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Mahābhārata The History of the Great India
<< 68 The Opulence of the Arena >>
 |  | Exalted brahmanas arrived from many countries, and the great soul Drupada welcomed and honored them, as he did the contingents of monarchs. The local crowds roared like the tossing sea as the visiting kings reached the fine city and settled in for the affair.
| | | Northeast of the town, on a flat and sanctified stretch of land, a beautiful stadium shone with much splendor, boasting luxurious viewing stands on all sides. A colorful canopy stretched across the entire arena; a protective wall and moat encircled it. Tall arched gateways adorned the arena, hundreds of musical instruments filled the air with sound, priceless aloe perfumes and sandalwood water scented the atmosphere, and colorful flower garlands added bright beauty to the scene.
| | | The palatial pavilions on all sides of the stadium were of excellent construction and stood so high that they seemed to scrape the heavens like the peak of Mount Kailasa. The pavilions were covered with golden trellises and inlaid gorgeously with gems. Access to the upper stands was gradual and easy, and there were large seats and other furnishings completely upholstered with material not to be found in ordinary villages, for the fabrics and carpets were as white as swans and scented with the finest aloe, perfuming the air for miles. There were a hundred wide and unobstructed gateways, furnished with exquisite seats and sofas fashioned with varieties of valuable metals, resembling the peaks of the Himalayas. All the kings, splendidly dressed, took their seats on the various levels of the pavilion, competing with one another for position and prestige.
| | | The citizens of the town and country saw that those mighty warriors were lionlike monarchs, ferocious in battle but exceedingly kind to those who sought their shelter. Indeed, the kings were loved by all their countrymen for good and pious deeds, and those fortunate kings, tastefully scented with black aloe cologne, ruled their lands with saintly guidance and devotedly served the brahmanas. The citizens sought the satisfaction of seeing the chaste Princess Draupadi, and so they took their seats in the opulent viewing areas.
| | | The Pandavas took their seats with the brahmanas and beheld the unparalleled opulence of the Pancala king. The gathering continued to grow for many days, and it was magnificent. Jewels were given in charity, and professional actors and dancers performed.
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