Duryodhana burns with Jealousy and organizes a dice game with the Pandavas

Duryodhana, continued to dwell in that, assembly house of the Pandavas. With Sakuni, the Kuru prince slowly examined the whole of that mansion, and the Kuru prince beheld in it many celestial designs, which he had never seen before in Hastinapur. One day king Duryodhana in going round that mansion came upon a crystal surface. The king, from ignorance, mistaking it for a pool of water, drew up his clothes. Afterwards finding out his mistake the king wandered about the mansion in great sorrow. Sometime after, the king, mistaking a lake of crystal water adorned with lotuses of crystal petals for land, fell into it with all his clothes on. Beholding Duryodhana fallen into the lake, the mighty Bhima laughed aloud as also the menials of the palace. The servants, at the command of the king, soon brought him dry and handsome clothes. Beholding the plight of Duryodhana, the mighty Bhima and Arjuna and both the twins, all laughed aloud. Being unused to putting up with insults, Duryodhana could not bear that laugh of theirs. Concealing his emotions he even did not cast his looks on them. Beholding the monarch once more draw up his clothes to cross a piece of dry land which he had mistaken for water, they all laughed again. The king sometime after mistook a closed door made of crystal as open. As he was about to pass through it his head struck against it, and he stood with his brain reeling. Mistaking as closed another door made of crystal that was really open, the king in attempting to open it with stretched hands, tumbled down. Coming upon another door that was really open, the king thinking it as closed, went away from it. King Duryodhana beholding that vast wealth in the Rajasuya sacrifice and having become the victim of those numerous errors within the assembly house at last returned, with the leave of the Pandavas, to Hastinapur.

The heart of king Duryodhana, afflicted at sight of the prosperity of the Pandavas, became inclined to sin, as he proceeded towards his city reflecting on all he had seen and suffered. Beholding the Pandavas happy and all the kings of the earth paying homage to them, as also everybody, young and old, engaged in doing good unto them, and reflecting also on the splendour and prosperity of the illustrious sons of Pandu, Duryodhana, the son of Dhritarashtra, became pale. In proceeding with an afflicted heart, the prince thought of nothing else but that assembly house and that unrivalled prosperity of the wise Yudhishthira. Duryodhana was so taken up with his thoughts then that he spoke not a word to Subala's son even though the latter addressed him repeatedly. Sakuni, beholding him absent-minded, said, “O Duryodhana, why are you proceeding thus?”

Duryodhana replied, “O uncle, beholding this whole earth owning the sway of Yudhishthira in consequence of the might of the illustrious Arjuna's weapons and beholding also that sacrifice of the son of Pritha like unto the sacrifice of Sakra himself of great glory among the celestials, I, being filled with jealousy and burning day and night, am being dried up like a shallow tank in the summer season. Behold, when Sisupala was slain by the chief of the Satwatas, there was no man to take the side of Sisupala. Consumed by the fire of the Pandava, they all forgave that offence; otherwise who is there that could forgive it? That highly improper act of grave consequence done by Vasudeva succeeded in consequence of the power of the illustrious son of Pandu. So many monarchs also brought with them various kinds of wealth for king Yudhishthira, like tribute-paying Vaisyas! Beholding Yudhishthira's prosperity of such splendour, my heart burns, afflicted with jealously, although it beholds me not to be jealous.”

Having reflected in this way, Duryodhana, as if burnt by fire, addressed the king of Gandhara again and said, “I shall throw myself upon a flaming fire or swallow poison or drown myself in water. I cannot live. What man is there in the world possessed of vigour who can bear to see his foes in the enjoyment of prosperity and himself in destitution? Therefore I who bear to see that accession of prosperity and fortune in my foes am neither a woman nor one that is not a woman, neither also a man nor one that is not a man. Beholding their sovereignty over the world and vast affluence, as also that sacrifice, who is there like me that would not smart under all that? Alone I am incapable of acquiring such royal prosperity; nor do I behold allies that could help me in the matter. It is for this that I am thinking of self-destruction. Beholding that great and serene prosperity of the son of Kunti, I regard Fate as supreme and exertions fruitless. O son of Subala, formerly I strove to compass his destruction. But baffling all my efforts he has grown in prosperity even like the lotus from within a pool of water. It is for this that I regard Fate as supreme and exertions fruitless. Behold, the sons of Dhritarashtra are decaying and the sons of Pritha are growing day by day. Beholding that prosperity of the Pandavas, and that assembly house of theirs, and those menials laughing at me, my heart burns as if it were on fire. Therefore, O uncle, know me now as deeply grieved and filled with jealousy, and speak of it to Dhritarashtra.”

