Bhima fights with the Yakshas and kills Kubera's friend Maniman

 

The Pandavas travel to Vrishaparva and Arshtishena

Once in Gandhamadana, remembering his brother Arjuna, Yudhishthira summoned all his brothers, together with Draupadi and said these words, “We have passed these four years peacefully ranging the woods. It has been appointed by Arjuna that about the fifth year he will come to that monarch of mountains, the excellent cliff Shveta. We also, eagerly anxious of meeting him on his arrival have made up our minds to repair there. In that place like unto the region of the gods, shall we behold the wielder of Gandiva, arrive after having obtained the weapons.”

Having said this, the Pandava summoned the Brahmanas, and the sons of Pritha having gone round the ascetics of rigid austerities and thereby pleased them, informed them of the matter mentioned above. Thereupon the Brahmanas gave their assent, saying, “This shall be attended by prosperity and welfare. These troubles shall result in happiness. Gaining the earth by the Kshatriya virtue, you shall govern it.”

Then in obedience to these words of the ascetics, Yudhishthira set out with his brothers and those Brahmanas, followed by the Rakshasa and protected by Lomasha. That one of mighty energy, and of staunch vows, with his brothers, at places went on foot and at others were carried by the Rakshasas. Then king Yudhishthira, apprehending many troubles, proceeded towards the north abounding in lions and tigers and elephants. Beholding on the way the mountain Mainaka and the base of the Gandhamadana and that rocky mass Shveta and many a crystal rivulet higher and higher up the mountain, he reached on the seventeenth day the sacred slopes of the Himalayas. Not far from the Gandhamadana, Pandu's son beheld on the sacred slopes of the Himavan covered with various trees and creepers the holy hermitage of Vrishaparva surrounded by blossoming trees growing near the cascades.

When the Pandavas had recovered from fatigue, they went to Vrishaparva and greeted him. He received with affection the Pandavas as his own sons. The Pandavas passed there seven nights, duly regarded. When the eighth day came, taking the permission of Vrishaparva, they prepared to start on their journey. The Brahmanas remained in his charge as friends; and having also entrusted Vrishaparva with their remaining robes, the Pandavas left in the hermitage of Vrishaparva their sacrificial vessels together with their ornaments and jewels. Wise and pious and versed in every duty and having a knowledge of the past as well as the future, Vrishaparva gave instructions unto the Pandavas as unto his own sons. Then taking his permission, they set out towards the north. As they set out, Vrishaparva followed them to a certain distance. Then having entrusted the Pandavas unto the care of the Brahmanas, instructed, blessed them and given directions concerning their course, Vrishaparva retraced his steps.

Then Yudhishthira, together with his brothers, began to proceed on foot along the mountain path, inhabited by various kinds of beasts. Having dwelt at the mountain slopes, densely overgrown with trees, he, on the fourth day reached the Shveta mountain, like unto a mighty mass of clouds, abounding in streams and consisting of a mass of gold and gems. Taking the way directed by Vrishaparva, they reached one by one the intended places, beholding various mountains. Over and over they passed with ease many inaccessible rocks and exceedingly impassable caves of the mountain. Dhaumya, Draupadi, the Parthas and the mighty sage Lomasha went on in a body and none grew tired. They arrived at the sacred and mighty mountain resounding with the cries of birds and beasts and covered with various trees and creepers and inhabited by monkeys, and romantic and furnished with many lotus-lakes and having marshes and extensive forests.

