Chapter 60(a) - Slaying of Pauṇḍraka and others

[Note: This corresponds to Padaratnāvalī’s Text chapter 69. It gives the following additional verses in the Introduction]

Śrī Śuka said:

1.1-3. It is reported that at that time there was a king called Pauṇḍraka, O scion of the Kuru race. Getting information of Kṛṣṇa’s absence from Dvārakā, he laid siege to that citadel of Vṛṣṇis with a big army and subjected it to attacks. Balarāma, Sātyaki, Vasudeva, Uddhava, Ugrasena and other prominent Yādava warriors treated him (with their military preparations) in a manner suitable for a guest who comes at such a time.

King Parīkṣit enquired:

1.4. Who was that Pauṇḍraka? What country did he rule over? Whose son was he? Be pleased to narrate all this to me, O sage.

Śrī Śuka narrated:

1.5. The king of Kāśī had no male issue. He gave his daughter Sutanu to Vasudeva on condition of giving his kingdom as dowry.

1.6. A son with long arms and brilliant like the sun was born to them. He was called Pauṇḍraka. He was powerful, full of prowess and pride.

1.7-8. As he was the son of Vasudeva, he was called Vāsudeva. when he became a major the great glorious Vasudeva entrusted to him that kingdom (of Kāśi) along with the treasures, army, chariots and other vehicles. Then Vasudeva married Kaṃsa’s younger sister Devakī who was like a goddess.

1.9. Being interned by Kaṃsa, the king of Bhojas, Vasudeva could not even once visit Karavīrapura.

1.10. Being ever-conscious of the unbearable step-motherly relation and of having no brother of his own, the king of Kāśi lived in awe of Yadus.

1.11. Hearing the report of Kṛṣṇa’s absence from Dvārakā, he stormed it at. night but he was defeated by Balarāma and Śaineya (Sātyaki).

1.12. Having suffered a heavy loss of thousands of horses, elephants and foot soldiers, he quietly retreated in the latter part of the night to the city of Vārāṇasī.

1.13. When the night was over and the day dawned, Śrī Kṛṣṇa returned from Badarikāśrama by his mount Garuḍa and came to Dvārakā which was well defended by Balarāma.

1.14. He was received with flags and offered water to wash his hands and feet and the usual presents after arrival, by Yādavas, Vṛṣṇis and Andhakas who reported to him the whole story. Then he entered the council hall.

1.15. Once Pauṇḍraka the powerful king of Kāśī.........

[After this follows verse 1-b in Bhāvāratha Dīpikā’s Text in ch. 66]