JARAASANDHA: THE HURDLE

SRIMAD MAHABHARATA - SABHA PARVA - RAAJASOOYA AARAMBHA (UPA) PARVA - CHAPTER 14(A) - JARAASANDHA: THE HURDLE

“(Sri) Krishna said, ‘O great king (Maharaaja in Sanskrit), you are a worthy possessor of all the qualities (Guna in Sanskrit) essential for the performance of the Raajasooya yagna. You know everything, O Bharata (Yudhishthira). I shall, however, still tell you something. Those persons in the world that now go by the name of Kshatriyas are inferior (in everything) to those Kshatriyas that (Parashu) Rama, the son of (Rishi) Jamadagni, exterminated. O lord of the earth, O bull of the Bharata race (Yudhishthira), you know what form of rule these Kshatriyas, guided by the instructions traditionally handed down from generation to generation, have established among their own order (Kshatriya), and how far they are competent to perform the Raajasooya yagna. The numerous royal lines and other Kshatriyas all represent themselves to be the descendants (Vamsha in Sanskrit) of Yela and Ikshwaaku. The descendants of Yela (Yela Vamsha in Sanskrit), O king (Yudhishthira), as, indeed, the kings of Ikshwaaku’s race, are, know O bull of the Bharata race, each divided into a hundred separate dynasties. The descendants of Yayaati and Bhojaas are great, both in extent (number) and accomplishments. O great king (Yudhishthira), these last are today scattered all over the earth. All the Kshatriyas worship the prosperity of those monarchs.

“At present, however, O monarch (Yudhishthira), king Jaraasandha, overcoming that prosperity enjoyed by their whole order (of Kshatriyas), and overpowering them by his energy has set himself over the heads of all these kings. Jaraasandha, enjoying the sovereignty over the middle portion of the earth (Mathura), resolved to create a disunion among ourselves. O monarch (Yudhishthira), the king who is the supreme lord of all kings, and in whom alone the dominion of the universe is centered, properly deserves to be called an emperor. O monarch (Yudhishthira), king Shishupaala filled with great energy, has placed himself under his (Jaraasandha’s) protection and has become the generalissimo (Senaapati in Sanskrit) of his forces. O great king (Yudhishthira), the mighty Vakra, the king of Karooshaas, capable of fighting by putting forth his powers of illusion (Maayaa in Sanskrit), waits upon Jaraasandha, as his disciple. There are two others, Hamsa and Dimbhakaa, of great energy (Maha Veerya in Sanskrit) and Mahatma, who have sought the shelter of the mighty Jarasandha. In addition, there are others – Dantavakra, Karoosha, Kalabhaa, Meghavaahana, that wait upon Jaraasandha. Also, he that bears on his head that gem which is known as the most wonderful on earth, that king of Yavanaas, who has punished Mura and Naraka, whose power is unlimited, and who rules the west like another Varuna, who is called Bhagadattaa, and who is the old friend of your father, has bowed his head before Jaraasandha, by speech and specially by act. In his heart, however, tied as he is by affection to you, he regards you as a father regards his child. O king (Yudhishthira), that lord of the earth who has his territory on the west and the south, who is your maternal uncle and who is called Purujit, that brave perpetuator of the Kunti race, that slayer of all enemies, is the single king that regards you from affection.

“He whom I did not formerly slay, that wicked wretch (Durmati in Sanskrit) among Chedis, who represented himself in this world as a divine personage and who has become known also as such, and who always bears, from foolishness, the signs that distinguish me (like Shankha, Chakra, etc.) that king of Vanga Pundra and Kiraataas, endowed with great strength, and who is known on earth by the names of Paundrakaa and Vaasudeva has also embraced the side of Jaraasandha. O king of kings, Bhishmaka, the mighty king of the Bhojas – the friend of (Lord) Indra – the slayer of hostile heroes – who governs a fourth part of the world, who by his learning conquered Paandyaas and Kratha-Kaushikaas, whose brother the brave Aahruti was like (Parashu) Rama, the son of (Rishi) Jamadagni, has become a devotee to the king of Magadha (Jaraasandha). We are his (Bhishmaka’s) relatives and are, therefore, engaged everyday in doing what is agreeable to him. But although we regard him much, still he regards us not and is engaged in doing us ill. O king (Yudhishthira), without knowing his own strength and the dignity of the race to which he belongs, he (Bhishmaka) has placed himself under Jaraasandha’s shelter at sight of the latter’s blazing fame alone.

“O noble one, the eighteen tribes of the Bhojas, from fear of Jaraasandha, have all fled towards the west; so also have the Shoorasenaas, Bhadrakaaraas, Bodhaas, Shaalvaas, Patachcharaas, Sustharaas, Sukuttaas, Kulindaas, along with the Kuntis. The king of the Shaalveyaanaa tribe with their brothers and followers; and the southern Paanchaalaas and the eastern Koshalaas have all fled to the country of the Kuntis. So, also the Matsyaas and the Sannyastapaadaas, overcome with fear, leaving their dominions in the north, have fled into the southern country. So, all the Paanchaalaas, alarmed at the power of Jaraasandha, have left their own kingdom and fled in all directions.

“Some time before, the foolish Kamsa, having oppressed Yaadavaas, married two of the daughters of Jaraasandha. They are called Asti and Praapti and are sisters of Sahadeva (not Yudhishthira’s brother Sahadeva). Strengthened by such an alliance, the fool oppressing his relatives gained an ascendency over them all. But by this conduct he earned great disgrace. The wretch (Duraatma in Sanskrit) also began to oppress the old kings of the Bhoja tribe, but they, to protect themselves from the oppression of their relative, sought our help. Having given upon Akroora the beautiful daughter of Aahuka, with Sankarshana as second, I did a service to my relatives, for both Kamsa and Sunaamaana were slain by me assisted by (Bala) Rama. But after the immediate cause of fear was removed (by the death of Kamsa), Jarasandha, his father-in-law, took up arms.

“Ourselves consisting of the eighteen younger branches of the Yaadavaas arrived at the conclusion that even if we strike our enemies continually with excellent weapons capable of taking the lives of enemies, we should still be unable to do anything to him even in three hundred years. He has two friends that are like to the immortals, and in point of strength the foremost of all men filled with strength. They are called Hamsa and Dimbhakaa who are both incapable of being slain by weapons. The mighty Jaraasandha, being united with them, becomes incapable, I think, of being vanquished by the three worlds. O you foremost of all intelligent men (Yudhishthira), this is not our opinion alone, but all other kings also are of the same mind.’ 

YUDHISHTHIRA RAJYA

SRIMAD MAHABHARATA - SABHA PARVA - LOKAPALA SABHAKHAYANA (UPA) PARVA - CHAPTER 13 - YUDHISHTHIRA RAJYA

“Vaishampaayana said, ‘Yudhishthira, having heard these words of Naarada, began to sigh heavily. O Bharata (Janamejaya), engaged in his thoughts about the Raajasooya (yagna), the king had no peace of mind. Having heard of this glory of the Mahatma monarchs and being certain about the acquisition of regions of happiness by performers of yagnas in consequence of their sacred karma, and thinking especially of that Rajarishi Harischandra who had performed the great yagna, king Yudhishthira desired to make preparations for the Raajasooya yagna. Then worshipping his ministers and others present at his Sabha, and worshipped by them in return, he began to discuss with them about that yagna. Having thought much, that king of kings (Rajaendra in Sanskrit), that bull among the Kurus (Yudhishthira), inclined his mind towards making preparations for the Raajasooya. That prince of wonderful energy and prowess (Yudhishthira), however, thinking upon Dharma, again set his heart to find out what would be for the good of all his people.