Sakuni said, “O Duryodhana, you should not be jealous of Yudhishthira. The sons of Pandu are enjoying what they deserve in consequence of their own good fortune. You could not destroy them by repeatedly devising numberless plans, many of which you had even put to practice. Those tigers among men out of sheer luck escaped all those machinations. They have obtained Draupadi for wife and Drupada with his sons as also Vasudeva of great prowess as allies, capable of helping them in subjugating the whole world. Having inherited the paternal share of the kingdom without being deprived of it they have grown in consequence of their own energy. What is there to make you sorry for this? Having gratified Hustasana, Dhananjaya has obtained the bow Gandiva and the couple of inexhaustible quivers and many celestial weapons. With that unique bow and by the strength of his own arms also he has brought all the kings of the world under his sway. What is there to make you sorry for this? Having saved the Asura Maya from a conflagration, Arjuna, that slayer of foes, using both his hands with equal skill, caused him to build that assembly house. It is for this also that commanded by Maya, those grim Rakshasas called Kinkaras supported that assembly house. What is there in this to make you sorry? You have said that you are without allies. This is not true. These your brothers are obedient to you. Drona of great prowess and wielding the large bow along with his son, Radha's son Karna, the great warrior Gautama Kripa, myself with my brothers and king Saumadatti, these are your allies. Uniting yourself with these, conquer you the whole of the earth.”

Duryodhana said, “O king, with you, as also with these great warriors, I shall subjugate the Pandavas, if it pleases you. If I can now subjugate them, the world will be mine and all the monarchs, and that assembly house so full of wealth.”

Sakuni replied, “Dhananjaya and Vasudeva, Bhimasena and Yudhishthira, Nakula and Sahadeva and Drupada with his sons, these cannot be vanquished in battle by even the celestials, for they are all great warriors wielding the largest bows, accomplished in weapons, and delighting in battle. But, I know the means by which Yudhishthira himself may be vanquished. Listen to me and adopt it.”

Duryodhana said, “without danger to our friends and other illustrious men, O uncle, tell me if there is any way by which I may vanquish him.”

Sakuni said, “The son of Kunti is very fond of dice-play although he does not know how to play. That king if asked to play, is ill able to refuse. I am skilful at dice. There is none equal to me in this respect on earth, no, not even in the three worlds. Therefore, ask him to play at dice. Skilled at dice, I will win his kingdom, and that splendid prosperity of his for you. But, represent all this unto the king Dhritarashtra. Commanded by your father I will win without doubt the whole of Yudhishthira's possessions.”

Duryodhana said, “O son of Subala, you yourself represent properly all this to Dhritarashtra, the chief of the Kurus. I shall not be able to do so.”

Impressed with the great Rajasuya sacrifice of king Yudhishthira, Sakuni, having learnt before the intentions of Duryodhana, while accompanying him in the way from the assembly house, and desirous of saying what was agreeable to him, approached Dhritarashtra endued with great wisdom, and finding the monarch deprived of his eye seated, told him these words, “Know, O great king, that Duryodhana, having lost colour, has become pale and emaciated and depressed and a prey to anxiety. Why do you not, after due enquiry, ascertain the grief that is in the heart of your eldest son, the grief that is caused by the foe?”

Dhritarashtra said, “Duryodhana, what is the reason of your great affliction? If it is fit for me to hear it, then tell me the reason. This Sakuni here says that you have lost colour, become pale and emaciated, and a prey to anxiety. I do not know what can be the reason of the sorrow. This vast wealth of mine is at your control. Your brothers and all our relations never do anything that is disagreeable to you. You wear the best apparel and eat the best food that is prepared with meat. The best of horse carries you. What it is, therefore, that has made you pale and emaciated? Costly beds, beautiful damsels, mansions decked with excellent furniture, and sport of the delightful kind, without doubt these all wait but at your command, as in the case of the gods themselves Therefore, O proud one, why do you grieve, as if you were destitute.”

Duryodhana said, “I eat and dress myself like a wretch and pass my time all the while a prey to fierce jealousy. He indeed is a man, who incapable of bearing the pride of the foe, lives having vanquished that foe with the desire of liberating his own subjects from the tyranny of the foe. Contentment, as also pride, O Bharata, are destructive of prosperity; and those other two qualities also, compassion and fear. One who acts under the influence of these, never obtains anything high. Having beheld Yudhishthira's prosperity, whatever I enjoy brings me no gratification. The prosperity of Kunti's son that is possessed of such splendour makes me pale. Knowing the affluence of the foe and my own destitution, even though that affluence is not before me, I yet see it before me. Therefore, have I lost colour and become melancholy, pale and emaciated. Yudhishthira supports eighty-eight thousand Snataka Brahmanas leading domestic lives, giving unto each of them thirty slave-girls. Beside this, thousand other Brahmanas daily eat at his palace the best of food on golden plates. The king of Kambhoja sent unto him innumerable skins, black, darkish, and red, of the deer Kadali, as also numberless blankets of excellent textures. Hundreds and thousands and thousands of she-elephants and thirty thousand she-camels wander within the palace, for the kings of the earth brought them all as tribute to the capital of the Pandavas. The kings also brought unto this foremost of sacrifices heaps upon heaps of jewels and gems for the son of Kunti. Never before did I see or hear of such enormous wealth as was brought unto the sacrifice of the intelligent sons of Pandu. Beholding that enormous collection of wealth belonging to the foe, I can not enjoy peace of mind.

