Virāṭaparva - Chapter-2

 

विराटपर्व - Virāṭaparva

अध्यायः – 2 ::Chapter-2

Shlokas	No. of Shlokas
वैशम्पायन उवाच॥ ते वीरा बद्धनिस्त्रिंशास्ततायुधकलापिनः । बद्धगोधाङ्गुलित्राणाः कालिन्दीमभितो ययुः ॥ ॥ ततस्ते दक्षिणं तीरमन्वगच्छन्पदातयः । वसन्तो गिरिदुर्गेषु वनदुर्गेषु धन्विनः ॥ 2॥ विध्यन्तो मृगजातानि महेष्वासा महाबलाः । उत्तरेण दशार्णांस्ते पाञ्चालान्दक्षिणेन तु ॥ 3॥ अन्तरेण यकृल्लोमाञ्शूरसेनांश्च पाण्डवाः । लुब्धा ब्रुवाणा मत्स्यस्य विषयं प्राविशन्वनात् ॥ 4॥ ततो जनपदं प्राप्य कृष्णा राजानमब्रवीत् । पश्यैकपद्यो दृश्यन्ते क्षेत्राणि विविधानि च ॥ 5॥ व्यक्तं दूरे विराटस्य राजधानी भविष्यति । वसामेह परां रात्रिं बलवान्मे परिश्रमः ॥ 6 युधिष्ठिर उवाच॥ धनञ्जय समुद्यम्य पाञ्चालीं वह भारत । राजधान्यां निवत्स्यामो विमुक्ताश्च वनादितः ॥ 7॥ वैशम्पायन उवाच॥ तामादायार्जुनस्तूर्णं द्रौपदीं गजराडिव । सम्प्राप्य नगराभ्याशमवतारयदर्जुनः ॥ 8॥ स राजधानीं सम्प्राप्य कौन्तेयोऽर्जुनमब्रवीत् । क्वायुधानि समासज्य प्रवेक्ष्यामः पुरं वयम् ॥ 9॥ सायुधाश्च वयं तात प्रवेक्ष्यामः पुरं यदि । समुद्वेगं जनस्यास्य करिष्यामो न संशयः ॥ 10॥ ततो द्वादश वर्षाणि प्रवेष्टव्यं वनं पुनः । एकस्मिन्नपि विज्ञाते प्रतिज्ञातं हि नस्तथा ॥ 11॥ अर्जुन उवाच॥ इयं कूटे मनुष्येन्द्र गहना महती शमी । भीमशाखा दुरारोहा श्मशानस्य समीपतः ॥ 12॥ न चापि विद्यते कश्चिन्मनुष्य इह पार्थिव । उत्पथे हि वने जाता मृगव्यालनिषेविते ॥ 13॥ समासज्यायुधान्यस्यां गच्छामो नगरं प्रति । एवमत्र यथाजोषं विहरिष्याम भारत ॥ 14॥ खड्गांश्च पीतान्दीर्घांश्च कलापांश्च महाधनान् । विपाठान्क्षुरधारांश्च धनुर्भिर्निदधुः सह ॥ 15॥ तामुपारुह्य नकुलो धनूंषि निदधत्स्वयम् । यानि तस्यावकाशानि दृढरूपाण्यमन्यत ॥ 16॥ यत्र चापश्यत स वै तिरो वर्षाणि वर्षति । तत्र तानि दृढैः पाशैः सुगाढं पर्यबन्धत ॥ 17॥ शरीरं च मृतस्यैकं समबध्नन्त पाण्डवाः । विवर्जयिष्यन्ति नरा दूरादेव शमीमिमाम् ॥ 18॥ आबद्धं शवमत्रेति गन्धमाघ्राय पूतिकम् ॥ 19॥ अशीतिशतवर्षेयं माता न इति वादिनः । कुलधर्मोऽयमस्माकं पूर्वैराचरितोऽपि च ॥ समासजाना वृक्षेऽस्मिन्निति वै व्याहरन्ति ते ॥ 20॥ आ गोपालाविपालेभ्य आचक्षाणाः परन्तपाः । आजग्मुर्नगराभ्याशं पार्थाः शत्रुनिबर्हणाः ॥ 21॥ जयो जयन्तो विजयो जयत्सेनो जयद्बलः । इति गुह्यानि नामानि चक्रे तेषां युधिष्ठिरः ॥ 22॥ ततो यथाप्रतिज्ञाभिः प्राविशन्नगरं महत् । अज्ञातचर्यां वत्स्यन्तो राष्ट्रे वर्षं त्रयोदशम् ॥23	23 (88)
