Vaishampayana said Thus commanded against his will by king Dhritarashtra, Vidura started for (the palace of) the wise Pandavas by means of quiet and patient horses of best species, possessing great speed and strength.

The greatly intelligent (Vidura) proceeded by the way leading to the city of the Pandavas; and having arrived there, he, being duly worshipped by the Brahmanas, entered the city.

Coming to the royal palace which was like the palace of Kubera, the virtuous minded (Vidura) went to the son of Dharma, Yudhishthira.

The illustrious and enemiless descendant of Ajamida, ever devoted to truth, reverentially saluted Vidura and asked him about the welfare of Dhritarashtra and his sons.

Yudhishthira said O Khattwa, your mind seems to be cheerless. Do you come in peace? Are the sons (of Dhritarashtra) obedient to their old father? Are the people obedient to his (Dhritarashtra's) rule?

Vidura said The illustrious king with his sons is well. Surrounded by his relatives, he reigns like Indra. O king, the illustrious monarch is happy with his sons who are all obedient to him. But he is bent upon his own aggrandisement.

The Kuru king has commanded me first to enquire after your peace and prosperity, and then to tell you on his behalf the following. (He says to you), "The Assembly-hall of your cousin (built by me) is equal to your Sabha. Therefore, (come) and see it.

O son of Pritha, coming there enjoy the palace and play a friendly match at dice with your cousins. We shall be very happy at your arrival, so will be all the Kurus assembled there."

O king, you will see there all those gamblers, those cheats who have been brought there by the illustrious king Dhritarashtra. I have come here for this. Let the king's command be approved by you.

Yudhishthira said o Khattwa, gambling may produce quarrel. Knowing this, who is there who will consent to gamble? What do you think proper for us to do? We are all obedient to your advice,

Vidura said I know gambling is the root of all misery. I tried to dissuade the king from it. The king, however, has sent me to you. O learned man, knowing all this, do what is good.

Yudhishthira said Besides the sons of king Dhritarashtra who are the other dishonest gamblers that are present there to play? O Vidura, I ask you, tell us who are the men with whom we shall have to play staking hundreds upon hundreds.

Vidura said. O king, expert in dice, with great skill of hand, even desperate at stakes the Gandhara king, Shakuni, Vivingshati, Chitrasena, king Satyavrata, Purumitra and Jaya (these are present there).

Yudhishthira said It appears that some of the most desperate and terrible gamblers who always depend on deceit (in their play) are present there. The whole universe, however, is at the will of its creator under the control of Fate. It is not free.

O leaned man, I do not desire to engage in gambling at the command of king Dhritarashtra, for a father always Wishes to benefit his son. You are our master, OVidura, tell me what is proper (for us to do).

I am unwilling to gamble. I will not do it (gamble) unless the wicked Shakuni does not challenge me in the Sabha. If however he challenges me, I will never refuse. This is my settled and eternal vow.

Vaishampayana said Having said this to Vidura, Dharmaraja (Yudhishthira) commanded that preparations for his journey might be soon made. The next day accompanied by his relatives and attendants and taking with his Draupadi and the women of the household he started (for Hastinapur).

“As a brilliant body falling before the eye deprives the power of seeing so does Fate our reason. Man, tied as it were with a cord, submits to the sway of providence”.

Having said this, the chastiser of foes Yudhishthira, went with Khattwa (Vidura) without deliberating over the summons (of Dhritarashtra).

The slayer of hostile hosts, the son of Pritha, the Pandava (Yudhishthira) attired in. royal robes and riding on the car presented to him by the Valhika king started with his brothers.

Summoned by Dhritarashtra and impelled by what has been ordained by Time and blazing with royal prosperity, the king with the Brahmanas walking before him went (from his city).

Arriving at Hastinapur he went in the Dhritarashtra's palace. The high-souled Pandava (Yudhishthira) then that Dhritarashtra,

Bhishma, Drona, Karna and Kripa, the lord (Yudhishthira) also met the son of Drona (Ashvathama) he duly saluted and embraced all of them and was saluted and embraced by them in return.

The greatly powerful and mighty armed (hero) them met Somadatta, Duryodhana, Shalya the son of Subala (Shakuni).

And the other monarchs that had arrived there before him; and also the brave Dushasana and all his other cousins;

Also Jayadratha and all other Kurus. Then the mighty armed hero, surrounded by all his brothers,

Entered the palace of the wise king Dhritarashtra, and saw there lady Gandhari ever obedient to her husband.

Surrounded by her daughters-in-law like Rohini by the stars. Having saluted Gandhari and having been blessed by her in return. He his old father (uncle, Dhritarashtra), the great lord whose knowledge was his eye.

O king, the monarch (Dhritarashtra) smelt his head as also those of the four other Kuru princes, the Pandavas, Bhima being at their head.

O king, seeing those best of men, the handsome Pandavas, all the Kurus became exceedingly glad.

Commanded by the king Dhritarashtra, the Pandavas retired to rooms, adorned with gems saw and jewels. Here the ladies of the household with Dushala (Duryodhana' sister) at their head visited them.

Seeing the blazing and splendid beauty and prosperity of Yajnaseni (Draupadi), Dhritarashtra's daughters-in-law were filled with jealousy and became cheerless.

Having conversed with the ladies, those best of men (then) went through their daily physical exercises, and they then performed the usual daily religious rites.

Having performed their daily rites and decked their body with excellent Chandana and having desired to secure good luck and prosperity they caused Brahmanas to utter benedictions. Then having eaten best food, they retired to the sleeping apartments.

Those best of the Kurus, those subjugators of hostile towns, were sung into sleep by beautiful damsels. Receiving what came in due succession, they passed that delicious night in pleasure and sport. Having awakened by the sweet music of the bards, they rose from their bed after rest.

Having passed the day in happiness, they rose in the morning and having performed the usual rites, they entered the Sabha and were saluted by those who assembled there for gambling.