Hundreds of Brahmanas supported by the grants that Yudhishthira has given them and possessing wealth of kine, waited at the palace gate with three thousands of millions of tribute but were prevented by the keepers from entering the mansion. Bringing with them clarified butter in handsome Kamandalus made of gold, they did not obtain admission into the palace, and Ocean himself brought unto him in vessels of white copper the nectar that is generated within his waters and which is much superior to that which flowers and annual plants produce for Sakra. Vasudeva having brought an excellent conch bathed the Sun of Pritha with sea water brought in thousand jars of gold, all well adorned with numerous gems. Beholding all this I became feverish with jealousy. Those jars had been taken to the Eastern and the Southern oceans. They had also been taken on the shoulders of men to the Western ocean. Although none but birds only can go to the Northern region Arjuna, having gone there, exacted as tribute a vast quantity of wealth.

There is another wonderful incident also which I will relate to you. Listen to me. When a hundred thousand Brahmanas were fed, it had been arranged that to notify this act every day conches would be blown in a chorus. But, I continually heard conches blown there almost repeatedly. Hearing those notes my hair stood on end. That palatial compound, filled with innumerable monarchs that came there as spectators, looked exceedingly handsome like the cloudless firmament with stars. The monarchs came into that sacrifice of the wise son of Pandu bringing with them every kind of wealth. The kings that came there became like Vaisyas the distributors of food unto the Brahmanas that were fed. The prosperity that I beheld of Yudhishthira was such that neither the chief himself of the celestials, nor Yama or Varuna, nor the lord of the Guhyakas owns the same. Beholding that great prosperity of the son of Pandu, my heart burns and I cannot enjoy peace.”

Hearing these words of Duryodhana, Sakuni replied, “Hear how you may obtain this unrivalled prosperity that you behold in the son of Pandu. O Bharata, I am an adept at dice, superior to all in the world. I can ascertain the success or otherwise of every throw, and when to stake and when not. I have special knowledge of the game. The Son of Kunti also is fond of dice playing though he possesses little skill in it. Summoned to play or battle, he is sure to come forward, and I will defeat him repeatedly at every throw by practising deception. I promise to win all that wealth of his, and you, O Duryodhana, shall then enjoy the same.”

King Duryodhana, thus addressed by Sakuni, without allowing a moment to elapse, said unto Dhritarashtra, “This, Sakuni, an adept at dice, is ready to win at dice, O king, the wealth of the sons of Pandu. It beholds you to grant him permission to do so.”

Dhritarashtra replied, “I always follow the counsels of Kshatta, my minister possessed of great wisdom. Having consulted with him, I will inform you what my judgment is in respect of this affair. Endued with great foresight, he will, keeping morality before his eyes, tell us what is good and what is proper for both parties, and what should be done in this matter.”

Duryodhana said, “If you consult with Kshatta he will make you desist. If you desist, O king, I will certainly kill myself. When I am dead, you will become happy with Vidura. You will then enjoy the whole earth; what need have you with me?”

Dhritarashtra, hearing these words of affliction uttered by Duryodhana from mixed feeling, himself ready to what Duryodhana had dictated, commanded his servant, saying, “Let artificers be employed to erect without delay a delightful and handsome and spacious palace with an hundred doors and a thousand columns. Having brought carpenters and joiners, set you jewels and precious stones all over the walls. Making it handsome and easy of access, report to me when everything is complete.” King Dhritarashtra having made this resolution for the pacification of Duryodhana, sent messengers unto Vidura for summoning him. For without taking counsel with Vidura never did the monarch form any resolution. But as regards the matter at hand, the king although he knew the evils of gambling, was yet attracted towards it. The intelligent Vidura, however, as soon as he heard of it, knew that the arrival of Kali was at hand. Seeing that the way to destruction was about to open, he quickly came to Dhritarashtra. Vidura approaching his illustrious eldest brother and bowing down unto his feet, said these words: “O exalted king, I do not approve of this resolution that you have formed. It behave you, O king, to act in such a way that no dispute may arise between your children on account of this gambling match.”

Dhritarashtra replied, “O Kshatta, if the gods be merciful unto us, assuredly no dispute will ever arise amongst my sons. Therefore, auspicious or otherwise, beneficial or otherwise, let this friendly challenge at dice proceed. Even this without doubt is what fate has ordained for us. When I am near, and Drona and Bhishma and you too, nothing evil that even Fate might have ordained is likely to happen. Therefore, go you on a car yoking thereto horses endued with the speed of the wind, so that you may reach Khandavaprastha even today and bring you Yudhishthira with you. O Vidura, I tell that even this is my resolution. Tell me nothing. I regard Fate as supreme which brings all this.” Hearing these words of Dhritarashtra and concluding that his race was doomed, Vidura in great sorrow went unto Bhishma with great wisdom.

