“Vaishampaayana said, ‘O king (Janamejaya), those mighty
chariot-warriors, the heroic Pandavas, then went from forest to forest killing
deer and many animals (for their food).
In the course of their wanderings they saw the countries of the Matsya, the
Trigarta, the Paanchaala and then of the Kichaka, and also many beautiful forest
and lakes therein. They all had matted locks on their heads and were dressed in
barks of trees and the skins of animals. Indeed, with Kunti in their company
those respected heroes were dressed in the garbs of Rishis. Those mighty
chariot-warriors sometimes proceeded in speed, carrying their mother on their
backs; and sometimes they proceeded in disguise, and sometimes again with great
swiftness. They used to study the Rik and the other Vedas and also all the
Vedangas as well as the sciences of Dharma and Neeti. The Pandavas, knowledgeable
with the science of Dharma, met, in course of their wanderings their
grandfather (Maharishi Vyasa). Saluting
the respected Krishna-Dwaipayana (Maharishi Vyasa), those punishers of enemies, with their mother, stood before him with
joined hands.’
“Vyasa then said, ‘O bulls of Bharata's race (Pandavas), I knew in advance
of this pain of yours consisting in your deceitful exile by the son of
Dhritarashtra (Duryodhana). Knowing
this, I have come to you, desirous of doing you some great good. Do not grieve
for what has happened to you. Know that all this is for your happiness.
Undoubtedly, the sons of Dhritarashtra and you are all equal in my eye. But men are always partial to those who are in misfortune or of younger
years. It is therefore, that my affection for you is greater now. In
consequence of that affection, I desire to do you good. Listen to me! Not far
off before you is a delightful town where no danger can overtake you. You live
there in disguise, waiting for my return.’
“Vaishampaayana continued, ‘Vyasa, the son of
Satyavati, thus comforting the Pandavas, led them into the town of Ekachakra. The
master (Maharishi Vyasa) also comforted Kunti, saying, ‘Live, O daughter! This son of yours,
Yudhishthira, ever devoted to truth (Satya in Sanskrit), this illustrious bull among men, having by his Dharma conquered the
whole world, will rule over all the other monarchs of the earth. There is
little doubt that, having by means of Bhima's and Arjuna's capabilities
conquered the whole earth with her belt of seas, he will enjoy the sovereignty
thereof. Your sons as well as those of Maadri--mighty chariot-warriors all--will
cheerfully sport as pleases them in their territory. These tigers among men
will also perform various yagnas, such as the Raajasooya (yagna) and the Ashwamedha (yagna), in which the presents to the Brahmanas
are very large. These your sons will rule their ancestral kingdom, maintaining
their friends and relatives in luxury and affluence and happiness.’
“Vaisampayana continued, ‘With these words Vyasa
introduced them into the dwelling of a Brahmana. The island-born Rishi (Maharishi Vyasa), addressing
the eldest of the Pandavas (Yudhishthira), said, ‘Wait here for me! I will come back to you! By adapting
yourselves to the country and the occasion you will succeed in becoming very
happy.’
“O
king (Janamejaya), then the Pandavas with joined hands said
to the Rishi (Vyasa), ‘So be it.’ The
illustrious master, the Rishi Vyasa, then went away to the region from where he
had come.’”
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