________________
MARRIAGE OF KRŞŅA WITH RUKMIŅI AND OTHERS 197 Nārada saw that the son resembled Rukmiņi and, taking leave of Samvara, went to Dvārakā with confidence. He told in detail the news about the boy to Kṛṣṇa and the others and the account of Rukmiņi's birth as Lakşmivati. Then Queen Rukmiņi, her hands folded with devotion, bowed to Blessed Sīmandhara, 198 though remaining where she was. Rukmiņi was satisfied by the Arhat's promise, “A union with your son will take place after sixteen years."
Draupadi and the Pāņdavas (264-378) Now, in the past Vrşabha Svāmin had a son, named Kuru, from whom Kuruksetra was named. Kuru had a son, Hastin, from whom Hastināpura was named. In the line of King Hastin there was a king, Anantavīrya. From him there was Kștavirya and then Cakrabhșt Subhūma. Then after innumerable kings śāntanu became king. He had two wives, Gangā and Satyavati; and by Gangā he had a son Bhīşma, whose strength was terrifying. By Satyavati he had two sons, Citrāngada and Citravirya; and Citravīrya's wives were Ambikā, Ambālikā, and Ambā. Of these in turn there were sons Dhịtarāṣtra, Pāņdu, and Vidura.
The realm was settled on Dhịtarāșțra and Pāņdu became devoted to hunting. Dhịtarāștra married eight full sisters, Gāndhārī, et cetera, of Sakuni, King of Gandhāra, son of Subala. They had one hundred sons, Duryodhana and others. By Kunti Pāņdu had sons, Yudhisthira, Bhima, and Arjuna. From Pāndu's second wife, Mādri, sister of Salya, there were two sons, Nakula and Sahadeva, long-armed. These five sons of Pāņdu were bold as lions, invincible even to Khecaras, powerful from magic arts and strength of arm. The five, respectful according to seniority, intolerant of bad conduct, caused astonishment among the people by their superior virtues.
One day a messenger of King Drupada came from
198 262. Who was in the Videhas. See above, p. 189.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