Ascertaining the opinion of Vidura, Dhritarashtra the son of Ambika, calling Duryodhana told him again in private, “O son of Gandhari, have nothing to do with dice. Vidura does not speak well of it. Possessed of great wisdom, he will never give me advice that is not for my good. I also regard what Vidura says as exceedingly beneficial for me. Do that, O son, for I regard it all as for your good also. Indeed, Vidura knows with all its mysteries the science that the illustrious and learned and wise Brihaspati, the celestial Rishi who is the spiritual guide of Vasava, had unfolded unto the wise chief of the immortals. And O son, I always accept what Vidura advises. As the wise Uddhava is ever regarded amongst the Vrishnis, so is Vidura possessed of great intelligence esteemed as the foremost of the Kurus. Therefore, have nothing to do with dice. It is evident that dice sows dissensions. Dissensions are the ruin of the kingdom. Therefore, abandon this idea of gambling. O son, you have obtained from us what, it has been ordained, a father and a mother should give unto their son, viz., ancestral rank and possessions. You are educated and clever in every branch of knowledge, and have been brought up with affection in your paternal dwelling. Born the eldest among all your brothers, living within your own kingdom, why regard you yourself as unhappy? You obtain food and attire of the very best kind and which is not obtainable by ordinary men. Why do you grieve yet. O son, ruling your large ancestral kingdom swelling with people and wealth, you shine as splendidly as the chief of the celestials in heaven. You are possessed of wisdom. It beholds you to tell me what can be the root of this grief that has made you so melancholy.”

Duryodhana replied, “I am a sinful wretch, O king, because I eat and dress beholding the prosperity of the foes. It has been said that man is a wretch who is not filled with jealousy at the sight of his enemy's prosperity. This kind of prosperity of mine does not gratify me. Beholding that blazing prosperity of the son of Kunti, I am very much pained. I tell you strong must be my vitality, in as much as I am living even at the sight of the whole earth owning the sway of Yudhishthira. The Nipas, the Chitrakas, the Kukkuras, the Karaskaras, and the Lauha-janghas are living in the palace of Yudhishthira like bondsmen. The Himavat, the ocean, the regions on the sea-shore, and the numberless other regions that yield jewels and gems, have all acknowledged superiority of the mansion of Yudhishthira in respect of wealth it contains. Regarding me as the eldest and entitled to respect, Yudhishthira having received me respectfully, appointed me in receiving the jewels and gems. The limit and the like of the excellent and invaluable jewels that were brought there have not been seen. My hands were fatigued in receiving that wealth. When I was tired, they that brought those valuable articles from distant regions used to wait till I was able to resume my labour. Bringing jewels from the lake Bindu, the Asura architect Maya constructed a lake-like surface made of crystal. Beholding the lotuses with which it was filled, I mistook it for water. Seeing me draw up my clothes, Bhima laughed at me, regarding me as wanting in jewels and having lost my head at the sight of the affluence of my enemy. If I had the ability, I would, without the loss of a moment, slay Vrikodara for that. But, if we endeavour to slay Bhima now, without doubt, ours will be the fate of Sisupala. That insult by the foe burns me. Once again, beholding a similar lake that is really full of water but which I mistook for a crystal surface, I fell into it. At that, Bhima with Arjuna once more laughed derisively, and Draupadi also accompanied by other females joined in the laughter. That pains my heart exceedingly. My apparel having been wet, the menials at the command of the king gave me other clothes. That also is my great sorrow. Hear now of another mistake that I speak of. In attempting to pass through what is exactly of the shape of a door but through which there was really no passage, I struck my forehead against stone and injured myself. The twins Nakula and Sahadeva beholding from a distance that I was so hit at the head came and supported me in their arms, expressing great concern for me. Sahadeva repeatedly told me, as if with a smile, “This, O king, is the door. Go this way!” Bhimasena, laughing aloud, addressed me and said, “O son of Dhritarashtra, this is the door.” I had not even heard of the names of those gems that I saw in that mansion. It is for these reasons that my heart so aches.

Listen now, O Bharata, about all the most costly articles I saw, belonging unto the sons of Pandu, and brought one after another by the kings of the earth. Beholding that wealth of the foe, I lost my reason and scarcely knew myself. Listen as I describe that wealth consisting of both manufactures and the produce of the land. The king of Kamboja gave innumerable skins of the best king, and blankets made of wool, of the soft fur of rodents and other burroughers, and of the hair of cats, all inlaid with threads of gold. He also gave three hundred horses of the Titteti and the Kalmasha species possessing noses like parrots. And he also gave three hundred camels and an equal number of she-asses, all fattened with the olives and the Pilusha. Innumerable Brahmanas engaged in rearing cattle and occupied in low offices for the gratification of the illustrious king Yudhishthira the just waited at the gate with three hundred millions of tribute but they were denied admission into the palace. Hundred upon hundreds of Brahmanas possessing wealth of kine and living upon the lands that Yudhishthira had given them, came there with their handsome golden Kamandalus filled with clarified butter. And though they had brought such tribute, they were refused admission into the palace. The Sudra kings that dwelt in the regions on the seacoast, brought with them hundred thousands of serving girls of the Karpasika country, all of beautiful features and slender waist and luxuriant hair and decked in golden ornaments; and also many skins of the Ranku deer worthy even of Brahmanas as tribute unto king Yudhishthira. The tribes Vairamas, Paradas, Tungas, with the Kitavas who lived upon crops that depended on water from the sky or of the river and also they who were born in regions on the sea-shore, in woodlands, or countries on the other side of the ocean waited at the gate, being refused permission to enter, with goats and kine and asses and camels and vegetable, honey and blankets and jewels and gems of various kinds. That great warrior king Bhagadatta, the brave ruler of Pragjyotisha and the mighty sovereign of the mlechchas, at the head of a large number of Yavanas waited at the gate unable to enter, with a considerable tribute comprising of horses of the best breed and possessing the speed of the wind. King Bhagadatta had to go away from the gate, making over a number of swords with handles made of the purest ivory and well-adorned with diamonds and every kind of gems.

