Ghosha means cowherd. Ghoshayatra Parva is the story of the Kauravas going to the stock show near Lake Dvaitavana.
The ‘As It Rhymes’ chapters in Ghosha parva are available in this link.
As It Rhymes
1.
Vaishampayana said,
‘Duryodhana’s entourage bivouacked in the forest with tent.
They circled around Lake Dvaitavana and found the cowherd cattle encampment.
2.
In delight, Duryodhana’s camp took tenancy under the shadiest trees and quickly slammed up a glam tent tenement mini-city.
The men circled the chariot wagon carts then lounged in the shade gorged on yogurt and cheese, swilling milk and ghee.
3.
Karna, Shakuni and many of Duryodhana’s brothers lived like tramps in the cowboys’ camps for days.
4.
After Duryodhana rested he joined the Cowboys in their work with earnest demands.
With hundreds and thousands of heads in the herd, there were many beautiful bovine markings on body and limb to sort for market.
5.
Duryodhana spent time marking calves with hot iron brands.
6.
Duryodhana dreamt about the wealth of the bovine.
The Kuru Prince was pleased by the bulls’ protective horned perspective.
7.
Duryodhana threw a celebratory feast for his soldier brethren.
All the local landowners and townies were invited to party with the king.
8.
The cowboys led a great procession.
The crowd started an auspicious conga-line song and dance session.
Dhritarashtra’s foremost son, Duryodhana, was even seen playing a veena stringed instrument like violin.
9.
Surrounded by rejoicing women bearing hand-made handmaid treasure.
Dhritarashtra’s scion blazed like a rock star Vasu in wealth and splendorous revelrous pleasure.
10-11.
Then Duryodhana got it in his head to hunt.
Imagining himself as Kartikeya slaying Taraka, Duryodhana went on a vicious spree.
Down fell scorched buffalo.
High antlered deer brought low.
So too he scored wild boar.
Showing off his strength he slew a tusker.
Soon the forest floor was soaked by battlefield gore.
Duryodhana set snares and traps all around.
Frightened game got caught and got clocked.
13.
Buzzing bees buzzed a mad humming sound.
Crazed peacocks raged.
14.
A blue throated bird screeched.
At last Duryodhana’s fill was reached.
15.
Dharma’s son, Yudhishthira, bangles on his arms, appeared in fine form.
Yudhishthira performed a royal ritual prayer passed down through the ages.
16.
In that devotional moment Dharmaraja was Rajarshi, the Dharma King became the King of Sages.
17.
Draupadi stood near Yudhishthira, sprinkling water on his arm.
18.
Duryodhana signaled his brothers and attendants to decamp.
The shore of Lake Dvaitavana would be base camp.
19.
‘Let it be that way,’ as the Kauravas say best.
Duryodhana’s henchmen set to work hauling pole tents through the forest.
20.
A troupe of musicians known as Gandharvas who were staying at the lake blocked Duryodhana’s crew.
The musicians gave Duryodhana’s sentry the sign for no entry and no can do.
21.
The Gandharvas were resting, relaxing and spring breaking.
The Gandharvas had just scored from a Kubera tour.
22-23.
Beautiful apsaras sported with Gandharvas and assorted band hangers-on.
The Gandharvas had no interest in sharing their troupes’ best booty or lood with Duryodhana’s bad boy prima-dons.
The Gandharva’s threats sent Duryodhana’s men backtracking to tell the king.
24.
Duryodhana’s men raced back to inform of the development.
When Duryodhana got wind he sent a crack squad of his best fighting men to squelch any unruly musician.
25.
Inflamed by King Duryodhana’s violent command, the armed men rushed to Lake Dvaitavana to garrison.
The Gandharvas heard the commotion as the men rushed through brush like mad bulls in rut season.
26.
‘Make way! make way!
King Duryodhana, Dhritarashtra’s strong son, claims Lake Dvaitavana for royal play.’
27.
‘Who is this vaishya!?’, the Gandharvas laughed.
‘Did he really ask us to leave by threat of staff?’
28.
The Gandharvas replied,
‘Tell your stupid king, we can grind.
Tell your spoiled kid king, you’ve been warned.
29.
We are freedom fighters with a freed mind.
We are liberated and self-realized.
30.
Only a fool could say what you say.
Dharmaraja’s dwelling is that way.
So turn around or go to death without delay.’
31.
Duryodhana’s feathers were ruffled by the Gandharvas’ derision.
Duryodhana’s commander came in bestirred by indecision.
Notes
[1] ibid.
Duryodhana is Dhritarashtra's son.
[9] Vasus are Gods. Born from Daksha’s daughter. They include Vayu AKA Anil, the wind god. Varuna and Bhumi, ocean and earth. Other Vasus include Chandra, the moon. And Gods of celestial bodies. Duryodhana is a star.
[14] Shiva has a blue or black throat. The inauspicious sign of a blue throated bird may be to invoke the destroyer.
[16]
Dharmaraja is an epithet for Yudhishthira. Dharmaraja means Dharma King. Yudhishthira's father is said to be Dharma.