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CHAPTER TEN
waves.
Uncrossable even by the mind, how can it be crossed?" "What is this anxiety on your part?" pure-hearted Kṛṣṇa said to them. Seated on the shore, he propitiated Susthita 265 by penance. The god appeared in person and asked, “What can I do for you?" Kṛṣṇa said: Draupadi has been kidnaped by King Padma. Arrange it so that she will be brought quickly from Dhātakikhaṇḍa, best of gods, lord of Lavana Ocean."
66
276
66
The god said: "She was delivered to Padma by a god who kidnaped her from former friendship. Likewise, Kṛṣṇa, I shall deliver her to you. Or, if that does not please, then shall throw Padma with his army and transport in the ocean and deliver Draupadi to you." Kṛṣṇa said: 'Do not do this. Give an unobstructed path over the water to the six chariots of the Pāṇḍavas and me, so that, going there ourselves and defeating the wretch, we shall bring back Kṛṣṇā (Draupadi). For that is the path of glory."
Susthita did so. Kṛṣṇa and the Pāṇḍavas crossed the ocean like dry land and went to the city Amarakaǹkā. Hari remained in a garden outside and sent Daruka, whom he instructed personally, as a messenger to King Padma. Stepping on the foot-stool with his foot, terrifying from his frown, delivering a letter on the point of a spear, Dāruka said to
Padma:
Drupada's daughter, the wife of the Pāṇḍavas, the companions of Vasudeva, has been brought here from Bharata of Jambudvipa by you. Kṛṣṇa, to whom a path was given by the ocean, has come with the sons of Pāṇḍu. Surrender Kṛṣṇa, if you wish to live, wretch."
66
Padma said: He is Vasudeva there, but here, himself the sixth,266 what is he compared with me? Go! Prepare him for battle." Daruka went and reported the speech to Kṛṣṇa. Padma, armed, came with an army, eager to fight.
265 31. 266 43.
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The lord of Lavaṇoda. See II, p. 115. I.e., with the Pandavas.
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