greatly distressed upon hearing that the Vrishnis had met with destruction through the Brāhmana's rod of chastisement.9 The death of Vāsudeva, like the drying up of the ocean, those heroes could not believe. In fact, the destruction of the wielder of Çārnga was incredible to them.10 Informed of the incident about the iron bolt, the Pāndavas became filled with grief and sorrow. In fact, they sat down, utterly cheerless and penetrated with blank despair."11
Janamejaya said,—"Indeed, O holy one, how was it that the Andhakas along with the Vrishnis, and those great car-warriors, viz., the Bhojas, met with destruction in the very sight of Vāsudeva?"12
Vaiçampāyana continued,—"When the thirty-sixth year was reached (after the great battle) a great calamity overtook the Vrishnis. Impelled by Time, they all met with destruction in consequence of the iron bolt."13
Janamejaya said,—"Cursed by whom did those heroes, viz., the Vrishnis, the Andhakas, and the Bhojas, met with distraction? O foremost of regenerate persons, do thou tell me this in detail!"14
Vaiçampāyana continued,—"One day, the Vrishni heroes numbering Sārana amongst them, saw Viçwāmitra and Kanwa and Nārada arrived at Dwārakā.15 Afflicted by the rod of chastisement wielded by the deities, those heroes, causing Cāmva to be disguised like a woman, approached those ascetics and said,16—'This one is the wife of Vabhru of immeasurable energy who is desirous of having a son. Ye Rishis, do you know for certain what this one will bring forth?'17 Hear now, O king, what those ascetics, attempted to be thus deceived, said,18—'This heir of Vāsudeva, by name Cāmva, will bring forth a fierce iron bolt for the destruction of the Vrishnis and the Andhakas!19 Ye wicked and cruel ones, intoxicated with pride, through that iron bolt ye will become the exterminators of your race with the exception of Rāma and Janārddana!20 The blessed hero armed with the plough will enter the ocean, casting off his body, while a hunter of the name of Jarā will pierce the high-souled Krishna while lying on the ground!'21—Endeavoured to be deceived by those
