अर्जुन उवाच ततस्तामवसं प्रीतो रजनीं तत्र भारत। प्रसादाद् देवदेवस्य त्र्यम्बकस्य महात्मनः॥

Arjuna said : Then, O Bharata, by the favour of that highsouled god of gods-Tryambaka-I pleasantly passed that night there.

Vana Parva 168.1

व्युषितो रजनीं चाहं कृत्वा पौर्वाहिणकीः क्रियाः। अपश्यं तं द्विजश्रेष्ठं दृष्टवानस्मि यं पुरा॥

Having performed my morning devotions when the night drew to a close, I beheld that best of the Brahmanas whom I had previously seen. see

Vana Parva 168.2

तस्मै चाहं यथावृत्तं सर्वमेव न्यवेदयम्। भगवन्तं महादेवं समेतोऽस्मीति भारत॥

I related to him faithfully all that occurred, namely, O Bharata, my interview with the divine Mahadev.

Vana Parva 168.3

स मामुवाच राजेन्द्र प्रीयमाणो द्विजोत्तमः। दृष्टस्त्वया महादेवो यथा नान्येन केनचित्॥

O king of kings, that best of the Brahmanas said to me pleased "none else can Mahadeva as you have seen.

Vana Parva 168.4

समेत्य लोकपालैस्तु सर्वैर्वैवस्वतादिभिः। द्रष्टास्यनघ देवेन्द्रं स च तेऽस्त्राणि दास्यति॥

O sinless being, you will behold the lord of the celestials, together with Vaivasvata and all the Lokapalas, who (the lord of the celestials) will grant you weapons.

Vana Parva 168.5

एवमुक्त्वा स मां राजन्नाश्लिष्य च पुनः पुनः अगच्छत् स यथाकामं ब्राह्मण: सूर्यसंनिभः॥

O king, saying this and embracing me again and again, that sun-like Brahmana went away whither he liked.

Vana Parva 168.6

अथापराह्ने तस्याह्नः प्रावात् पुण्यः समीरणः। पुनर्नवमिमं लोकं कुर्वन्निव सपत्नहन्।॥

Then, O destroyer of foes, in the afternoon of that day, it pure brceze began to blow, as if making this world anew.

Vana Parva 168.7

दिव्यानि चैव माल्यानि सुगन्धीनि नवानि च। शैशिरस्य गिरेः पादे प्रादुरासन् समीपतः॥

(And) at the foot of the mountain Himalayas, fragrant, fresh and fair flowers began to blossomi near and around me.

Vana Parva 168.8

वादित्राणि च दिव्यानि सुघोराणि समन्ततः। स्तुतयश्चेन्द्रसंयुक्ता अश्रूयन्त मनोहराः॥

(And) there was heard from all sides, celestials and sweet symphony together with charming eulogy to Indra.

Vana Parva 168.9

गणाश्चाप्सरसां तत्र गन्धर्वाणां तथैव च। पुरस्ताद् देवदेवस्य जगुर्गीतानि सर्वशः॥

Multitudes of Gandharvas and Apsaras chanted various songs before the god of gods.

Vana Parva 168.10

मरुतां च गणास्तत्र देवयानैरुपागमन्। महेन्द्रानुचरा ये च ये च सद्मनिवासिनः॥

And the whole body of the Marutas, the followers of Mahendra and all the inhabitants of the heavenly regions appeared there on celestials cars.

Vana Parva 168.11

ततो मरुत्वान् हरिभिर्युक्तैर्वाहैः स्वलङ्कतैः। शची सहायस्तत्रायात् सह सर्वैस्तदामरैः॥

Then Marutvana, accompanied by Sachi and all the immortals, appeared there in ornamental cars drawn by horses.

Vana Parva 168.12

एतस्मिन्नेव काले तु कुबेरो नरवाहनः। दर्शयामास मां राजॅल्लक्ष्म्या परमया युतः॥

And, at the very moment, O king, Kubera, of transcendental beauty who is carried on the shoulders of men, came to my presence.