Vaisampayana said, "With swords at their waists and wearing protective gloves made from iguana skin, the heroes made their way towards the Yamuna River. Eager to reclaim their kingdom, they abandoned their life in the remote hills and forest hideouts. These mighty warriors, once hunters of deer, passed through Yakrilloma and Surasena, leaving the land of Panchalas on their right and the Dasarnas on their left. Looking worn and bearded, the archers entered the realm of Matsya, presenting themselves as mere hunters. Upon arrival, Krishna (Draupadi) spoke to Yudhishthira, 'We see paths and fields, indicating that Virata's capital is still far. Let’s pass what remains of the night, for I am very tired.' Yudhishthira replied, 'O Dhananjaya of the Bharata clan, you must take up Panchali and carry her. We are close to reaching the city now.' Vaisampayana continued, 'Like a leader of elephants, Arjuna swiftly lifted Draupadi and set her down near the city. Once there, Yudhishthira asked Arjuna, 'Where shall we hide our weapons before entering the city? If we go in armed, we will surely alarm the citizens. Besides, everyone knows the mighty Gandiva bow, so they will easily recognize us. If even one of us is discovered, we must honor our promise and spend another twelve years in the forest.'.'" Arjuna said, "Near that remote burial ground and close to that steep peak stands a massive Shami tree, with expansive branches that make it hard to climb. I believe, O son of Pandu (Yudhisthira), that no one will see us as we hide our weapons there. The tree is surrounded by a dense forest filled with wild animals and snakes, right by a gloomy graveyard. Let's hide our weapons in the Sami tree and then, O Bharata, head to the city and live without worry!"  Vaisampayana continued - And with their bows, they gathered their shining swords, valuable quivers, and razor-sharp arrows. Nakula climbed the tree and placed the bows and other weapons up there. He secured them tightly in spots that seemed sturdy and would stay dry. The Pandavas hung a corpse on the tree, knowing that the smell would lead people to think a dead body was there and avoid the area. When asked by shepherds and cowherds about the corpse, they replied, 'This is our mother, aged one hundred and eighty years. We have placed her body here following our ancestors' traditions.' Then, those brave warriors made their way to the city. To keep their identities hidden, Yudhisthira gave himself and his brothers new names: Jaya, Jayanta, Vijaya, Jayatsena, and Jayatvala. They entered the grand city, aiming to spend the thirteenth year unnoticed in that kingdom, as promised to Duryodhana.
