CHAPTER 14
Analytical Notes of Virat Parva & Udyog Parva
VIRAT PARVA
The spies sent by Kauravas to search for the existence of the Pandavas return to Duryodhan and tell him that they are unable to discover them. They ask his permission as to what to do.—Virat Parva, Adhya. 25.
Duryodhan asks for advice from his advisers. Karna said send other spies. Dushasan said they might have gone beyond the sea. But search for them.— Ibid. —Adhya. 26.
Drona said the Pandavas are not likely to be defeated or destroyed. They may be living as Tapasis, therefore send Siddhas and Brahamins as spies— Ibid. Adhya 27.
Bhishma supports Drona— Ibid Adhya. 28.
Kripacharya supported Bhishma and added—Pandavas are great enemies. But wise man does not neglect even small enemies. While they are in Agnyatavasa you should go on collecting armies from now.— Ibid Adhya. 29.
Then Susharma King of Trigarth raised quite a different subject. He said that Kichaka who was the Senapati of King Virat I hear dead, King Virat is to give us great trouble. Kichaka having been dead Virat must have become very weak. Why not invade the Kingdom of Virat ? This is the most opportune time. Karna also supported Susharma. Why worry about the Pandavas, these Pandavas are without wealth, without army and fallen. Why bother with them? They might have even been dead by now. Give up the search and let undertake the project of Susharma— Ibid Adhya. 30.
Susharma’s invasion of Vairat. Susharma carries away the cows of Virat. The cow herds go and inform Virat of this and ask him to pursue Susharma and rescue the cows.— Ibid Adhya. 31.
Virat became ready for war. In the meanwhile Shatanik the younger brother of Virat suggested that instead of going alone he