Part 2: Preparations for war by Bāhubali’s men

As he went, he heard as if it were history such an account of the quarrel between the two sons of Ṛṣabha which had been made public at the gate as if by deities. Though he went quickly because of anger, the story of their quarrel went on the road more quickly, as if in rivalry. At that news, the soldiers in every village and in every city made instant preparations for camp, as if by the King’s order. Some dragged out war-chariots from coach-houses, and strengthened them with new axles, etc., like Yogis strengthening their bodies. Some, having mounted, conquered fatigue to train the horses on the riding-path to endure battle by five gaits. Others went to blacksmiths’ houses and had their weapons, sword, etc., sharpened, like embodied splendor of their lord. Others joined together the best horn and fastened it with new strings, and made bows of horn that were like bows of Yama. Some brought camels from the forest for carrying armor, etc., that cried out on the march like living musical instruments. Some made firm quivers with arrows and coats of mail with helmets, even though already firm, like logicians the Siddhāntas (Scriptures). Some spread out concealing, heavy curtains and tents of felt, like palaces of Gandharvas, and examined them instantly. AH, as if in rivalry with each other, devoted to King Bāhubali, prepare for battle, and also people in the country. If any one, eager for battle, is restrained by a friend, he, wishing to show the King devotion, is angry with him like an enemy.

As he went along the road, he saw such preparation on the part of the people, who wished to show devotion to the King even with their lives, because of their affection. When they had heard and had seen, the mountain-kings in his territory also assembled, from thinking themselves wonderfully devoted to the King. Just as cows run from arbors at the call of the cowherd, thousands of Kirātas ran at the sound of their cow-horns. Some soldiers bound their hair quickly with the skin of tigers’ tails, some with peacocks’ tail-feathers, some with vines. Some fastened their deer-skin garments with snake-skin, some with tree-bark, some with iguana-skin. Carrying stones and bows in their hands, leaping like monkeys, like dogs they soon surrounded their own masters who were devoted to their lord. “Now at last we can give a return for Bāhubali’s favor by destroying Bharata’s army,” was what they said.

Noticing such enthusiastic preparations on their part, Suvega, being endowed with a discriminating mind, reflected thus: “Indeed, these adherents of Bāhubali living in the district hasten to the battle-business as if from inherited hostility. Even these Kirātas, indeed, desiring battle in the vanguard of Bāhubali’s army, are eager to kill our army when it has come. I see no one who is not preparing for battle. There is no one here who is not devoted to Bāhubali. In Bahalī the warriors are devoted to the Master, and the farmers also. Is it the inherent character of the country, or is it Bāhubali’s merit? Infantry, vassals, etc., may he bought by money. But the whole earth has become his wife gained by his merit. I think the Cakrin’s army, even though large, is weak compared with the smaller army of Bāhubali, like a heap of grass before a fire. Moreover, I fear even the Cakrin is inferior to the great hero Bāhubali, like a young elephant to a śarabha. The Cakrin alone is reputed to be powerful on earth; Vajrin in heaven. The younger son of Ṛṣabha is between them or above them. I think the Cakrin’s cakra and Vajrin’s thunderbolt would be useless just from a slap of his hand. So, he is a bear seized by the ear, a serpent held in the hand, since we have made an enemy of mighty Bāhubali, alas! We foolishly injured him by threats when he was contented with taking one district, like a tiger seizing one deer. What was lacking to the King through the service of many kings that this man was laid hold of for service like a lion for a wagon? Shame on the ministers, thinking themselves friends of the master! Shame on us, also, who like an enemy treated the master with indifference in this matter! Shame on the messenger-service destroying merit. The people will say, ‘The Lord’s quarrel was started by Suvega who went alone.’” Thus reflecting unceasingly, in a few days Suvega, skilled in polity, arrived at the city Vinītā.