Those two great bowmen, the two illustrious Krishnas, filled with joy, cheerfully saluted the hero having the plough for his weapon and embraced him.  Similarly, the two sons of Madri and the five sons of Draupadi saluted Rohini’s son of great strength and stood (at a respectful distance).  Bhimasena of great strength and thy son, O monarch, both with uplifted maces (in their arms), worshipped Valadeva.  The other kings honoured him by bidding him welcome, and then all of them said unto Rama, “Witness this encounter, O thou of mighty arms!” Even thus those mighty car-warriors said unto the high-souled son of Rohini.  Endued with immeasurable energy, Rama, having embraced the Pandavas and the Srinjayas, enquired after the welfare of all the (other) kings.  Similarly, all of them, approaching, enquired after his welfare.  The hero of the plough, having in return saluted all the high-souled Kshatriyas, and having made courteous enquiries about each according to their years, affectionately embraced Janardana and Satyaki.  Smelling their heads, he enquired after their welfare.  Those two, in return, O king, duly worshipped him, their superior, joyfully, like Indra and Upendra worshipping Brahman, the lord of the celestials.  Then Dharma’s son, O Bharata, said these words unto that chastiser of foes, the son of Rohini, “Behold, O Rama, this formidable encounter between the two brothers!” Thus worshipped by those great car-warriors, the elder brother of Keshava, of mighty arms and great beauty, took his seat amongst them.  Clad in blue robes and possessed of a fair complexion, Rama, as he sat amidst those kings, looked resplendent like the moon in the firmament, encompassed by multitudes of stars.  Then that dreadful encounter, making the very hair stand on end, took place between those two sons of thine, O king, for terminating the quarrel (that had raged for many years).’”

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Janamejaya said, “On the eve of the great battle (between the Kurus and the Pandus), the lord Rama, with Keshava’s leave, had gone away (from Dwaraka) accompanied by many of the Vrishnis.  He had said unto Keshava, ’I will render aid neither unto the son of Dhritarashtra nor unto the sons of Pandu, but will go whithersoever I like!’ Having said these words, Rama, that resister of foes, had gone away.  It behoveth thee, O Brahmana, to tell me everything about his return!  Tell me in detail how Rama came to that spot, how he witnessed the battle.  In my opinion thou art well-skilled in narration!”

Vaishampayana said, “After the high-souled Pandavas had taken up their post at Upaplavya, they despatched the slayer of Madhu to Dhritarashtra’s presence, for the object of peace, O mighty-armed one, and for the good of all creatures.  Having gone to Hastinapura and met Dhritarashtra, Keshava spoke words of true and especially beneficial import.  The king, however, as I have told thee before, listened not to those counsels.  Unable to obtain peace, the mighty-armed Krishna, that