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Toward noon on the day after his victory, King Virata reentered his city. Praised by bards he shone amid the …

The king was at once overcome by sorrow. “How will my son fare against the likes of Bhīṣma, Droṇa, Karṇa …

The king told his ministers to have the army prepare to go out again. “We must quickly rescue Bhuminjaya and …

Yudhiṣṭhira smiled as he took his place near the king. “If Bṛhannala is his charioteer, you need not fear. The …

The king looked at Yudhiṣṭhira quizzically. This was no time for joking. He wrung his hands and thought only of …

As Virata gave orders for his forces to assemble, a messenger entered the court with the news that the Kurus …

“This news is not at all wonderful,” Yudhiṣṭhira said. “Victory is certain for anyone who has Bṛhannala with him.”

The king ignored Yudhiṣṭhira’s remark and said joyfully, “Decorate the highways with flags and festoons. Worship all the gods with …

Soon a large procession of handsomely dressed and beautiful maidens, musicians playing drums, trumpets, cymbals and conches, Brahmins chanting auspicious …

Overjoyed, the king turned to Yudhiṣṭhira and said, “Come, Kaṅka, let us play dice while we wait for my son. …

“O King, one should never gamble when he is experiencing so much joy,” Yudhiṣṭhira replied with a smile. “Gambling is …

The king laughed and sat down at his dicing table with Yudhiṣṭhira. As they played he said, “What do you …

Yudhiṣṭhira again said that it was no surprise since the prince had Bṛhannala with him. The king was beginning to …

Yudhiṣṭhira threw the sapphire dice across the gaming board. “When Bhīṣma, Droṇa, Kṛpa, Duryodhana, and the other Kurus assemble for …

The king stood up suddenly, clutching the dice in fury. “You obviously do not know right from wrong. I should …

Virata hurled the dice at Yudhiṣṭhira and struck him in the face. Blood flowed from his nose and Yudhiṣṭhira cupped …

At that moment, a second messenger came before the king and announced that his son had arrived at the palace …

The messenger turned to go, and as he was leaving Yudhiṣṭhira whispered to him, “Have the prince come alone. Tell …

Yudhiṣṭhira knew that Arjuna had taken a vow that if anyone caused his blood to flow other than in battle, …