sidhellman/clean_data.txt · Datasets at Hugging Face

text stringlengths 0 182
them, some of them fell, O king, on that deerskin in which those ear-rings had been carefully tied by that foremost of
Brahmanas. With the strokes of the fruits, the knot became untied. Suddenly that deer-skin, with the ear-rings in it, fell down.
When the knot being unfastened, the deer-skin fell down on the ground, a snake who was there beheld those jewelled ear-rings.
That snake belonged to the race of Airavata. With great promptness he took up the ear-rings in his mouth and then entered an
anthill. Beholding the ear-rings taken away by that snake, Utanka, filled with wrath and in great anxiety of mind, came down
from the tree. Taking his staff he began to pierce that anthill. That best of Brahmanas, burning with wrath and the desire for
revenge, ceaselessly employed himself for five and thirty days in that task. The goddess Earth, unable to bear the force of
Utanka's walking staff and with body torn therewith, became exceedingly anxious. Unto that regenerate Rishi then, who
continued to dig the Earth from desire of making a path to the nether regions inhabited by the Nagas, the chief of the celestials,
armed with the thunder, came there, on his car drawn by green horses. Endued with great energy, he beheld that foremost of
Brahmanas, as he sat there engaged in his task.'

"Vaisampayana continued, 'Assuming the garb of a Brahmana afflicted with the sorrow of Utanka, the chief of the celestials
addressed him, saying, 'This (purpose of thine) is incapable of being achieved. The regions of the Nagas are thousands of
Yojanas removed from this place. I think that thy purpose is not capable of being achieved with thy walking staff.'

"Utanka said, 'If, O Brahmana, the ear-rings be not recovered by me from the regions of the Nagas, I shall cast off my life-
breaths before thy eyes, O foremost of regenerate persons!'

"Vaisampayana said, 'When the thunder-armed Indra failed to divert Utanka from his purpose, he united the latter's walking
staff with the force of thunder. Then, O Janamejaya, the Earth, opening with those strokes having the force of thunder, yielded
a way to the (nether) regions inhabited by the Nagas. By that path Utanka entered the world of Nagas. He saw that that region
lay extended thousands of Yojanas on all sides. Indeed, O blessed one, it was equipt with many walls made of pure gold and
decked with jewels and gems. There were many fine tanks of water furnished with flights of stair-cases made of pure crystal,
and many rivers of clear and transparent water. He saw also many trees with diverse species of birds perching on them. That
perpetuator of Bhrigu's race behold the gate of that region which was full five Yojanas high and a hundred Yojanas in width.
Beholding the region of the Nagas, Utanka became very cheerless. Indeed, he, despaired of getting back the earrings. Then
there appeared unto him a black steed with a white tail. His face and eyes were of a coppery hue, O thou of Kuru's race, and he
seemed to blaze forth with energy. Addressing Utanka, he said, 'Do thou blow into the Apana duct of my body. Thou wilt then,
O learned Brahmana, get back thy ear-rings which have been taken away by a descendant of Airavata's race! Do not loathe to
do my bidding, O son. Thou didst it often at the retreat of Gautama in former days.'

"Utanka said, 'How did I know thee in the retreat of my preceptor? Indeed, I wish to hear how I did in those days what thou
biddest me do now.'

"The steed said, 'Know, O learned Brahmana, that I am the preceptor of thy preceptor, for I am the blazing Jatavedas (deity of
fire). By thee I was often worshipped for the sake of thy preceptor, O child of Bhrigu's race, duly and with a pure heart and
body. For that reason I shall accomplish what is for thy good. Do my bidding without delay.' Thus addressed by the deity of
fire, Utanka did as he was directed. The deity then, gratified with him, blazed up for consuming everything. From the pores of
his body, O Bharata, in consequence of his very nature, a thick smoke issued threatening terrors to the world of Nagas. With
that mighty and wide-spreading smoke, O Bharata, everything became enveloped in gloom, so that nothing, O king, could any
longer be seen in the world of the Nagas. Cries of woe were heard throughout the mansions of the Airavatas, uttered by the
Nagas headed by Vasuki, O Janamejaya. Enveloped by that smoke, the palaces could no longer be seen, O Bharata. These
resembled woods and hill overwhelmed by a thick forest. With eyes that were red in consequence of that smoke, and afflicted
by the energy of the deity of fire, the Nagas came out of their mansions to the high-souled son of Bhrigu's race for ascertaining
what was the matter. Having heard what the matter was from that ascetic of immeasurable energy, all the Nagas, with fear
depicted on their eyes, offered him their worship according to due forms. Indeed, all the Nagas placing the old and the young
one's before them, bowed unto him with their heads and joining their hands addressed him, saying, 'Be gratified with us, O holy
one!' Having gratified that Brahmana and offered him water to wash his feet and the ingredients of the Arghya (for honouring
him), the Nagas gave him those celestial and highly-adored ear-rings. Thus honoured by them, Utanka of great prowess,
circumambulating the deity of fire, started for the retreat of his preceptor. Indeed, repairing quickly to Gautama's asylum, O
king, he presented those ear-rings unto the wife of his preceptor, O sinless one. That best of Brahmanas also told his preceptor
everything about Vasuki and the other Nagas that had occurred. It was even thus, O Janamejaya, that the high-souled Utanka,
having wandered through the three worlds, fetched those jewelled ear-rings (for his preceptor's wife). Of such prowess, O chief
of Bharata's race, was the ascetic Utanka. So austere were the penances with which he was endued. I have thus told thee what
thou hadst asked me.'"