Then with their down standing erect, they saw the mountain Gandhamadana, the abode of Kimpurushas, frequented by Siddhas and Charanas and ranged by Vidyadharis and Kinnaris and inhabited by herds of elephants and thronged with lions and tigers and resounding with the roars of Sharabhas and attended by various beasts. The Pandavas gradually entered into the forest of the Gandhamadana, like unto the Nandana gardens, delightful to the mind and heart and worthy of being inhabited and having beautiful groves. As those heroes entered with Draupadi and the high-souled Brahmanas, they heard notes uttered by the mouths of birds, exceedingly sweet and graceful to the ear and causing delight and dulcet and broken by reason of excess of animal spirits. They saw various trees bending under the weight of fruits in all seasons, and ever bright with flowers. They were exceedingly delighted at heart, and they were not satiated by beholding that monarch of mountains. Thereafter they saw the hermitage of the royal sage Arshtishena, furnished with flowers and trees bearing fruits. Then they went to Arshtishena versed in all duties of rigid austerities, skeleton-like, and having muscles bare.

Having approached that one, whose sins had been consumed by asceticism, Yudhishthira announced his name, and gladly greeted him, bending his head. Then Draupadi, Bhima, and the devout twins, having bowed down their heads unto the royal sage, stood there surrounding him. Dhaumya, also duly approached that vow-observing sage. By his prophetic eye that virtuous Muni had already known the identity of those foremost of the Kurus, the sons of Pandu. He said unto them. “Be you seated.”

That one of rigid austerities, after having duly received that chief of the Kurus, when the latter with his brothers had seated himself enquired after his welfare saying, “Do you not turn your inclination upon untruth? Are you intent upon virtue? O Partha! Has not your attention to your father and your mother diminished? Are all your superiors, and the aged, and those versed in the Vedas, honoured by you? Do you not turn your inclination unto sinful acts? Do you properly know how to perform meritorious acts, and to eschew wicked deeds? Do you not exalt yourself? Are pious men gratified, being honoured by you? Even dwelling in the woods, do you follow virtue alone? Does not Dhaumya grieve at your conduct? Do you follow the customs of your ancestors, by charity, and religious observances, and asceticism, and purity, and candour, and forgiveness? Do you go along the way taken by the royal sages? On the birth of a son in their respective lines, the Pitris in their regions, both laugh and grieve, thinking - Will the sinful acts of this son of ours harm us, or will meritorious deeds conduce to our welfare? He conquers both the worlds that pays homage unto his father, and mother, and preceptor, and Agni, and fifthly, the soul.”

Yudhishthira said, “O worshipful one! Those duties have been mentioned by you as excellent. To the best of my power I duly and properly discharge them.”

Arshtishena said, “During the Parvas sages subsisting on air and water come unto this best of the mountains ranging through the air. On the summits of the mountain are seen amorous Kimpurushas, mutually attached unto each other; as also, many Gandharvas and Apsaras clad in white silk vestments; and lovely-looking Vidyadharas, wearing garlands; and mighty Nagas, and Suparnas, and Uragas, and others. On the summits of the mountain are heard, during the Parvas, sounds of kettle-drums, and tabors, shells and mridangas. Even by staying here, you shall hear those sounds; do you by no means feel inclined to repair there. Further, it is impossible, to proceed beyond this. That place is the sporting-region of the celestials. There is no access there for mortals. At this place all creatures bear ill-will to, and the Rakshasas chastise, that man who committeth aggression, be it ever so little. Beyond the summit of this Kailasa cliff, is seen the path of the celestial sages. If any one through impudence goes beyond this, the Rakshasas slay him with iron darts and other weapons. There, during the Parvas, Kubera is seen in pomp and grandeur surrounded by the Apsaras. When he is seated on the summit, all creatures behold him like unto the sun arisen, that summit is the sporting-garden of the celestials, and the Danavas, and the Siddhas, and Vaishravana Kubera. During the Parvas, as Tumburu entertains the Lord of treasures, the sweet notes of his song are heard all over the Gandhamadana. Here during the Parvas, all creatures see and hear marvels like this. Till you meet with Arjuna, you stay here, partaking of luscious fruits, and the food of the Munis. As you have come here, do not betray any impertinence. After living here at your will and diverting yourself as you list, you will at length rule the earth, having conquered it by the force of your arms.”

