Chapter 131 - Aniruddha’s Wedding and Reception

1-11. Vaishampayana said:—Thereupon having his eyes expanded with joy the large-armed Ahuka said to the highly effulgent Krishna:—"O descendant of Yadu, hear what I say. O my child, seeing you safely return we are all enjoying with the Apsaras. Do you undertake a great festival for Aniruddha’s return and wedding. United with Aniruddha and encircled by her friends the great Usha is living with the greatest possible pleasure. Baidarbhi says that the great daughter of the high-souled Kumbhanda should be enlisted as Usha’s companion. Confer now that charming and beautiful daughter of Kumbhanda on Shamva and the remaining maidens should be duly given unto the other princes. Let a great festival take place in your residence as well as in that of Aniruddha. Hear, the damsels of sweet voice are playing on musical instruments in the inner appartment. Some of them are dancing and others are singing. Some with glee are conversing with one another. And some, adorned with garlands and clad in variegated raiments, are moving about hither and thither. Some, under the influence of wine, are going to others, and some, with eyes expanded in joy, are playing at chess. Usha is encircled by her companions; take her into the palace. The beautiful and noble daughter of Vana, by name Usha, is a worthy daughter-in-law of your race. Welcome her with all dignity."

12-16. After Ahuka had said this females, performing benedictory ceremonies, as laid down in the ritualistic code, conducted the beautiful Usha to Aniruddha’s house. Beholding Aniruddha Devaki, Revati and the Bidarbha princess Rukshmini shed tears of joy. Thus when Usha was taken into the room, the beautiful damsels, blowing bugles, began to perform benedictory ceremonies. The beautiful Usha too, under the shelter of the Yadu chiefs, lived in their palace and enjoyed best of happiness.

17-20. After a few days, the Apsara Citralekha, who was living there under the guise of a woman, with the permission of Usha and other companions, started for the celestial region. Thus after the departure of her companions Mayavati first invited the beautiful Asura princess Usha and took her to her own residence. Seeing her youthful and beautiful daughter-in law Usha Pradyumna’s wife welcomed her with costly jewels and dresses. Thereupon according to the custom of the family all the ladies of the Yadu race duly treated the new daughter in-law Usha. Vaishampayana said:—O upholder of the Kuru race, I have thus described to you how Vana was vanquished by Vishnu in battle and left alive. Afterwards, encircled by the Yadavas and enjoying the highest prosperity Krishna lived in Dvaraka and governed the whole world. O king, thus incarnating himself on earth Vishnu was celebrated by the name of Vasudeva the foremest of the Yadu race. You had formerly questioned me as to the cause of the powerful Vishnu’s taking birth from Devaki in Vasudeva’s family in the Vrishni race. These are all the causes thereof. O Janameyaja, you heard all that I had said at length relating to Narada’s question and Vasudeva’s reply in the episode of the wonderful incident. I have removed your doubts about Krishna’s life and conduct in Mathura and have described all his movements. Krishna is the abode of wonders: there is nothing more wonderful than he. There is no wonder which has not been performed by Vishnu. Vishnu is the foremost of the blessed—the origin and bestower of good fortune. Amongst the Aditvas and Daityas there is none more wonderful than Acyuta. He is Adityas, Vasas, Rudras, Maruts, the two Ashvinis, the sky, earth, quarters, water and luminous bodies. Vishnu alone is the creator, preserver and destroyer, truth, Tapas and the grand-father Brahma. Salute him, O descendant of Bharata. This lord of the celestials is the whole universe, is Ananta amongst the Nagas and Shankara amongst the Rudras. This universe, mobile and immobile, has emanated from Narayana. Janarddana has created this whole universe. That Eternal One alone is always adorable unto the gods. Thus have I recounted Keshava’s glories and Vana’s battle. Listening to them you will acquire incomparable family prestige. Sin will not invade them, who will meditate on Vana’s battle and the most excellent deed of Keshava. O Janamejaya, thus after the termination of the sacrifice as questioned by you, I have described all the glorious deeds of Vishnu. O king, the man who can meditate on all these wonderful themes, in his mind, is freed from sins and repairs to the region of Vishnu. He, who will recite this every morning, will meet with no calamity either in this world or in the next. By reciting it the Brahmanas will be versed in the Saman, the Kshatriyas will acquire victories, the Vaishyas will amass riches and the Sudras will fare well. He, who will recite this, will be visited by no misfortune and live a long life.

21-41. Sauti said:—O foremost of the twice-born, hearing this Harivamsha, Parikshit’s son Janamejaya was freed from sins. O Saunaka, I have thus described to you Hari’s family at length and in brief. What more do you wish to hear again?.