गोहरण पर्व — बृहन्नला बनाने का प्रस्ताव

Uttara said An expert in the use of bow as I am, I shall today go out in pursuit of kine, if some body, skilled in the management of horses, becomes my charioteer.

I do not know of a man who may be iny charioteer; find out out therefore quickly a charioteer who may suit me who am going out.

My charioteer was killed in the great encounter that lasted for a month or at least twenty nights certain.

As soon as I shall get a man experienced in the management of horses I shall immediately start hoisting the huge standard.

Entering into the hostile army filled with elephants, horses and chariots and defeating the Kurus who are weak in power and weapons I shall bring back the animals.

Having struck terror into Duryodhana, the son of Shantanu, (Bhishma) Vikartana's son (Kripa), Karna, Drona with his son and other powerful bowmen assembled there, like the wielder of thunderbolt afflicting the Danavas I shall this very moment bring back the kine.

Finding none the Kurus are taking away the precious kine; what can I do when I am not there?

The assembled Kurus shall see today my prowess: (and they shall say). “Is it Arjuna's self who is contending us?”

Vaishampayana said Hearing the words of the Prince, Arjuna, informed of all, after some time delightedly spoke in private to his beloved and faultless wife Krishna the princess of Panchala, the slender-made daughter of Drupada, born of sacrifice, gifted with the virtues of truthfulness and honesty and ever devoted to the well-being of her husband. "O auspicious lady, speak quickly to Uttara, at my request, that this (Brihannala) was formerly the firm and approved charioteer of Pandu's son (Arjuna); experienced in very many great battles he shall be your charioteer.”

Hearing him speak again and again thus to women Panchali could not bear his reference to Arjuna.

Then stepping out from the midst of the women, the poor (princess) bashfully and gently gave vent to the following words.

"This greatly beautiful youth resembling a huge elephant and known under the name Brihannala was the charioteer of Partha.

A mighty bowman he was the disciple of the high-souled (Arjuna); O hero, I saw him before while I was living with the Pandavas.

While the fire consumed the forest of Khandava it was he who governed the excellent steeds of Arjuna.

Having him as his charioteer Partha vanquished all creatures at Khandavaprastha; indeed there is no charioteer like him.

Uttara said You know this youth, O Sairandhri whether he is of neuter sex or otherwise; O fair lady, I shall not be able myself to request him to govern my horses.

Draupadi said O hero, he shall, forsooth, satisfy the words of your younger sister, a maiden of beautiful hips.

If he becomes your charioteer, you will undoubtedly come back with kine having vanquished the Kurus.

Accosted thus by Sairandhri he said to his sister: "O fair (sister), go and bring Brihannala.”

Sent by her brother she quickly went to the dancing hall where that mighty-armed son of Pandu was waiting in disguise.