यक्षयुद्ध पर्व — कुबेरका वचन

The giver of wealth said : O Yudhishthira, steadiness, ability place and time-these four are the causes of success in human affairs,

O Bharata, men of the Kriti Yuga (golden age) were steady and skilled in their own respective affairs and were well versed in the rules of prowess.

O the best of the Kshatriyas, a Kshatriya who has patience, who is well versed in (the rules of) time and place and who is well acquainted with the laws of all duties, can govern the world for a long time.

O Partha, the person who acts thus in all transaction obtains fame in this world and O hero, attains to an excellent state in the next.

Sakra, the slayer of Vitra, with the Vasus desirous of availing himself of the opportunity, of right time and place, obtained the kingdom of heaven by displaying his prowess.

He who does not foresee his fall through anger and he who through wicked-mindedness and vicious tendency is addicted to sin,

And he who is not versed in the propriety relative to acts meet with destruction in this world and in the next. The efforts of that stupid person become futile who is not versed in the rules of time and acts and he meets with destruction in this world and in the next. Rash, deceitful and wicked-minded people who aim at masterdom of every kind, commit sin. This Bhimasena is unrighteous, arrogant, senseless as a child and fearless; therefore, O the best of the Bharatas, chastise him. Getting again to the hermitage of the royal sage Arstisena,

Dwell there without fear or anxiety during the first dark fortnight. The Gandharvas together with the inhabitants of the Alaka and the Kinnaras together with the Yakshas,

And all the dwellers of the mountain, O the best of men and mighty-armed one, being appointed by me will protect you as well as these best of the Brahmanas.

O king, O the best of the virtuous, O pure one, considering that Bhima has come here through rashness, do you check him. O king, henceforth creatures inhabiting this forest will always visit you, wait on you and protect you all.

O the best of men, my attendants will always procure for you various eatables and drinkable. sweet to the taste.

As Vishnu (Arjuna) has a claim to the protection of Mahendra, Vrikodara of the wind god, you of Dharma and the powerful twins of the Ashvins, in virtue of being their respective offsprings, so, O Yudhishthira, you all have a claim to my protection.

Falguni the next by birth to Bhimasena, versed in the science of profit and acquainted with the principles of all duties, is all right in heaven.

O child, those virtues which are considered in the world as leading to heaven, reside in Dhananjaya even from his very birth.

In that high-souled being of unrivalled energy reside all these (qualities) of selfcontrol, charity, strength, intelligence, modesty, patience and excellent energy.

O Pandavas, Vishnu never commits any disgraceful act (even) through ignorance. And men never speak to their fellows of his ever having uttered lies.

That augmenter of the glory of the Kurus, honoured by the Devas, Pitris and the Gandharvas, is learning the science of weapons in the abode of Sakra.

O king, O Partha, he that reduced to subjection all the rulers of the earth with justice-that highly energetic and highly powerful Shantanu himself, the grandsire of your father-is in heaven fully pleased with Partha, the wielder of the Gandiva and the foremost of his race.

That one of fervid devotion, who having worshipped the Pitris, the Devas, the Rishi and the Brahmanas on the banks of the Yamuna, performed seven horse sacrifices,

Even that great emperor Shantanu, your great grandsire, who has conquered (i.e., got access to heaven is inquiring about your welfare, residing in the region of Sakra.

Vaishampayana said : The Pandavas, having listened to these words spoken by the giver of wealth, were much pleased with them.

Then Vrikodara-the most exalted of the Bharatas-lowering his club, mace sword and bow, saluted Kubera.

Thereupon seeing him crave his protection, the lord of wealth, capable of affording protection, said "be you the destroyer of the pride of (your) enemies and enhancer of the joy of (your) friends.

O the tormentors of foes, do you dwell in your own pleasant abode. O the most exalted of the Bharatas, the Yakshas will procure for you the articles desired by you.

Having mastered the science of weapons Gudakesha will return soon, Dhananjaya, on being bidden farewell to by Maghavana himself, will meet with you.

The lord of the Guhyakas having thus instructed Yudhishthira, disposed to good deeds, vanished from that excellent of mountains.

Thousands of Yakshas and Rakshasas followed him in conveyances covered with painted cushions and adorned with many gems.

As the excellent horses (swift) as birds proceeded towards the abode of Kubera a noise arose in the region of Indra.

The steeds of the lord of wealth careered along the firmament as if drawing forwards the sky and drinking the atmosphere.

Then the dead bodies of the Rakshasas were removed from the summit of the mountain by order of the lord of wealth.

As this period, was appointed by the intelligent Agastya as the limit of their curse, therefore they were absolved from (this) imprecation in being slain in battle.

The noble-minded Pandavas dwelt happily for several sights in those mansions without anxiety and honoured by all the Rakshasas,