Vana Parva 168.13

दक्षिणस्यां दिशि यमं प्रत्यपश्यं व्यवस्थितम्। वरुणं देवराजं च यथास्थानमवस्थितम्॥

(And) I beheld Yama seated towards the southern point and the king of the gods and Varuna in their respective places.

Vana Parva 168.14

ते मामूचुर्महाराज सान्त्वयित्वा नरर्षभ। सव्यसाचिन् निरीक्षास्मॉल्लोकपालानवस्थितान्॥

Having cheered me up, O great king, O best of mortals, they said to me, “O Savyasachi, behold us the Lokapalas seated (here).

Vana Parva 168.15

सुरकार्यार्थसिद्ध्यर्थं दृष्टवानसि शङ्करम्। अस्मत्तोऽपि गृहाण त्वमस्त्राणीति समन्ततः॥

You have beheld Mahadeva in order to perform the task in behalf of the celestials. Now, receive the weapons from us seated around.

Vana Parva 168.16

ततोऽहं प्रयतो भूत्वा प्रणिपत्य सुरर्षभान्। प्रत्यगृहणं तदास्त्राणि महान्ति विधिवद् विभो॥

Thereupon, O lord bowing down to those best of the celestials and with a pure heart I duly accepted those powerful weapons.

Vana Parva 168.17

गृहीतास्त्रस्ततो देवैरनुज्ञातोऽस्मि भारत। अथ देवा ययुः सर्वे यथागतमरिदम॥

O Bharata, having accepted the weapons I was recognized by the gods (as one of them). And then, O tormentor of foes, all the gods returned to their respective places.

Vana Parva 168.18

मघवानपि देवेशो रथमारुह्य सुप्रभम। उवाच भगवान् स्वर्गं गन्तव्यं फाल्गुन त्वया॥

And the lord king of the gods-Maghavana too, having ascended his splendid car, said "O Falguni, you will have to visit the celestials regions.

Vana Parva 168.19

पुरैवागमनादस्माद् वेदाहं त्वांधनंजय। अतः परं त्वहं वै त्वां दर्शये भरतर्षभ॥

O Dhananjaya, even before my arrival here I had known you (would come). After this, O best of the Bharatas, I will reveal myself to you (in heaven).

Vana Parva 168.20

त्वया हि तीर्थेषु पुरा समाप्लावः कृतोऽसकृत्। तपश्चेदं महत् तप्तं स्वर्ग गन्तासि पाण्डव॥

O Pandava, as you formerly performed ablutions in various Tirthas (i.e. sacred places resorted to by pilgrims) and were absorbed in rigid asceticism, you will be able to go to heaven.

Vana Parva 168.21

भूयश्चैव च तप्तव्यं तपश्चरणमुत्तमम्। स्वर्गं त्ववश्यं गन्तव्यं त्वया शत्रुनिषूदन॥

O destroyer of foes, you will have to practise severe austerities again, for O Pandava, you will surely have to stay in heaven (now in this mortal frame).

Vana Parva 168.22

मातलिमन्नियोगात् त्वां त्रिदिवं प्रापयिष्यति। विदितस्त्वं हि देवानां मुनीनां च महात्मनाम्।२३॥

At my command Matali will take you to heaven, You are already known to the celestials and the high-souled sages.'

Vana Parva 168.23

इहस्थः पाण्डवश्रेष्ठ तपः कुर्वन् सुदुष्करम्। ततोऽहमब्रुवं शक्रं प्रसीद भगवन् मम। आचार्यं वरयेयं त्वामस्त्रार्थं त्रिदशेश्वर।॥

Thereupon I said to Sakra, “be favourably disposed towards me. In order to learn (the science of) weapons, O lord of heaven, I make you my preceptor."

Vana Parva 168.24

इन्द्र उवाच क्रूरकर्मास्त्रवित् तात भविष्यसि परंतप। यदर्थमस्त्राणीप्सुस्त्वं तं काम पाण्डवाप्नुहि॥

Indra said: O tormentor of foes, O child, you will achieve terrible feats (of arms). And that desire of yours which makes you eager to obtain weapons shall be fulfilled.

