The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa - Khamkoo

destruction of created beings, I have called thee.[1110] Do thou, therefore,
commence to destroy all creatures foolish or learned. O lady, slay all created
beings without making exception in anybody‟s favour. At my command thou wilt
win great prosperity.‟ Thus addressed, the goddess, Death, adorned with a
garland of lotuses, began to reflect sorrowfully and shed copious tears. Without
allowing her tears, however, to fall down, she held them, O king, in her joined
palms. She then besought the Self-born, impelled by the desire of doing good to
mankind.‟”
SECTION CCLVIII
“Narada said, „The large-eyed lady, controlling her grief by an effort of her own,
addressed the Grandsire, with joined hands and bending in an attribute of
humility like a creeper. And she said, „How, O foremost of speakers, shall a lady
like me that has sprung from thee proceed to accomplish such a terrible feat,--a
feat, that is, which is sure to inspire all living creatures with dread? I fear to do
aught that is iniquitous. Do thou appoint such work for me as is righteous. Thou
seest that I am frightened. Oh, cast a compassionate glance upon me. I shall not
be able to cut off living creatures,--infants, youths, and aged ones,--who have
done me no injury. O lord of all creatures, I bow to thee, be gratified with me. I
shall not be able to cut off dear sons and loved friends and brothers and mothers
and fathers. If these die (through my act), their surviving relatives will surely
curse me. I am filled with fear at the prospect of this.[1111] The tears of the
sorrow-stricken survivors will burn me for eternity. I am very much afraid of them
(whose relatives I shall have to cut off). I seek thy protection. All sinful creatures
(slain by me) will have to sink into the infernal regions. I seek to gratify thee, O
boon-giving god! Extend to me thy grace, O puissant lord! I seek the gratification
of this wish, O Grandsire, of all the worlds. O foremost of all the gods, I seek,
through thy grace, even this object, viz., permission to undergo severe
austerities.‟
“The Grandsire said, „O Death, thou hast been intended by me for the destruction
of all creatures. Go, and set thyself to the task of slaying all. Do not reflect (upon
the propriety or otherwise of this act). This must certainly be. It cannot be
otherwise. O sinless one, O lady of faultless limbs, do thou accomplish the
behest I have uttered.‟ Thus addressed, O thou of Mighty arms, the lady called
Death, O conqueror of hostile cities, spoke not a word, but humbly stood there
with her eyes upturned towards the puissant Lord of all creatures. Brahman
addressed her repeatedly, but the lady seemed to be herself deprived of life.
Beholding her thus, the god of gods, that lord of lords, became silent.
Indeed, the Self-born, by an effort of his will, became gratified.
Smiling, the lord of all the worlds then cast his eyes on the universe. It has been
heard by us that when that unconquered and illustrious lord subdued his wrath,
the lady (called Death) went away from his side. Leaving Brahman‟s side without
having promised to accomplish the destruction of living creatures, Death quickly
Mahabharta of Krishna Dwipayana Vyasa, translated to English by Kesarimohan Ganguli
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