SECTION LIX

"Janamejaya said, 'After having conferred that boon on Utanka, O foremost of regenerate persons, what did the mighty-armed
Govinda of great celebrity next do?'

"Vaisampayana said, 'Having granted that boon to Utanka, Govinda, accompanied by Satyaki, proceeded to Dwaraka on his car
drawn by his large steeds endued with great speed. Passing many lakes and rivers and forests and hills, he at last came upon the
delightful city of Dwaravati. It was at the time, O king, when the festival of Raivataka had begun, that he of eyes like lotus-
petals arrived with Satyaki as his companion. Adorned with many beautiful things and covered with diverse Koshas made of
jewels and gems, the Raivataka hill shone, O king, with great splendour. That high mountain, decked with excellent garlands of
gold and gay festoons of flowers, with many large trees that looked like the Kalpa trees of Indra's garden, and with many
golden poles on which were lighted lamps, shone in beauty through day and night. By the caves and fountains the light was so
great that it seemed to be broad day. On all sides beautiful flags waved on the air with little bells that jingled continuously. The
entire hill resounded with the melodious songs of men and women. Raivataka presented a most charming prospect like Meru
with all his jewels and gems. Men and women, excited and filled with delight, O Bharata, sang aloud. The swell of music that
thus rose from that foremost of mountains seemed to touch the very heavens. Everywhere were heard spouts and loud whoops
of men who were in all stages of excitement. The cackle of thousands of voices made that mountain delightful and charming. It
was adorned with many shops and stalls filled with diverse viands and enjoyable articles. There were heaps of cloths and
garlands, and the music of Vinas and flutes and Mridangas was heard everywhere. Food mixed with wines of diverse kinds was
stored here and there. Gifts were being ceaselessly made to those that were distressed, or blind, or helpless. In consequence of
all this, the festival of that mountain became highly auspicious. There were many sacred abodes built on the breast of that
mountain, O hero, within which resided many men of righteous deeds. Even thus did the heroes of Vrishni's race sport in that
festival of Raivataka. Equipt with those mansions, that mountain shone like a second Heaven. At the arrival of Krishna, O chief
of Bharata's race, that prince of mountains resembled the blessed abode of Indra himself. Worshipped (by his relatives),
Krishna then entered a beautiful mansion. Satyaki also went to his own quarters with a delighted soul. Govinda entered his
residence after a long absence, having accomplished feats of great difficulty like Vasava amid the Danava host. The heroes of
the Bhoja, Vrishni, and Andhaka races, all came forward to receive that high-souled one like the deities advancing to receive
him of a hundred sacrifices. Endued with great intelligence, he honoured them in return and enquired after their welfare. With a
gratified heart he then saluted his father and mother. The mighty-armed hero was embraced by both of them and comforted too
(by numerous evidences of affection). He then took his seat with all the Vrishnis sitting around him. Having washed his feet
and dispelled his fatigue, Krishna of mighty energy, as he sat there, then recounted the chief incidents of the great battle in
answer to the questions put to him by his sire.'"

SECTION LX

"Vasudeva said, 'O thou of Vrishni's race, I have repeatedly heard men speaking of the wonderful battle (between the Kurus
and the Pandavas). Thou, however, O mighty-armed one, hast witnessed it with thy own eyes. Do thou, therefore, O sinless
one, describe the battle in detail. Indeed, tell me how that battle took place between the high-souled Pandavas (on the one side)
and Bhishma and Karna and Kripa and Drona and Salya and others (on the other side), between, in fact, numerous other
Kshatriyas well-skilled in aims, differing from one another in mien and attire, and hailing from diverse realms.'

