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Maya Danava told Arjuna “You have saved me from being killed by Krishna and from
being consumed by Agni. Tell me how I should repay my debt to you.”
Arjuna said, “Even by saying this, you have done all you
need to do. Go anywhere you want to. Be good to me as I was good to you.”
Maya said, "What you have said is worthy of you. I
am an artist. I am a Viswakarma (sculptor) among the Danavas. I want to do something for
you.”
Arjuna said, “I can’t make you do anything for
me. Do something for Krishna. That will
be a sufficient requital for my services to you.”
Krishna thought for a moment what he should ask Maya
to do for him.
“Let a palatial hall be built by you. Build a palace
that can’t be imitated by anyone in this world, even after studying its
structure thoroughly. Build a mansion combining the designs of the Devas, the
Asuras and the Humans” he told Maya.
Maya was happy on hearing Krishna’s suggestion. He
agreed to build a palace for the sons of Pandu, a palace that would resemble the palace of the celestials.
Krishna and Arjuna returned to the palace along with Maya. They narrated the incidents at the Kandava forest to Yudhishtira. They then introduced Maya to him.
Yudhishtira
received Maya with the respect, and the honour that he deserved. Maya accepted that honour, thinking highly of
it.
Maya then narrated the history of the Danava
Vrisha-parva to the Pandavas.
After resting for a while, Maya began to engage himself in the task of planning to construct the palace.
On an auspicious day, he performed the initial rites.
After having gratified thousands of well-versed Brahmins
with sweetened milk and rice and with rich presents of various kinds, he measured
out a plot of land measuring seven thousand square feet, which had a good appearance and which was favourable for the construction of a building well-suited to the exigencies of every season.
Krishna, having been on Kandavapastha for quite some time in the company of the Pandavas, enjoying their respect and affection, wanted to go back to his place to see his father.
Krishna, who had large eyes and who deserved the obeisance of the whole universe, saluted Pandavas' mother Kunti (who was also his father’s sister) and Yudhishtira and took leave of them.
Kunti hugged him and granted him leave.
Krishna then went to his sister Subhadra and took leave of her, with his eyes filled with tears. He spoke to her a few words of wisdom.
Subhadra bowed to him and asked him to convey her respect and affection to her relatives in Dwaraka.
After blessing his sister Subjadra, Krishna took leave of Draupadi, saying some kind words to her.
He
then paid obeisance to Sage Dhaumya and sought his leave.
Krishna, surrounded by the five Pandava brothers, shone like Indra in the midst of the celestials. He got ready to perform the rites preparatory to the commencement of the journey.
He purified himself by taking a bath and adorned himself with
ornaments. He then worshiped the Gods by offering them flowers and
perfumes, by bowing his head and by chanting mantras.
Krishna then came out of the palace, offered curd, fruits and parched grains to Brahmins, and sought their blessings.
He then
ascended the chariot which had the Garuda banner on its top and weapons like mace, discus, sword
and his bow Sharng in it. He then yoked his horses Saivya and Sugriva to the chariot.
He then departed at an auspicious time.
Yudhishtira climbed on to the chariot and took the reins after asking the charioteer Daruka to step aside.
Arjuna also climbed on to the chariot and fanned Krishna with a white chamara (hand fan) which had a handle of gold. Bhima, Nakua, Sahadeva, the priests and the citizens followed the chariot on walk.
Krishna, followed by all these people, shone like a preceptor followed by
his disciples.
Krishna then
spoke to Arjuna, clasping his hands firmly. He then bowed to Yudhishtira and
Bhima and embraced the twins.
After traveling half a yojana (two miles), Krishna requested Yudhishtira not to follow him any farther. He took leave of Yudhishtira by touching his feet.
Yudhishtira then descended from the chariot.
Krishna told the Pandavas when he would visit them again and then departed..
Pandavas gazed the chariot till it went out of their
sight and then returned to their place.
Krishna, travelling at the speed of Garuda, soon reached Dwaraka .
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