Having heard from Arshtishena, that advice conducive to their welfare, the Pandavas began to behave always accordingly. They dwelt upon the Himavan, partaking of the food eaten by the Munis, and luscious fruit, and the flesh of deer killed with unpoisoned shafts and various kinds of pure honey. Living thus, they passed the fifth year, hearing to various stories told by Lomasha. Saying, “I shall be present when occasion arises,” Ghatotkacha, together with all the Rakshasas, had ere this already gone away. The Pandavas passed many months in the hermitage of Arshtishena, witnessing many marvels. As the Pandavas were sporting there pleasantly, there came to see them some complacent vow-observing Munis and Charanas of high fortune, and pure souls. Yudhishthira conversed with them on earthly topics.

Bhima sets out again to fetch flowers for Draupadi

When several days has passed on Mount Shveta, Garuda all of a sudden carried off an exceedingly powerful and mighty Naga, living in the large lake. Thereupon that mighty mountain began to tremble, and the gigantic trees, break. All the creatures and the Pandavas witnessed the wonder. Then from the brow of that excellent mountain, the wind brought before the Pandavas various fragrant and fair blossoms. The Pandavas, and Draupadi, together with their friends, saw those unearthly blossoms of five hues. As Bhimasena was seated at ease upon the mountain, Draupadi addressed him, saying, “O best of the Bharata race! In the presence of all the creatures, these flowers of five hues, carried by the force of the wind raised by Garuda, are falling in amain on the river Ashvaratha. In Khandava your high-souled brother, firm in promise, had baffled Gandharvas, Nagas and Indra himself, and slain fierce Rakshasas, and also obtained the bow Gandiva. You also are of exceeding prowess and the might of your arms is great, and irrepressible, and unbearable like unto the might of Indra. O Bhimasena! terrified with the force of your arms, let all the Rakshasas betake themselves to the ten cardinal points, leaving the mountain. Then will your friends be freed from fear and affliction, and behold the auspicious summit of this excellent mountain furnished with variegated flowers. I have for long cherished this thought in my mind, that protected by the might of your arms, I shall see that summit.”

Thereupon, like a high-mettled bull that has been struck, Bhimasena, considering himself as censured by Draupadi, could not bear that. That Pandava of the gait of a lion or a bull, graceful, generous, and having the splendour of gold, intelligent, strong, proud, sensitive, heroic, and having red eyes, broad shoulders, gifted with the strength of mad elephants, having leonine teeth and a broad neck, and tall like a young sala tree, and highsouled, and graceful in every limb, and of neck having the whorls of a shell and mighty-armed, took up his bow plaited at the back with gold, and also his sword. Haughty like unto a lion, and resembling a maddened elephant, that strong one rushed towards that cliff, free from fear or affliction. All the creatures saw him equipped with bows and arrows, approaching like a lion or a maddened elephant. Free from fear or affliction, the Pandava taking his mace, proceeded to that monarch of mountains causing the delight of Draupadi. Neither exhaustion, nor fatigue, nor lassitude, nor the malice affected that son of Pritha and the Wind-god. Having arrived at a rugged path affording passage to one individual only, that one of great strength ascended that terrible summit high as several palmyra palms. Having ascended that summit, and thereby gladdened Kinnaras, great Nagas, Munis, Gandharvas, and Rakshasas, he gifted with exceeding strength saw the abode of Kubera, adorned with golden crystal palaces surrounded on all sides by golden walls having the splendour of all gems, furnished with gardens all around, higher than a mountain peak, beautiful with ramparts and towers, and adorned with door-ways and gates and rows of pennons.

