Kurus![178] Verily, you have heard those words that
have been uttered by that ascetic of abundant penances,
that great sage desirous of bestowing prosperity on
his friends, that preceptor of righteous behaviour,
viz., Vyasa of wonderful feats. You have
heard what Bhishma also said, and what Govinda too
of great intelligence has uttered. Remembering
those words, ye gong of Pandu, I desire to obey them
duly. By obeying those words of theirs great
blessedness will attach to all of you. Those words
spoken by those utterers of Brahma are certain (if
obeyed) to bring in their train considerable benefit.
Ye perpetuators of Kuru’s race, the Earth has
become divested of her wealth. Ye kings, Vyasa,
therefore, informed us of the wealth (that lies buried
in the Earth) of Marutta. If you think that wealth
abundant or sufficient, how shall we bring it (to our
capital)? What, O Bhima, dost thou think as regards
this? When the king, O perpetuator of Kuru’s
race, said these words, Bhimasena, joining his hands,
said these words in reply,—’The words
thou hast said, O thou of mighty-arms, on the subject
of bringing the wealth indicated by Vyasa, are approved
by me. If, O puissant one, we succeed in getting
the wealth kept there by the son of Avikshita, then
this sacrifice, O king, purposed by us will be easily
accomplished. Even this is what I think.
We shall, therefore, bowing our heads unto the high-souled
Girisa, and offering due worship unto that deity,
bring that wealth. Blessed be thou. Gratifying
that god of gods, as also his companions and followers,
in words, thought, and deed, we shall, without doubt,
obtain that wealth. Those Kinnaras of fierce
mien who are protecting that treasure will certainly
yield to us if the great deity having the bull for
his sign become gratified with us!’—Hearing
these words uttered by Bhima, O Bharata, king Yudhishthira
the son of Dharma became highly pleased. The others,
headed by Arjuna, at the same time, said, ‘So
be it.’ The Pandavas then, having resolved
to bring that wealth, ordered their forces to march
under the constellation Dhruba and on the day called
by the same name.[179] Causing the Brahmanas to utter
benedictions on them, and having duly worshipped the
great god Maheswara, the sons of Pandu get out (on
their enterprise). Gratifying that high-souled
deity with Modakas and frumenty and with cakes made
of meat, the sons of Pandu set out with cheerful hearts.
While they thus set out, the citizen, and many foremost
of Brahmanas, with cheerful hearts, uttered auspicious
blessings (on their heads). The Pandavas, circumambulating
many Brahmanas that daily worshipped their fires,
and bending their heads unto them, proceeded on their
journey. Taking the permission of king Dhritarashtra
who was afflicted with grief on account of the death
of his sons, his queen (Gandhari), and Pritha also
of large eyes, and keeping the Kaurava prince Yuyutsu,
the son of Dhritarashtra, in the capital, they set
out, worshipped by the citizens and by many Brahmanas
possessed of great wisdom.’”