Markandeya and Narada Arrive at Kamyaka

While Krishna and Dharmaraja were conversing in this way, the great ascetic Markandeya, with dharma in his soul, was seen to arrive. He had lived for many thousands of years and had become aged through his austerities — his body worn thin by time, his eyes carrying the weight of ages. When the aged rishi who had lived for many thousands of years arrived, all the brahmanas, together with Krishna and the Pandavas, offered him worship. They rose to greet him, brought him forward, and seated him with honour. When the supreme among rishis was comfortably seated, with the approval of the brahmanas and the Pandavas, Keshava addressed him. "The Pandavas, the assembled brahmanas, Draupadi, Satyabhama and I myself wish to hear your supreme words. O Markandeya! Therefore, tell us about the sacred accounts of the past — characterized by eternal and wise good conduct on the part of kings, women and rishis. Tell us the stories that have come down through the ages, so that we may learn from them and be strengthened in our own time of trial." While they were seated there, devarshi Narada, pure in soul, also arrived to see the Pandavas. All those bulls among men honoured the great-souled one. As had been decreed, they offered the learned one padya and arghya — water for his feet and offerings of respect. On knowing that they were about to hear Markandeya's words, devarshi Narada approved of the proposal. Narada knew everything about time — when to speak and when to listen — and smilingly told him, "O brahmarshi! Tell the Pandavas whatever you wish to say." Thus addressed, the great ascetic Markandeya replied, "Wait for some time. There are many accounts to be told." Thus addressed, the Pandavas, together with the brahmanas, waited for some time. They looked at the great sage, as radiant as the sun at noon, and settled themselves to hear what he would say.