Vaishampayana continued, “Hearing these words of Narada, Rama bade a respectful farewell to those foremost of Brahmanas and dismissed all those that had accompanied him (in his pilgrimage).  Indeed, he ordered his attendants, saying, ‘Return ye to Dwaraka!’ He then descended from that prince of mountains and that fair hermitage called Plakshaprasravana.  Having listened to the discourse of the sages about the great merits of tirthas, Rama of unfading glory sang this verse in the midst of the Brahmanas, ’Where else is such happiness as that in a residence by the Sarasvati?  Where also such merits as those in a residence by the Sarasvati?  Men have departed for heaven, having approached the Sarasvati!  All should ever remember the Sarasvati!  Sarasvati is the most sacred of rivers!  Sarasvati always bestows the greatest happiness on men!  Men, after approaching the Sarasvati, will not have to grieve for their sins either here or hereafter!’ Repeatedly casting his eyes with joy on the Sarasvati, that scorcher of foes then ascended an excellent car unto which were yoked goodly steeds.  Journeying then on that car of great fleetness, Baladeva, that bull of Yadu’s race, desirous of beholding the approaching encounter of his two disciples arrived on the field.”

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Vaishampayana said, “Even thus, O Janamejaya, did that terrible battle take place.  King Dhritarashtra, in great sorrow, said these words with reference to it: 

“Dhritarashtra said, ’Beholding Rama approach that spot when the mace-fight was about to happen, how, O Sanjaya, did my son fight Bhima?’

“Sanjaya said, ’Beholding the presence of Rama, thy valiant son, Duryodhana of mighty arms, desirous of battle, became full of joy.  Seeing the hero of the plough, king Yudhishthira, O Bharata, stood up and duly honoured him, feeling great joy the while.  He gave him a seat and enquired about his welfare.  Rama then answered Yudhishthira in these sweet and righteous words that were highly beneficial to heroes, “I have heard it said by the Rishis, O best of kings, that Kurukshetra is a highly sacred and sin-cleansing spot, equal to heaven itself, adored by gods and Rishis and high-souled Brahmanas!  Those men that cast off their bodies while engaged in battle on this field, are sure to reside, O sire, in heaven with Shakra himself!  I shall, for this, O king, speedily proceed to Samantapanchaka.  In the world of gods that spot is known as the northern (sacrificial) altar of Brahman, the Lord of all creatures!  He that dies in battle on that eternal and most sacred of spots in the three worlds, is sure to obtain heaven!” Saying, “So be it,” O monarch, Kunti’s brave son, the lord Yudhishthira, proceeded towards Samantapanchaka.  King Duryodhana also, taking up his gigantic mace, wrathfully proceeded on foot with the Pandavas.  While proceeding thus, armed with mace and clad in armour, the celestials in the welkin applauded him, saying, “Excellent, Excellent!”