वैशम्पायन उवाच॥ ततो विराटं प्रथमं युधिष्ठिरो; राजा सभायामुपविष्टमाव्रजत् । वैडूर्यरूपान्प्रतिमुच्य काञ्चना;नक्षान्स कक्षे परिगृह्य वाससा ॥ 1॥ तमापतन्तं प्रसमीक्ष्य पाण्डवं; विराटराडिन्दुमिवाभ्रसंवृतम् । मन्त्रिद्विजान्सूतमुखान्विशस्तथा; ये चापि केचित्परिषत्समासते ॥ ॥ पप्रच्छ कोऽयं प्रथमं समेयिवा;ननेन योऽयं प्रसमीक्षते सभाम् ॥ 2॥ न तु द्विजोऽयं भविता नरोत्तमः; पतिः पृथिव्या इति मे मनोगतम् । न चास्य दासो न रथो न कुण्डले; समीपतो भ्राजति चायमिन्द्रवत् ॥ 3॥ शरीरलिङ्गैरुपसूचितो ह्ययं; मूर्धाभिषिक्तोऽयमितीव मानसम् । समीपमायाति च मे गतव्यथो; यथा गजस्तामरसीं मदोत्कटः ॥ 4॥ वितर्कयन्तं तु नरर्षभस्तदा; युधिष्ठिरोऽभ्येत्य विराटमब्रवीत् । सम्राड्विजानात्विह जीवितार्थिनं; विनष्टसर्वस्वमुपागतं द्विजम् ॥ 5॥ इहाहमिच्छामि तवानघान्तिके; वस्तुं यथा कामचरस्तथा विभो । तमब्रवीत्स्वागतमित्यनन्तरं; राजा प्रहृष्टः प्रतिसङ्गृहाण च ॥ 6॥ कामेन ताताभिवदाम्यहं त्वां; कस्यासि राज्ञो विषयादिहागतः । गोत्रं च नामापि च शंस तत्त्वतः; किं चापि शिल्पं तव विद्यते कृतम् ॥ 7॥ युधिष्ठिर उवाच॥ युधिष्ठिरस्यासमहं पुरा सखा; वैयाघ्रपद्यः पुनरस्मि ब्राह्मणः । अक्षान्प्रवप्तुं कुशलोऽस्मि देविता; कङ्केति नाम्नास्मि विराट विश्रुतः ॥ 8॥ विराट उवाच॥ ददामि ते हन्त वरं यमिच्छसि; प्रशाधि मत्स्यान्वशगो ह्यहं तव । प्रिया हि धूर्ता मम देविनः सदा; भवांश्च देवोपम राज्यमर्हति ॥ 9॥ युधिष्ठिर उवाच॥ आप्तो विवादः परमो विशां पते; न विद्यते किञ्चन मत्स्य हीनतः । न मे जितः कश्चन धारयेद्धनं; वरो ममैषोऽस्तु तव प्रसादतः ॥ 10॥ विराट उवाच॥ हन्यामवध्यं यदि तेऽप्रियं चरे;त्प्रव्राजयेयं विषयाद्द्विजांस्तथा । शृण्वन्तु मे जानपदाः समागताः; कङ्को यथाहं विषये प्रभुस्तथा ॥ 11॥ समानयानो भवितासि मे सखा; प्रभूतवस्त्रो बहुपानभोजनः । पश्येस्त्वमन्तश्च बहिश्च सर्वदा; कृतं च ते द्वारमपावृतं मया ॥ 12॥ वैशम्पायन उवाच॥ अथापरो भीमबलः श्रिया ज्वल;न्नुपाययौ सिंहविलासविक्रमः । खजं च दर्वीं च करेण धारय;न्नसिं च कालाङ्गमकोशमव्रणम् ॥ 13॥ स सूदरूपः परमेण वर्चसा; रविर्यथा लोकमिमं प्रभासयन् । सुकृष्णवासा गिरिराजसारवा;न्स मत्स्यराजं समुपेत्य तस्थिवान् ॥ 14॥ तं प्रेक्ष्य राजा वरयन्नुपागतं; ततोऽब्रवीज्जानपदान्समागतान् । सिंहोन्नतांसोऽयमतीव रूपवा;न्प्रदृश्यते को नु नरर्षभो युवा ॥ 15॥ ततो विराटं समुपेत्य पाण्डवः; सुदीनरूपो वचनं महामनाः । उवाच सूदोऽस्मि नरेन्द्र बल्लवो; भजस्व मां व्यञ्जनकारमुत्तमम् ॥ 16॥ विराट उवाच॥ न सूदतां मानद श्रद्दधामि ते; सहस्रनेत्रप्रतिमो हि दृश्यसे । श्रिया च रूपेण च विक्रमेण च; प्रभासि तातानवरो नरेष्विह ॥ 17॥ भीम उवाच॥ नरेन्द्र सूदः परिचारकोऽस्मि ते; जानामि सूपान्प्रथमेन केवलान् । आस्वादिता ये नृपते पुराभव;न्युधिष्ठिरेणापि नृपेण सर्वशः ॥ 18॥ बलेन तुल्यश्च न विद्यते मया; नियुद्धशीलश्च सदैव पार्थिव । गजैश्च सिंहैश्च समेयिवानहं; सदा करिष्यामि तवानघ प्रियम् ॥ 19॥ विराट उवाच॥ ददामि ते हन्त वरं महानसे; तथा च कुर्याः कुशलं हि भाषसे । न चैव मन्ये तव कर्म तत्समं; समुद्रनेमिं पृथिवीं त्वमर्हसि ॥ 20॥ यथा हि कामस्तव तत्तथा कृतं; महानसे त्वं भव मे पुरस्कृतः । नराश्च ये तत्र ममोचिताः पुरा; भवस्व तेषामधिपो मया कृतः ॥ 21॥	21 (109)
Vaisampayana said, "Then, wrapping up golden dice adorned with lapis lazuli in his cloth and holding them under his arm, King Yudhishthira—the distinguished leader of men, a noble descendant of the Kuru dynasty, honoured by kings and unmatched in strength, resembling a venomous serpent—appeared like a celestial being. He was a strong and handsome man, embodying greatness, though now he was like the sun hidden by thick clouds or fire smothered by ashes. He made his entrance while King Virata sat in his court. Seeing Yudhishthira—a figure as enchanting as the moon obscured by clouds—the king spoke to his advisors, charioteers, and others, saying, 'Investigate who this king-like figure is, visiting my court for the first time. He cannot