Mahabharata (English)

by Kisari Mohan Ganguli | 2,566,952 words | ISBN-10: 8121505933

The English translation of the Mahabharata is a large text describing ancient India. It is authored by Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa and contains the records of ancient humans. Also, it documents the fate of the Kauravas and the Pandavas family. Another part of the large contents, deal with many philosophical dialogues such as the goals of life. Book...

Vaisampayana said, "Then tying up in his cloth dice made of gold and set with lapis lazuli, and holding them below his arm-pit, king Yudhishthira,—that illustrious lord of men—that high-souled perpetuator of the Kuru race, regarded by kings, irrepressible in might, and like unto a snake of virulent poison,—that bull among men, endued with strength and beauty and prowess, and possessed of greatness, and resembling in form a celestial though now like unto the sun enveloped in dense clouds, or fire covered with ashes, first made his appearance when the famous king Virata was seated in his court.

And beholding with his followers that son of Pandu in his court, looking like the moon hid in clouds and possessed of a face beautiful as the full moon, king Virata addressed his counsellors and the twice-born ones and the charioteers and the Vaisyas and others, saying,

"Enquire you who it is, so like a king that looks on my court for the first time. He cannot be a Brahmana. Methinks he is a man of men, and a lord of earth. He has neither slaves, nor cars, nor elephants with him, yet he shines like the very Indra. The marks on his person indicate him to be one whose coronal locks have undergone the sacred investiture. Even this is my belief. He approaches me without any hesitation, even as an elephant in rut approaches an assemblage of lotuses!'

"And as the king was indulging in these thoughts, that bull among men, Yudhishthira, came before Virata and addressed him, saying,

'O great king, know me for a Brahmana who, having lost his all has come to you for the means of subsistence. I desire, O sinless one, to live here beside you acting under your commands,[1] O lord.

The king then, well-pleased, replied unto him saying,

'You are welcome. Do you then accept the appointment you seeks!'

And having appointed the lion among kings in the post he had prayed for, king Virata addressed him with a glad heart, saying,

'O child, I ask you from affection, from the dominions of what king dost you come hither? Tell me also truly what is your name and family, and what you have a knowledge of.'"

Yudhishthira said,

"My name is Kanka, and I am a Brahmana belonging to the family known by the name of Vaiyaghra. I am skilled in casting dice, and formerly I was a friend of Yudhishthira."

Virata replied,

"I will grant you whatever boon you mayst desire. Do you rule the Matsyas.—I shall remain in submission to you. Even cunning gamblers are liked by me. You, on the other hand, art like a god, and deserves a kingdom."

Yudhishthira said,

"My first prayer, O lord of earth, is that I may not be involved in any dispute (on account of dice) with low people. Further, a person defeated by me (at dice) shall not be permitted to retain the wealth (won by me). Let this boon be granted to me through your grace."

Virata replied,

"I shall certainly slay him who may happen to displease you, and should be one of the twice-born ones, I shall banish him from my dominions. Let the assembled subjects listen! Kanka is as much lord of this realm as I myself, You (Kanka) shalt be my friend and shalt ride the same vehicles as I. And there shall also be at your disposal apparel in plenty, and various kinds of viands and drinks. And you shalt look into my affairs, both internal and external. And for you all my doors shall be open. When men out of employ or of strained circumstances will apply to you, do you at all hours bring their words unto me, and I will surely give them whatever they desire. No fear shall be thine as long as you residest with me."

Vaisampayana said, "Having thus obtained an interview with Virata’s king, and received from him boons, that heroic bull among men, began to live happily, highly regarded by all. Nor could any one discover him as he lived there."

Footnotes and references:

[1]:

Kamachara is explained by Nilakantha thus, although in other places it bears a quite different meaning.

Conclusion:

This concludes Section VII of Book 4 (Virata Parva) of the Mahabharata, of which an English translation is presented on this page. This book is famous as one of the Itihasa, similair in content to the eighteen Puranas. Book 4 is one of the eighteen books comprising roughly 100,000 Sanskrit metrical verses.

FAQ (frequently asked questions):

Which keywords occur in Section VII of Book 4 of the Mahabharata?

The most relevant definitions are: Virata, Yudhishthira, Brahmana, Kanka, Vaisampayana, Kuru; since these occur the most in Book 4, Section VII. There are a total of 10 unique keywords found in this section mentioned 25 times.

What is the name of the Parva containing Section VII of Book 4?

Section VII is part of the Pandava-Pravesa Parva which itself is a sub-section of Book 4 (Virata Parva). The Pandava-Pravesa Parva contains a total of 12 sections while Book 4 contains a total of 4 such Parvas.

Can I buy a print edition of Section VII as contained in Book 4?

Yes! The print edition of the Mahabharata contains the English translation of Section VII of Book 4 and can be bought on the main page. The author is Kisari Mohan Ganguli and the latest edition (including Section VII) is from 2012.

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