Vana Parva 168.25

ततोऽहमब्रुवं नाहं दिव्यान्यस्त्राणि शत्रुहन्। मानुषेषु प्रयोक्ष्यामि विनास्त्रप्रतिघातनात्॥

Thereupon I replied, "O destroyer of foes, I will never hurt these celestials weapons at mortals except to ward off their weapons.

Vana Parva 168.26

तानि दिव्यानि मेऽस्त्राणि प्रयच्छ विबुधाधिप। लोकांश्चास्त्रजितान् पश्चाल्लभेयं सुरपुड़व॥

Therefore, O lord of the gods, O best of the celestials, grant me those celestials weapons. Then I shall afterwards attain to the region of the warriors."

Vana Parva 168.27

इन्द्र उवाच परीक्षार्थं मयैतत् ते वाक्यमुक्तंधनंजय। ममात्मजस्य वचनं सूपपन्नमिदं तव॥

Indra said : "O Dhananjaya, in order to test you I have said these words. You being my son, this speech is worthy of you.

Vana Parva 168.28

शिक्ष मे भवनं गत्वा सर्वाण्यस्त्राणि भारत। वायोरग्नेर्वसुभ्योऽपि वरुणात् समरुद्गणात्॥

Repairing to my abode, O Bharata, learn all the weapons of Vayu, of Agni, of the Vasus, of Varuna of the Marutas,

Vana Parva 168.29

साध्यं पैतामहं चैव गन्धर्वोरंगरक्षसाम्। वैष्णवानि च सर्वाणि नैर्ऋतानि तथैव च॥

Of the Sadhyas, of Pitamaha, of the Gandharvas, of the Uragas, of the Rakshasas, of Vishnu and of the Nairitas;

Vana Parva 168.30

मद्गतानि च जानीहि सर्वास्त्राणि कुरूद्वह। एवमुक्त्वा तु मां शक्रस्तत्रैवान्तरधीयत॥

And, Operpetuator of the Kuru race, all those weapons are presided over by me." Addressing me thus, Sakra vanished at that very spot.

Vana Parva 168.31

अथापश्यं हरियुतं रथमैन्द्रमुपस्थितम्। दिव्यं मायामयं पुण्यं यत्तं मातलिना नृप।॥

Then, O king, I saw that sacred, celestials and wonderful and car of Indra, yoked with horses and driven by Matali arrive (there).

Vana Parva 168.32

लोकपालेषु यातेषु मामुवाचाथ मातलिः। द्रष्टुमिच्छति शक्रस्त्वां देवराजो महायुते॥

The Lokapalas having gone away, Matali said to me “O you of unrivalled splendour, the lord of the celestials, Sakra, wishes to see you.

Vana Parva 168.33

संसिद्ध्यस्व महाबाहो कुरु कार्यमनन्तरम्। पश्य पुण्यकृताँल्लोकान् सशरीरो दिवं व्रज॥

O creation of powerful arms, acquire perfection first and then perform your task. Behold the regions of the virtuous and repair to heaven even in the (mortal) frame.

Vana Parva 168.34

देवराजः सहस्राक्षस्त्वां दिदृक्षति भारत। इत्युक्तोऽहं मातलिना गिरिममामन्त्र्य शैशिरम्॥

O Bharata, the thousand-eyed king of the gods is desirous of seeing you.” Thus addressed by Matali and greeting the mountain Himalaya,

Vana Parva 168.35

प्रदक्षिणमुपावृत्य समारोहं रथोत्तमम्। चोदयामास स हयान् मनोमारुतहंसः॥ मातलिहयतत्त्वज्ञो यथावद् भूरिदक्षिण: अवैक्षत च मे वर्क स्थितस्याथ स सारथिः॥ तथा भ्रान्ते रथे राजन् विस्मितश्चेदमब्रवीत्। अत्यद्भुतमिदं त्वद्य विचित्रं प्रतिभाति मे॥

