Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana Book 10 Chapter 84:51-64

Book 10: Eighty-four (Latter Half)

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Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana: Book 10: Chapter 84: Verses 51-64


At the end of each sacrifice, Vasudeva performed, in accordance with the scripturals ordinance, the Agnihotra and other sacrifices as well as those falling under the category of Prakrta and Vaikrta sacrifices, and thereby worshipped and propitiated Visnu (the Lord of all substances, rituals and the Mantras with which they are performed). Then in due time he adorned the priests well (with clothes and ornaments) and gave them sacrificial fees and also gifted them duly adorned cow and girls as well as lands and abundant wealthy as laid down in the scriptures. After going through the ritual of Patnisarhyaja (which is a part of the sacrifice) and the rites connected with the concluding bath, those great sages who had officiated as priests of the Sacrifice followed Vasudeva to the tank named after Parasurama and performed their ablutions there. After taking their bath, Vasudeva and his wives gave away all their ornaments and clothes to the bards and, adorning themselves well (with new ornaments and dress) entertained all classes of men and animals down to the dog. He honoured with extensive presents (all) his relations alongwith their wives and son as well as the princes of Vidarbha, Kosala, Kuru, Kasi, Kekaya and Srnjaya, the supervisors of the sacrifice, the priests, hosts of gods, men, spirits, manes and the celestial bards. They (all) took leave of Sri Krsna (the abode of Sri) and left for their homes praising the sacrifice.
(Pariksit,) king Dhrtarastra, Vidura, Yudhisthira, Bhima, and Arjuna, Bhisma, Drona, Kunti, Nakula, Sahadeva, Devarsi Narada, Bhagavan Vyasa, and other friends and relations and kinsmen felt the agony of separation (when leaving their friends, the Yadus). With their hearts moistened through affection, they embraced the Yadus and departed for their homes with (great difficulty). The other people also left with them. (Pariksit,) honoured with extensive presents by Sri Krsna, Balarama, Ugrasena and others, Nanda, alongwith the other Gopas, out of love for them, stayed (there for some time more). (0 dear king,) having (thus) easily realized his great ambition like one who crosses an ocean without much effort, Vasudeva felt (greatly) delighted at heart. In the midst of his friends and relations he took Nanda by the hand, and addressed him (thus). Vasudeva said : Brother (Nanda), God has forged for men a bond which is known by the name of affection. I think the greatest of warriors and Yogis find it difficult to undo it. Highly virtuous as you are, the friendship you have shown to us, ungrateful souls, is unparalleled and cannot be repaid; and yet (we know) it will never cease (it will continue for ever). 0 brother, formerly we could not do any good turn to you precisely because we were helpless, and now we are blinded by intoxication of wealth and power and do not look at you even though you stand before us. 0 virtuous brother, let not royal fortune fall to the lot of one who seeks blessedness. Blinded by it, man fails to recognize even his own kinsmen and relations.

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