FOUNDATION LAID FOR THE SABHA

SRIMAD MAHABHARATA - SABHA PARVA - SABHAKRIYA (UPA) PARVA - CHAPTER 1 - FOUNDATION LAID FOR THE SABHA

“Om! Having bowed down to Narayana and Nara, the most respected male being, and also to Goddess Saraswati, must the word Jaya be uttered.

“Vaishampaayana said, “Then, in the presence of Vaasudeva (Sri Krishna), Maya Danava, having worshipped Arjuna, repeatedly spoke to him with joined hands and in friendly words, ‘O son of Kunti (Arjuna), I have been saved by you from this (Sri) Krishna in run and from Paavakaa desirous of consuming me. Tell me what I have to do for you.’

“Arjuna said, ‘O great Asura (Maya) (Mahaasura in Sanskrit), everything has already been done by you (by this offer of yours). Blessed be you. Go wherever you like. Be kind and well-inclined towards me, as we are kind to and well-pleased with you!’

“Maya said, ‘O bull among men (Arjuna), O noble one, what you have said is worthy of you. But, O Bharata (Arjuna), I desire to do something for you cheerfully. I am a great artist (Mahaakavi in Sanskrit), a Vishwakarma among the Daanavaas. O Paandavaa (Arjuna), being what I am, I desire to do something for you.’

“Arjuna said, ‘O sinless one (Maya), you regard yourself as saved (by me) from imminent death. Even if it has been so, I cannot make you do anything for me. At the same time, O Daanavaa (Maya), I do not wish to frustrate your intentions. You do something for (Sri) Krishna. That will be a sufficient act of return for my services to you.’

“Vaishampaayana said, “Then, O bull of the Bharata race (Janamejaya), urged by Maya, Vaasudeva (Sri Krishna) thought for a moment as to what He should ask Maya to accomplish. (Sri) Krishna, the Lord of the universe and the Creator of every object, having thought in His mind, thus commanded Maya, ‘O Daiteya, let a sabha as you choose, be built (by you), if you, who are the foremost of all artists, desire to do good to Dharmaraja Yudhishthira. Indeed, you build such a sabha that persons belonging to the world of men may not be able to imitate it even after examining it with care, while seated within. O Maya, you build a sabha in which we may see a combination of Deva, Asura and human designs.’”

“Vaishampaayana continued, “Having heard those words, Maya became exceedingly glad. He immediately built a magnificent sabha for the Paandavaa like to the Vimaana themselves. Then (Sri) Krishna and Paartha (Arjuna) after having narrated everything to Dharmaraja Yudhishthira, introduced Maya to him. Yudhishthira received Maya with respect, offering him the honour he deserved. O Bharata (Janamejaya), Maya accepted that honour thinking highly of it. O monarch of the Bharata race (Janamejaya), that great Daiteya (Maya) then recited to Paandavaas the history of the Deva Vishaam Pataa, and that foremost of artists then, having rested awhile, set himself after much thoughtful planning to build a sabha for the illustrious Pandavas. Agreeably to the wishes of both (Sri) Krishna and Paarthaas (Paandavaas), the illustrious Daanavaa (Maya) of great prowess, having performed on an auspicious day the initial propitiatory rites of foundation and having also pleased thousands of well-versed Dwijaas (Dwija means twice born. While the first birth is natural, the second birth occurs upon the realisation of the Supreme Soul) with sweetened milk and rice and with rich presents of various kinds, measured out a plot of land five thousand (5,000) cubits square, which was delightful and exceedingly beautiful to look and which was favourable for construction of a building well-suited to the demand of every season.”