campaign). After Digvijaya come Raja-suyaka, Arghyaviharana
(the robbing of the Arghya) and Sisupala-badha (the
killing of Sisupala). After these, Dyuta (gambling),
Anudyuta (subsequent to gambling), Aranyaka, and Krimira-badha
(destruction of Krimira). The Arjuna-vigamana
(the travels of Arjuna), Kairati. In the last
hath been described the battle between Arjuna and
Mahadeva in the guise of a hunter. After this
Indra-lokavigamana (the journey to the regions of Indra);
then that mine of religion and virtue, the highly
pathetic Nalopakhyana (the story of Nala). After
this last, Tirtha-yatra or the pilgrimage of the wise
prince of the Kurus, the death of Jatasura, and the
battle of the Yakshas. Then the battle with the
Nivata-kavachas, Ajagara, and Markandeya-Samasya (meeting
with Markandeya). Then the meeting of Draupadi
and Satyabhama, Ghoshayatra, Mirga-Swapna (dream of
the deer). Then the story of Brihadaranyaka and
then Aindradrumna. Then Draupadi-harana (the abduction
of Draupadi), Jayadratha-bimoksana (the release of
Jayadratha). Then the story of ‘Savitri’
illustrating the great merit of connubial chastity.
After this last, the story of ‘Rama’.
The parva that comes next is called ‘Kundala-harana’
(the theft of the ear-rings). That which comes
next is ‘Aranya’ and then ‘Vairata’.
Then the entry of the Pandavas and the fulfilment
of their promise (of living unknown for one year).
Then the destruction of the ‘Kichakas’,
then the attempt to take the kine (of Virata by the
Kauravas). The next is called the marriage of
Abhimanyu with the daughter of Virata. The next
you must know is the most wonderful parva called Udyoga.
The next must be known by the name of ‘Sanjaya-yana’
(the arrival of Sanjaya). Then comes ‘Prajagara’
(the sleeplessness of Dhritarashtra owing to his anxiety).
Then Sanatsujata, in which are the mysteries of spiritual
philosophy. Then ‘Yanasaddhi’, and
then the arrival of Krishna. Then the story of
‘Matali’ and then of ‘Galava’.
Then the stories of ‘Savitri’, ‘Vamadeva’,
and ‘Vainya’. Then the story of ‘Jamadagnya
and Shodasarajika’. Then the arrival of
Krishna at the court, and then Bidulaputrasasana.
Then the muster of troops and the story of Sheta.
Then, must you know, comes the quarrel of the high-souled
Karna. Then the march to the field of the troops
of both sides. The next hath been called numbering
the Rathis and Atirathas. Then comes the arrival
of the messenger Uluka which kindled the wrath (of
the Pandavas). The next that comes, you must
know, is the story of Amba. Then comes the thrilling
story of the installation of Bhishma as commander-in-chief.
The next is called the creation of the insular region
Jambu; then Bhumi; then the account about the formation
of islands. Then comes the ‘Bhagavat-gita’;
and then the death of Bhishma. Then the installation
of Drona; then the destruction of the ‘Sansaptakas’.
Then the death of Abhimanyu; and then the vow of Arjuna
(to slay Jayadratha). Then the death of Jayadratha,