अम्बोपाख्यान पर्व — शिखण्डी के जन्म की कथा

Bhishma said Thus addressed by that messenger, O king, the king Drupada, like a thief caught (red handed), could not utter a word.

He made great efforts, for the purpose of pacifying his son's (daughter) father-in-law, by means of messengers, instructing them to say sweetly and persuasively, 'It is not so.'

That king (Hiranyavarman), thereupon once more ascertained the real fact, that the offspring of the king of the Panchalas was a daughter, and went forth (out of his city) without delay.

He then sent information to all his friends (who were) of immeasurable strength, regarding the deception that had been practiced upon his daughter, according to the massage of the nurses.

Then that best of kings, having mustered a large army, formed the resolution of marching against the king Drupada, O Bharata.

Then that ruler of the earth, Hiranyavarman held a consultation with his ministers, O great king (as to the course to be taken) against the king of the Panchalas.

It was then and there resolved with certainly among those high-souled kings "If this be really true that Shikhandin is a daughter, O king, then having bound the king of the Panchalas, we shall drag him (here) and having installed another king who will rule over the people,

We will slay thịś king of the Panchalas along with Shikhandin. Knowing this to be the fixed resolve the king (Hiranyavarman) once more sent messengers to the son of Prishata, (with the message). “I shall slay you, wait a little."

Bhishma said That king was by nature not courageous, and was quiet. King Drupada, through a ruler of the earth, was dreadfully alarmed.

Having despatched messengers of the Dasharna king, king Drupada, fainting with grief, approached his wife in secret and spoke these words.

Being filled, as the Panchala king was, with great fear and struck with grief at his heart, he said to the beloved mother of Shikhandin.

“My son's father-in-law, king Hiranyavarman, having mustered a large army, is advancing against me with anger, powerful as he is.

Fools that we both (of us) are, what are we to do now, as regards this daughter of ours? Your son Shikhandin is very much suspected to be a daughter.

Under this suspicion, (king Hiranyavarman), thinking, I have been deceived, wants to slay me with his friends and army carefully mustered.

( you of beautiful hips, tell me what is truth is (this case) and O beautiful lady, what is false. O auspicious one, having heard from you, I will make arrangements (how to act).

I have been thrown in danger, as well this daughter Shikhandin. You also, O imperial lady of the finest complexion, are in great danger.

As I ask you, tell me that the truth is, for the relief of all (of us). O lady with beautiful hips and fair smiles, it depends on your words as to what ought to be speedily done.

Do you not fear, neither (let) Shikhandin (fear), for I will make suitable arrangements through kindness through I have been deprived from the duties to a son.

That ruler of the earth, the king of the Dasharna country has been deceived by me. Speak, therefore O highly blessed lady, so that I may do what should be for the benefit (of all).'

That goddess-like lady, being thus addressed before all the ministers by the king, for the proclamation of his innocence to others, though he knew everything, replied to the lord of the earth.