And going round it, I ascended that excellent car. And the exceedingly generous Matali, expert in horse-flesh, properly drove the horses fleet as the mind or the wind. (And)o king that charioteer, seeing that I was steadily seated in the car in motion, looked at my face and being lost in wonder said, “Today it appears to me highly wonderful and unprecedented,

Vana Parva 168.36

यदास्थितो रथं दिव्यं पदान चलितः पदम्। देवराजोऽपि हि मया नित्यमत्रोपलक्षितः॥ विचलन् प्रथमोत्पाते हयानां भरतर्षभ। त्वं पुनः स्थित एवात्र रथे भ्रान्ते कुरूद्वह॥

That placed in this celestials car you are not jerked even a step from your seat. O best of the Bharatas, I have often noticed that (even) the king of the gods is unable to keep up his balance at the first pull by the horses. O perpetuator of the Kuru race, your sitting (steadily) in the car while in motion,

Vana Parva 168.37

अतिशक्रमिदं सर्वं तवेति प्रतिभाति मे। इत्युक्त्वाऽऽकाशमाविश्य मातलिर्विबुधालयान्॥ दर्शयामास मे राजन् विमानानि च भारत। स रथो हरिभिर्युक्तो अ॒र्ध्वमाचक्रमे ततः॥

Appears to me that this power of yours has surpassed even that of Sakra himself." O king, O Bharata, saying this and soaring up to the celestials regions, Matali showed to me the abodes and palaces of the celestials. Then that car yoked with horses soared upwards.

Vana Parva 168.38

ऋषयो देवताश्चैव पूजयन्ति नरोत्तम। ततः कामगमॉल्लोकानपश्यं वै सुरर्षिणाम्॥ गन्धर्वाप्सरसां चैव प्रभावममितौजसाम्। नन्दनादीनि देवानां वनान्युपवनानि च॥ दर्शयामास मे शीघ्रं मातलिः शक्रसारथिः। ततः शक्रस्य भवनमपश्यममरावतीम्॥

(And) O the best of mortals, the sages and the gods began to pay their adorations to it. Then I beheld the regions moving at will and the splendour of the highly energetic divine sages, of the Gandharvas and of the Apsaras. (And) the charioteer of Indra, Matali, soon showed to me the garden of Nandana and other gardens and bowers of the celestials. Then I beheld the palace of Indra, Amravati,

Vana Parva 168.39

दिव्यैः कामफलैर्वृक्ष रत्नैश्च समलङ्कृताम्। न तत्र सूर्यस्तपति न शीतोष्णे न च क्लमः॥ न बाधते तत्र रजस्तत्रास्ति न जरा नृप। न तत्र शोको दैन्यं वा दौर्बल्यं चोपलक्ष्यते॥ दिवौकसां महाराज न ग्लानिररिमर्दन। न क्रोधलोभौ तत्रास्तां सुरादीनां विशाम्पते॥

Gracefully adorned with jewels and celestials trees yielding all sorts of fruits that are desired. There the sun does not shed heat, nor is there any one oppressed with cold, heat or fatigue. And O king there is no senility. O great king, O grinder of foes, nor are the celestials seen there (to be affected with) grief, poverty of spirit, weakness or lassitude. Nor, O lord of the world, there the celestials and others have anger or covetousness.

Vana Parva 168.40

नित्यतुष्टाश्च ते राजन् प्राणिनः सुरवेश्मनि। नित्यपुष्पफलास्तत्र पादपा हरितच्छदाः॥

O king, in the abodes of the celestials all beings are always cheerful. There the trees are always covered with green leaves and fruits and flowers,

Vana Parva 168.41

पुष्करिण्यश्च विविधाः पद्मसौगन्धिकायुताः। शीतस्तत्र ववौ वायुः सुगन्धी जीवनः शुचिः॥

And the lakes are adorned with fragrant lotuses. The breeze is there cool, pleasant, fragrant, pure and invigorating.

