“Vaishampaayana said, ‘Then prince Duryodhana, along
with his brothers began to gradually win over the people to his side by grants
of wealth and honours. Meanwhile, some clever counsellors (advisors), instructed by
Dhritarashtra, one day began to describe (in the royal court) the town of Vaaranaavata as a charming
place. They said, ‘The festival of Pashupati (Lord Shiva) has commenced in the town of Vaaranaavata.
The assembly of people is great and the procession is the most delightful of
all ever witnessed on earth. Decked with every ornament, it charmed the hearts
of all spectators.
“Thus did those councillors, instructed by
Dhritarashtra, speak of Vaaranaavata, and O king (Janamejaya), while they were so speaking, the Pandavas
felt the desire of going to that delightful town. When the king (Dhritarashtra) discovered that the curiosity of the
Pandavas had been awakened, the son of Ambika (Dhritarashtra) addressed them, saying, ‘These men of mine
often speak of Vaaranaavata as the most delightful town in the world. O
children (Pandavas), if therefore, you
desire to witness that festival, go to Vaaranaavata with your followers, friends
and enjoy yourselves there like Devas. You give away pearls and gems to the
Brahmanas and the musicians (that may be assembled there). Sporting there for some time as you
please like the brilliant Devas and enjoying as much pleasure as you like, you return
to Hastinapura again.’
“Vaishampaayana continued, ‘Yudhishthira, fully
understanding the motives of Dhritarashtra and considering that he himself was
weak and friendless, replied to the king, saying, ‘So be it.’ Then addressing
Bhishma – the son of Shantanu, the wise Vidura, Drona, Baahlika (Shantanu’s elder brother),
the Kaurava, Somadatta (son of Baahlika), Kripa, Ashwatthaama, Bhurishravas (son of Somadatta), the other councillors, Brahmanas and Rishis,
and the priests and the citizens, and the respected Gandhari, he said slowly
and humbly, ‘With our friends and followers we go to the delightful and
populous town of Vaaranaavata at the command of Dhritarashtra. Cheerfully give
us your blessings so that acquiring prosperity, with that we may not be touched
by sin.’ Thus, addressed by the eldest of Pandu's sons (Yudhishthira), the Kaurava chiefs all cheerfully
pronounced blessings on them saying, ‘O Pandavas, let all the elements bless
you along your way and let not the slightest evil happen to you.’
“The
Pandavas, having performed propitiatory rites for obtaining (their share of) the kingdom, and finishing their preparations, set out for Vaaranaavata.’”
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