“For Yudhishthira, that foremost of all men of Dharma, always kind to his subjects, worked for the good of all without making any distinctions. Indeed, shaking off both anger and arrogance, Yudhishthira always said, ‘Give to each what is due to each,’ and the only sounds that he could hear were – ‘Blessed be Dharma! Blessed be Dharma! Yudhishthira!’ Conducting himself thus and giving paternal assurance to everybody, there was none in the kingdom who entertained any hostile feelings towards him. He therefore came to be called Ajaatashatru (one with no enemy at all). The king (Yudhishthira) cherished everyone as belonging to his family, and Bhima ruled over all as Dharma. Arjuna, used to employing both his hands with equal skill, protected the people from (external) enemies. The wise Sahadeva administered justice impartially. And Nakula behaved towards all with humility that was natural to him. Owing to all this, the kingdom became free from disputes and fear of every kind. All the people became attentive to their respective occupations. The rain became so abundant as to leave no room for desiring more; and the kingdom grew in prosperity. In consequence of the Dharma of the king, money-lenders, the articles required for yagna, cattle-rearing, tillage, and traders, all and everything grew in prosperity. Indeed, during the reign of Yudhishthira who was ever devoted to Satya, there was no extortion, no stringent realisation of arrears of rent, no fear of disease, of fire, or of death by poisoning and incantations, in the kingdom. It was never heard at that time that thieves or cheats or royal favourites ever behaved wrongfully towards the king or towards one another among themselves. Kings conquered on the six occasions (of war, treaty, etc) were won’t to wait upon him in order to do good to the monarch and worship him ever, while the traders of different classes came to pay him the taxes leviable on their respective occupations.

“Accordingly, during the reign of Yudhishthira who was ever devoted to Dharma, his territory grew in prosperity. Indeed, the prosperity of the kingdom was increased not by these alone but even by persons wedded to well-built and indulging in all luxuries to their fill. The king of kings, Yudhishthira, whose rule extended over all, was possessed of every accomplishment and bore everything with patience. O king (Janamejaya), whatever countries the celebrated and illustrious monarch conquered, the people everywhere, from Brahmanas to peasant, were all more attached to him than to their own fathers and mothers.’

“Vaishampaayana said, ‘King Yudhishthira, then, that foremost of speakers, summoning together his ministers and brothers, asked them repeatedly about the Raajasooya yagna. Those ministers in a body, thus asked by the wise Yudhishthira desirous of performing the yagna, then told him these words of grave meaning, ‘One already in possession of a kingdom desires all the attributes of an emperor by means of that yagna which aids a king in acquiring the attributes of Varuna. O descendant of Kuru race (Yudhishthira), your friends think that as you are worthy of the attributes of an emperor, the time has come for you for the performance of the Raajasooya yagna. The time for the performance of that yagna in which Rishis of severe vows (Vrata in Sanskrit) kindle six fires (Shadagni in Sanskrit) with mantras of the Sama Veda, is come for you in consequence of your Kshatriya possessions. At the conclusion of the Raajasooya yagna, when the performer is installed in the sovereignty of the empire, he is rewarded with the fruits of all yagnas including the Agnihotra. It is for this that he is called the conqueror of all (Sarvajit in Sanskrit). O strong-armed one (Yudhishthira), you are quite able to perform this yagna. All of us are obedient to you. O great king (Yudhishthira), soon will you be able to perform the Raajasooya yagna. Therefore, O great king, let your resolution be taken to perform this yagna without further discussion.’

“Thus, spoke to the king all his friends and ministers separately and jointly. O king (Janamejaya), Yudhishthira that slayer of all enemies, having heard these virtuous, bold, agreeable and weighty words of theirs, accepted them mentally. O Bharata (Janamejaya), having heard those words of his friends and ministers, and knowing his own strength, the king (Yudhishthira) repeatedly thought over the matter. After this the Mahatma (Yudhishthira), wise in counsel, again consulted with his brothers, with the illustrious Ritwijas about him, with his ministers and with Dhaumya, Dwaipaayana (Vyaasa) and others.

“Yudhishthira said, ‘How may this wish that I entertain of performing the excellent yagna of Raajasooya that is worthy of an emperor (Samraada in Sanskrit), bear fruit, in consequence of my faith and speech alone.’

“Vaishampaayana said, ‘O you of eyes like lotus-petals (Janamejaya), thus asked by the king (Yudhishthira), they replied at that time to Dharmatma Yudhishthira in these words, ‘Being knowledgeable with the dictates of Dharma, you are, O king, worthy to perform the grand yagna of Raajasooya.’ After the Ritwijas and the Rishis had told these words to the king (Yudhishthira), his ministers and brothers highly approved of the speech. The king (Yudhishthira), however, possessed of great wisdom, and with mind under complete control, driven by the desire of doing good to the world, again resolved the matter in his mind, thinking of his own strength and means, the circumstances of time and place and his income and expenditure. For he knew that the wise never come to grief as they always act after giving a complete thought.

“Thinking that the (Raajasooya) yagna should not be commenced, in accordance to his own resolution alone, Yudhishthira, carefully bearing upon his shoulder the weight of affairs thought of (Sri) Krishna, Janaardana (other name for Sri Krishna) as the fittest person to decide the matter, in as much as he knew Him to be the foremost of all persons, possessed of immeasurable energy, strong-armed, without birth but born among men from Will alone. Thinking upon His (Sri Krishna’s) Deva-like achievements, the Paandavaa (Yudhishthira), concluded that there was nothing that was unknown to Him (Sri Krishna), nothing that He could not achieve, and nothing that He could not bear, and Yudhishthira, the Paarthaa, having come to this settled resolution soon sent a messenger (Dhoota in Sanskrit) to that Guru of all living beings (Sri Krishna), conveying through him (Dhoota) blessings and speeches such as one senior in age might send to one that is younger. That messenger riding in a swift chariot arrived among Yaadavaas and approached (Sri) Krishna who was then residing in Dwaaravati (present-day Dwaraka, Gujarat, India).

“Achyuta (Sri Krishna) hearing that Paarthaa (Yudhishthira) had become desirous of seeing Him, desired to see His cousin. Quickly passing over many regions, being drawn by His own swift horses, (Sri) Krishna arrived at Indraprasthaa, accompanied by Indrasena. Having arrived at Indraprastha, Janaardana (Sri Krishna) approached Yudhisthira without loss of time. Yudhisthira received (Sri) Krishna with paternal-affection, and Bhima also received Him likewise. Janaardana then went with a cheerful heart to His father’s sister (Kunti). Then, worshipped with respect by the twins (Nakula and Sahadeva), He (Sri Krishna) began to converse cheerfully with His friend Arjuna who was overjoyed at seeing Him. After He had rested awhile in a pleasant apartment and had been fully refreshed, Dharmaraja (Yudhishthira) approached Him at His leisure and informed Him all about the Raajasooya yagna.

“Yudhishthira said, ‘I have wished to perform the Raajasooya yagna. That yagna, however, cannot be performed by one’s wishing alone to perform it. You know, O (Sri) Krishna, about the means by which it may be accomplished. He alone can achieve this yagna in whom everything is possible, who is worshipped everywhere and who is the king of kings. My friends and ministers approaching me have said that I should perform that yagna. But, O (Sri) Krishna, in respect of that matter, Your words shall be my guide. Of ministers, some from friendship do not notice the difficulties; others from motives of self-interest say only what is agreeable. Some again regard that which is beneficial to themselves as worthy of adoption. Men are seen to counsel thus on matters awaiting decision. But You, O (Sri) Krishna, are above such motives. You have conquered both desire and anger (Kaamaa and Krodhaa in Sanskrit). It is Your responsibility to tell me what is most beneficial to the world.’”

