Krishna Counsels and Reassures the Pandavas

When Yudhishthira was seated with them, Krishna praised the king and spoke these words. "O Pandava! Dharma is superior to winning the kingdom. It is said that austerity leads to it. You have lived by your own dharma, with truthfulness and virtue. You have won this world and the next. You first studied, and then observed the vows. You next became skilled in the use of weapons. You obtained riches by practising the dharma of kshatriyas. You have performed all the ancient sacrifices. You are not addicted to the dharma of sexual pleasure and desire. O Indra among kings! You have never acted out of desire. Nor have you given up dharma out of greed for artha. It is for these reasons that you are Dharmaraja. "O king! O Partha! Though you obtained the kingdom, riches and objects of pleasure, benevolence, truthfulness, austerities, devotion, conciliation, forbearance and forgiveness always brought you supreme pleasure. O Pandava! When the assembled inhabitants of Kurujangala saw Draupadi afraid and outraged in the assembly hall — an act that was contrary to dharma and good conduct — who but you could have endured it? There is no doubt that you will soon protect your subjects again and be restored to all the prosperity that you desire. Once your oath has been fulfilled, we will act so as to chastise the Kurus." Then the lion of the Dasharhas spoke to Dhoumya, to Draupadi, to Yudhishthira, to the twins and to Bhima. "It is your good fortune that Arjuna has happily returned, having obtained the weapons." The lord of the Dasharhas then spoke directly to Draupadi. "O Krishna! O Yajnaseni! Your young ones are devoted to truthful vows, show good conduct and wish to become foremost in the knowledge of weapons. They always associate with righteous ones. Your sons follow the path of meditation. Though your father and your brothers seek to attract them with the kingdom and the territory, these young ones find no attraction in the houses of Drupada or their maternal uncles. In a desire to become foremost in the knowledge of weapons, they safely travelled in the direction of Anarta. Your sons entered the city of the Vrishnis. They do not feel any jealousy towards the gods. Without fail, Subhadra always instructs them in conduct, just as you yourself would have instructed them, or the arya Kunti. "Just as Rukmini's son is the instructor and guide of Aniruddha, Abhimanyu, Sunitha and Bhanu, he is just the same to your sons too. Prince Abhimanyu is a skilled teacher. He constantly instructs the brave ones in fighting with clubs, swords, shields and missiles, and in handling chariots and horses. Like an instructor, Rukmini's son has given them many weapons and has taught them well. He finds great satisfaction in the valour of your sons and of Abhimanyu. When your sons go out for sport, each of them is followed by a retinue of chariots, vehicles and elephants." Then Krishna again addressed Dharmaraja. "O king! Let the warriors of Dasharha, Kukura and Andhaka always be intent on following your orders. Let them be established wherever you desire. The army of the Madhus has infantry, horses, chariots and elephants. It raises a forceful storm with its bows and is led by Halayudha — Balarama himself. It is ready to accomplish your tasks. Let Dhritarashtra's son Suyodhana, foremost among the performers of evil deeds, traverse the path followed by Shalva and Shalva's lord, together with his relatives and well-wishers. "O Indra among kings! Live where you desire, for the time appointed by you in the assembly hall. But after that, when the Dasharha warriors have cut down the enemy warriors, the city of Nagapura will await your return. When you have subdued your anger and cleansed your torment, when you have finished roaming around as you desire, then, bereft of sorrow, you will return to the prosperous city of Nagapura and regain your kingdom." On hearing the detailed views of that great-souled one, supreme among men, Dharmaraja approved of them. He joined his hands in salutation and replied to Keshava. "O Keshava! There is no doubt that you are the refuge of the Partha Pandavas. When the time has come, there is no doubt that you will accomplish these deeds. As we have promised, we will spend a complete twelve years in this wilderness. After spending the stipulated time incognito, the Pandavas will resort to you again."