तीर्थयात्रा पर्व — गन्धमादन में प्रवेश

Vaishampayana said: When the illustrious Pandavas had gone only two miles, Draupadi unaccustomed to walk, sat down.

Fatigued and miserable as she was, the Panchala princess became faint on account of the storin and rain.

Trembling with faintness, the black-eyed lady supported her with her thighs and with her plump and becoming arms.

Thus trying to support herself with her thighs which were like the trunk of an elephant, she suddenly fell down on the ground, trembling like a plantain tree stirred (by wind).

Seeing that foremost of women falling down like a twisted creeper, the greatly strong Nakula ran forward and supported her.

Nakula said: O king, O descendant of Bharata, behold, the daughter of the Panchala king, this blackeyed lady has fallen on the ground out of fatigue.

O great king, this lady of slow gait, though she does not deserve misery, suffers great afflictions. She is worn out with fatigue. Therefore comfort her.

Vaishampayana said: Having heard his these words, the king, Bhima and Sahadeva became greatly afflicted and they soon ran towards her.

Seeing her weak and also seeing her pale face, the high-souled son of Kunti, taking her up on his lap, began to lament (in grief).

Yudhishthira said: How can, this beautiful lady accustomed to a life of case (and accustomed) to live in the private rooms and on beds spread over with sheets, sleep on the ground?

The delicate hands and the lotus-like feet of this lady who deserve all excellent things have become dark blue in colour on my account.

Having been addicted to dice what have I done foolishly. I am with Krishna (Draupadi) wandering in the forest full of wild animals!

This large-eyed lady was bestowed on us by her father, the king of Drupada, in the hope that this blessed damsel would be happy by obtaining the Pandavas as her husbands.

Afflicted with hardship, sorrow and travel, it is on account of my wretched act, she (now) lies prostrate on the ground without having obtained any thing hoped for.

Vaishampayana said : When Dharmaraja Yudhishthira was thus lamenting, Dhaumya and other foremost of Brahmanas all came there.

They comforted and consoled him and they honoured him with blessings. They uttered mantras capable of destroying Rakshasas and they also performed (some) religious rites.

On the Mantras being recited by the great Rishis in order to restore her and on the repeated touch of the cool hands of the Pandavas.

And also on being fanned by the cool breeze surcharged with water, the Panchala princess felt ease and slowly regained her consciousness.

Placing the poor exhausted lady who had then regained her consciousness on a deer-skin, the sons of Pritha made her take rest.

The twins, taking up her red-soled feet with auspicious marks, began to press them gently with their hands which were scared by the bow-strings.

Dharmaraja Yudhishthira also comforted her. That foremost of the Kurus thus spoke to Bhimasena.

Yudhishthira said: "O Bhima, many rugged and snowy bound mountains are (before us); O mighty-armed hero, how will Krishna (Draupadi) be able to pass them?

Bhima said: O king, I myself will carry the princess and also these two foremost of men, the twins and yourself; therefore O king of kings, do not allow anxiety to come to your mind.

O sinless one, at your command, the son of Hidimba, Ghatotkacha, who can range the skies and who is as strong as myself will carry us all.

Vaishampayana said : Having been ordered by Dharmaraja (Yudhishthira) he remembered his Rakshasa son. As soon as remembered the high-souled Ghatotkacha appeared before his father.

The mighty armed hero, after saluting the Pandavas and the Brahmanas, stood before them with joined hands. They too welcomed him in return.

He then thus spoke to his greatly powerful father Bhimasena, "Having been remembered by you. I have speedily come here to serve you.

O mighty-armed hero, command me. I shall certainly be able to perform whatever you will order me to do.” Having heard this, Bhimasena embraced the Rakshasa.