अनुगीता पर्व — कृष्णको द्वारका फर्कनु

Janamcjaya said After having conferred that boon on Utanka, O foremost of twice-born persons, what did the mighty-armed. Govinda of great celebrity next do?

Having granted that boon to Utanka, Govinda, accompanied by Satyaki, went to Dwraka on his car, drawn by his large quickcoursing horse.

Passing many lakes and rivers and forests and hills, he at last came upon the charming city of Dvaravati.

It was at the time, O king, when the festival of Raivataka had begun, that he having eyes like lotus-petals arrived with Satyaki as his companion.

Adorned with many beautiful things and covered with various Koshas made of jewels and gems, the Raivataka hill shone, O king, with great splendour.

That high mountain, decked with excellent garlands of gold and gay festoons of flowers, with many large trees which looked like the Kalpa trees of Indra's garden, and with many golden poles on which were lighted lamps, shone in beauty through day and night. By the caves and fountains the light was so great that it appeared like a broad day.

On all sides beautiful flags waved on the air with little bells that jingled continuously. The entire hill resounded with the sweet songs of men and women.

Raivataka presents a most delightful appearance like Meru with all his jewels and gems. Men and women excited and filled with delight, O Bharata, sang aloud. The swell of music which thus arose from that foremost of mountains appeared to touch the very heavens. Everywhere were heard spouts and loud whoops of men who were in all forms of excitement.

The cackle of thousands of voices made that mountain delightful and charming. It was adorned with many shops and stalls filled with various foods and enjoyable article.

There were heaps of cloths and garlands, and the music of Vinas and flutes and Mridangas was heard everywhere. Food mixed with wines of various kinds was stored here and there.

Gifts were being continually given to those that were distressed, or blind or helpless. For all this, the festival of that mountain became highly auspicious.

There were many sacred houses built on the breast of that mountain, O hero, within which lived many pious men. Even thus did the Vrishni heroes sport in that festival of Raivataka.

Equipt with those palaces that mountain appeared like second Heaven. At the arrival Krishna, O chief of Bharata's race, that prince of mountains resembled the blessed mansion of Indra himself. Adored (by his relatives), Krishna then entered a beautiful palace. Satyaki also went to his own quarters with a delighted soul. Govinda entered his residence after a long absence, having accomplished deeds of great difficulty like Vasava amid the Danava host. The heroes of the Bhoja, Vrishni, and Andhaka races, all came forward to receive that great one like the deities advancing to receive the deity of a hundred sacrifices.

Gifted with great intelligence, he honoured them in return and enquired after their wellbeing. With a pleased heart he then saluted his father and mother.

The mighty-armed hero was embraced by both of them and comforted too. He then took his seat with all the Vrishnis sitting around him.

Having washed his feet and removed his fatigue, Krishna of mighty energy, as he sat there, then described the chief events of the great battle in answer to the questions put to him by his father.