Many tribes coming from different regions, of whom some possess two eyes, some three and some had eyes on their foreheads, and those also called Aushmikas, and Nishadas, and Romakas, some cannibals and many possessing only one leg. I say, standing at the gate, being refused permission to enter. These diverse rulers brought as tribute ten thousand asses of diverse hues and black necks and huge bodies and great speed and much docility and celebrated all over the world. These asses were all of goodly size and delightful colour. They were all bred on the coast of Vankhu. There were many kings that gave unto Yudhishthira much gold and silver. Having given much tribute they obtained admission into the palace of Yudhishthira. The people that came there possessing only one leg gave unto Yudhishthira many wild horses, some of which were as red as the cochineal, and some white, and some possessing the hues of the rainbow and some looking like evening clouds, and some that were of variegated colour. They were all endued with the speed of the mind. They also gave unto the king enough gold of superior quality. I also saw numberless Chins and Sakas and Uddras and many barbarous tribes living in the woods, and many Vrishnis and Harahunas, and dusky tribes of the Himavat, and many Nipas and people residing in regions on the sea-coast, waiting at the gate being refused permission to enter.

The people of Bahlika gave unto him as tribute ten thousand asses, of goodly size and black necks and daily running two hundred miles, Those asses were of many shapes. They were well-trained and celebrated all over the world. Possessed of symmetrical proportion and excellent colour, their skins were pleasant to the touch. The Balhikas also presented numerous blankets of woollen texture manufactured in Chin and numerous skins of the Ranku deer, and clothes manufactured from jute, and others woven with the threads spun by insects. They also gave thousands of other clothes not made of cotton, possessing the colour of the lotus. These were all of smooth texture. They also gave soft sheep-skins by thousands. They also gave many sharp and long swords and scimitars, and hatchets and fine-edged battle-axes manufactured in the western countries. Having presented perfumes and jewels and gems of various kinds by thousands as tribute, they waited at the gate, being refused admission into the palace.

The Sakas and Tukhatas and Tukharas and Kankas and Romakas and men with horns bringing with them as tribute numerous large elephants and ten thousand horses, and hundreds and hundreds of millions of gold waited at the gate, being refused permission to enter. The kings of the eastern countries having presented numerous valuable articles including many costly carpets and vehicles and beds, and armours of diverse hues decked with jewels and gold and ivory, and weapons of various kinds, and cars of various shapes and handsome make and adorned with gold, with well-trained horses trimmed with tiger skins, and rich and variegated blankets for caparisoning elephants, and various kinds of jewels and gems, arrows long and short and various other kinds of weapons, obtained permission to enter the sacrificial palace of the illustrious Pandava!

O sinless one, listen to me as I describe that large mass of wealth consisting of various kinds of tribute presented unto Yudhishthira by the kings of the earth. They that dwell by the side of the river Sailoda flowing between the mountains of Meru and Mandara and enjoy the delicious shade of topes of the Kichaka bamboo, the Khashas, Ekasanas, the Arhas, the Pradaras, the Dirghavenus, the Paradas, the Kulindas, the Tanganas, and the other Tanganas, brought as tribute heaps of gold measured in dronas and raised from underneath the earth by ants and therefore called after these creatures. The mountain tribes endued with great strength having brought as tribute numerous Chamaras soft and black and others white as moon-beam and sweet honey extracted from the flowers growing on the Himavat as also from the Mishali champaka and garlands of flowers brought from the region of the northern Kurus, and diverse kinds of plants from the north even from Kailasa, waited with their heads bent down at the gate of king Yudhishthira, being refused permission to enter. I also beheld there numberless chiefs of the Kiratas armed with cruel weapons and ever engaged in cruel deeds, eating of fruits and roots and attired in skins and living on the northern slopes of the Himavat and on the mountain from behind which the sun rises and in the region of Karusha on the sea-coast and on both sides of the Lohitya mountains. Having brought with them as tribute loads upon loads of sandal and aloe as also black aloe, and heaps upon heaps of valuable skins and gold and perfumes, and ten thousand serving-girls of their own race, and many beautiful animals and birds of remote countries, and much gold of great splendour procured from mountains, the Kiratas waited at the gate, being refused permission to enter.