The abode was graced with dallying damsels dancing around, and also with pennons waved by the breeze. With bent arms, supporting himself on the end of his bow, he stood beholding with eagerness the city of the lord of treasures. Gladdening all creatures, there was blowing a breeze, carrying all perfumes, and of a balmy feel. There were various beautiful and wonderful trees of diverse hues resounding with diverse dulcet notes. At that place, Bhima surveyed the palace of the Lord of the Rakshasas scattered with heaps of gems, and adorned with variegated garlands. Renouncing all care of life, the mighty-armed Bhimasena stood motionless like a rock, with his mace, sword and bow in his hands. Then he blew his shell making the down of his adversaries stand erect; and twanging his bow-string, and striking his arms with the hands he unnerved all the creatures. Thereat with their hairs standing erect, the Yakshas and Rakshasas began to rush towards the Pandava, in the direction of those sounds. Taken by the arms of the Yakshas and Rakshasas the flamed maces, clubs, swords, spears, javelins and axes, and when, the fight ensued between the Rakshasas and Bhima, the latter by arrows cut off the darts, javelins and axes of those possessing great powers of illusion, and he with arrows pierced the bodies of the roaring Rakshasas, both of those that were in the sky, and of those that remained on the earth.

Bhima of  exceeding strength was deluged with the mighty sanguine rain sprung from the bodies of the Rakshasas with maces and clubs in their hands and flowing on all sides from their persons. The bodies and hands of the Yakshas and Rakshasas were seen to be struck off by the weapon discharged by the might of Bhima's arms. Then all the creatures saw the graceful Pandava densely surrounded by the Rakshasas, like unto the Sun enveloped by clouds. Even as the Sun surrounds everything with his rays, that mighty-armed and strong one of unfailing prowess, covered all with arrows destroying foes. Although menacing and uttering yells, the Rakshasas did not see Bhima embarrassed. Thereupon, with their bodies mangled, the Yakshas afflicted by fear, Bhimasena began to utter frightful sounds of distress, throwing their mighty weapons. Terrified at the wielder of a strong bow, they fled towards the southern quarter, forsaking their maces and spears and swords and clubs and axes.

Then there stood, holding in his hands darts and maces, the broad-chested and mighty-armed friend of Kubera, the Rakshasa named Maniman. That one of great strength began to display his mastery and manliness. Seeing them forsake the fight, he addressed them with a smile, “Going to Vaishravana's abode, how will you say unto that lord of wealth, that numbers have been defeated by a single mortal in battle?”

Having said this unto them that Rakshasa, taking in his hands clubs, javelins and maces, set out and rushed towards the Pandava. He rushed in amain like a maddened elephant. Bhimasena pierced his sides with three choice arrows. The mighty Maniman, on his part, in wrath taking and flourishing a tremendous mace hurled it at Bhimasena. Thereupon Bhimasena beset with innumerable shafts sharpened on stones, hurled that mighty mace in the sky, dreadful, and like unto the lightning flash. But on reaching the mace those shafts were baffled; and although discharged with force by that adept at hurling the mace, still they could not stay its career. Then the mighty Bhima of dreadful prowess, baffled his discharge by resorting to his skill in mace-fighting. In the meanwhile, the intelligent Rakshasa had discharged a terrible iron club, furnished with a golden shaft. That club, belching forth flames and emitting tremendous roars, all of a sudden pierced Bhima's right arm and then fell to the ground.

On being severely wounded by that club, that bowman, Kunti's son, of immeasurable prowess, with eyes rolling in ire, took up his mace. Having taken that iron mace, inlaid with golden plates, which caused the fear of foes and brought on their defeat, he darted it with speed towards the mighty Maniman, menacing him and uttering shouts. Then Maniman on his part, taking his huge and blazing dart, with great force discharged it at Bhima, uttering loud shouts. Thereat breaking the dart with the end of his mace, that mighty-armed one skilled in mace-fighting, speedily rushed to slay him, as Garuda rushed to slay a serpent. Then all of a sudden, advancing ahead in the field, that mighty-armed one sprang into the sky and brandishing his mace hurled it with shouts. Like unto the thunder-bolt hurled by Indra, that mace like a pest, with the speed of the wind destroyed the Rakshasa and then fell to the ground. Then all the creatures saw that Rakshasa of terrible strength slaughtered by Bhima, like a bull slain by a lion. The surviving Rakshasas seeing him slain on the ground went towards the east, uttering frightful sounds of distress.