Vana Parva 168.42

सर्वरत्नविचित्रा च भूमिः पुष्पबिभूषिता। मृगद्विजाश्च बहवो रुचिरा मधुरस्वरा:॥

(There) the ground is variegated with all sorts of gems and decked with flowers. Various beautiful beasts, birds of sweet voice,

Vana Parva 168.43

विमानगामिनश्चात्र दृश्यन्ते बहवोऽम्बरे। ततोऽपश्यं वसून् रुद्रान् साध्यांश्च समरुद्गणान्॥

And numerous rangers of the sky are to be seen in the air. I then, beheld the Vasus, the Rudras, the Saddhyas, the Marutas,

Vana Parva 168.44

आदित्यानश्चिनौ चैव तान् सर्वान् प्रत्यपूजयम्। ते मां वीर्येण यशसा तेजसा च बलेन च॥ अस्त्रैश्चाप्यन्वजानन्त संग्रामे विजयेन च। प्रविश्य तां पुरीं दिव्यां देवगन्धर्वपूजिताम्॥

The Adityas Adityas and the Ashvins and worshipped them all. They uttered benedictions for my strength, renown, energy prowess, (skill in) aims and victory in battle. Entering that delightful city, adored by the gods and the Gandharvas,

Vana Parva 168.45

देवराजं सहस्राक्षमुपातिष्ठं कृताञ्जलिः। ददावर्धासनं प्रीतः शक्रो मे ददतां वरः॥

I stood before the hundred-eyed king of the gods with joined hands. And Sakra, the best of the liberal-handed, gladly offered to me half his seat.

Vana Parva 168.46

बहुमानाच्च गात्राणि पस्पर्श मम वासवः। तत्राहं देवगन्धर्वैः सहितो भूरिदक्षिण॥

Honouring me greatly Vasava ached my body. There with the generous-hearted gods and the Gandharvas.

Vana Parva 168.47

अस्त्रार्थमवसं स्वर्गे शिक्षाणोऽस्त्राणि भारत। विश्वावसोश्च वै पुत्रश्चित्रसेनोऽभवत् सखा॥

I began, O Bharata, to dwell in heaven desirous of obtaining arms and engaged in the study of the science of weapons. (And) Chitrasena, the son of Visvavasu, became my friend.

Vana Parva 168.48

स च गान्धर्वमखिलं ग्राहयामास मां नृप। तत्राहमवसं राजन् गृहीतास्त्रः सुपूजितः॥ सुखं शक्रस्य भवने सर्वकामसमन्वितः। शृण्वन् वै गीतशब्दं च तूर्यशब्दं च पुष्कलम्। पश्यंश्चाप्सरसः श्रेष्ठा नृत्यन्तीर्भरतर्षभ॥

It was he who taught me that entire science (of arms) known to the Gandharvas, Othe best of the Bharatas, there in the abode of Sakra I began to live happily, duly honoured, acquiring weapons, with my desires gratified, hearing songs and the clear sounds of musical instruments and witnessing the dance of the best of the Apsaras.

Vana Parva 168.49

तत् सर्वमनवज्ञाय तथ्यं विज्ञाय भारत। अत्यर्थं प्रतिगृह्याहमस्त्रेष्वेव व्यवस्थितः॥

O Bharata, without despising those fine arts which I learnt properly, I specially devoted my attention to the acquisition of arms.

Vana Parva 168.50

ततोऽतुष्यत् सजस्राक्षस्तेन कामेन मे विभुः। एवं मे वसतो राजन्नेष कालोऽत्यगाद् दिवि॥

Thereupon, that thousand-eyed lord was pleased with that desire of mine. O king, thus dwelling in heaven I have passed this period.

