Vaishampayana said In the mean time, having come to know of the departure of the slayer of Madhu (from the Pandava camp) through his spies, Dhritarashtra said to Bhishma of long arms after paying him due honours; and also to Drona and Sanjaya and the greatly intelligent Vidura his hairs standing up and also to Duryodhana and his ministers.

o descendant of Kuru, I hear a strange thing-an exceedingly one. Women and children and old men are talking about it in every household. Some are discussing the subject out of good motives; while others are doing it, united together or separately; and the discussion is going on within the houses, as also in open spots.

The powerful scion of Dasharha race is coming here for the sake of the Pandavas; and that slayer of Madhu is by all means the object of our respect and regard.

On him depends the course of the world. He is the lord of all creatures, and in that scion of Madhu's are centered patience, prowess, wisdom and energy.

That chief among men ought to be respected by the good; for he is the eternal virtue. For the sake of happiness is he worshipped. If he is not due regard, misery race ensues.

If that chastiser of foes of the Dasharha race is satisfied with due reception; them shall we obtain the fulfillment of all our wishes from i Krishna in the midst of all the kings.

O chastiser of foes, prepare for his worship from this moment and erect pavilions on the way filled with all necessary articles.

So that one of long arins may be gratified with you. Do that, O son of Gandhari. What do you think. O Bhisma?

Then Bhishma and others all approving of those words of his said to Dhritarashtra, the ruler of men-"This excellent."

King Duryodhana, then ascertaining that desire of theirs began to order the selection of sites for the erection of enchanting Pavilions.

Then in all places and in the most enchanting sites there were erected many pavilions (at proper intervals) adorned with all sorts of gems and precious stones.

The king then sent there beautiful seats endued with various good qualities, girls, scents ornaments fine cloths, eatables and drinks of excellent qualities, garlands and perfumes of several kinds.

Especially for his residence in the town of Vrikasthala the Kuru king erected an enchanting palace adorned with many gems and precious stones.

Having done all this, which could be done only by gods and men of superhuman qualifications, king Duryodhana informed Dhritarashtra of what he had done.

That scion of the Dasharha race, Keshava, however, came to that encampment of the Kurus without even casting his eyes on all those pavilions and diverse sorts of gems and precious stones.