BENEFITS OF RAAJASOOYA YAGNA

SRIMAD MAHABHARATA - SABHA PARVA - LOKAPALA SABHAKHAYANA (UPA) PARVA - CHAPTER 12 - BENEFITS OF RAAJASOOYA YAGNA

“Yudhishthira said, ‘O you foremost of men of expression, as you have described the different Sabhas to me, it appears that almost all the monarchs of the earth are to be found in the Sabha of Vaivaswata (Yama). O master, almost all the Naagaas, Lord of Daityas, rivers, and oceans, are to be found in the Sabha of Varuna. The Yakshas, the Guhyakaas, the Raakshasaas, the Gandharvas and Apsaras and the Deity having the bull for his vehicle (Yama), are to be found in the Sabha of treasures (Kubera). You have said that in the Sabha of Pitaamaha (Lord Brahma) are to be seen all Maharishis, all Devas, all Shaastraas. As regards the Sabha of Shakra (Lord Indra), however, you have named, O Muni (Naarada), all Devas, Gandharvas, and Maharishis. But, O great Muni (Naarada), you have mentioned one and only one king – Rajarishi Harishchandra as living in the Sabha of the illustrious chief of Devas (Lord Indra). What act was performed by that celebrated king (Harishchandra), or what Tapas with steady vows (Niyata Vrata in Sanskrit), in consequence of which he has been equal to (Lord) Indra Himself? Also, O Brahmana, how did you meet with my father, the noble Paandu, now a guest in the region of the Pitrus (Pitruloka in Sanskrit)? O noble one of excellent vows, has he told you anything? O tell me all as I am exceedingly curious to hear all this from you.”

“Naarada said, ‘O king of kings (Rajendra in Sanskrit), I shall tell you all that you ask me about (King) Harischandra, I shall presently tell you of his high excellence. He was a powerful king, in fact, an emperor over all the kings of the Earth. Indeed, all the kings of the Earth obeyed his rule. O monarch (Yudhishthira), mounted alone upon a victorious chariot adorned with gold, that king by the prowess of his weapons brought the whole earth with her seven islands under his rule. O monarch (Yudhishthira), having subjugated the whole earth with her mountains, forests, and woods, he made preparations for the great yagna called Raajasooya.

“All the kings of the Earth brought at his command wealth to that yagna. All of them consented to become distributors of food and gifts to Dwijas that were fed on the occasion. At that yagna, king Harishchandra gave away to all who asked, wealth that was five times what each had requested. At the conclusion of yagna, the king satisfied the Brahmanas that came from various countries with large presents of various kinds of wealth. Brahmanas satisfied with various kinds of food and enjoyable articles, given away to them to the extent of their desires, and with the heaps of gems distributed among them, began to say – King Harischandra is superior to all kings in energy (Tejas in Sanskrit) and fame.

“Know, O monarch, O bull of the Bharata race (Yudhishthira), it was for this reason that Harischandra shined more brightly than thousands of other kings. O king (Yudhishthira), the powerful Harischandra having concluded his great yagna, became installed in the sovereignty of the earth and looked magnificient on his throne. O bull of the Bharata race (Yudhishthira), all those monarchs that perform Raajasooya yagna, pass their time in happiness in (Lord) Indra’s company. O bull of the Bharata race (Yudhishthira), those kings also that yield up their lives without turning their backs on the battlefield attain Indra Sabha and live in joy with Him. Those again that yield up their bodies after severe Tapas also attain to the same region (Indraloka) and shine brightly there for ages.

“O king of the Kuru race (Yudhishthira), O son of Kunti, your father Paandu, seeing the good fortune of Harischandra and wondering much at that place, has told you something. Knowing that I was coming to the world of men, he bowed to me and said, ‘You should tell Yudhishthira, O Rishi (Naarada), that he can subjugate the whole Earth in so far as his brothers are all obedient to him. Having done this let him commence the grand yagna called Raajasooya. He is my son; if he performs that yagna, I may, like Harischandra, soon attain Indra Sabha, and there in his Sabha pass countless years in continuous joy.’

“I told him in reply, ‘O King, I shall tell your son all this, if I go to the world of man. I have now told you what he said, O tiger among men (Yudhishthira). Accomplish then, O son of Paandu, the desires of you father. If you perform that yagna, you shall then be able to go, along with your deceased ancestors, into the same region that is inhabited by the chief of the immortals (Lord Indra). It has been said, ‘O king, that the performance of this great yagna is attended with many obstacles. A class of Raakshasaas called Brahma Raakshasaas, employed in obstructing all yagnas, always search for loop-holes when this great yagna is commenced. On the commencement of such a yagna, a war may take place destroying the Kshatriyas and even furnishing occasion for the destruction of the whole Earth. A slight obstacle may involve the whole Earth in ruin. Thinking upon all this, O king of kings (Yudhishthira), do what is for your good. You be watchful and ready in protecting the four varna of your subjects. You grow in prosperity, and you enjoy happiness. You satisfy Dwijas with gifts of wealth. I have now answered in detail all that you have asked me. With your leave I will now go to the city of that Daashaarhas (present-day Dwaraka, Gujarat, India).”

“Vaishampayana said, ‘O Janamejaya, having said this to Paarthaa (Yudhishthira), Naarada went away, accompanied by those Rishis with whom he had come. O you of the Kuru race (Janamejaya), after Naarada had gone away, king Yudhishthira, began to think, along with his brothers, of that foremost of yagnas called Raajasooya.’

THE BRAHMA SABHA

SRIMAD MAHABHARATA - SABHA PARVA - LOKAPALA SABHAKHAYANA (UPA) PARVA - CHAPTER 11 - THE BRAHMA SABHA

“Naarada said ‘Listen to me, O child (Yudhishthira), as I tell you of the Sabha of the Pitaamaha (Lord Brahma), that house which none can describe, saying it is such. In the ancient Deva Yuga of old, O king (Yudhishthira), the exalted deity Aditya (Surya) came down from heaven into the world of men. Having seen before the Sabha of (Lord) Brahma the Self-created (Swayambhu in Sanskrit), Aditya was cheerfully wandering over the Earth in human form, desirous of seeing what could be seen here. It was on that occasion, O Paandava (Yudhishthira), that the God of day (Surya) spoke unto me, O bull of the Bharata race (Yudhishthira), of that Sabha of Pitaamaha (Lord Brahma), immeasurable and immaterial and indescribable, as regards form and shape, and capable of delighting the heart of every creature by its splendour.

“O bull of the Bharata race (Yudhishthira), hearing of the merits of that Sabha, I became, O king, desirous of seeing it. I then asked Aditya, saying, ‘O noble one, I desire to see the sacred Sabha of Pitaamaha (Lord Brahma). O lord of light, tell me, O noble one, by what Tapas, or by what acts, or by what activity of pleasing or by what rites, I may be enabled to see that excellent sin-cleaning Sabha.’

“O chief of the Bharata race (Yudhishthira), hearing these words of mine (Naarada), Aditya – the God of day, the deity of a thousand rays, answered me, thus: ‘You observe with mind absorbed in meditation, the Brahma vow (Vrata in Sanskrit) extending for a thousand years.’ Then travelling to the breast of the Himavat, I commenced that great vow (Vrata in Sanskrit), and after I had completed it the noble and sinless deity Surya filled with great energy, and knowing no fatigue, took me with him to the Sabha of Pitaamaha (Lord Brahma).

“O king (Yudhishthira), it is impossible to describe that (Brahma) Sabha, saying it is such, for within a moment it assumes a different form that language fails to describe. O Bharata (Yudhishthira), it is impossible to indicate its dimensions or shape. I never saw anything like it before. Ever contributing to the happiness of those within it, its atmosphere is neither cold nor warm. Hunger and thirst or any kind of uneasiness disappear as soon as one goes there. It seems to be made up of brilliant gems of many kinds. It does not seem to be supported on columns, it knows no deterioration, being eternal. That self-radiant Sabha, by its numerous blazing, divine indications of unrivalled splendour, seems to surpass Chandra, Surya and the fire in brightness. Stationed in heaven, it blazes forth, censuring as it were Bhaaskara (meaning Maker of the day, i.e., the Sun).