Hearing various sounds resounding in the caves of the mountain and not seeing Bhimasena, Yudhishthira, the twin sons of Madri, Dhaumya and Draupadi and all the Brahmanas and the friends were filled with anxiety. Thereupon, entrusting Draupadi to the charge of Arshtishena and equipped in their arms, those valiant and mighty charioteers together began to ascend the summit of the mountain. Having reached the summit, as those repressors of foes and mighty bowmen and powerful charioteers they were looking about, saw Bhima and those huge Rakshasas of mighty strength and courage weltering in a state of unconsciousness having been struck down by Bhima. Holding his mace and sword and bow, that mighty-armed one looked like Indra, after he had slain the danava hosts. Then on seeing their brother, the Pandavas, embraced him and sat down there. With those mighty bowmen, that summit looked grand like heaven graced by those foremost of celestials, the highly fortunate Lokapalas. Seeing the abode of Kubera and the Rakshasas, lying slain on the ground, the king addressed his brother who was seated, saying, “Either it be through rashness, or through ignorance, you have, O Bhima! committed a sinful act. As you are leading the life of an anchorite, this slaughter without cause is unlike you. Acts, it is asserted by those versed in duties, as are calculated to displease a monarch, ought not to be committed. But you have committed a deed which will offend even the gods. He that disregarding profit and duty, turns his thoughts to sin must reap the fruit of his sinful actions. However, if you seek my good, never again commit such a deed.”

Having said this to his brother, Bhimasena the virtuous, the highly energetic and firm-minded son of Kunti, Yudhishthira versed in the particulars of profit, ceased, and began to reflect on that matter.

The Pandavas meet Kubera

The Rakshasas that had survived those slain by Bhima fled in a body towards the abode of Kubera. They of exceeding fleetness having speedily reached Vaishravana's abode, began to utter loud cries of distress, being afflicted with the fear of Bhima. Bereft of their weapons and exhausted and with their mail besmeared with gore and with dishevelled hair they spoke unto Kubera, saying. “O lord! All your foremost Rakshasas fighting with maces and clubs and swords and lances and barbed darts, have been slain. A mortal, trespassing into the mountain, has, singlehanded, slaughtered all your Krodhovasha Rakshasas assembled together. There lie the foremost of the Yakshas and Rakshasas senseless and dead, having been struck down; and we have been let off through his favour. Your friend, Maniman also has been slain. All this has been done by a mortal. Do you what is proper, after this.”

Having heard this, that lord of all the Yaksha hosts waxing wroth, with eyes reddened in anger, exclaimed, “What!” Hearing of Bhima's second act of aggression, that lord of treasures, the king of the Yakshas, was filled with wrath, and said. “Yoke the horses”. Thereat unto a car of the hue of dark clouds, and high as a mountain summit, they yoked steeds having golden garments. On being yoked unto the car, those excellent horses of his, graced with every noble quality and furnished with the ten auspicious curls of hair and having energy and strength, and adorned with various gems and looking splendid, as if desirous of speeding like the wind, began to neigh at each other the neighing emitted at the hour of victory. That divine and effulgent king of the Yakshas set out, being eulogised by the celestials and Gandharvas. A thousand foremost Yakshas of reddened eyes and golden lustre and having huge bodies, and gifted with great strength, equipped with weapons and girding on their swords, followed that high-souled lord of treasures. Coursing through the firmament they arrived at the Gandhamadana, as if drawing forward the sky with their fleetness.