Vana Parva 168.51

कृतास्त्रमतिविश्वस्तमथ मां हरिवाहनः। संस्पृश्य मूर्ध्नि पाणिभ्यामिदं वचनमब्रवीत्॥

When I was skilled in weapons and gained his confidence, that one, who is borne by horses, touching my head with his hands, said these words:

Vana Parva 168.52

न त्वमद्य युधा जेतुं शक्यः सुरगणैरपि। किं पुनर्मानुषे लोके मानुषैरकृतात्मभिः॥

"Not to speak of men of imperfect minds dwelling on earth, even the gods are not now capable of conquering you.

Vana Parva 168.53

अप्रमेयोऽप्रधृष्यश्च युद्धेष्वप्रतिमस्तथा। अजेयस्त्वं हि संग्रामे सर्वैरपि सुरासुरैः। अथाब्रवीत् पुनर्देवः सम्प्रहृष्टतनूरुहः॥

You are incomprehensible in strength, irrepressible and also incomparable in fight.” Then with the hair of his body standing erect he said again,

Vana Parva 168.54

अस्त्रयुद्धे समो वीर न ते कश्चिद् भविष्यति। अप्रमत्तः सदा दक्षः सत्यवादी जितेन्द्रियः॥

"No one shall be equal to you in fighting with weapons who are always vigilant, dexterous, truthful, self-controlled,

Vana Parva 168.55

ब्रह्मण्यश्चास्त्रविच्चासि शूरश्चासि कुरूद्वह। अस्त्राणि समवाप्तानि त्वया दश च पञ्च च॥

Protector of the Brahmana, skilled in arms and brave, O perpetuator of the Kurus. You have obtained five and ten weapons,

Vana Parva 168.56

पञ्चभिर्विधिभिः पार्थ विद्यते न त्वया समः। प्रयोगमुपसंहारमावृत्तिं चधनंजय॥

Together with the five methods of using (them). O Partha, (Therefore) you have no equal, O Dhananjaya; you have also learnt the methods of their discharge, withdrawal, frequent re-discharge and re-withdrawal,

Vana Parva 168.57

प्रायश्चित्तं च वेत्थ त्वं प्रतीघातं च सर्वशः। ततो गुर्वर्थकालोऽयं समुत्पन्नः परंतप॥

And the revival of harmless beings burnt by the fire of weapons and the revival of the weapons (themselves) when baffled by those of the enemies. Now, O tormentor of foes the time has arrived for paying your preceptor's fees.

Vana Parva 168.58

प्रतिजानीष्व तं कर्तुं ततो वेत्स्याम्यहं परम्। ततोऽहमब्रुवं राजन् देवराजमिदं वचः॥

Promise to pay it and then I shall tell you what you will have to do.” Thereupon, O king I said to the king of the gods these words:

Vana Parva 168.59

विषह्यं यन्मया कर्तुं कृतमेव निबोध तत्। ततो मामब्रवीद् राजन् प्रहसन् बलवृत्रहा॥

“If it be in my power to perform the task then consider it as already performed.” Then, O king, the slayer of Vitra said to me smiling:

Vana Parva 168.60

नाविषह्यं तवाद्यास्ति त्रिषु लोकेषु किंचन। निवातकवचा नाम दानवा मम शत्रवः॥

"There is nothing in these three worlds that cannot be achieved by you. My enemies, the Danavas styled Nivatakavachas,

Vana Parva 168.61

समुद्रकुक्षिमाश्रित्य दुर्गे प्रतिवसन्त्युत। तिस्रः कोट्य: समाख्यातास्तुल्यरूपबलप्रभाः॥

Taking refugee in the womb of the ocean, dwell in forts. They are thirty millions in number and are all equal in structure, prowess and splendour.

Vana Parva 168.62

तांस्तत्र जहि कौन्तेय गुर्वर्थस्ते भविष्यति। ततो मातलिसंयुक्तं मयूरसमरोमभिः॥ हयैरुपेतं प्रादान्मे रथं दिव्यं महाप्रभम्। बबन्ध चैव मे मूर्ध्नि किरीटमिदमुत्तमम्॥

O son of Kunti, destroy them there (and) that will be your preceptor's fee.” Then he gave me that splendid celestials car driven by Matali and yoked with horse furnished with hair beautiful as the feather of peacocks. (And) he set upon my head this excellent coronet.