“O king (Yudhishthira), in that Sabha, the Supreme Deity, the Pitaamaha of all created things (Lord Brahma), having Himself created everything by virtue of His Deva Maayaa, stays ever. Daksha, Prachetaa, Pulahaa, Mareechi, Kashyapa; Bhrigu, Atri, Vasishtha, Gautama, and also Angirasa; Pulastya, Krauta, Prahlaada, Kardama, these Prajapatis, and Angirasa of Atharvana Veda, Vaalakhilyaas, Marichipaa; Intelligence, Space, Knowledge, Air, Heat, Water, Earth, Sound, Touch, (Physical) Form, Taste, Scent; Nature, and the Modes (of Nature), and the elemental and prime causes of the world – all stay in that Sabha beside Lord Brahma.

“Agastya of great energy, Markandeya of great Tapas power, Jamadagni, Bharadwaja, Samvarta, Chyavana, noble Durvaasa, the Dharmic Rishyasringa, the illustrious Sanatkumara of great Tapas merit and the Guru in all matters affecting Yoga; Asita and Devala, Jaigishavya acquainted with Satya; Rishaba, Ajitashatru, Mani of great energy; and the Science of healing with its eight branches – all in their personified forms, O Bharata (Yudhishthira); Chandra with all the stars and the stellar conjunctions; Aditya with all his rays; the winds; the yagnas, the Declarations of purpose (Sankalpa in Sanskrit), the Vital principles (Praana in Sanskrit) – these illustrious and vow-observing beings in their personified forms, and many others too numerous to mention, attend all upon (Lord) Brahma in that Sabha. Arthaa, Dharma, Kaamaa, Joy, Aversion, Tapas and Tranquillity – all wait together upon the Supreme Deity (Lord Brahma) in that palace.

“The twenty tribes of the Gandharvas and Apsaras, as also their seven other tribes, and all the Lokapaalaas, Shukra, Brihaspati, Budhaa, Angaaraka, Shani, Raahu, and the other planets; the Mantraas, the special Mantraas; (the rites of) Harimaan and Vasumaan, Adityas with (Lord) Indra, the two Agnis mentioned by name (Agnisoma and Indraagni), Marutaa, Vishwakarma, Vasus, O Bharata (Yudhishthira); the Pitrus, and all kinds of yagna offering; Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda and Atharva Veda along with all Sciences and branches of learning; Histories (Itihaasa in Sanskrit) and all Upaveda; the several branches of the Vedas (Vedaanga in Sanskrit); the planets, the yagnaas, the Soma, all the deities; Saavitri (Gayatri), Durgatharani, Vaani, the seven kinds of rhyme; Understanding, Patience, Memory, Wisdom, Intelligence, Fame, Forgiveness; the Hymns of the Sama Veda; the Science of hymns in general, and various kinds of Verses and Songs; various Commentaries with arguments – all in their personified forms, O king (Yudhjshthira).

“Various Dramas, Poems, Stories and abridged Glosses – these also, and many others wait upon the Supreme Deity (Lord Brahma) in that Sabha; Kshanaa, Lavaa, Muhoortaa, Day, Night, Fortnights, Months, the six Seasons, O Bharata (Yudhishthira), Years, Yugas, the four kinds of Days and Nights (the kind of days and nights appearing to man, to Pitrus, to Devas, and to Lord Brahma) and that eternal, indestructible, undeteriorating, excellent Wheel of Time and also the Wheel of Dharma – these always wait there.

“O Yudhishthira, Aditi, Diti, Danu, Surasaa, Vinataa, Iraa, Kaalaka, Surabhi, Devi, Sarama, Gautami and the goddesses Pradha and Kadru – these mothers of Devas; Rudraani, Sree, Lakshmi, Bhadra, Shashthi, the Earth, Ganga, Hri, Swaaha, Kriti, the goddess Sura, Shachi Pushti, Arundhati, Samvritti, Asa, Niyati, Srishti, Rati – these and many other goddesses wait upon the Creator of all (Lord Brahma). Adityas, Vasus, Rudraas, Marutaa, Ashwinas, Vishwadevas, Saadhyas, and the Pitrus gifted with the speed of the mind – these all wait there upon Pitaamaha (Lord Brahma).

“O bull among men (Yudhishthira), you know that there are seven classes of Pitrus, of which four classes have embodied forms and the remaining three without embodied forms. It is well known that the illustrious Vairajas, Agniswattas and Garhapattyas (three classes of Pitrus) range in heaven. Those among the Pitrus that are called the Somapaa, Ekasringra, Chaturveda, and Kala, are ever worshipped among the four varna of men. Pleased with the Soma (juice), first, these satisfy Soma afterwards. All these tribes (Gana in Sanskrit) of Pitrus wait upon the Lord of the creation (Lord Brahma) and cheerfully worship the Supreme Deity of immeasurable energy.

“Raakshasaas, Pishaachaas, Daanavas Guhyakaas; Naagaas, Birds, and various animals; and all mobile and immobile great beings – all worship the Pitaamaha (Lord Brahma). Purandara, the chief of Devas, Varuna, Kubera, Yama, and Mahadeva (Lord Shiva) accompanied by Uma, always travel there. O king of kings (Yudhishthira), Mahasena (Kaarttikeya) also adores there the Pitaamaha (Lord Brahma). (Lord) Narayana Himself, and Devarishis, and those Rishis called Vaalakhilyaas, and all beings born of females and all those not born of females, and whatever else is seen in the three worlds – both mobile and immobile – were all seen by me there, know O king (Yudhishthira).

“Eighty thousand Rishis with vital (reproductive) seed drawn up, and O Paandava (Yudhishthira), fifty thousand Rishis having sons, were all seen by me there. All the dwellers in heaven travelling there see the Supreme Deity (Lord Brahma) when they please, and worshipping Him with a bow of their head return from where they came. O king of men (Yudhishthira), the Pitaamaha of all created beings, the Soul of the universe, the Self create Brahma of immeasurable intelligence and glory, equally kind to all creatures, honours as they deserve, and satisfies with sweet speech and gift of wealth and other enjoyable articles, the Devas, the Daityas, the Naagaas, the Munis, the Yakshas, the Birds, the Kaaleyaas, the Gandharvas, the Apsaras, and all other noble beings that came to him as His guests. That delicious Sabha, O child (Yudhishthira), is always crowded with persons coming and going. Filled with every kind of energy, and worshipped by Brahmarishis, that divine Sabha blazes forth with the graceful possessions of (Lord) Brahma and looks extremely handsome. O tiger among kings (Yudhishthira) as this Sabha of yours is unrivalled in the world of men, so is that Sabha of (Lord) Brahma, seen by me unrivalled in all the worlds. I have seen these Sabhas, O Bharata (Yudhishthira), in regions of Devas. This your Sabha is unquestionably the foremost in the world of men!’”

THE KUBERA SABHA

SRIMAD MAHABHARATA - SABHA PARVA - LOKAPALA SABHAKHAYANA (UPA) PARVA - CHAPTER 10 - THE KUBERA SABHA

“Naarada said ‘Possessed of great splendour, the Sabha of Vaishravana, O king (Yudhishthira), is a hundred yojanas in length and seventy yojanas in breadth. It was built, O king (Yudhishthira), by Vaishravana himself using his Tapas. Possessing the splendour of the peaks of Kailaasa, that Sabha eclipses by its own the brilliance of Chandra himself. Supported by Guhyakas, that Sabha seems to be attached to the sky. Of divine make, it is rendered extremely beautiful with high chambers of gold. Extremely delightful and rendered fragrant with divine perfumes, it is multi-coloured with numberless costly jewels. Resembling the peaks of a mass of white clouds, it seems to be floating in the air. Painted with colours of divine gold, it seems to be decorated with streaks of lightning.

