Mahābhārata The History of the Great India

<< 125 Receiving the "Brahmanas" >>

Passing through three chambers crowded with people, those very powerful bulls among men proudly approached the king. Jarasandha rose to meet them and attended them with proper rites and reception, for they were worthy of a foot bath, the respectful offering of milk and honey, and all the honor due the saintly.

That commanding king then said to them, "Welcome!"

The king was well known for his vow: Whenever he heard of the arrival of religious students—brahmanas—that conquering king would rise to receive them, O Bharata, even if it were midnight. But when he saw the unique raiment of those three heroes, Jarasandha was amazed, O best of kings, even as he attended on them.

And those three leaders of men, each a slayer of his foes, said upon seeing King Jarasandha, "Our best wishes, O king. May you be well!"

Each of the three heroes was determined to carry out the mission, O tiger of a king, as they studied the monarch and looked at one another.

To Krsna and the two Pandavas, who were all disguised as brahmanas, Jarasandha then said, "Be seated."

Thereupon the three mighty personalities took their seats and blazed forth with charisma like the three fires that blaze at a great sacrifice. Jarasandha, a monarch fixed in honesty, then condemned his guests for having come in disguise, O Kauravya.

"People do not become genuine snataka students just by wearing garlands and sandal paste on their bodies. In this world of men, everything is known to me. You people wear flowery wreaths, but your arms bear the scars of the bowstring. You claim to be of the brahmana community, but you wield the power of warriors. Thus outwardly you dress with detachment, yet you wear garlands and sandal paste. Speak the truth! Who are you? Honesty is appealing among those of the royal order. Why in the world did you tear down the peak of Caityaka Mountain? Why didn't you just enter our city through the gate? Why do you have no fear of offending a king? These are the actions of inscrutable men. What is your plan now? Speak, men, for prowess in speech is the mark of a brahmana.

"Now that you have come to me, why not accept the honor we have properly arranged? Take it! What do you want from us in coming here?"

Thus addressed, the very wise and eloquent Krsna replied with words that were both profound and polished.

"Brahmanas, warriors, and merchants may all take the vow of a snataka, O king. Some of them follow special rules, and others do not. A warrior who always observes his special religious rule attains success. Success is sure for those who wear flowers, and hence we wear them.

"A warrior's speech is known to be innocent of arrogance, O son of Brhadratha, for his power lies in his arms, not his speech. The creator has invested His own power in the arms of the ksatriya warriors. If you wish to see that, O king, then without doubt you will see it today."

"Cultured people do not enter an enemy's house through the front gate, but they always enter the house of a sincere friend through the front. Thus we have shunned your city's gate. We do not accept honor from an enemy, having come to his house on a mission. Know that to be our eternal vow!"

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