"Vaisampayana continued, 'Thus addressed by his sire, he of eyes like lotus-petals narrated, in the presence of his mother also,
how the Kaurava heroes had been slain in battle.'

them, some of them fell, O king, on that deerskin in which those ear-rings had been carefully tied by that foremost of

Brahmanas. With the strokes of the fruits, the knot became untied. Suddenly that deer-skin, with the ear-rings in it, fell down.

When the knot being unfastened, the deer-skin fell down on the ground, a snake who was there beheld those jewelled ear-rings.

That snake belonged to the race of Airavata. With great promptness he took up the ear-rings in his mouth and then entered an

anthill. Beholding the ear-rings taken away by that snake, Utanka, filled with wrath and in great anxiety of mind, came down

from the tree. Taking his staff he began to pierce that anthill. That best of Brahmanas, burning with wrath and the desire for

revenge, ceaselessly employed himself for five and thirty days in that task. The goddess Earth, unable to bear the force of

Utanka's walking staff and with body torn therewith, became exceedingly anxious. Unto that regenerate Rishi then, who

continued to dig the Earth from desire of making a path to the nether regions inhabited by the Nagas, the chief of the celestials,

armed with the thunder, came there, on his car drawn by green horses. Endued with great energy, he beheld that foremost of

Brahmanas, as he sat there engaged in his task.'

"Vaisampayana continued, 'Assuming the garb of a Brahmana afflicted with the sorrow of Utanka, the chief of the celestials

addressed him, saying, 'This (purpose of thine) is incapable of being achieved. The regions of the Nagas are thousands of

Yojanas removed from this place. I think that thy purpose is not capable of being achieved with thy walking staff.'

"Utanka said, 'If, O Brahmana, the ear-rings be not recovered by me from the regions of the Nagas, I shall cast off my life-

breaths before thy eyes, O foremost of regenerate persons!'

"Vaisampayana said, 'When the thunder-armed Indra failed to divert Utanka from his purpose, he united the latter's walking

staff with the force of thunder. Then, O Janamejaya, the Earth, opening with those strokes having the force of thunder, yielded

a way to the (nether) regions inhabited by the Nagas. By that path Utanka entered the world of Nagas. He saw that that region

lay extended thousands of Yojanas on all sides. Indeed, O blessed one, it was equipt with many walls made of pure gold and

decked with jewels and gems. There were many fine tanks of water furnished with flights of stair-cases made of pure crystal,

and many rivers of clear and transparent water. He saw also many trees with diverse species of birds perching on them. That

perpetuator of Bhrigu's race behold the gate of that region which was full five Yojanas high and a hundred Yojanas in width.

Beholding the region of the Nagas, Utanka became very cheerless. Indeed, he, despaired of getting back the earrings. Then

there appeared unto him a black steed with a white tail. His face and eyes were of a coppery hue, O thou of Kuru's race, and he

seemed to blaze forth with energy. Addressing Utanka, he said, 'Do thou blow into the Apana duct of my body. Thou wilt then,

O learned Brahmana, get back thy ear-rings which have been taken away by a descendant of Airavata's race! Do not loathe to

do my bidding, O son. Thou didst it often at the retreat of Gautama in former days.'

"Utanka said, 'How did I know thee in the retreat of my preceptor? Indeed, I wish to hear how I did in those days what thou

biddest me do now.'

"The steed said, 'Know, O learned Brahmana, that I am the preceptor of thy preceptor, for I am the blazing Jatavedas (deity of

fire). By thee I was often worshipped for the sake of thy preceptor, O child of Bhrigu's race, duly and with a pure heart and

body. For that reason I shall accomplish what is for thy good. Do my bidding without delay.' Thus addressed by the deity of

fire, Utanka did as he was directed. The deity then, gratified with him, blazed up for consuming everything. From the pores of

his body, O Bharata, in consequence of his very nature, a thick smoke issued threatening terrors to the world of Nagas. With

that mighty and wide-spreading smoke, O Bharata, everything became enveloped in gloom, so that nothing, O king, could any

longer be seen in the world of the Nagas. Cries of woe were heard throughout the mansions of the Airavatas, uttered by the