The Kairatas, the Daradas, the Darvas, the Suras, the Baiamakas, the Audumvaras, the Durvibhagas, the Kumaras, the Paradas along with the Bahlikas, the Kashmiras, the Ghorakas, the Hansakayanas, the Sibis, the Trigartas, the Yauddheyas, the ruler of Madras and the Kaikeyas, the Amvashtas, the Kaukuras, the Tarkshyas, the Vastrapas along with the Palhavas, the Vashatayas, the Mauleyas along with the Kshudrakas, and the Malavas, the Paundrayas, the Kukkuras, the Sakas, the Angas, the Vangas, the Punras, the Sanavatyas, and the Gayas, these good and well-born Kshatriyas distributed into regular clans and trained to the use of arms, brought tribute unto king Yudhishthira by hundreds and thousands. The Vangas, the Kalingas, the Magadhas, the Tamraliptas, the Supundrakas, the Dauvalikas, the Sagarakas, the Patrornas, the Saisavas, and innumerable Karnapravaranas, who presented themselves at the gate, were told by the gate-keepers at the command of the king, that if they could wait and bring good tribute they could obtain admission. Then the kings of those nations each gave a thousand elephants furnished with tusks like unto the shafts of ploughs and decked with girdles made of gold, and covered with fine blankets and therefore, resembling the lotus in hue. They were all darkish as rocks and always musty, and procured from the sides of the Kamyaka lake, and covered with defensive armour. They were also exceedingly patient and of the best breed. Having made these presents, those kings were permitted to enter.

These and many others, coming from various regions, and numberless other illustrious kings, brought jewels and gems unto this sacrifice. Chitraratha, also the king of Gandharvas, the friend of Indra, gave four hundred horses gifted with the speed of the wind. The Gandharva Tumburu gladly gave a hundred horses of the colour of mango leaf and decked in gold. The celebrated king of the Mlechcha tribe, called the Sukaras, gave many hundreds of excellent elephants. Virata, the king of Matsya, gave as tribute two thousand elephants decked in gold. King Vasudana from the kingdom of Pansu presented unto the son of Pandu six and twenty elephants and two thousand horses. All decked in gold and endued with speed and strength and in full vigour of youth, and diverse other kinds of wealth. Yajnasena presented unto the sons of Pandu for the sacrifice, fourteen thousand serving-girls and ten thousand serving-men with their wives, many hundreds of excellent elephants, six and twenty cars with elephants yoked unto them, and also his whole kingdom. Vasudeva of the Vrishni race, in order to enhance the dignity of Arjuna, gave fourteen thousands of excellent elephants. Indeed, Krishna is the soul of Arjuna and Arjuna is the soul of Krishna, and whatever Arjuna may say Krishna is certain to accomplish. Krishna is capable of abandoning heaven itself for the sake of Arjuna. and Arjuna also is capable of sacrificing his life for the sake of Krishna.

The Kings of Chola and Pandya, though they brought numberless jars of gold filled with fragrant sandal juice from the hills of Malaya, and loads of sandal and aloe wood from the Dardduras hills, and many gems of great brilliancy and fine cloths inlaid with gold, did not obtain permission. The king of the Singhalas gave those best of sea-born gems called the lapis lazuli, and heaps of pearls also, and hundreds of coverlets for elephants. Numberless dark-coloured men with the ends of their, eyes red as copper, attired in clothes decked with gems, waited at the gate with those presents. Numberless Brahmanas and Kshatriyas who had been vanquished, and Vaisyas and serving Sudras, from love of Yudhishthira, brought tribute unto the son of Pandu. Even all the Mlechchas, from love and respect, came unto Yudhishthira. All orders of men, good, indifferent and low, belonging to numberless races, coming from diverse lands made Yudhishthira's habitation the epitome of the world.

Beholding the kings of the earth to present unto the foes such excellent and valuable presents, I wished for death out of grief. I will now tell you of the servants of the Pandavas, people for whom Yudhishthira supplies food, both cooked and uncooked. There are a hundred thousand billions of mounted elephants and cavalry and a hundred millions of cars and countless foot soldiers. At one place raw provisions are being measured out; at another they are being cooked; and at another place the foods are being distributed. The notes of festivity are being heard everywhere. Amongst men of all orders I beheld not a single one in the mansion of Yudhishthira that had not food and drink and ornaments. Eighty-eight thousands of Snataka Brahmanas leading domestic lives, all supported by Yudhishthira, with thirty serving-girls given unto each, gratified by the king, always pray with complacent hearts for the destruction of his foes. Ten thousands of other ascetics with vital seed drawn up, daily eat of golden plates in Yudhishthira's palace. Yajnaseni, without having eaten herself, daily sees whether everybody, including even the deformed and the dwarfs, has eaten or not. Only two do not pay tribute unto the son of Kunti, the Panchalas in consequence of their relationship by marriage, and the Andhakas and Vrishnis in consequence of their friendship.

