CHAPTER CIII
(RUKSHMINI'S SWAYAMVARA)
VAISHAMPAYANA said: - At this time the spies assembled at the house of Baladeva resembling that of a patriarch (1). when those spies arrived there for cropping up the topic of future dissension all the leading Yādavas were present in the assembly at Krishna’s mandate (2). When all the leading Yādavas assembled at the meeting, the emissaries announced the future destruction of the kings, saying (3): "O Janarddana, at the invitation of Bhoja's son a great meeting of the kings will take place at the city of Kundina. There the kings of various provinces are repairing in haste (4-5). People there, as we have heard, are announcing that Rukshmini, the first sister of Rukshmi, will hold her Swayamvara (6). For this, O Janārddana, all the kings, with their army and followers, are repairing there (7). O Yādava, on the third day hereof, the Swayamvara, of Rushmini adorned with golden ornaments, the fairest in the three worlds, will take place (8). Proceeding on elephants, horses and cars, all the kings, elated with pride like unto lions and tigers, bent upon injuring one another, gifted with the gait of infuriated elephants, fond of battle and highly powerful, will assemble there. We shall behold those hundreds of encampments of the high-souled ones (9–10). O descendant of Yadu, while all the kings of earth have assembled why should we remain depressed alone? Let us all, encircled by our armies, set out for victory (11)."
Hearing those words like unto a dart stuck to the heart, Keshava, the foremost of Yadus, set out immediately with his army (12), The Yādavas too, of fierce prowess, got upon their cars, with a view to engage in a battle and followed him like gods filled with pride (13). With that powerful army ready for action Krishna, with uplifted discus and mace in his hand, and liked by Ishāna, shone there (14). The other Yadavas, following Vasudeva, increased his beauty with the collection of cars effulgent like the sun and echoing with the tinkling of bells (15).
Govinda, of sure fore-sight, said to Ugrasena, at the time of his departure, "O sinless one, O foremost of kings, do thou wait here with my brother (16). For when this city will be empty on our departure, those Khatriyas, of deceitful conduct and well-versed in laws, who, although afraid of us, are enjoying in the city of Kundina, like immortals in the land of celestials, may attack it at Jarāsandha's desire (17-18)".
Vaishampayana said:—Hearing the words of Krishna, the highly illustrious king of Bhoja replied in nectarine words impressed with affection (19.) "O Krishna, O thou of large arms, O thou the enhancer of the delight of the Yadus, O slayer of enemies, listen now to what I say (20). If dost thou go leaving us behind, we shall not be able to live here happily or elsewhere like a woman without her husband (21). O my child, O conferrer of honors, on thy being our leader, we do not, under the shelter of thy arms, fear even Indra and other gods what to speak of kings (22). O foremost of Yadus, we shall follow thee wherever thou shalt go for achieving victory (23)."
Hearing the words of the king, Devaki's son smilingly said:—"I should do whatever you wish. There is no doubt, about it (24)."
Source: https://archive.org/details/AProseEnglishTranslationOfHarivamsh
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