Gandhari experienced great delight. And, O foremost
of kings, Duryodhana despatched swift messengers to
invite the princes and the Brahmanas. And mounting
fleet vehicles they went to the (respective) directions
assigned to them. Then to a certain messenger
on the point of setting out, Dussasana said, ’Go
thou speedily to the woods of
Dwaita; and in
that forest duly invite the Brahmanas and those wicked
persons, the Pandavas.’ Thereupon, he repaired
thither, and bowing down to all the Pandavas, said,
’Having acquired immense wealth by his native
prowess, that best of kings and foremost of Kurus,
Duryodhana, O monarch, is celebrating a sacrifice.
Thither are going from various directions the kings
and the Brahmanas. O king, I have been sent by
the high-souled Kaurava. That king and lord of
men, Dhritarashtra’s son, invites you.
It behoveth you, therefore, to witness the delightful
sacrifice of that monarch.’
“Hearing these words of the messenger, that
tiger among kings, the royal Yudhishthira, said, ’By
good luck it is that that enhancer of the glory of
his ancestors, king Suyodhana is celebrating this best
of sacrifices. We should certainly repair thither;
but we cannot do now; for till (the completion of)
the thirteenth year, we shall have to observe our vow.’
Hearing this speech of Yudhishthira the just, Bhima
said these words, ’Then will king Yudhishthira
the just go thither, when he will cast him (Duryodhana)
into the fire kindled by weapons. Do thou say
unto Suyodhana. “When after the expiration
of the thirteenth year, that lord of men, the Pandava,
will, in the sacrifice of battle, pour upon the Dhritarashtras,
the clarified butter of his ire, then will I come!”
But the other Pandavas, O king, did not say anything
unpleasant. The messenger (on his return) related
unto Dhritarashtra’s son all as it had fallen
out. Then there came to the city of Dhritarashtra
many foremost of men, lords of various countries,
and highly virtuous Brahmanas. And duly received
in order according to the ordinance, those lords of
men experienced great delight and were all well-pleased.
And that foremost among monarchs—Dhritarashtra—surrounded
by all the Kauravas, experienced the height of joy,
and spake unto Vidura, saying, ’Do thou, O Kshatta,
speedily so act that all persons in the sacrificial
compound may be served with food, be refreshed and
satisfied.’ Thereupon, O represser of foes,
assenting to that order, the learned Vidura versed
in morality, cheerfully entertained all the orders
in proper measure with meat and beverages to eat and
drink, and fragrant garland and various kinds of attire.
And having constructed pavilions (for their accommodation),
that hero and foremost of kings, duly entertained the
princes and the Brahmanas by thousands, and also bestowing
upon them wealth of various kinds, bade them farewell.
And having dismissed all the kings, he entered Hastinapura,
surrounded by his brothers, and in company with Karna
and Suvala’s son.”
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