An Index to the Names in the Mahabharata, with Short Explanations and a Concordance to the Bombay and Calcutta Editions and P. C. Roy's Translation c5.s2.134

c5.s2.134

years. "That understanding according to which thou art now acting, is not in accordance with the intentions of Pāṇḍu, or myself, or thy grandsire, when we uttered blessings on thee before," etc. (V, 132). "In this connection is cited an old story: § 568. Vidulāputraçāsana" (q.v.).—§ 569: Kuntī asked Kṛṣṇa to remind Arjuna of the voice heard at his birth (that he should rival Indra, vanquish the Kurus, conquer the earth aided by Bhīma; slay the Kurus in battle with Kṛṣṇa as his ally, and recover his share in the kingdom, and, with his brothers, perform three great sacrifices); to Bhīma he should say that "the time has come for that in view of which a kṣattriya lady brings forth a son"; Kṛṣṇa he should praise for her behaviour towards the Pāṇḍavas; he should remind Nakula and Sahadeva, that they must not forgive the insults towards Draupadī, that was worse than the defeat at dice and the exile; Arjuna should always tread in the path pointed out by Draupadī; Bhīma and Arjuna are a pair of Yamas capable of slaying the very gods; they should revenge the harsh words said by Duḥçāsana to Bhīma. Kṛṣṇa bade farewell to Bhīshma, etc., took Karṇa upon his chariot and set out with Sātyaki, deliberating with Karṇa for a long time. Then he dismissed Karṇa, and driven by Dāruka the steeds soon reached Upaplavya. The Kurus assembled and talked about Kṛṣṇa (V, 137). Bhīshma and Droṇa reminded Duryodhana of what Kuntī had said to Kṛṣṇa, and the exploits of Arjuna; they recommended peace; fearful omens appeared (V, 138). Duryodhana was cheerless and silent. Bhīshma complained. Droṇa said that his affection for Arjuna was greater than for Açvatthāman; Duryodhana ought to have followed the counsels of the elders; Yudhishṭhira was invincible; the Pāṇḍavas had procured wealth from Kubera's abode; "the periods of our lives have run out"; etc. (V, 139). Requested by Dhṛtarāshṭra, Sañjaya related the conversation between Kṛṣṇa and Karṇa (see the note of PCR). Kṛṣṇa disclosed to Karṇa that he was virtually the son of Pāṇḍu, and on the side of his father was related to the Pāṇḍavas, on the side of his mother to the Vṛshṇis. He ought to come with him to the Pāṇḍavas, being the elder brother of Yudhishṭhira, and be installed as king by Dhaumya, etc. (α), Yudhishṭhira being his heir-presumptive and ruling the kingdom under him; "during the sixth period Draupadī also will come to thee"; "let the Draviḍas, etc. (β), walk before thee" (V, 140). Karṇa admitted that he was virtually the son of Pāṇḍu, Kuntī having, while a maiden, born him to Sūrya and then abandoned him. But the Sūta-Adhiratha had taken him to his home; from her affection for Rādhā's breasts were filled with milk that very day, and she held his urine and feces; "how can one like us . . . . . deprive her of her piṇḍa?" Adhiratha regarded Karṇa as a son, and Karṇa regarded Adhiratha as a father; he had caused all the rites of infancy to be performed on Karṇa according to the Vedas; he had caused the name Vasusheṇa to be bestowed upon him by the brahmans; when Karṇa attained to youth he had, according to Adhiratha's selection; with them he had sons and grandsons. Through Duryodhana he had enjoyed royalty for thirteen years. His many sacrifices were for Sūtas, as had also his family rites been performed, only after having got hold of Duryodhana, who had decided upon war with the Pāṇḍavas, and had chosen us as the antagonist of the Pāṇḍavas. He had kept secret, lest Yudhishṭhira should be alarmed; and "if the empire