CHAPTER CLXIX
(ARJUNA GOES TO RESCUE THE BRAHMANA AND BECOMES UNSUCCESSFUL)
Arjuna said:—O foremost of the Bharata race, within a moment we reached the boundary of the village and encamped because all our animals were tired (1). O descendant of Kuru, a few moments after encircled by the huge Vrishni army I entered into the city (2). At that time all was ablaze and burning vultures and beasts frighted me (3). Huge and black fire-brands fell down, the sun was shorn of its effulgence and the earth trembled (4). Beholding those dreadful and hair-stirring evil omens, I, filled with anxiety, ordered my soldiers to get ready. Hearing it the great car warriors of the Vrishni and Andhaka families headed by Yuyudhana got ready their respective cars and I too put on my arms (5–6).
After the expiration of the mid-night that Brāhmana, stricken with fear, approached us and said "My wife is on the point of giving birth to a child. Do you station yourselves so that I may not be cheated" (7-8). In a moment, O king, piteous cries were heard in the Brāhmana's house exclaiming "Stolen! Stolen!" (9). Afterwards we also heard the cries of the baby in the sky, but could not see the Rākshasa (10). Afterwards we agitated all the quarters with a downpour of arrows, but the boy was however stolen away (11). When that boy was stolen away that Brāhmana crying addressed to us such harsh words that the Vrishnis lost themselves and I too lost my senses. He particularly said to me:—"You said that you would protect me, but could not do so. Therefore listen to these beneficial words, O wicked minded wretch (12–14). You always vaunt with Keshava of incomparable intellect. Had Govinda been here this mischief would not have been created. O stupid man, as a saviour is entitled to the one-fourth share of the virtue, so he, who cannot protect one, is constrained to participate of the sin; you said that you would protect me but you have not been able to do so. In vain is your Gāndiva, prowess and fame" (15-17).
However I did not speak anything to the Brāhmana, but went with the princes of the Vrishni and Andhaka families where the highly effulgent Krishna was. Afterwards going to city of Dwāravati I saw Govinda the slayer of Madhu and he too, saw me, filled with shame and sorrow. Beholding me ashamed Mādhava consoled me and the Brāhmana with sweet words.[1]
[1] Extra story from Chitrasala edition: The brAhmaNa abused me, who was ashamed, in front of kR^ishNa: Look at my stupidity who listened to the words of the eunuch.(20)What neither pradyumna nor aniruddha nor bala(rAma) nor also keshava (kR^iShNa) are able to protect, which other deva can protect?(21)arjuna who speaks useless words is useless. The bow of the one who boasts is also useless. The one with bad intellect, due to stupidity, takes up what is discarded by the god.(22)As the sage brAhmaNa cursed, I took up the technique of vaiShNavI and went to saMyamanI where the valiant lord yama (god of death) was.(23)Not seeing the son of the brAhmaNa there, I went to the city of indra. I also went to the city of the fire god, nairR^iti, udIchI of soma and the city of varuNa.(24)Then, taking all my weapons, I went to rasAtalaM and heaven. There also, I could not get the brAhmin's son. I was unable to keep my words.(25)As I was about to enter the fire, kR^iShNa and pradyumna stopped me: "You will be shown the brAhmin's child. Do not insult your soul.(26)The men shall establish your vast fame for ever." Speaking affectionately thus, mAdhava (kR^iShNa) consoled me.(27)
Thereupon he said to Dāruka:—"Get ready my horses, Sugriva, Saivya, Meghapushpa, and Balāhaka." Afterwards making the Brāhmana ascend the car and sending down Dāruka, Shura's descendant Krishna asked me to act as the charioteer. O descendant of Kuru, afterwards, Krishna, the Brāhmana and myself set out on that car towards the north (18-20).
Source: https://archive.org/details/AProseEnglishTranslationOfHarivamsh
| Previous | | Source | | Tamil Translation | | Next |