be a Brahmana; he seems to be a true leader. He comes with neither servants nor chariots nor elephants, yet he shines like Indra himself. His appearance suggests he has undergone the sacred investiture. This is my belief. He approaches me confidently, like a rutting elephant moving toward a gathering of lotuses!' "As the king pondered this, Yudhishthira stepped forward and said, 'O great king, I am a Brahmana who has lost everything and seeks your help for sustenance. I wish to live here beside you, serving under your command, O lord.' The king, pleased by this, replied, 'You are welcome. Accept the position you desire!' After appointing the lion among kings as he had wished, King Virata spoke to him happily, saying, 'O child, out of affection, which king's realm do you come from? Also, tell me your name, your lineage, and what you know.' Yudhishthira replied, 'My name is Kanka, and I am a Brahmana from the family called Vaiyaghra. I am skilled at dice, and I was once a friend of Yudhishthira.' Virata responded, 'I will give you any wish you desire. Rule over the Matsyas, and I shall submit to you. I appreciate clever gamblers. You, however, are like a god and deserve a kingdom.' Virata replied, 'I will certainly deal with anyone who displeases you, and if they are of the twice-born class, I will banish them from my land. Let everyone listen! Kanka is as much lord of this land as I am. You shall be my friend and share my chariots. I will provide you with ample clothing, food, and drink. You shall oversee my affairs, both internal and external. All my doors will be open to you. When those without work or in hardship come to you, bring their requests to me, and I will ensure they receive what they wish. You shall have no fear as long as you stay with me.'." Vaisampayana said, "Then another, filled with terrifying strength and radiant beauty, approached King Virata, moving with the playful grace of a lion. Holding a cooking ladle and a spoon, along with an unsheathed sword as dark as night and flawless in its shine, he appeared as a cook, lighting up the surroundings like the sun illuminating the world. Dressed in black and possessing the strength of a mighty mountain, he approached the king of the Matsyas and stood before him. As he gazed at this kingly figure, Virata addressed his gathered followers, saying, 'Who is this young man, a bull among men, with shoulders broad as a lion’s, so strikingly handsome? This person, whom I have never seen before, shines like the sun.” Then, Bhima came forward to Virata and said respectfully, 'O greatest of kings, I am a cook called Vallava. I am skilled in preparing dishes. Please hire me for your kitchen!'" Virata said, "I don't believe, oh Vallava, that cooking is your true role. You resemble a deity with a thousand eyes; in grace, beauty, and strength, you outshine everyone here like a king!" Bhima replied, "Oh king of kings, first and foremost, I am your chef and servant. My expertise is not just in curries, even though King Yudhishthira would always sample my dishes in the past. Oh lord of the land, I am also a wrestler, unmatched in strength. I will entertain you with my battles against lions and elephants, oh sinless one. " Virata said, "I will grant you favours. You may do as you wish, as you claim to be skilled in it. However, I don't think this role suits you, for you deserve the entire world surrounded by seas. But go ahead and do what you like. Be the head of my kitchen, and take charge as those before you have done."
