Part 6: Conquest of Vaitāḍhya by Bharata

The Lord of Bharata, advancing gradually by the northeast, arrived at Mt. Vaitāḍhya, the boundary between the two halves of Bharata. On its right slope the King established a camp, possessing length and breadth like an island. There the King made a four days’ fast, and the Prince of Mt. Vaitāḍhya’s throne shook. “The first Cakravartin in Bharatakṣetra has arisen,” the Prince of Vaitāḍhya knew by clairvoyant knowledge. Then he went to Bharata and, standing in the air, said, “O Lord, hail! Hail! I am your servant. Command me.” He gave the King valuable jewels and jeweled ornaments and divine garments, as if he were a treasury agent. He bestowed on the King many beautiful thrones, playhouses of Splendor and Wealth. The King accepted everything from him. For even persons who are free from greed take for the sake of favoring servants. The King spoke with him and dismissed him with honor. The great do not despise a dependent even though insignificant. At the end of the four days’ fast, the King took food and made an eight-day festival for the deity of Mt. Vaitāḍhya.