुचिरं चैत्यकान्तं समाद्रवन् ॥ 3 शिरसीव जिघांसन्तो जरासन्धजिघांसवः ॥ स्थिरं सुविपुलं शृङ्गं सुमहान्तं पुरातनम् ॥ अर्चितं माल्यदामैश्च सततं सुप्रतिष्ठितम् ॥ 4॥ विपुलैर्बाहुभिर्वीरास्तेऽभिहत्याभ्यपातयन् । ततस्ते मागधं दृष्ट्वा पुरं प्रविविशुस्तदा ॥ 5॥ एतस्मिन्नेव काले तु जरासन्धं समर्चयन् । पर्यग्नि कुर्वंश्च नृपं द्विरदस्थं पुरोहिताः ॥ 6॥ स्नातकव्रतिनस्ते तु बाहुशस्त्रा निरायुधाः । युयुत्सवः प्रविविशुर्जरासन्धेन भारत ॥ 7॥ भक्ष्यमाल्यापणानां च ददृशुः श्रियमुत्तमाम् । स्फीतां सर्वगुणोपेतां सर्वकामसमृद्धिनीम् ॥ 8॥ तां तु दृष्ट्वा समृद्धिं ते वीथ्यां तस्यां नरोत्तमाः । राजमार्गेण गच्छन्तः कृष्णभीमधनञ्जयाः ॥ 9॥ बलाद्गृहीत्वा माल्यानि मालाकारान्महाबलाः । विरागवसनाः सर्वे स्रग्विणो मृष्टकुण्डलाः ॥ 10॥ निवेशनमथाजग्मुर्जरासन्धस्य धीमतः । गोवासमिव वीक्षन्तः सिंहा हैमवता यथा ॥ 11॥ शैलस्तम्भनिभास्तेषां चन्दनागुरुभूषिताः । अशोभन्त महाराज बाहवो बाहुशालिनाम् ॥ 12॥ तान्दृष्ट्वा द्विरदप्रख्याञ्शालस्कन्धानिवोद्गतान् । व्यूढोरस्कान्मागधानां विस्मयः समजायत ॥ 13॥ ते त्वतीत्य जनाकीर्णास्तिस्रः कक्ष्या नरर्षभाः । अहङ्कारेण राजानमुपतस्थुर्महाबलाः ॥ 14॥ तान्पाद्यमधुपर्कार्हान्मानार्हान्सत्कृतिं गतान् । प्रत्युत्थाय जरासन्ध उपतस्थे यथाविधि ॥ 15॥ उवाच चैतान्राजासौ स्वागतं वोऽस्त्विति प्रभुः । तस्य ह्येतद्व्रतं राजन्बभूव भुवि विश्रुतम् ॥ 16॥ स्नातकान्ब्राह्मणान्प्राप्ताञ्श्रुत्वा स समितिञ्जयः । अप्यर्धरात्रे नृपतिः प्रत्युद्गच्छति भारत ॥ 17॥ तांस्त्वपूर्वेण वेषेण दृष्ट्वा नृपतिसत्तमः । उपतस्थे जरासन्धो विस्मितश्चाभवत्तदा ॥ 18॥ ते तु दृष्ट्वैव राजानं जरासन्धं नरर्षभाः । इदमूचुरमित्रघ्नाः सर्वे भरतसत्तम ॥ 19॥ स्वस्त्यस्तु कुशलं राजन्निति सर्वे व्यवस्थिताः । तं नृपं नृपशार्दूल विप्रैक्षन्त परस्परम् ॥ 20॥ तानब्रवीज्जरासन्धस्तदा यादवपाण्डवान् । आस्यतामिति राजेन्द्र ब्राह्मणच्छद्मसंवृतान् ॥ 21 अथोपविविशुः सर्वे त्रयस्ते पुरुषर्षभाः । सम्प्रदीप्तास्त्रयो लक्ष्म्या महाध्वर इवाग्नयः ॥ 22॥ तानुवाच जरासन्धः सत्यसन्धो नराधिपः । विगर्हमाणः कौरव्य वेषग्रहणकारणात् ॥ 23॥ न स्नातकव्रता विप्रा बहिर्माल्यानुलेपनाः । भवन्तीति नृलोकेऽस्मिन्विदितं मम सर्वशः ॥ 24॥ के यूयं पुष्पवन्तश्च भुजैर्ज्याघातलक्षणैः । बिभ्रतः क्षात्रमोजश्च ब्राह्मण्यं प्रतिजानथ ॥ 25॥ एवं विरागवसना बहिर्माल्यानुलेपनाः । सत्यं वदत के यूयं सत्यं राजसु शोभते ॥ 26॥ चैत्यकं च गिरेः शृङ्गं भित्त्वा किमिव सद्म नः । अद्वारेण प्रविष्टाः स्थ निर्भया राजकिल्बिषात् ॥ 27॥ कर्म चैतद्विलिङ्गस्य किं वाद्य प्रसमीक्षितम् । वदध्वं वाचि वीर्यं च ब्राह्मणस्य विशेषतः ॥ 28॥ एवं च मामुपस्थाय कस्माच्च विधिनार्हणाम् । प्रणीतां नो न गृह्णीत कार्यं किं चास्मदागमे ॥ 29॥ एवमुक्तस्ततः कृष्णः प्रत्युवाच महामनाः । स्निग्धगम्भीरया वाचा वाक्यं वाक्यविशारदः ॥ 30॥ वासुदेव उवाच॥ स्नातकान्ब्राह्मणान्राजन्विद्ध्यस्मांस्त्वं नराधिप। स्नातकव्रतिनो राजन्ब्राह्मणाः क्षत्रिया विशः॥31 विशेषवांश्च सततं क्षत्रियः श्रियमर्छति । पुष्पवत्सु ध्रुवा श्रीश्च पुष्पवन्तस्ततो वयम् ॥ 32॥ क्षत्रियो बाहुवीर्यस्तु न तथा वाक्यवीर्यवान् । अप्रगल्भं वचस्तस्य तस्माद्बार्हद्रथे स्मृतम् ॥ 33॥ स्ववीर्यं क्षत्रियाणां च बाह्वोर्धाता न्यवेशयत् । तद्दिदृक्षसि चेद्राजन्द्रष्टास्यद्य न संशयः ॥ 34॥ अद्वारेण रिपोर्गेहं द्वारेण सुहृदो गृहम् । प्रविशन्ति सदा सन्तो द्वारं नो वर्जितं ततः ॥ 35॥ कार्यवन्तो गृहानेत्य शत्रुतो नार्हणां वयम् । प्रतिगृह्णीम तद्विद्धि एतन्नः शाश्वतं व्रतम् ॥ 36	36 (206)
Krishna and the two Pandavas entered the city of Magadha and approached the formidable city of Girivraja, known for its joyful and well-nourished inhabitants from all walks of life, where celebrations were constant. When they reached the city gate, instead of walking through, the brothers fired arrows at the revered Chaityaka peak, honored by the Vrihadratha lineage. Their intent was to defeat Jarasandha, symbolically placing their feet on their enemy's head. With their powerful strikes, they attacked the ancient, celebrated peak, usually adorned with flowers and incense, and ultimately brought it down. Feeling triumphant, they entered the city. Meanwhile, the knowledgeable Brahmins living there observed ominous signs and reported them to Jarasandha. The priest had the king ride an elephant and performed rituals with flaming torches around him. In his valor, King Jarasandha, eager to dispel the ill omens, commenced a sacrificial rite, adhering to the necessary vows and fasting. Meanwhile, O Bharata, the brothers, unarmed and relying only on their bare