Search

The prince continued, “When Kṛṣṇa killed Śiśupāla no kings dared to speak.

Then Kṛṣṇa also decided to return home. As He was departing He spoke affectionately to Yudhiṣṭhira.

Duryodhana was especially intrigued by the Mayasabha, and he wanted to take a closer look. Thus he and Śakuni examined the hall. He was amazed by the workmanship and splendor of the palace. Ivory and gold seats stood by the side of lotus-filled lakes. The walls were inlaid with exquisite carvings depicting the gods and their consorts.

He called for Vidura and said, “Please leave at once for Indraprastha and bring Yudhiṣṭhira and his brothers

Many of Kṛṣṇa’s queens were also present and they too laughed.

His eyes narrowed slightly and he fingered his jeweled rings. “Your cousins have conquered the world and now possess limitless wealth. Why do you grieve? You have one hundred brothers, the greatly powerful Droṇa, Karṇa and the invincible chariot-warrior, And my brothers, along with the mighty Somadatta, stand ready at your command. Take the earth and rule it without a rival.”

As he made his way back to Hastināpura, Duryodhana sat brooding and miserable in his chariot. Why are your sighing again and again?”

As they entered Hastināpura, Duryodhana suggested that they go at once to Dhṛtarāṣṭra and get his permission He is pale and emaciated with grief. You should ask him the cause and try to find a remedy.”

He told him about the incidents in the Mayasabha--how the Pāṇḍavas, and especially Draupadī, had laughed what I thought to be a door, but which was really a solid piece of crystal, I walked straight into it and As I stood with my brains swimming, the twins came up and supported me. Sahadeva led me by the hand, smiling and saying repeatedly, ‘This is the door, O King.’ I felt like dying then and there.”

“And if he does, then I shall take my own life. Then you and Vidura may live here happily.

Gambling always brings with it dispute and fighting. You should be careful that no dissension arises between your sons and the Pāṇḍavas, for that may cause

The ṛṣi then stood up and left, surrounded by all the other sages. I shall always practice virtue and shall see no difference between my own sons and those of others, and

Vidura remembered the Rājasūya and the kings who had supported Śiśupāla against Kṛṣṇa.

He did not even look at the Pāṇḍavas or Kṛṣṇa and His queens. Their laughter was unbearable. Kṛṣṇa smiled but said nothing as Yudhiṣṭhira arranged for dry clothes to be brought and offered to the

He knew Yudhiṣṭhira was fond of playing, and also that he was not expert. “He cannot resist the game, and with a little encouragement, he will surely gamble away all his possessions Thus I will win for you his entire kingdom and wealth.”

They have their half of the kingdom, and with Kṛṣṇa’s help and Drupada’s alliance they have grown rich

He called for Vidura and said, “I have decided to invite the Pāṇḍavas for a friendly game of dice with They can gamble a little and thus sport together. I am building a fine hall for their pleasure.”

Let us conquer our enemies and enjoy this earth.”

Having witnessed their astounding sacrifice and seeing them shining like gods in heaven, my heart burns day and night.

I shall therefore enter fire, drown myself or swallow poison. How can I ever equal their power and opulence? Who can help me achieve such influence? Fate is supreme and men’s exertions useless. All my efforts to destroy the Pāṇḍavas have failed. Know that I am in the grip of grief, O Uncle, and please inform my father.”