Then Arjuna
approached the bow and stood there like a mountain. And walking round that
bow, and bending his head unto that giver of boons--the lord Isana--and
remembering Krishna also, he took it up. And that bow which Rukma, Sunitha,
Vakra, Radha's son, Duryodhana, Salya, and many other kings accomplished
in the science and practice of arms, could not even with great exertion,
string, Arjuna, the son of Indra, that foremost of all persons endued with
energy and like unto the younger brother of Indra (Vishnu) in might,
strung in the twinkling of an eye. And taking up the five arrows he shot
the mark and caused it to fall down on the ground through the hole in the
machine above which it had been placed. Then there arose a loud uproar in
the firmament, and the amphitheatre also resounded with a loud clamour.
And the gods showered celestial flowers on the head of Partha the slayer
of foes. And thousands of Brahmanas began to wave their upper garments in
joy. And all around, the monarchs who had been unsuccessful, uttered
exclamations of grief and despair. And flowers were rained from the skies
all over the amphitheatre. And the musicians struck up in concert. Bards
and heralds began to chant in sweet tones the praises (of the hero who
accomplished the feat). And beholding Arjuna, Drupada--that slayer of foes,--
was filled with joy. And the monarch desired to assist with his forces the
hero if the occasion arose. And when the uproar was at its height,
Yudhishthira, the foremost of all virtuous men, accompanied by those first
of men the twins, hastily left the amphitheatre for returning to his
temporary home.
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