With their down standing erect, the Pandavas saw that large assemblage of horses maintained by the lord of wealth and also the highsouled and graceful Kubera himself surrounded by the Yaksha hosts. Seeing those mighty charioteers the son of Pandu, possessed of great strength, equipped with bows and swords, Kubera also was delighted; and he was pleased at heart, keeping in view the task of the celestials. Like unto birds, the Yakshas, gifted with extreme celerity, alighted on the summit of the mountain and stood before the Pandavas, with the lord of treasures at their head. Then, seeing him pleased with the Pandavas, the Yakshas and the Gandharvas stood there, free from agitation. Then thinking themselves as having transgressed, those high-souled and mighty charioteers, the Pandavas, having bowed down unto that lord, the giver of wealth stood surrounding the lord of treasures with joined hands. The lord of treasures sat on that excellent seat, the elegant Pushpaka, constructed by Vishvakarma, painted with diverse colours. Thousands of Yakshas and Rakshasas, some having huge frames and some ears resembling pegs, and hundreds of Gandharvas and hosts of Apsaras sat in the presence of that one seated, even as the celestials sit surrounding him of a hundred sacrifices and wearing a beautiful golden garland on his head and holding in his hands his noose and sword and bow, Bhima stood, gazing at the lord of wealth. Bhimasena did not feel depress either on having been wounded by the Rakshasas, or even in that plight seeing Kubera arrive.

That one going about on the shoulders of men, on seeing Bhima stand desirous of fighting with sharpened shafts, said unto Dharma's son, “O Partha! All the creatures know you as engaged in their good. Do you. therefore, with your brothers fearlessly dwell on this summit of the mountain. Be you not angry with Bhima. These Yakshas and Rakshasas had already been slain by Destiny: your brother has been the instrument merely. It is not necessary to feel shame for the act of impudence that has been committed. This destruction of the Rakshasas had been foreseen by the gods. I entertain no anger towards Bhimasena. Rather, I am pleased with him; nay, even before coming here, I had been gratified with this deed of Bhima.”

Having spoken thus unto the king, Kubera said unto Bhimasena, “O child! I do not mind this, as in order to please Draupadi, you have, disregarding the gods and me also, committed this rash act, namely, the destruction of the Yakshas and the Rakshasas, depending on the strength of your arms, I am well-pleased with you. To-day I have been freed from a terrible curse. For some offence, that great Rishi, Agastya, had cursed me in anger. You have delivered me by this act of yours. My disgrace had ere this been fated. No offence, therefore, in any way, attaches unto you, O Pandava!”

Yudhishthira said, “O divine one! Why were you cursed by Agastya? I am curious to hear about the occasion of that imprecation. I wonder that at that very moment, you together with your forces and attendants wast not consumed by the ire of that intelligent one.”

Thereupon Kubera said, “At Kushasthali, once there was held a conclave of the gods. Surrounded by grim visaged Yakshas, numbering three hundred maha-padmas, carrying various weapons, I was going to that place. On the way, I saw Agastya, engaged in the practice of severe austerities on the bank of the Yamuna, abounding in various birds and graced with blossoming trees. Immediately on seeing that mass of energy, flaming and brilliant as fire, seated with upraised arms, facing the sun, my friend, the graceful lord of the Rakshasas, Maniman, from stupidity, foolishness, hauteur and ignorance discharged his excrement on the crown of that Maharshi. Thereupon, as if burning all the cardinal points by his wrath, he said unto me, “Since, in your very presence, disregarding me, this your friend has thus affronted me, he, together with your forces, shall meet with destruction at the hands of a mortal. You also, being distressed on account of your fallen soldiers, shall be freed from your sin, on beholding that mortal. But if they follow your behests, their powerful sons shall not incur by this dreadful curse.” This curse I received formerly from that foremost of Rishis. Now, have I been delivered by your brother Bhima.”