वैशम्पायन उवाच॥ ततः केशान्समुत्क्षिप्य वेल्लिताग्राननिन्दितान् । जुगूह दक्षिणे पार्श्वे मृदूनसितलोचना ॥ 1॥ वासश्च परिधायैकं कृष्णं सुमलिनं महत् । कृत्वा वेषं च सैरन्ध्र्याः कृष्णा व्यचरदार्तवत् ॥ 2॥ विराटस्य तु कैकेयी भार्या परमसंमता । अवलोकयन्ती ददृशे प्रासादाद्द्रुपदात्मजाम् ॥ 3॥ सा समीक्ष्य तथारूपामनाथामेकवाससम् । समाहूयाब्रवीद्भद्रे का त्वं किं च चिकीर्षसि ॥ 4॥ सा तामुवाच राजेन्द्र सैरन्ध्र्यहमुपागता । कर्म चेच्छाम्यहं कर्तुं तस्य यो मां पुपुक्षति ॥ 5॥ सुदेष्णोवाच॥ नैवंरूपा भवन्त्येवं यथा वदसि भामिनि । प्रेषयन्ति च वै दासीर्दासांश्चैवंविधान्बहून् ॥ 6॥ का त्वं ब्रूहि यथा भद्रे नासि दासी कथञ्चन । यक्षी वा यदि वा देवी गन्धर्वी यदि वाप्सराः ॥ 7॥ द्रौपद्युवाच॥ नास्मि देवी न गन्धर्वी नासुरी न च राक्षसी । सैरन्ध्री तु भुजिष्यास्मि सत्यमेतद्ब्रवीमि ते ॥ 8॥ केशाञ्जानाम्यहं कर्तुं पिंषे साधु विलेपनम् । ग्रथयिष्ये विचित्राश्च स्रजः परमशोभनाः ॥ 9॥ आराधयं सत्यभामां कृष्णस्य महिषीं प्रियाम् । कृष्णां च भार्यां पाण्डूनां कुरूणामेकसुन्दरीम् ॥ 10॥ तत्र तत्र चराम्येवं लभमाना सुशोभनम् । वासांसि यावच्च लभे तावत्तावद्रमे तथा ॥ 11॥ मालिनीत्येव मे नाम स्वयं देवी चकार सा । साहमभ्यागता देवि सुदेष्णे त्वन्निवेशनम् ॥ 12॥ सुदेष्णोवाच॥ मूर्ध्नि त्वां वासयेयं वै संशयो मे न विद्यते । नो चेदिह तु राजा त्वां गच्छेत्सर्वेण चेतसा ॥ 13॥ स्त्रियो राजकुले पश्य याश्चेमा मम वेश्मनि । प्रसक्तास्त्वां निरीक्षन्ते पुमांसं कं न मोहयेः ॥ 14॥ राजा विराटः सुश्रोणि दृष्ट्वा वपुरमानुषम् । विहाय मां वरारोहे त्वां गच्छेत्सर्वचेतसा ॥ 15॥ यं हि त्वमनवद्याङ्गि नरमायतलोचने । प्रसक्तमभिवीक्षेथाः स कामवशगो भवेत् ॥ 16॥ यथा कर्कटकी गर्भमाधत्ते मृत्युमात्मनः । तथाविधमहं मन्ये वासं तव शुचिस्मिते ॥ 17॥ द्रौपद्युवाच॥ नास्मि लभ्या विराटेन न चान्येन कथञ्चन । गन्धर्वाः पतयो मह्यं युवानः पञ्च भामिनि ॥ 18॥ पुत्रा गन्धर्वराजस्य महासत्त्वस्य कस्यचित् । रक्षन्ति ते च मां नित्यं दुःखाचारा तथा न्वहम् ॥ 19॥ यो मे न दद्यादुच्छिष्टं न च पादौ प्रधावयेत् । प्रीयेयुस्तेन वासेन गन्धर्वाः पतयो मम ॥ 20॥ यो हि मां पुरुषो गृध्येद्यथान्याः प्राकृतस्त्रियः । तामेव स ततो रात्रिं प्रविशेदपरां तनुम् ॥ 21॥ न चाप्यहं चालयितुं शक्या केनचिदङ्गने । दुःखशीला हि गन्धर्वास्ते च मे बलवत्तराः ॥ 22॥ सुदेष्णोवाच॥ एवं त्वां वासयिष्यामि यथा त्वं नन्दिनीच्छसि । न च पादौ न चोच्छिष्टं स्प्रक्ष्यसि त्वं कथञ्चन ॥ 23॥	23 (132)
