By “Janamejaya said, ‘O Brahmana (Rishi Vaishampaayana), I have, indeed, heard from you this account of the incarnation, according to their portions, of Devas, Danavas (Asuras), Rakshasas, and also of Gandharvas and Apsaras. I however, again desire to hear of the dynasty of the Kurus from the very beginning. Therefore, O Brahmana, speak of this in the presence of all these Dwija (Dwija means twice-born, while the first birth is natural, the second birth occurs upon the realisation of the Supreme Soul) Rishis.’
“Vaishampaayana said, ‘O noble one of Bharata’s race (Janamejaya), the founder of the Paurava line was Dushyanta gifted with great energy. He was the protector of the earth bounded by the four seas. That king had full control over four quarters of this world. He was the also lord of various regions in the middle of the sea. That great oppressor of all enemies had control over the countries even of the Mlechchhas (foreigners).
“During his rule there were no men of mixed varnas, no tillers of the soil (for the land, of itself, yielded produce), no workers of mines (for the surface of the earth yielded in abundance), and no sinful men. All were Dharmic, and did everything from virtuous motives, O tiger among men (Janamejaya). O dear one (Janamejaya), there was no fear of thieves, no fear of famine, no fear off disease. All four varnas took pleasure in doing their respective duties and never performed acts of Dharma for obtaining fruition of desires. His subjects, depending upon him, never entertained any fear. Parjanya (Lord Indra) poured showers at the proper time, and the produce of the fields was always pulpy and juicy. The earth was full of all kinds of wealth and all kinds of animals. The Brahmanas were always engaged in their duties and they were always truthful. The youthful monarch (Dushyanta) was endued with wonderful skills and a physical frame hard as Vajra, so that he could, taking up the mountain Mandara with its forests and bushes, support it on his arms. He was well-skilled in four kinds of encounters with the mace (Gada in Hindi) (four kinds of Gada encounters are hurling it at enemies at a distance, striking at those that are near, whirling it in the middle of many, and driving the enemy before). He was skilled also in the use of all kinds of weapons and in riding elephants and horses. In strength he was like to (Lord) Vishnu, in splendour like to the maker of day (Lord Surya), in gravity like to the ocean, and in patience, like to the earth. The monarch (Dushyanta) was loved by all his subjects, and he ruled his contented people as per Dharma.'”
SRIMAD MAHABHARATA > AADI PARVA > SAMBHAVA PARVA > CHAPTER 68 – DUSHYANTA