Kubera continued: “O Yudhishthira! Patience, ability, appropriate time and place and prowess - these five lead to success in human affairs. In the Krita Yuga, men were patient and able in their respective occupations and they knew how to display prowess. A Kshatriya that is endued with patience and understands the propriety regarding place and time and is versed in all mortal regulations, can alone govern the world for a long time, nay, in all transactions. He that behaves thus, acquires fame in this world and excellent state in the next. By having displayed his prowess at the proper place and time, Indra with the Vasus has obtained the dominion of heaven. He that from anger cannot see his fall and he that being naturally wicked and evilminded follows evil and he that knows not the propriety relative to acts, meet with destruction both in this world and the next. The exertions of that stupid person become fruitless, who is not conversant with the expediency regarding time and acts, and he meets with destruction both in this world and the next. The object of that wicked and deceitful persons is vicious, who, aiming at mastery of every kind, commits some rash act.

“Bhimasena is fearless, and ignorant of duties, and haughty, and of the sense of a child, and unforbearing. Do you, therefore, check him. Repairing again to the hermitage of the pious sage Arshtishena, you reside there during the dark fortnight, without fear or anxiety. Deputed by me, all the Gandharvas residing at Alaka, as also those dwelling in this mountain, will protect you, and these best of the Brahmanas. Knowing that Bhimasena has come here out of rashness, you check him. Henceforth, beings living in the forest will meet you, wait upon you and always protect you all. My servants will always procure for you various meats and drinks of delicious flavour. Even as by reason of your being the progeny of spiritual intercourse, Arjuna is entitled to the protection of Indra, and Bhimasena, of the Wind-god, and you, of Dharma, and the twins possessed of strength, of the Ashvins, so you all are entitled to my protection.

“Arjuna, versed in the science of profit and all mortal regulations, is well in heaven. Those perfections that are recognised in the world as leading to heaven, are established in him even from his very birth. Self-restraint, charity, strength, intelligence, modesty, fortitude, and excellent energy - all these are established in that majestic one of magnificent soul. Arjuna never committed any shameful act through poverty of spirit. In the world, none ever say that Partha has uttered an untruth. Honoured by the gods, pitris, and the Gandharvas, that enhancer of the glory of the Kurus is learning the science of weapons in Indra's abode. Abiding in Indra's regions, he who on the banks of the Yamuna had worshipped the gods, the pitris, and the Brahmanas, by celebrating seven grand horse sacrifices, that great grandsire of yours, the emperor Santanu of severe austerities, who has attained heaven, has enquired of your welfare.”

Having heard these words of the dispenser of wealth, the Pandavas were well-pleased with them. Then lowering his club, mace, sword and bow, Bhimasena bowed down unto Kubera. That giver of protection, the lord of treasures, seeing him prostrate, said, “Be you the destroyer of the pride of foes, and the enhancer of the delight of friends. You oppressors of enemies, do live in our romantic region. The Yakshas will not cross your desires. Arjuna, after having acquired mastery over weapons, will come back soon. Bidden adieu by Indra himself, Arjuna will join you.”

Having thus instructed Yudhishthira, the lord of the Guhyakas, vanished from that best of mountains. Thousands upon thousands of Yakshas, and Rakshasas followed him in vehicles spread over with checkered cushions, and decorated with various jewels. As the horses proceeded towards the abode of Kubera, a noise arose as of birds flying in the air. The chargers of the lord of treasures speedily coursed through the sky as if drawing forward the firmament, and devouring the air.

Then at the command of the lord of wealth, the dead bodies of the Rakshasas were removed from the summit of the mountain. As the intelligent Agastya had fixed this period as the limit of the duration of his curse, so being slain in conflict, the Rakshasas were freed from the imprecation. Being honoured by the Rakshasas, the Pandavas for several nights dwelt pleasantly in those habitations.