Vaisampayana said, "As she tied her long, soft, and flawless black hair into a neat braid with curled ends and rested it on her right shoulder, Draupadi, with her dark eyes and sweet smile, hid it under her cloth. She wore a single piece of costly yet soiled material. Disguised as a maid, she wandered aimlessly, seemingly in distress. While looking around from the terrace, Virata's beloved queen, daughter of the Kekaya king, spotted Draupadi. Seeing her forlorn and dressed in a simple cloth, the queen asked, 'O lovely one, who are you, and what do you seek?' Draupadi replied, 'O wise queen, I am Sairandhri, and I will serve anyone who provides for me.' Sudeshna then said, 'Your beauty contradicts such a claim. You could easily be the mistress of both men and women. Reveal your true identity, beautiful maiden. Are you a Yakshi, a goddess, a Gandharvi, or an Apsara?' Draupadi answered, 'O gracious lady, I am neither a goddess nor a celestial being; I am simply a maidservant in the Sairindhri class. I speak the truth. I can style hair, prepare fragrant unguents, and craft lovely garlands from jasmine, lotus, blue lilies, and Champakas. I once served Krishna's favored queen Satyabhama and also Draupadi, the beautiful wife of the Pandavas and of the Kuru family. I roam alone, seeking food and clothing; as long as I find them, I will stay where they are available. Draupadi herself called me Malini - the maker of garlands." "Upon hearing this, Sudeshna said, 'I would hold you dear, but I fear that the king Virata may be drawn to you completely. Your beauty has caught the eyes of the royal women and my attendants. What man could resist your allure? Truly, you with your graceful form, exquisite beauty will steal king Virata's heart and leave me forsaken. Just as a crab brings about its own doom, I may, by keeping you close, invite my own downfall.' Draupadi replied, 'Dearest lady, neither Virata nor anyone else can claim me, for I am protected by my five young husbands, mighty Gandharvas, who ensure my safety. No one can wrong me. My Gandharva husbands want me to serve those who won't allow me to eat from food shared by others or wash their feet. Any man who seeks me as if I were just any woman meets his end that same night. O beautiful lady, my powerful Gandharvas always shield me.' Sudeshna replied, 'If this is true, lovely one, I will welcome you into my home. You won’t be forced to eat from another’s plate or wash someone else's feet.'.'

 

इति श्री जयसंहिते  विराटपर्वणि द्वितीयोऽध्यायः॥

 

Virāṭaparva Chapter - 1

Virāṭaparva Chapter- 3