hands as weapons, eager to confront Jarasandha, entered the city disguised as Brahmins. They admired the remarkable beauty of the shops filled with various foods and flower garlands, stocked with items of every kind that people might desire. The finest of men, Krishna, Bhima, and Dhananjaya, seeing the wealth in those shops, walked along the main road. With great strength, they forcefully grabbed the flower garlands offered for sale. Dressed in colorful robes and adorned with garlands and earrings, the heroes entered Jarasandha's palace, keenly aware of their surroundings, like lions observing cattle. Their arms, decorated with sandalwood paste, resembled the trunks of sala trees. The people of Magadha, seeing these powerful heroes, who resembled elephants with tree-like necks and broad chests, were filled with wonder. These mighty men walked proudly and joyfully through the crowded three gates towards the king. Jarasandha, rising quickly, welcomed them with water for washing their feet, honey, and other offerings, along with cattle and other respectful gifts. The great king said, 'You are welcome!' However, O Janamejaya, both Partha and Bhima remained silent in response. Krishna then spoke to the king, saying, 'O king of kings, these two are observing a vow, so they will not speak until midnight.' Afterward, the king arranged for his guests to stay in the sacrificial quarters and retired to his private chambers. When midnight came, the king approached the place where his guests, still dressed as Brahmins, were waiting. O King, this triumphant ruler had pledged a vow known across the realms: whenever he learned of the Snataka Brahmanas arriving at his place, even at midnight, he would promptly come out to meet them. When he saw the unusual attire of his guests, the illustrious king was greatly surprised. Nevertheless, he approached them with respect. The noble warriors, those who vanquish all their enemies, gazing at King Jarasandha, spoke, 'May you find salvation, O King, without any troubles.' After saying this, they exchanged looks. The King of Kings, Jarasandha, addressed the sons of Pandu and the one from the Yadu lineage, all disguised as Brahmanas, saying, 'Please take your seats.' They sat down, shining like the three priests at a grand sacrifice. King Jarasandha, devoted to truth and of the Kuru lineage, questioned the disguised visitors, 'I know well that Brahmanas devoted to the Snataka vow do not adorn themselves with garlands and fragrant pastes inappropriately. Who are you, dressed like this with flowers and with hands marked by bowstrings? Although you appear as Brahmanas, you exude the energy of Kshatriyas. Tell me honestly, who are you? Truth is a crown even for kings. Why, breaking the peak of the Chaityaka hill, have you entered the city through an improper gate, unafraid of royal punishment? A Brahmana's power lies in his words, not in actions like this. This act does not fit the order you claim to belong to. Share with us your intentions. Arriving here through such an improper path, why do you not accept the respect I offer?' What brings you to me? Addressed by the king, the noble Krishna, skilled in conversation, calmly replied to the monarch. 'O king, recognize us as Snataka Brahmanas. Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas are all, O monarch, qualified to uphold the Snataka vow. This vow has many specific and general rules. A Kshatriya who follows this vow with care always achieves success. That is why we adorn ourselves with flowers. Kshatriyas show their strength through action, not just words. Thus, O son of Vrihadratha, a Kshatriya's words are seldom bold. O monarch, the creator has instilled his strength in the purpose of the Kshatriya. If you wish to see it, you will surely witness it today. The rules state that one should enter an enemy’s home through the back and a friend’s home through the front. Know, O monarch, that it is our enduring vow that when we enter the enemy's domain to fulfill our goals, we will not accept any worship given to us!'

 

इति श्री जयसंहिते  सभापर्वणि तृतीयोऽध्यायः॥

 

Sabhāparva Chapter- 2

Sabhāparva Chapter- 4