Deer Screams in Yudhishthira's Dream
Chapter 258 Vana Parva
Introduction
After Duryodhana visits the Pandavas, Yudhishthira has a strange dream.
1.Â
Janamejaya said,
‘What did the Pandavas do in the forest after playing good savior to Duryodhana’s bad behavior?’
2.
Vaishampayana said,
‘Kaunteya Yudhishthira slept that night by Dvaitavana Lake.
Deer with slashed throats visited Yudhishthira in a dream while awake.
3.
The deer trembled with tear-stained cheek.
Yudhishthira said, ‘Speak.’
4.
The deer introduced themselves to the illustrious Yudhishthira.
‘We are the survivors of the deer you killed and ate.’Â
5.
Through your great appetites we are reduced to a weak state.
Soon we will be gone if you do not move along and grant us relief.
6.
Your brothers are masters in arms.
They are all over us like grasshopper swarms on farms.
7.
We few who remain are the seed.
It is our opinion you should have mercy and let us breed.’
8.
 Trembling in fear the deer fell silent.
Dharmaraja Yudhishthira felt torment.
9.
The king engaged in the welfare of all who are sentient.
‘Let it be that way. We’ll depart today.’
10.
That night King Yudhishthira resolved to go away.
At daybreak, Yudhishthira chided his brothers about over-hunting game.
11.
‘The deer we’ve slain visited me in a dream.
They begged mercy to be allowed to repopulate.
12.
They spoke the truth, it’s our duty to show restraint.
We are like a scorching fire to prey.
We should leave and let it rain.
13.
Kamyaka forest is a delight.
Lake Trinabindu sits at the head of the forest near a barren.
There we may live, study and recreate.’
14.
The Pandavas were about Dharma life.
They left without drama or strife.
They and brahmans and Indrasena, head of servants, who drives Arjuna’s chariots, left without delay.
15.
By many paths the party walked until they found potable water.
At last they came upon the sacred hermitage of Kamyaka forest where they would stay.Â
16.
The Kauravas lived in Kamyaka forest with their entourage of brahman dining companions.
At times the Bharatas thought they’d died and gone to venison heaven.
Notes
[1] Janamejaya, Vaishampayana ibid.
Duryodhana’s bad behavior - this follows Goshayatra, where Duryodhana and his brothers are beaten and captured by musicians before the Pandavas free them.
https://crackpot.substack.com/t/ghosha
[14] Brahman are sages, or holy-persons.
Indrasena also plays a bit part in Draupadi Harana - Indrasena comes upon and comforts the distressed Dhatriyaka.
Translation notes
Thus ends Goshayatra parva.
After this dream the Pandavas relocate to Kamyaka forest, where they encounter Jaydratha.