Nagas headed by Vasuki, O Janamejaya. Enveloped by that smoke, the palaces could no longer be seen, O Bharata. These

resembled woods and hill overwhelmed by a thick forest. With eyes that were red in consequence of that smoke, and afflicted

by the energy of the deity of fire, the Nagas came out of their mansions to the high-souled son of Bhrigu's race for ascertaining

what was the matter. Having heard what the matter was from that ascetic of immeasurable energy, all the Nagas, with fear

depicted on their eyes, offered him their worship according to due forms. Indeed, all the Nagas placing the old and the young

one's before them, bowed unto him with their heads and joining their hands addressed him, saying, 'Be gratified with us, O holy

one!' Having gratified that Brahmana and offered him water to wash his feet and the ingredients of the Arghya (for honouring

him), the Nagas gave him those celestial and highly-adored ear-rings. Thus honoured by them, Utanka of great prowess,

circumambulating the deity of fire, started for the retreat of his preceptor. Indeed, repairing quickly to Gautama's asylum, O

king, he presented those ear-rings unto the wife of his preceptor, O sinless one. That best of Brahmanas also told his preceptor

everything about Vasuki and the other Nagas that had occurred. It was even thus, O Janamejaya, that the high-souled Utanka,

having wandered through the three worlds, fetched those jewelled ear-rings (for his preceptor's wife). Of such prowess, O chief

of Bharata's race, was the ascetic Utanka. So austere were the penances with which he was endued. I have thus told thee what

thou hadst asked me.'"

SECTION LIX

"Janamejaya said, 'After having conferred that boon on Utanka, O foremost of regenerate persons, what did the mighty-armed

Govinda of great celebrity next do?'

"Vaisampayana said, 'Having granted that boon to Utanka, Govinda, accompanied by Satyaki, proceeded to Dwaraka on his car

drawn by his large steeds endued with great speed. Passing many lakes and rivers and forests and hills, he at last came upon the

delightful city of Dwaravati. It was at the time, O king, when the festival of Raivataka had begun, that he of eyes like lotus-

petals arrived with Satyaki as his companion. Adorned with many beautiful things and covered with diverse Koshas made of

jewels and gems, the Raivataka hill shone, O king, with great splendour. That high mountain, decked with excellent garlands of

gold and gay festoons of flowers, with many large trees that looked like the Kalpa trees of Indra's garden, and with many

golden poles on which were lighted lamps, shone in beauty through day and night. By the caves and fountains the light was so

great that it seemed to be broad day. On all sides beautiful flags waved on the air with little bells that jingled continuously. The

entire hill resounded with the melodious songs of men and women. Raivataka presented a most charming prospect like Meru

with all his jewels and gems. Men and women, excited and filled with delight, O Bharata, sang aloud. The swell of music that

thus rose from that foremost of mountains seemed to touch the very heavens. Everywhere were heard spouts and loud whoops

of men who were in all stages of excitement. The cackle of thousands of voices made that mountain delightful and charming. It

was adorned with many shops and stalls filled with diverse viands and enjoyable articles. There were heaps of cloths and

garlands, and the music of Vinas and flutes and Mridangas was heard everywhere. Food mixed with wines of diverse kinds was

stored here and there. Gifts were being ceaselessly made to those that were distressed, or blind, or helpless. In consequence of

all this, the festival of that mountain became highly auspicious. There were many sacred abodes built on the breast of that

mountain, O hero, within which resided many men of righteous deeds. Even thus did the heroes of Vrishni's race sport in that

festival of Raivataka. Equipt with those mansions, that mountain shone like a second Heaven. At the arrival of Krishna, O chief

of Bharata's race, that prince of mountains resembled the blessed abode of Indra himself. Worshipped (by his relatives),

Krishna then entered a beautiful mansion. Satyaki also went to his own quarters with a delighted soul. Govinda entered his

residence after a long absence, having accomplished feats of great difficulty like Vasava amid the Danava host. The heroes of

the Bhoja, Vrishni, and Andhaka races, all came forward to receive that high-souled one like the deities advancing to receive

him of a hundred sacrifices. Endued with great intelligence, he honoured them in return and enquired after their welfare. With a

gratified heart he then saluted his father and mother. The mighty-armed hero was embraced by both of them and comforted too

(by numerous evidences of affection). He then took his seat with all the Vrishnis sitting around him. Having washed his feet

and dispelled his fatigue, Krishna of mighty energy, as he sat there, then recounted the chief incidents of the great battle in

answer to the questions put to him by his sire.'"

SECTION LX

"Vasudeva said, 'O thou of Vrishni's race, I have repeatedly heard men speaking of the wonderful battle (between the Kurus

and the Pandavas). Thou, however, O mighty-armed one, hast witnessed it with thy own eyes. Do thou, therefore, O sinless

one, describe the battle in detail. Indeed, tell me how that battle took place between the high-souled Pandavas (on the one side)

and Bhishma and Karna and Kripa and Drona and Salya and others (on the other side), between, in fact, numerous other

Kshatriyas well-skilled in aims, differing from one another in mien and attire, and hailing from diverse realms.'

"Vaisampayana continued, 'Thus addressed by his sire, he of eyes like lotus-petals narrated, in the presence of his mother also,

how the Kaurava heroes had been slain in battle.'