Vana Parva 168.63

स्वरूपसदृशं चैव प्रादादङ्गविभूषणम्। अभेद्यं कवचं चेदं स्पर्शरूपवदुत्तमम्॥

Gave me ornaments for my person worthy of his own body and this impenetrable excellent armour of pleasurable feel,

Vana Parva 168.64

अजरां ज्यामिमां चापि गाण्डीवे समयोजयत्। ततः प्रायामहं तेन स्यन्दनेन विराजता॥

And strung the Gandiva with this strong chord. I then set out ascending that splendid car,

Vana Parva 168.65

येनाजयद् देवपतिर्बलिं वैरोचनि पुरा। ततो देवाः सर्व एव तेन घोषेण बोधिताः॥

Riding which, in days of yore the king of the gods conquered Bali, the son of Virochana. Then all the gods, being aroused by the sound of that car,

Vana Parva 168.66

मेऽनघाः। मन्वाना देवराजं मां समाजग्मुर्विशाम्पते। दृष्ट्वा च मामपृच्छन्त किं करिष्यसि फाल्गुन॥

And mistaking me for the king of the gods, O lord of the earth, approached me. (But) having beheld me they asked “O Falguni, what will you do?"

Vana Parva 168.67

तानब्रुवं यथाभूतमिदं कर्तास्मि संयुगे। निवातकवचानां तु प्रस्थितं मां वधैषिणम्॥ निबोधत महाभागाः शिवं चाशास्त ततो वाग्भिः प्रशस्ताभिस्त्रिदशाः पृथिवीपते। तुष्टुवुर्मी प्रसन्नास्ते यथा देवं पुरंदरम्॥

I related to them exactly what had passed and said "I will do this in battle, O sinless ones, O highly fortunate beings; know I have set out with the desire of slaying the Nivalakavachas and bless me for my success.” (And) being pleased, they paid their adoration to me as to the god, Purandara.

Vana Parva 168.68

रथेनानेन मघवा जितवान् शम्बरं युधि। नमुचिं बलवृत्रौ च प्रह्लादनरकावपि॥

(And said): “ascending this car, Maghavana had conquered in battle, Samvara, Namuchi, Vritra, Bala, Prahrada and Naraka.

Vana Parva 168.69

बहूनि च सहस्राणि प्रयुतान्यर्बुदान्यपि। रथेनानेन दैत्यानां जितवान् मघवा युधि॥

And riding on this car also Maghavana had conquered in battle several thousands and millions and hundreds of millions of Daityas.

Vana Parva 168.70

त्वमप्यनेन कौन्तेय निवातकवचान् रणे। विजेता युधि विक्रम्य पुरेव मघवा वशी॥

You too, O son of Kunti, mounted on this (car) shall, displaying your prowess, obtain victory over the Nivatakavachas in fight as of yore the self-contained Maghavana did.

Vana Parva 168.71

अयं च शङ्खप्रवरो येन जेतासि दानवान्। अनेन विजिता लोकाः शक्रेणापि महात्मना।1८४॥

Here is that excellent conch by which you will conquer the Danavas. By (the help of) it, the high-souled Sakra conquered the worlds.

Vana Parva 168.72

प्रदीयमानं देवैस्तं देवदत्तं जलोद्भवम्। प्रत्यगृहणं जयायैनं स्तूयमानस्तदामरैः॥

And then the gods presented to me this shell, Devadatta, having its origin in the sea. I too accepted it for victory. Then the immortals began to eulogise me.

Vana Parva 168.73

स शडी कवची बाणी प्रगृहीतशरासनः। दानवालयमत्युग्रं प्रयातोऽस्मि युयुत्सया॥

Desirous of fighting, I then set out for the terrible abode of the Danavas equipped with conch, armour and bow."

Vana Parva 168.74