|
Mahābhārata The History of the Great India
<< 130 The Great Chariot >>
 |  | Then Krsna, uninjured, equipped with weapons, victorious over the enemy, and mounting His celestial chariot, left with the kings the capital of Girivraja, with its circle of mountains and green pastures. With Lord Krsna at the reins and His two warrior brothers on board that fabulous war chariot, so carefully crafted for killing, everyone could now clearly see that even all the kings of the world could not conquer it. Indeed, bearing the two warriors Bhima and Arjuna, and with Lord Krsna holding the reins, that chariot shone with beauty, and all the world's archers could not conquer it. It was on this chariot that Indra and Visnu had ridden in the battle for Taraka, the wife of Brhaspati, and now Lord Krsna, having mounted it, made ready to depart.
| | | Upon that triumphant and deadly car, bright like molten gold, thundering like a cloud, and adorned with circlets of bells, Indra had once slain nine times ninety demons, and now those best of men, having won it, rejoiced. Thereupon, the Magadha people became astonished to see mighty-armed Krsna standing on the chariot with His two cousin-brothers. When Lord Krsna stood upon that chariot yoked with divine horses and as swift as the wind, it shone with utmost beauty. On this excellent chariot the Lord arranged for a beautiful free-flying flag to be raised that was visible for eight miles. Indeed, it shone as bright as a rainbow stretched across the sky like the rain-god's bow.
| | | Sri Krsna thought of Garuda, and so he came. At that very moment [by the presence of Garuda on the chariot's flag] the chariot stood tall like a great temple pillar. Garuda, devourer of serpents, stood on that excellent chariot with other creatures, who rested on the flag with wide-open mouths roaring great sounds. Garuda shone with such distinctly superior prowess that it was difficult for ordinary creatures to gaze upon him, blazing as he was like the midday sun basking in its thousands of rays. O king, that divine and excellent banner, seen by gods and humans alike, did not get entangled in trees, nor could weapons damage it. Standing firm on the divine car, which resounded like a rain cloud, the infallible, tigerlike Krsna departed with the two Pandavas.
| | | The celebrated and mighty-armed Lord Krsna, whose eyes are as delicate as lotus petals, then departed Girivraja, but He stopped outside the city on a plain. There, O king, all the citizens reverently approached Him, with the brahmanas in the lead, and they behaved in accord with the sacred rules. So also did the kings freed from bondage worship Lord Madhusudana, Krsna, gently speaking these words: "O mighty-armed one, O son of Devaki, it is not surprising that You, together with Bhima and Arjuna, have carefully protected the principles of religion. Today You have lifted up all the kings who had sunk into the miserable mud of the horrible lake of Jarasandha. O Visnu, O Supreme Person, thanks to Providence You have freed us kings who were languishing in that dreadful mountain fort, and thus You have achieved shining fame. O tiger among men, O most noble one, tell us what deed we can do for You, even if difficult, for we kings must know this."
| | | The great-minded Lord Krsna, master of the senses, then encouraged the kings with these words: "Yudhisthira wishes to perform the Rajasuya rite. He is always dedicated to justice, and now he wishes to establish his sovereignty. All of you should help him with his sacrificial performance." At this, O noble Bharata, the kings were delighted, and all of them happily agreed and promised, "So shall it be!"
| | | Those lords of the earth then presented Lord Krsna with riches, and out of compassion for the kings, the Lord reluctantly accepted their gifts. And even the son of Jarasandha, the mighty chariot warrior Sahadeva, came out with his people and ministers in a procession headed by priests. Becoming meek and humble, he also presented many valuable gifts and then stood near Lord Vasudeva, Krsna, the God of mankind. O noble Arya, as Jarasandha's son Sahadeva stood fearfully before Him, Lord Krsna granted him full assurance of safety and right there anointed him king of Magadha. Having allied himself with Lord Krsna and having been honored by the two sons of Prtha, the wise king entered the city of his father and grandfather. Then lotus-eyed Krsna, glowing with supreme opulence, took the varieties of riches and departed with Prtha's two sons.
|
|
| |
|---|
English
Español
Pусский
Português