Intro
Dyuta Parva is the story of the gambling match with dice.
All the chapters in this parva are available -
https://crackpot.substack.com/t/dyuta
As It Rhymes
Chapter 14 (72)
Karna’s Turn-ons Burn Bhima On
1.
Karna said,
“I can’t believe my lying eyes.
The Pandavas of legend had to be saved by a girl.
Wow. A woman with iron will.
Is the Pandava valor a pack of crying lies?
2.
The rash Parthas felt wrath at their kinsmen.
Krishnaa Draupadi was the boat of peace that delivered Pandu’s sons over the storming ocean of their Dhritarashtra cousin.
3.
Up a creek without a rope.
Drowning in sand without a hope.
Panchali is surely the boat that floats these dopes.”
4.
Bhimasena became unglued at Karna’s pokes.
Bhima became blind with rage after he heard the bit that Pandu’s son floats a woman’s boat.
5-7.
Bhima said,
“The wise Devala said women are luminary.
They bear progeny by desire and valor by delivery.
At your mention Panchali’s light gets dim.
At your mention, the chance for peace grows slim.”
8-9.
Arjuna said,
“Talk is cheap.
Actions speak.
Favor good deeds over enmity and regret.
A devotee never lets the enemy see him sweat.
Say what you say I give a hoot.”
10.
Bhima said,
“I will crush Kuru kshatriya under my boot.
I will pull the Bharata tree barehand up by the root.
11.
O’ Yudhishthira!
What is more talk worth?
Why wait for your command to scorch the earth?
Today is a good day to settle the score.”
12.
Bhimasena gave his silent brothers a side-eye.
Bhima glared at his cousins like a lion looking at animals of prey.
13.
Partha Arjuna shed tears.
Arjuna waved his mighty arms.
14.
Wrathful energy poured from Bhima’s pores.
Smoke came from Bhima’s ears in streams.
Bhima’s mouth breathed flames.
Bhima’s head showered sparking traces.
15.
Bhima’s brows furrowed into atrocious lines.
Bhima’ mouth curled a hideous grimace.
Bhima took on the form of time at the end of a Yuga.
16.
Yudhishthira wrapped his arms around Bhima.
Listen to me, Yudhishthira begged, now is not the time to disturb the peace.
17.
After quelling Bhima’s fever.
Yudhishthira approached Dhritarashtra with hands folded to seek favor.
Notes
[1] Karna is a principal antagonist of the Pandavas - and a brother as Kunti's firstborn son.
[2] The Pandavas are Parthas.
[3] Panchali is Draupadi.
Chapter 15 (73)
Ballad of Dhritarashtra
1.
Yudhishthira said,
“O’ King! I seek relief.
May I call you chief?”
2.
Dhritarashtra said,
“Ajatashatru peace unto you.
You have my permission to leave wealth whole.
3.
Hear an old man’s words before you go.
My mind flows from the Vedas.
My advice is solid.
4-5.
Yudhishthira your word is gold.
Yudhishthira you are a learned prefect.
Yudhishthira your worship is perfect.
Yudhishthira you mind your peace.
6.
To who knows the three modes, the quality of an enemy is gauged by competing in good deeds not on enmity.
7.
To dwell on what is axed by another distracts a devotee from the act.
8.
Yudhishthira your words are well spoken.
Yudhishthira your disposition is unbroken.
9.
Yudishthira you are not impulsive nor corrosive.
Look at me babble.
The point is you are a sober and articulate man and for a king that is half the battle.
10.
Remember both good and bad deeds of your enemy.
Only by your own deed will your soul be free.
11.
You are a dear sight.
May pursuit of Artha always be your right.
12.
Do not take my boy Duryodhana’s harshness to heart.
Queen Gandhari is like a mother to you too.
13.
Playing dice into the night gave me a fright.
What could I do?
You can see I am a blind old fool with a head full of wool.
14.
Make amends and be friends with my powerful sons.
Be reasonable and do not lament that the Kurus won.
15.
Vidura’s mind is lit by Sarasvati’s light.
Yudhishthira you are Dharma.
Arjuna has courage.
With Bhimasena no one can go toe to toe in a fight.
All you are educated in Shastra.
16.
Have faith in the knowledge of the guru that taught you.
Ajatashatru godspeed your valor crew to Indraprastha.
Take a mulligan with brotherly love in heart.”
17.
After paying respects Dharmaraja Yudhishthira and the Pandavas left for their home Indraprastha with priests and Krishnaa in pain.
Their chariots made the sound of rolling thunder over the sun baked plain.
Thus ends Dyuta Parva.
Postscript
Not all would go smooth for Krishna and the Pandava boys after they depart the Sabha. Soon after Dhritarashtra dismisses the Pandavas and returns their kingdom and freedom, Duryodhana, Duhshasana and Shakuni prevail upon Dhritarashtra. The Pandavas are summoned for one more winner takes all roll. Win and the Pandavas keep their wealth. Lose and the Pandavas live in exile in the forest for 13 years before getting back their kingdom. “Look, I win,” Shakuni said.
Notes
[2] Yudhishthira is Ajatashatru
[6] The three modes are:
Sattva is goodness.
Raja is passion.
Tama is ignorance.
[15] Sarasvati is the Goddess of knowledge and music.
Vidura is a Kuru uncle, known for truth and virtuous mind.
Shastra is text.
[16] Indraprastha is the capital city of the Pandavas domain.