The assemblage of kings in Virata’s court; Krishna’s speech to the kings regarding the course to be followed on behalf of Yudhisthira; Krishna’s proposal of sending a messenger to Duryodhana for soliciting the surrender of Yudhisthira’s kingdom; justifies Duryodhana’s conduct; Satyaki’s indignant reply: Drupada suggesting the despatch of envoys to other courts for military help; Krishna’s approval of Drupada’s suggestion; Drupada sends his priest to Kuru court; Drupada’s instruction to him; Dhananjaya and Duryodhana both start for Dwaraka for securing Krishna’s help; Duryodhana goes to Dwaraka first but Arjuna is seen first; Krishna, gives the first choice to Arjuna; Arjuna wants him not to fight; Dnryodhana wants the Narayani army; Balarama does not join any side; Duryodhana goes to Kritavarman and is given an Akshauhini of troops; Krishna’s promise to drive Arjuna’s car in the battle; Shalya starts for his city with a large army for joining the Pandavas; Shalya promises to help Duryodhana in the battle; Shalya visits the Pandava camp at Upaplavya; Shalya tells Yudhisthira how he was met by Duryodhana; Yudhisthira’s proposal to Shalya about the latter’s driving Karna’s car in his encounter with Arjuna and depressing Karna to the occasion by skilful speeches; Shalya’s promise to Yudhisthira to do his bidding; The story of Indra’s sufferings for the sin of Brahmanicide; Indra restored to his glory; Shalya’s departure from the Pandava camp; the arrival of kings at Upaplavya for aiding Yudhisthira; The ditto of ditto at Hastinapura for helping Duryodhana.