“Within that Sabha sits on an excellent seat bright as Surya and covered with divine carpets and furnished with a handsome footstool, king Vaishravana of agreeable person, attired in excellent garments, adorned with costly ornaments and ear-rings of great brilliance, surrounded by his thousand wives. Delicious and cooling breezes murmuring through forests of tall Mandaaraas, and bearing fragrance of extensive plantations of jasmine, as also of the lotuses on the bosom of the river Alaka and of the Nandana-gardens, always minister to the pleasure of the King of the Yakshaas.

“O king (Yudhishthira), there Devas with the Gandharvas surrounded by various tribes (Gana in Sanskrit) of Apsaras, sing in chorus notes of celestial sweetness. Misrakeshi, Rambhaa, Chitrasena, Suchismitaa; Chaarunetraa, Ghrutaachi, Menakaa, Punjikasthala; Vishwaachi, Sahajanyaa, Pramlochaa, Urvashi, Ira; Vargaa, Saurabheyi, Sameechi, Budbudaa, Lata – these and a thousand other Apsaras and Gandharvas, all well-skilled in music and dance, attend upon the lord of treasures (Kubera).

“That sabha, always filled with the notes of instrumental and vocal music, as also with the sounds of dance of various tribes (Gana in Sanskrit) of Gandharvas, and Apsaras has become extremely charming and delicious. The Gandharvas called Kinnaraas, and others called Naraas, Manibhadra, Dhanada, Shwetabhadra and Guhyaka; Kasherakaa, Gandakandu, and the mighty Pradyota; Kustumburu, Pishaachaa, Gajakarnaa, Vishaalaka, Varaaha-Karna, Saandroshta, Phalabhaksha, Phalodaka; Angachooda, Shikhaavartaa, Hemanetra, Vibhishana, Pushpaanana, Pingalaka, Shonitoda, Pravaalaka; Vrukshavaasya-niketa, and Chiravasaa – these O Bharata (Yudhishthira), and many other Yakshaas by hundred and thousands always wait upon Kubera.

“The goddess Lakshmi always stays there, also Kubera’s son Nalakubera. Myself and many others like myself often travel there. Many Brahmarishis and Devarishis also travel there often. Many Raakshasaas, and many Gandharvas, besides those that have been named, wait upon the worship, in that sabha, the illustrious lord of all treasures (Kubera).

“O tiger among kings (Yudhishthira), the illustrious husband of Uma and lord of created things, the three-eyed Mahadeva (Lord Shiva), the wielder of Trishul and the slayer of the Asura called Bhaganetra, the mighty Deva of the fierce bow, surrounded by multitudes of spirits (Bhoota in Sanskrit) in their hundreds and thousands, some of dwarfish stature, some of fierce face, some hunch-backed, some of blood-red eyes, some of frightful yells, some feeding upon fat and flesh, and some terrible to see, but all armed with various weapons and endued with the speed of wind, with Devi (Paarvati) ever cheerful and knowing no fatigue, always wait here upon their friend Kubera, the lord of treasures.

“Hundreds of Gandharva chiefs, with cheerful hearts and attired in their respective robes and Vishwavasu, Haha and Huhu; Tumburu, Parvatta, Sailusha; Chitrasena skilled in music and also Chitraratha – these and innumerable Gandharvas worship the lord of treasures (Kubera). Chakradhamaa, the chief of the Vidyadharas, with his followers, waits in that sabha upon the lord of treasures. Kinnaraas by hundreds and innumerable kings with Bhagadatta as their chief, and Druma, the chief of the Kimpurushaas, and Mahendra, the chief of the Raakshasaas, and Gandhamadana accompanied by many Yakshaas and Gandharvas and many Raakshasaas wait upon the lord of treasures.

“The Dharmic Vibhishana (Raavana’s brother) also worships there his elder brother the lord Kubera. The mountains of Himavat, Paripatra, Vindhya, Kailaasa, Mandara, Malaya, Durdura, Mahendra, Gandhamadana, Indrakila, Sunava, and Eastern and the Western hills – these and many other mountains, in their personified forms, with Meru standing before all, wait upon and worship the illustrious lord of treasures.

“The illustrious Nandiswaraas, Mahakala, and many spirits with arrowy ears and sharp-pointed mouths, Kaksha, Kuthimukha, Danti, and Vijaya of great merit of Tapas, and the mighty white bull of (Lord) Shiva roaring deep, all wait in that sabha. Besides these many other Raakshasaas and Pishaachaas worship Kubera in that sabha. The son of Pulastya (Kubera) formerly used always to worship in all the modes and sit, with permission obtained, beside the Deva Deva, (Lord) Shiva, the creator of the three worlds, that supreme Deity surrounded by His attendants. One day the noble Bhava (Lord Shiva) made friendship with Kuvera. From that time, O king (Yudhishthira), Mahadeva (Lord Shiva) always sits on the sabha of His friend, the lord of treasures. Those best of all jewels, those princes of all gems in the three worlds, viz., Shankha and Padma, in their personified forms, accompanied by all the jewels of the earth (also in their personified forms) worship Kubera.

“This delightful Sabha of Kubera that I have seen, attached to the sky and capable of moving along it, is such, O king (Yudhishthira). Listen now to the Sabha I describe to you, belonging to (Lord) Brahma – the Pitaamaha.”

THE VARUNA SABHA

SRIMAD MAHABHARATA - SABHA PARVA - LOKAPALA SABHAKHAYANA PARVA - CHAPTER 9 - THE VARUNA SABHA

“Narada said ‘O Yudhishthira, the divine Sabha of Varuna is unparalleled in splendour. In dimensions, it is similar to that of Yama. Its walls and arches are all of pure white. It has been built by Vishwakarma within the waters. It is surrounded on all sides by many divine trees made of gems, jewels and yielding excellent fruits and flowers. Many plants with their weight of blossoms, blue, yellow, black and darkish, white and red, that stand there, are excellent bowers around. Within those bowers hundreds and thousands of birds of diverse species, beautiful and multi-coloured, always pour forth their melodies.

“The atmosphere of that Sabha is extremely delightful, neither cold nor hot. Owned by Varuna, that delightful Sabha of pure white consists of many rooms and is furnished with many seats. There sits Varuna attired in divine garment, decked in divine ornaments and jewels, with his queen, adorned with divine scents and covered with paste of divine fragrance. The Adityas wait upon and worship the respected Varuna, the lord of the waters (Jaleshwara in Sanskrit). Vaasuki and Takshaka, the Naagaa called Airaavata; Krishna and Lohita; Padma and Chitra filled with great energy; the Naagaas called Kambala and Ashwataraa; Dhritarashtra and Balaahakaa; Manimaan, Kundaladhara, Karkotaka and Dhananjaya; Panimat and the mighty Kundaka, O lord of the Earth; Prahlada and Mushikaada, and Janamejaya – all having auspicious marks, mandalas and extended hoods; - these and many other snakes.

“O Yudhishthira, without anxiety of any kind, wait upon and worship the illustrious Varuna. O king (Yudhisthira), Bali – the son of Virochana, and Naraka the subjugator of the whole Earth; Prahlaada and Viprachitti, and those Danavas called Kaalakanja; Suhanu, Durmukha, Shankha, Sumanaa and also Sumati; Ghatodara, Mahaapaarshwa, Krathana and also Pithara; Vishwaroopa, Suroopa, Viroopa and Mahaashiraa; Dashagreeva, Vaali, Meghavaasaa and Dashaavara; Kaitabhaa, Vitatoota, Samhraada, and Indrataapana – these Daityaas and Danavaas, all decorated with ear-rings, garlands and crowns, dressed in the divine garments, all blessed with boons and possessed of great bravery, and enjoying immortality, and all well of conduct and of excellent vows, wait upon and worship in that Sabha the illustrious Varuna, the deity bearing the noose (Paasha in Sanskrit) as his weapon.

