Though well aware that gambling is a heinous act fraught with dreadful consequences, Dharmaja, as if compelled by an unseen power, agreed to play. The game unfolded in a realm bereft of rules or restraint. The hall of dice was adorned with mango groves, perfumed with sandalwood, and the dice themselves were consecrated with flowers,…
The hour of ruin stood close at hand, for the momentary frailty of a mind usually steadfast and luminous was to unbar the gates of devastation. Dharmaja, scion of righteousness, a ruler gentle and just, whose humility matched his virtues, found himself upon the very path where fate’s unerring device makes a man’s own judgement…
Dhritarashtra, seeking to mask his own misgivings, spoke with gentle persuasion to the wise Vidura. “O friend, venerable to all,” said he, “when you, I, and the grandsire Bhishma stand together, what cause is there for enmity among brothers? By the grace of the gods no harm shall befall my sons. Therefore, O treasure of…
Duryodhana, determined to inflame the mind of his blind father, began to pour his words like poison into an open wound. The spoke of the Rajasuya sacrifice, whose concluding rite—the sacred Avabhrutha ablution—had drawn the foremost of seers: the venerable Dhaumya, the mighty Vyasa, the divine Narada, Brahmarshis and Rajarshis, all chanting hymns that filled…
In those days, Duryodhana withdrew from all company, shunning both counsel and converse. This silence troubled the wily Śakuni, who seated himself close beside the prince and addressed him in tones of studied affection: “O King of Hastināpura, why these many days of wordless gloom? Why does your brow burn like the parched earth before…
Sisupala, deaf to the earnest counsel of Bhishma and unmoved by the warning glance of Bhima, strode forward to confront Sri Krishna. In swelling pride, he cried, “O Kesava! Thou art unworthy of reverence. By the false spirit of friendship, this aged grandsire of the Kurus hath invoked thy worship. The Pandavas, blinded by folly,…
A hush fell upon the sacred court, heavy with a tension that seemed to quiver in the very air. Suneedha, chief of the Chedi armies, trembled with rage; his teeth gnashed, and his sword flashed as he made a savage sign, urging the vassal lords of Śiśupāla to one side. With the slightest nod from…
The sage Nārada, beholding the splendour of the Rājasūya and the flawless virtues of Dharmarāja, rejoiced in silent wonder. He watched the gathered kings and vassal lords, and among them beheld Kṛṣṇa moving with the ease of a simple man. Yet Nārada’s heart dwelt upon the ancient prayer of Brahmā and the gods, and he…
In the radiant court of Indraprastha, the venerable sage Dhoumya, his heart brimming with delight at the peerless achievements and transcendent virtues of the Pandava princes, turned to Dharmaraja with words of benediction. “O scion of the Kuru race,” he said, “your rule, founded upon spotless conduct and abundant virtues, has bestowed true wealth and…
Sahadeva set forth upon his southern march with the calm confidence of a prince destined to triumph. First, he subdued Sumithra, Surasena, Danthavaktra, and the Yavana chiefs, then the lords of Gosrungagiri and Kunthibhoja, who bowed before him in homage to the Pandava name. Thereafter, he challenged Jambhaka, son of Bhuribala and foe to Sri…
