“Arjuna asked, ‘O Gandharva, you are familiar with everything. Tell us,
therefore, which Veda-knowing Brahmana is worthy to be appointed as our (chief)
priest (Purohita in Sanskrit).’
“The Gandharva replied, ‘There is in this forest a shrine (Teertha
in Sanskrit) of the name of Utkochaka.
Dhaumya, the younger brother of Devala is engaged there in Tapas. Appoint him,
if you desire, your Purohita.’
“Vaishampaayana said, ‘Then Arjuna, highly pleased with everything that
had happened, gave to that Gandharva, his weapon of fire (Aagneya Astra in
Sanskrit) with appropriate ceremonies. Addressing
him, the Pandava (Arjuna) also said,
‘O you best of Gandharvas, let the horses you give us remain with you for a
time. When the occasion comes, we will take them from you. Blessed be you.’
“Then the Gandharva and the Pandavas, respectfully saluting each other,
left the delightful banks of the Bhagirathi (River Ganga) and went wherever they desired. Then, O
Bharata (Janamejaya), the Pandavas
going to Utkochaka, the sacred ashrama of Dhaumya installed Dhaumya as their
Purohita. Dhaumya, the foremost of all knowledgeable with the Vedas, receiving
them with presents of wild fruits and (edible) roots, agreed to become their Purohita. The Pandavas with their mother
(Kunti) forming the sixth of the
company, having obtained that Brahmana (Dhaumya) as their Purohita regarded their sovereignty and kingdom as already
regained and the daughter of the Paanchaala king (Paanchaala king is
Drupada; Drupada’s daughter is Draupadi)
as already obtained in the Swayamavara.
“Those bulls of the Bharata race (Pandavas), having obtained the Guru Dhaumya as their Purohita, also regarded
themselves as placed under a powerful protector. The high-souled Dhaumya, familiar
with the true meaning of the Vedas and every Dharma, becoming the spiritual Guru
of the Dharmic Pandavas, made them his Yajamanas (spiritual disciples). That Brahmana (Dhaumya), seeing those heroes (Veera in Sanskrit)
endued with intelligence, strength and persistence
like to the Devas, regarded them as already restored, by virtue of their own
accomplishments to their sovereignty and kingdom. Then those kings of men (Pandavas), having had blessing uttered upon them by
that Brahmana (Dhaumya), resolved to
go, accompanied by him, to the Swayamvara of the Princess of Paanchaala.’”
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