“O king (Yudhishthira), there are also the four oceans, the river Bhagirathee (present-day Ganga), the Kaalindi (the modern-day Kaalindi river in and around the Sundarbans, West Bengal, India), the Vidishaa (possibly the modern-day Betwa river in Madhya Pradhes, India), the Vennaa (modern-day Venna river in Maharashtra, India), the Narmada of rapid current (modern-day Narmada river); the Vipaashaa (modern-day Beas river), the Shatadru (modern-day Sutlej river), the Chandrabhaagaa (modern-day Chenab river), the Saraswati (modern-day Saraswati river); the Iraavati (modern-day Ravi river), the Vitastaa (modern-day Jhelum river), the Sindhu (modern-day Sindu river), the Devanadi; the Godavari (modern-day Godavari river), the Krishnavennaa (possibly modern-day Krishna river) and that queen of rivers the Kaveri (modern-day Cauvery river); the Kimpuna, the Visalya and the river Vaitarani (modern-day Vaitarani river) also; the Tritiya, the Jeshthila, and the great Sone (modern-day Son river); the Charmanwati (modern-day Chambal river) and the great river Parnasa; the Sarayu (modern-day Sarayu river), the Varavatya, and that queen of rivers the Langali, the Karatoya (modern-day Karatoya river), the Atreyi (modern-day Atrai river), the red Mahanadi (modern-day Mahanadi river), the Laghanti, the Gomati (modern-day Gomti river), the Sandhya, and also the Trisrotasi – these and other rivers which are all sacred and are world-renowned places of pilgrimage, as also other rivers and sacred waters and lakes and wells and springs, and tanks, large or small, in their personified form, O Bharata (Yudhishthira), wait upon and worship the lord Varuna.

“The points of the heavens (Disha in Sanskrit), the Earth, and all the Mountains, as also every species of aquatic animals, all worship Varuna there. Various tribes of Gandharvaas and Apsaraas, devoted to music, both vocal and instrumental, wait upon Varuna, singing hymns of praise to him. All those mountains that are noted for being both delightful and rich in jewels, wait (in their personified forms) in that Sabha, enjoying sweet converse with one another. The chief minister of Varuna, Sunabha by name, surrounded by his sons and grandsons, also attend upon his master, along with (the personified form) of a sacred water called Go. These all, in their personified forms, worship the deity (Varuna). O bull of the Bharata race (Yudhishthira), such is the Sabha of Varuna seen by me before, in the course of my wanderings. Listen now to the account, I give of the Sabha of Kubera.’” 

THE YAMA SABHA

SRIMAD MAHABHARATA - SABHA PARVA - LOKAPALA SABHAKHAYANA (UPA) PARVA - CHAPTER 8 - THE YAMA SABHA

“Narada said, ‘O Yudhishthira, I shall now describe the Sabha of Yama, the son of Vivaswat (Lord Surya), which, O Paartha (Yudhishthira), was built by Vishwakarma. Listen now to me. O monarch, bright as burnished gold, that Sabha covers an area of much more than a hundred yojanas. Possessed of the splendour of the Sun, it yields everything that one may desire. Neither very cool nor very hot, it delights the heart. In that Sabha, there is neither grief nor weakness of age, neither hunger nor thirst. Nothing disagreeable finds a place there, nor any kind of evil feelings there. Every object of desire, divine or human, is to be found in that Sabha. All kinds of enjoyable articles, as also of sweet, juicy, agreeable, and delicious edibles in abundance that are licked, sucked, and drunk, are there, O chastiser of all enemies (Yudhishthira).

“The floral arrangements in that Sabha are of the most delicious fragrance, and the trees that stand around it yield fruits that are desired of them. There are both cold and hot waters and these are sweet and agreeable. O child (Yudhishthira), in that Sabha, many Raja Rishis of great sanctity and Brahma Rishis also of great purity, cheerfully wait upon and worship Yama, the 

son of Vivaswat.

“Yayaati, Nahusha, Pooru, Mandhaataa, Somakaa, Nriga; the Raja Rishi Trasadasyu, Kritaveerya, Srutasravaa; Arishtanemi, Siddha, Kritavega, Kriti, Nimi, Pratarddana, Shibi, Matsya, Prithvaksha, Brihadratha, Yedaa, Marutta, Kushika, Saankaashya, Saankriti, Dhruva, Chaturashwa, Sadashwormi and king Kaartaveerya; Bharata, Suratha, Suneethaa, Naishadhaa, Nala, Divodaasa, Sumanaa, Ambareesha, Bhagiratha; Vyashwa, Sadashwa, Vadhryashwa, Panchahasta, Prithushrava, Rushadgu, Vrushasenaa, Kshupa, Sumahaabala; Rushadashwa, Vasumanaa, Purukutsaa, Dhwajee and Rathee; Arshtisena, Dwilipa, and the high-souled Ushinara; Ausheenara, Pundarika, Sharyaati, Sharabha, and Shuchi; Anga, Rishta, Vena, Dushmanta, Srinjaya and Jaya; Bhaangaaswari, Suneetha, Nishadaa, Tvisheeratha; Karandhamaa, Baahlika, Sudymna, and the mighty Madhu; Aila and the mighty king of earth Maruta; Kapotaroma, Trinaka, Sahadeva, and Arjuna also. Vysawa; Sashwa and Krishashwa, and king Sashavindu; Rama – the son of Dasharatha, Lakshmana, and Pratarddana; Alarka, Kakshasena, Gayaa, and Gaurashwa; (Parashu) Rama – the son of Jamadagnya, Naabhaaga, and Sagaraa; Bhooridyumna, Mahashwa, Prithvashwa, and also Janaka; King Vainyaa, Vaarishena, Purujaa, and Janamejaya; Brahmadatta, Trigarta, and king Uparichara also; Indradyumna, Bhimajaanu, prishta, Nayonaga; Padma, Muchukunda, Bhooridyumna, Prasenajit; Aristanemi, Pradymna, Prithugashwa, and Ajaka also; a hundred kings of the Matsya race and hundred of the Neepa and a hundred of the Haya races; a hundred kings of the name of Dhritarashtra, eighty kings of the name of Janamejaya; a hundred monarchs called Brahmadatta, and a hundred kings of the name of Vairinaa; more than two hundred Bhishmas, and also a hundred Bhimas; that king of kings Shantanu, and your father Paandu, Ushadgava, Shataratha, Devaraja, Jayadratha; the intelligent Raja Rishi Vrishaadarbha with his ministers; and a thousand other kings known by the name of Sashabindu, and who have died, having performed many grand Ashwamedha (yagna) with large Dakshina to Brahmanas – these holy Raja Rishis of grand achievements and great knowledge of the Shaastraas, wait upon, O King (Yudhishthira), and worship the son of Vivaswat (Yama) in that Sabha.

“Agastya, Matanga, Kaalaa, and Mrityu (Death), performers of yagnas, Siddhaas, and many Yogins; Agnishvaattaa Pitrus, Fenapaa Pitrus, Ushmapaa Pitrus, Swadhaavantaa Pitrus, and Barhishadaa Pitrus, as also those others that have forms; the wheel of time (Kaala Chaakram in Sanskrit), and the illustrious conveyer himself of the yagna butter; all sinners among human beings, as also those that have died during Dakshinaayana; these officers of Yama who have been appointed to count the allotted (mortal) days of everybody and everything; the Simshapa, Paalaashaa, Kaashaa, and Kushaa trees and plants, in their embodied forms; these all, O king (Yudhishthira), wait upon and worship the Dharmadeva (Yama) in that Sabha of his.