Those king that are revered over all the world, who are devoted to truth and who are pledged to the observance of rigid vows, who are possessed of great learning and eloquence, who are fully conversant with the Vedas and their branches as also with sacrifices, who have piety and modesty, whose souls are devoted to virtue, who possess fame, and who have enjoyed the grand rites of coronation, all wait upon and worship Yudhishthira. I beheld there many thousands of wild kine with as many vessels of white copper for milking them, brought there by the kings of the earth as sacrificial presents to be given away by Yudhishthira unto the Brahmana. For bathing Yudhishthira at the conclusion of the sacrifice, many kings with the greatest alacrity, themselves brought there in a state of purity many excellent jars. king Bahlika brought there a car decked with pure gold. King Sudakshina himself yoked thereto four white horses of Kamboja breed, and Sunitha of great might fitted the lower pole and the ruler of Chedi with his own hands took up and fitted the flag-staff. The king of the Southern country stood ready with the coat of mail; the ruler of Magadha, with garlands of flowers and the head-gear; the great warrior Vasudana with a sixty years old elephant, the king of Matsya, with the side-fittings of the car, all encased in gold; king Ekalavya, with the shoes; the king of Avanti, with diverse kinds of water for the final bath; king Chekitana, with the quiver; the king of Kasi, with the bow; and Salya; with a sword whose hilt and straps were adorned with gold.

Then Dhaumya and Vyasa, of great ascetic merit, with Narada and Asita's son Devala, standing before performed the ceremony of sprinkling the sacred water over the king. The great Rishis with cheerful hearts sat where the sprinkling ceremony was performed. Other illustrious Rishis conversant with the Vedas, with Jamadagni's son among them, approached Yudhishthira, the giver of large sacrificial presents, uttering mantras all the while, like the seven Rishis, approaching the great Indra in heaven. Satyaki of unbaffled prowess held the umbrella. Dhananjaya and Bhima were engaged in tanning the king; while the twins held a couple of chamaras in their hands. The Ocean himself brought in a sling that big conch of Varuna which the celestial artificer Viswakarman had constructed with a thousand Nishkas of gold, and which Prajapati had in a former Kalpa, presented unto India. It was with that conch that Krishna bathed Yudhishthira after the conclusion of the sacrifice, and beholding it, I swooned away. People go to the Eastern or the Western seas and also to the Southern one. But, none except birds can ever go to the Northern sea. But the Pandavas have spread their dominion even there, for I heard hundreds of conches that had been brought thence blown indicative of auspicious rejoicing. While those conches blew simultaneously, my hair stood on end. Those among the kings, who were weak in strength fell down. And Dhrishtadyumna and Satyaki and the sons of Pandu and Kesava, those eight, endued with strength and prowess and handsome in person, beholding the kings deprived of consciousness and myself in that plight, laughed outright.

Then Arjuna with a cheerful heart gave unto the principal Brahmanas five hundred bullocks with horns plated with gold. King Yudhishthira, having completed the Rajasuya sacrifice, obtained like the exalted Harishchandra such prosperity that neither Rantideva nor Nabhaga, nor Yauvanaswa, nor Manu, nor king Prithu the son of Vena, nor Bhagiratha, Yayati, nor Nahusha, had obtained its like. Beholding such prosperity, in the son of Pritha which is even like that which Harishchandra had, I do not see the least good in continuing to live! A yoke that is tied by a blind man becomes loosened. Even such is the case with us. The younger ones are growing while the elder ones are decaying. Beholding all this, O chief of the Kurus, I cannot enjoy peace even with the aid of reflection. It is for this that I am plunged into grief and becoming pale and emaciated.”

Dhritarashtra said, “You are my eldest son and born also of my eldest wife. Therefore, O son, be not jealous of the Pandavas. He that is jealous is always unhappy and suffers the pangs of death. Yudhishthira knows not deception, possesses wealth equal unto yours, has your friends for his, and is not jealous of you. Why should you, therefore, be jealous of him? In respect of friends and allies you are equal unto Yudhishthira. Why should you, therefore, covet, from folly, the property of your brother? Be not so. Cease to be jealous. Do not grieve. If you covet the dignity attaching to the performance of a sacrifice, let the priests arrange for you the great sacrifice, called the Saptatantu. The kings of the earth will then, cheerfully and with great respect, bring for you also much wealth and gems and ornaments. O child, coveting other's possessions is exceedingly mean. He, on the other hand, enjoys happiness, who is content with his own being engaged in the practices of his own order. Never striving to obtain the wealth of others, persevering in one's own affairs, and protecting what has been earned, these are the indications of true greatness. He that is unmoved in calamity, skilled in his own business, ever exerting vigilant and humble, always beholds prosperity. The sons of Pandu are as your arms. Do not lop off those arms of yours. Plunge not into internal dissensions for the sake of that wealth of your brothers. Be not jealous of the sons of Pandu. Your wealth is equal unto that of your brothers in his entirety. There is great sin in quarrelling with friends. They that are your grandsires are theirs also. Give away in charity on occasions of sacrifices, gratify every dear object of your desire, disport in the company of women freely, and enjoy you peace.”

