Chapter 80(a) - The Story of the Brāhmaṇa Śrīdāman (introductory)

[Sanskrit text for this chapter is available]

[Padaratnāvalī’s Text begins:— Before beginning the description of Kṛṣṇa’s placid life at home in Dvārakā after the Mahābhārata war, Padaratnāvalī’s text describes the interim activition of Kṛṣṇa such as visiting Dhṛtarāṣṭra, Gāndhārī and departure from Hastināpura]

1-2(A). When the mighty-armed Suyodhana (Duryodhana) was struck down by the mace (of Bhīma) in the battle (and died subsequently), even the glorious Lord Govinda, having accomplished his desired object (of lightening the burden of the earth) made arrangement of leaving the desolate battle field.

2(B)-5. Kṛpa, Kṛtavarmā and the prominent chariot- warrior Aśvatthāman were the only three great warriors in the army of Suyodhana (Duryodhana). The survivors on the other (Pāṇḍava) side were the five Pāṇḍava warriors, the mighty Sātyaki, Yuyutsu, the son of Dhṛtarāṣṭra by a Vaiśya woman and other eminent people of whom Kṛṣṇa was prominent. As their leader and accompanied by elderly sages, he went to Hastināpura for the condolence of Dhṛtarāṣṭra and he consoled Gāndhārī, Dhṛtarāṣṭra and the highly intelligent Vidura.

6-8. With difficulty he installed Pāṇḍavas to carry out their functions in governing their kingdoms. He was glorified by hosts of sages and bards like Sūtas, Māgadhas and Bards and was followed by sons of Pāṇḍu whose eyes were flowing with tears of joy. He took his leave of them, all of whom were sorry, missing him (after his departure). Hari returned to Dvārakā in a chariot brilliant like the Sun. With the loud blast of conchs and beatings of drums and the loud chorus of auspicious Vedic hymns and of incantation of mantras repeating the declaration of the day being auspicious he entered Dvārakā.

9-12. The city was decorated by the citizens with various kinds of arches and waving flags and fluttering banners and its grounds (streets, squares, etc.) were sprinkled and washed by them. He was attended upon by citizens who carried in their hands a specific kind of vessel tufted with tender shoots,^[1] and by young prominent courtesans adorned with ornaments and by women of the cities and by Brāhmaṇas and their sons, grandsons and with brothers who brought in their hands lamps, mirrors, pots full of water, flowers, fruits, entire grains of rice.

13-14. Hari entered that excellent city on an auspicious day and was worshipped with due formalities. He entered the world-famous celestial assembly-hall Sudharmā and paid respects to Āhuka, Vasudeva, Balarāma and bowed to all mothers who were seated on high seats of gold.

15. He took his seat there and was duly worshipped by prominent Yādavas. Like unto the moon surrounded by the constellations of stars and planets in the sky, he shone there (in the assembly hall among the Yādava chiefs).

16-17. Day and night he was attended upon by the powerful monarchs who survived (the Mahābhārata war) and also by sons (of the monarchs killed) who were installed on the thrones of their respective kingdoms. Lord Kṛṣṇa, the support of the Universe, placed Yudhiṣṭhira in the from (of the world as the bonafide emperor, but through him) he governed righteously the earth whose burden had now been lightened.

Footnotes and references:

[1]:

Aṅkura-pūrita-pālika-pātra-viśeṣa [viśeṣaḥ]—Padaratnāvalī