“These and many others are present at the Sabha of the king of the Pitris (Yama). So numerous are they that I am incapable of describing them either by mentioning their names or actions. O Paartha (Yudhishthira), the delightful Sabha, moving everywhere at the will of its owner, is of wide extent. It was built by Vishwakarma after a long course of severe Tapas. O Bharata (Yudhishthira), glowing with his own extreme brightness, it stands glorified in all its beauty. Sannyasis of severe Tapas, of excellent Vrata, of truthful speech, peaceful and pure and purified by holy activities, of shining bodies and dressed in spotless garments, decked with bracelets and floral garlands, with ear-rings of brightened gold, and adorned with their own holy acts as with the marks of their order (painted over their bodies), constantly visit that Sabha.

“Many illustrious Gandharvas, and many Apsaras fill every part of that Sabha with music; both instrumental and vocal and with sounds of laughter and dance. O Paartha (Yudhishthira), excellent perfumes, sweet sounds and garlands of divine flowers always contribute towards making that Sabha supremely blessed. Hundreds of thousands of persons of Dharma, of divine beauty and great wisdom, always wait upon and worship the illustrious Yama, the lord of created beings in that Sabha. Such, O monarch (Yudhishthira), is the Sabha, of the illustrious king of the Pitris! I shall now describe to the Sabha of Varuna also called Pushkaramaalini!’” 

PUSHKARAMAALINI – THE INDRA SABHA

SRIMAD MAHABHARATA - SABHA PARVA - LOKAPALA SABHAKHAYANA (UPA) PARVA - CHAPTER 7 - PUSHKARAMAALINI: THE INDRA SABHA

“Narada said, ‘The divine Sabha of Shakra (Lord Indra) is full of brightness. He has obtained it as the fruit of his own acts. O descendant of the Kuru race (Lord Indra), possessed of the splendour of the Sun, it was built by Shakra (Lord Indra) Himself. Capable of going everywhere at will, this Sabha is full one hundred and fifty yojanas in length, and hundred yojanas in breadth, and five yojanas in height. Dispelling weakness of age, grief, tiredness, and fear, auspicious and giving good fortune, furnished with rooms and seats and adorned with divine trees, it is delightful in the extreme. There sits in that Sabha, O Paartha (Yudhishthira), on an excellent seat, the Lord of Devas (Lord Indra), with His wife Shachi endowed with beauty and affluence. Assuming a form incapable of description for its vagueness, with a crown on His head and bright bracelets on the upper arms, attired in garments of pure white and decked with floral arrangement of many colours, there He (Lord Indra) sits with beauty, fame, and glory by His side.

“The illustrious deity (Mahatma is Sanskrit) of a hundred yagnas is daily waited upon. O monarch (Yudhishthira), in that Sabha by the Marutaas in a body, each leading the life of a householder in the protection of His family. The Siddhaas, Deva Rishis, the Saadhyaas in all, Devas, Ganas, and Marutaas of brilliant complexion and adorned with golden garlands – all of them in divine form and decked in ornaments, always wait upon and worship the illustrious chief of Amaraas (Lord Indra), that mighty represser of all enemies.

“O Paarthaa (Yudhishthira), the Deva Rishis also, all of pure souls, with sins completely washed off and brilliant as the fire, possessed of energy, without sorrow of any kind, freed from the fever of anxiety, and all performers of the Soma yagna, also wait upon and worship (Lord) Indra. Paraasharaa, Parvata, Saavarni, Gaalavaa; Shankha, Likhita, Muni Gaurashiraa; Durvaasaa, Krodhana, Shwena and the Muni Dhirghatapa; Pavitrapaani, Saavarni, Yaagnavalkyaa and Bhaaluki; Uddaalaka, Shwetaketu, Tandya, and also Bhandayani; Havishmaa, Gavishta, king Harischandra; Hridya, Udarshaandilya, Paaraasharya, Krishivala; Vaataskandhaa, Vishaakha, Vidhaataa and Kaala. Anantadanta, Tvashta, Vishwakarmaa, and Tumburu; and other Rishis, some born of women, and others living upon air, and others again living upon fire, these all worship (Lord) Indra, the wielder of Vajra, the lord of all the worlds.

“Sahadeva, Suneetha, Mahaa Tapaswi Vaalmeeki; Sameeka of truthful speech, Prachetaa – ever fulfilling their promises; Medhaatithi, Vaamadeva, Pulastya, Pulaha and Kratu; Marutta, Mareechi, Mahaa Tapaswi Sthaanu; Kaksheevaan, Gautama, Taarkshya, and also the Muni Vaishwaanara; Muni Kaalakavriksheeya, Aasraavya, and also Hiranyada; Samvarta, Devahavya, and Vishwaksena of great energy; O king (Yudhishthira), Kanwa, Katyayana, Gargya, and Kaushika – all are present there along with the divine waters and plants; faith, intelligence, Saraswati, Arthaa, Dharma, Kaamaa; and lightning, O Paandavaa (Yudhishthira).

“O Bharata (Yudhishthira), the rain-charged clouds, the winds, and all the loud-sounding forces of heaven; the eastern point, the twenty seven fires conveying the yagna butter, Agni and Soma, the fire of (Lord) Indra, Mitra, Savitaa, and Aryamaan; Bhagaa, Vishwa, the Saadhyaas, the Guru (Brihaspati), also Shukra; Vishwavasu, Chitrasena, Sumanas, and also Taruna; the Yagnas, Dakshinaa, the planets, the stars, and the mantras that are uttered in yagnas – all these are present there.

“O King (Yudhishthira), many Apsaraas and Gandharvaas, by various kinds of dances and music both instrumental and vocal, and by the practice of auspicious rites, and by the exhibition of many feats of skill, please the lord of Devaraja Shatakratu (Lord Indra) – the illustrious slayer of Vala and Vritra. Besides these, many other Brahma Rishis, Raja Rishis, Devas Rishis, all brilliant as the fire, decked in floral arrangement and ornaments, frequently come to and leave that Sabha, riding on divine chariots of various kinds. Brihaspati and Shukra are present there on all occasions. O king, these and many other illustrious Rishis of rigid Vrata, Bhrigu, the seven Rishis (The set of Rishis that are recognised as Sapta Rishis change every Manvantara; The present batch of the Sapta Rishis is Bhrigu, Atri, Angirasa, Vasistha, Pulastya, Pulaha and Kratu; One Manvantara equals 306,720,000 human years) who are equal to (Lord) Brahma Himself, come to and leave that Sabha, riding on Vimaana beautiful as the Vimaana of Soma (the Moon), and themselves looking as bright therein as Soma himself. This, O mighty armed monarch (Yudhishthira), is the Sabha, called Pushkaramaalini, of (Lord) Indra of a hundred yagnas that I have seen. Listen now to the account of Yama’s Sabha.’”

EQUALS OF YUDHISHTHIRA'S SABHA

SRIMAD MAHABHARATA - SABHA PARVA - LOKAPALA SABHAKHAYANA (UPA) PARVA - CHAPTER 6 - EQUALS OF YUDHISHTHIRA'S SABHA

“Vaishampaayana said, ‘At the conclusion of (Devarishi) Narada’s words, Dharmaraja Yudhishthira worshipped him duly; and commanded by him the monarch began to reply briefly and clearly to the questions the Rishi had asked.

“Yudhishthira said ‘O holy one (Narada), the truths of Dharma and morality you have indicated one after another, are just and proper. As regards myself, I duly observe those Shaastraas to the best of my power. Indeed, the acts that were properly performed by monarchs of ancient days are, without doubt, to be regarded as bearing proper fruit, and undertaken from solid reasons for the attainment of proper objects. O master, we desire to walk in the path of Dharma of those rulers that had, besides, their souls under complete control.’

“Vaishampaayana continued, ‘Yudhishthira, the Paandavaa, possessed of great glory, having received with respect the words of Narada and having also answered the Rishi thus, thought for a moment. Perceiving a proper opportunity, the monarch (Yudhishthira), seated next to the Rishi, asked Narada (who was) sitting at his ease and capable of going into every world at will, in the presence of that assembly of kings, saying ‘Possessed of the speed of mind, you wander over various and many worlds created in ancient days by (Lord) Brahma, seeing everything. Tell me, I ask you, if you have, O Brahmana (Devarishi Narada), ever seen before anywhere a Sabha like this of mine or superior to it!’ Hearing these words of Dharmaraja Yudhishthira, Narada smilingly answered the Paandavaa in these sweet accents.