Duryodhana said, “He that is devoid of intellect but has merely heard of many things, can scarcely understand the real import of the scriptures, like the spoon that has no perception of the taste of the soup it touches. You know everything, but yet confounds me. Like a boat fastened to another, you and I are tied to each other. Are you unmindful of your own interests? Or, do you entertain hostile feeling towards me? These your sons and allies are doomed to destruction, inasmuch as they have you for their ruler, for you describes as attainable in the future what is to be done at the present moment. He often trips whose guide acts under the instructions of others. How then can his followers expect to come across a right path? O king, you are of mature wisdom; you have the opportunity to listen to the words of old, and your senses also are under your control. It behoves you not to confound us who are ready to seek our own interests. Brihaspati has said that the usage of kings are different from those of common people. Therefore kings should always attend to their own interests with vigilance. The attainment of success is the sole criterion that should guide the conduct of a Kshatriya. Whether, therefore, the means is virtuous or sinful, what scruples can there be in the duties of one's own order? He that is desirous of snatching the blazing prosperity of his foe, should, bring every direction under his subjection like the charioteer taming the steeds with his whip. Those used to handling weapons say that, a weapon is not simply an instrument that cuts but is a means, whether covert or overt, that can defeat a foe. Who is to be reckoned a foe and who a friend, doth not depend on one's figure or dimensions. He that pains another is, to be regarded a foe by him that is pained. Discontent is the root of prosperity. Therefore, I desire to be discontented. He that strives after the acquisition of prosperity is a truly political person. Nobody should be attached to wealth and affluence, for the wealth that has been earned and hoarded may be plundered. The usages of kings are even such. It was during a period of peace that Sakra cut off the head of Namuchi after having given a pledge to the contrary, and it was because he approved of this eternal usage towards the enemy that he did so. Like a snake that swallows up frogs and other creatures living in holes, the earth swallows up a king that is peaceful and a Brahmana that stirs not out of home. None can by nature be any person's foe. He is one's foe, and not anybody else, who has common pursuits with one. He that from folly neglects a growing foe, has his vitals cut off as by a disease that he cherished without treatment. A foe, however insignificant, if suffered to grow in prowess, swallows one like the white ants at the root of a tree eating off the tree itself. Let not the prosperity of the foe be acceptable to you. This policy should always be borne on their heads by the wise even like a load. He that always wishes for the increase of his wealth, ever grows in the midst of his relatives even like the body naturally growing from the moment of birth. Prowess confers speedy growth. Coveting as I do the prosperity of the Pandavas. I have not yet made it my own. At present I am a prey to doubts in respect of my ability. I am determined to resolve those doubts of mine. I will either obtain that prosperity of theirs, or lie down having perished in battle. When the state of my mind is such, what do I care now for life, for the Pandavas are daily growing while our possessions know no increase?”

Sakuni said, “O you foremost of victorious persons, I will snatch this prosperity of Yudhishthira, at the sight of which you grieve so. Therefore, let Yudhishthira be summoned. By throwing dice a skilful man, himself uninjured, may vanquish one that has no skill. Know, that betting is my bow, the dice are my arrows, the marks on them my bow-string, and the dice-board my car.”

Duryodhana said, “This Sukuni skilled at dice, is ready, O king, to snatch the prosperity of the son of Pandu by means of dice. It beholds you to give him permission.”

Dhritarashtra said, “I am obedient to the counsels of my brother, the illustrious Vidura. Consulting with him, I shall tell what should be done in this matter.”

Duryodhana said, “Vidura is always engaged in doing good to the sons of Pandu. His feelings towards us are otherwise. He will, therefore, without doubt, withdraw your heart from the proposed act. No man should set himself to any task depending upon the counsels of another, for, the minds of two persons seldom agree in any particular act. The fool that lives shunning all causes of fear wastes himself like an insect in the rainy season. Neither sickness nor Yama waits till one is in prosperity. So long, therefore, as there is life and health, one should accomplish his purpose.”

Dhritarashtra said, “O son, hostility with those that are strong, is what never recommends itself to me. Hostility brings about a change of feelings, and that itself is a weapon though not made of steel. You regard as a great blessing what will bring in its train the terrible consequences of war. What is really fraught with mischief. If once it begins, it will create sharp swords and pointed arrows.”

Duryodhana replied, “Men of the most ancient times invented the use of dice. There is no destruction in it, nor is there any striking with, weapons. Let the words of Sakuni, therefore, be acceptable to you, and let your command be issued for the speedy construction of the assembly house. The door of heaven, leading us to such happiness, will be opened to us by gambling. Indeed, they that betake to gambling deserve such good fortune. The Pandavas then will become your equals; therefore, gamble you with the Pandavas.”

Dhritarashtra said, “The words uttered by you do not recommend themselves to me. Do what may be agreeable to you. But you shall have to repent for acting according to these words; for, words that are fraught with such immorality can never bring prosperity in the future. Even this was foreseen by the learned Vidura ever treading the path of truth and wisdom. Even the great calamity, destructive of the lives of the Kshatriyas, comes as destined by fate.”