Dhaumya describes the movement of the Sun and the Moon, mount Meru and the abode of Narayana

Then, at sunrise, having finished his daily devotions, Dhaumya came unto the Pandavas, with Arshtishena. Having bowed down unto the feet of Arshtishena and Dhaumya, they with joined hands paid homage unto all the Brahmanas. Then Dhaumya taking Yudhishthira's right hand, said these words, looking at the east, “O mighty monarch! This king of mountains, Mandara lies vast, covering the earth up to the ocean. Indra and Vaishravana preside over this point graced with woods, forests and mountains. The intelligent sages versed in every duty, say that this region is the abode of Indra and king Vaishravana. The twice-born ones and the sages versed in the duties, and the Sidhas, the Sadhyas, and the celestials pay their adorations unto the Sun as he rises from this point. That lord of all living beings, king Yama, conversant with duty, presides over yonder southern region where go the spirits of the departed. This is Sanyamana, the abode of the lord of departed spirits, sacred, and wonderful to behold, and crowned with prime prosperity. The intelligent ones call that monarch of mountains by the name of Asta. Having arrived at this, the Sun ever abides by the truth. King Varuna protects all creatures, abiding in this king of mountains, and also in the vast deep. There illumining the northern regions, lies the puissant and mighty Meru, auspicious and the refuge of those knowing Brahma, where is the court of Brahma, and remaining where that soul of all creatures, Prajapati, has created all that is mobile and immobile. The Mahameru is the auspicious and healthy abode even of the seven mind-born sons of Brahma, of whom Daksha was the seventh. Here it is that the seven celestial Rishis with Vasishtha at their head rise and set. Behold that excellent and bright summit of the Meru, where sits Brahma with the celestials happy in self-knowledge. Next to the abode of Brahma is visible the region of him who is said to be the really primal Cause or the origin of all creatures, even that prime lord, god Narayana, having neither beginning nor end. That auspicious place composed of all energies even the celestials, cannot behold. The region of the high-souled Vishnu, by its native splendour, exceeding in effulgence the sun or fire, cannot be beheld by the gods, or the Danavas. The region of Narayana lies resplendent to the east of the Meru, where, that lord of all creatures, the self-create primal Cause of the universe, having manifested all beings, looks splendid of his excellent grace. Not to speak of the Maharshis, even Brahmarshis have no access to that place. It is the Yatis only who have access to it. At that place luminaries cannot shine by him; there that lord of inconceivable soul alone shines transcendental. There by reverence, and severe austerities, Yatis inspired by virtue of pious practices, attain Narayana Hari. Repairing there, and attaining that universal Soul, the self-create and eternal God of gods, high-souled ones, of Yoga success, and free from ignorance and pride have not to return to this world. This region is without beginning, or deterioration, or end for it is the very essence of that God. The Sun and the Moon every day go round this Meru, coursing in an opposite direction. The other luminaries also go round this king of mountains in the self-same way. Thus the worshipful Sun who dispells darkness, goes round this mountain obscuring other luminaries. Then having set, and passed the evening, the Sun takes a northerly course. Then again nearing the Meru, the divine Sun ever intent on the good of all beings, again courses, facing the east. In this way, the divine Moon also together with the stars goes round this mountain, dividing the month unto several sections, by his arrival at the Parvas. Having thus unerringly coursed round the mighty Meru, and, nourished all creatures, the Moon again repairs unto the Mandar. In the same way, the divine Sun also moves on this unobstructed path, animating the universe. When, desirous of causing dew, he repairs to the south, then there ensues winter to all creatures. Then the Sun, turning back from the south, by his rays draws up the energy from all creatures both mobile and immobile. Thereupon, men become subject to perspiration, fatigue, drowsiness and lassitude; and living beings always feel disposed to slumber. Thence, returning through unknown regions, that divine effulgent one causes shower, and thereby revives beings. Having, by the comfort caused by the shower, wind, and warmth, cherished the mobile and the immobile, the powerful Sun resumes his former course. Ranging thus, the Sun unerringly turns on the wheel of Time, influencing created things. His course is unceasing; he never rests. Withdrawing the energy of all beings, he again renders it back. Dividing time into day and night, and Kala, and Kashtha, that lord, the Sun, deals life and motion to all created things.”