“Narada said, ‘O child, O king (Yudhishthira), I did neither see nor hear of ever before among men, any Sabha built of gems and precious stones like this of yours, O Bharata. I shall, however, describe to you the Sabhas of the king of Pitris (Yama), of Varuna of great intelligence, of (Lord) Indra, the King of Devas and also of him who has his home in Kailaasa (Kubera). I shall also describe to you the divine Sabha of (Lord) Brahma that dispels every kind of uneasiness.

“All these Sabhas exhibit in their structure both divine and human designs and present every kind of form that exists in the universe. They are ever worshipped by Devas, Pitris, the Sadhyaas, by Rishis offering yagnas, with souls under complete command, by peaceful Munis engaged without intermission in Vedic yagnas with presents to Brahmanas. I shall describe all these to you if, O bull of the Bharata race (Yudhishthira), you have any inclinations to listen to me!’”

“Vaishampaayana continued, ‘Thus addressed by Narada, the high-souled Dharmaraja Yudhishthira, with his brothers and all those foremost of Brahmanas (seated around him), joined his hands. The monarch then asked Narada, saying, ‘Describe to us all those Sabhas. We desire to listen to you. O Brahmana, what are the articles with which each of the Sabhas are made of? What is the area of each, and what is the length and breadth of each? Who wait upon the Pitamaha (Lord Brahma) in that Sabha? Who also upon Vaasava, the Devaraja and upon Yama, the son of Vivaswana? Who wait upon Varuna and upon Kubera in their respective Sabhas? O Brahmana Rishi (Narada), tell us all about these. We all together desire to hear you describe them. Indeed, our curiosity is great.’

“Thus addressed by the Paandavaa, Narada replied, saying, ‘O monarch, you all hear about those divine Sabhas one after another.’” 

CONVERSATION BETWEEN NARADA AND YUDHISHTHIRA

SRIMAD MAHABHARATA - SABHA PARVA - LOKAPALA SABHAKHAYANA (UPA) PARVA - CHAPTER 5(E) - CONVERSATION BETWEEN NARADA AND YUDHISHTHIRA

“(Deva) Rishi Narada continued, ‘Do you worship Brahmanas and wise men according to their merits in respect of various branches of learning? I tell you, such worship is without doubt, highly beneficial to you.

“Do you have faith in the Dharma based on the three Vedas (Rig Veda, Yajur Veda and Sama Veda) and practised by men who have gone before you (your ancestors)? Do you carefully follow the practices that were followed by them?

“Are accomplished Brahmanas entertained in your house and in your presence with nutritive and excellent food, and do they also obtain monetary gifts (Dakshina in Sanskrit) at the conclusion of those feasts?

“Do you, with passions under complete control and with singleness of mind, strive to perform yagnas called Vaajapeya and Pundareeka with their full complement of rites?

“Do you bow to your relatives, Gurus, the aged, Devas, Rishis, Brahmanas, and the tall trees (banian) in villages, that are of so much benefit to people (banian trees in villages is the general place where Panchayat used to take place; it acts a local governance structure coupled with local judiciary)?

“O sinless one (Yudhishthira), do you ever cause grief or anger in any one?

“Do priests capable of granting you auspicious fruits ever stand by your side?

“O sinless one, are your inclinations and practices such as I have described them, and as always enhance the duration of life and spread one’s fame and as always help the cause of Dharma, Arthaa, and Kaamaa?

“He who conducts himself according to this way, never finds his kingdom distressed or pained; and that monarch, subjugating the whole earth, enjoys a high degree of happiness.

“O monarch (Yudhishthira), I hope, no well-behaved, pure-souled, and respected person is ever ruined and his life taken, on a false charge or theft, by your ministers ignorant of Shaastraas and acting from greed?

“O bull among men (Yudhishthira), I hope your ministers never from greed set free a real thief, knowing him to be such and having arrested him with the booty about him?

“O Bharata (Yudhisthira), I hope, your ministers are never won over by bribes, nor do they wrongly decide the disputes that arise between the rich and the poor.

“Do you keep yourself free from the fourteen evils of kings – atheism, untruthfulness, anger, incautiousness, delay, non-visit to the wise, idleness, restlessness of mind, taking counsels with only one man, consultation with persons non-familiar with the science of profit, abandonment of a settled plan, let knowing of counsels (to others), non-accomplishment of beneficial projects, and undertaking everything without thought? By these, O king (Yudhishthira), even monarchs firmly seated on their thrones are ruined.

“Has your study of the Vedas, your wealth and knowledge of the Shaastraas and marriage been fruitful?

“Vaishampaayana continued, ‘After the Rishi (Narada) had finished, Yudhishthira asked, ‘How, O Rishi, do the Vedas, wealth, wife, and knowledge of the Shaastraas bear fruit?’

“The Rishi (Narada) answered, ‘The Vedas are said to bear fruit when he that has studied them performs Agnihotra and other yagnas. Wealth is said to bear fruit when he that has it enjoyed it himself and gives it away in charity. A wife is said to bear fruit when she is useful and when she bears children. Knowledge of the Shaastras is said to bear fruit when it results in humility and good behaviour.’

“Vaishampaayana continued, ‘The Maharishi Narada, having answered Yudhishthira thus, again asked that Dharmaraja, ‘Do the officers of your government, O king, that are paid from the taxes levied on the community, take only their proper dues from the merchants that come to your territories from distant lands driven by the desire of gain?

“Are the merchants, O king (Yudhishthira), treated with consideration in your capital and kingdom, capable of bringing their goods there without being deceived by the false pretexts of (both the buyers and the officers of government)?

“Do you always listen, O monarch (Yudhishthira), to the words, filled with instructions in Dharma and Arthaa, of old men acquainted with economic doctrines?

“Are gifts of honey and clarified butter made to Brahmanas intended for the increase of agricultural produce, of cows, of fruits and flowers, and for the sake of Dharma?

“Do you always give, O king (Yudhishthira), regularly to all the artisans and artists employed by you the materials of their works and their wages for periods not more than four months?

“Do you examine the works executed by those that are employed by you, and do you applaud them before good men, and do you reward them, having shown them proper respect?

“O bull of the Bharata race (Yudhishthira), do you follow the principles in respect of every concern particularly those relating to elephants, horses, and chariots?

“O bull of the Bharata race, are the principles relating to Dhanurveda, as also those that relate to the practice of engines in warfare--so useful to towns and fortified places, studied in your court?

“O sinless one (Yudhishthira), are you familiar with all mysterious mantras, and with the secrets of poisons destructive of all enemies?

“Do you protect your kingdom from the fear of fire, of snakes and other animals destructive of life, of disease, and Raakshasaas?

“As acquainted you are with every duty, do you like a father cherish, the blind, the dumb, the lame, the deformed, the friendless, and Rishis that have no homes?

“O monarch (Yudhishthira), have you banished these six evils – sleep, idleness, fear, anger, weakness of mind, and delay?’

“Vaishampaayana continued, ‘The illustrious bull among the Kurus (Yudhisthira), having heard these words of that best of Brahmanas, bowed down to him and worshipped his feet. Satisfied with everything he heard, the monarch said to Narada of divine form, ‘I shall do all that you have directed, for my knowledge has expanded under your advice!’

“Having said this the king (Yudhishthira) acted conformably to that advice, and gained in time the whole Earth bounded by her belt of seas. Narada again spoke, saying, ‘That king who is thus employed in the protection of four varnas – Brahmanas, Kshatriyaas, Vaishyaas, and Shudraas – passes his days here happily and attains hereafter to the region of Shakra (Indraloka).’”