And that
daughter of Yajnasena will select a husband from among the invited princes.
And we are repairing thither to behold her and the festivities on the
occasion, like unto the festivities of heaven. And to that Swayamvara will
come from various lands kings and princes who are performers of sacrifices
in which the presents to the Brahmanas are large: who are devoted to study,
are holy, illustrious, and of rigid vows; who are young and handsome; and
who are mighty car-warriors and accomplished in arms. Desirous of winning
(the hand of) the maiden those monarchs will all give away much wealth and
kine and food and other articles of enjoyment. And taking all they will
give away and witnessing the Swayamvara, and enjoying the festivities, we
shall go wheresoever we like. And there will also come unto that
Swayamvara, from various countries, actors, and bards singing the
panegyrics of kings, and dancers, and reciters of Puranas, and heralds,
and powerful athletes. And beholding all these sights and taking what will
be given away to illustrious ones, ye will return with us. Ye are all
handsome and like unto the celestials! Beholding you, Krishna may, by
chance, choose some one amongst you superior to the rest. This thy brother
of mighty arms and handsome and endued with beauty also, engaged in
(athletic) encounters, may, by chance, earn great wealth.'
"On hearing these words of the Brahmanas, Yudhishthira replied, 'Ye
Brahmanas, we will all go with you to witness that maiden's Swayamvara--
that excellent jubilee.
Pages:
693
694
695
696
697
698
699
700
701
702
703
704
705
706
707
708
709
710
711
712
713
714
715
716
717