Narada said: -
1. This is the charioteer, named Matali, the dear friend of Shakra, pious, of good behaviour, possessed of good qualities, energetic, mighty and strong, O Arjyaka.
2. He is the friend of Shakra, as also his minister and his charioteer and in successive battles has it been found that there is little difference between him and Vasava in point of strength.
3. He drives, by his will force alone, the excellent car ever accustomed to victory in wars between the gods and Asuras, yoked to a thousand steeds.
4. Vasava gains victories in the sky by means of the horses trained by him and the vanquisher of Vala smotes those who had previously been smitten by him.
5. He has got a daughter of beautiful hips and unequalled in this world for beauty, devoted to truth, well-bred and possessed of accomplishments, known by the name of Gunakeshi.
6. For her sake, he is searching carefully in the three worlds including the region of. the gods, O illustrious one; and he selects Sumukha, your grandson, as the husband of his daughter.
7. If this suits you, O best of the serpents, then without delay, O Arjyaka, make the necessary arrangement for the acceptance of his daughter.
8. As Lakshmi in the family of Vishnu, Swaha in that of Agni, may the slender- waist Gunakeshi be the same to your family.
9. Therefore, do you accept for your grandson Gunakeshi, who equals, in point of beauty, Shachi, the queen of Vasava.
10. Though he is without a father, yet for his accomplishments do we select him, and for the great respect in which yourself and the Airavata race generally are held.
11. Coming here attracted by the accomplishments, good manners, purity of life, and self-control of Sumukha he is himself ready to offer his daughter.
12. And it is proper that you should greet Matali with due honours. He (Arjyaka) too being sorry and delighted at the same time said to Narada.
13. At his grandson being elected (for marriage) and at the death of his son. Arjyaka said: - “How can I desire, O Rishi, Gunakeshi for my daughter-in-law.
14. These words of yours, O great Rishi, are not approved of by me. The cause is not want of respect for you; for who would not desire a connection with the friend of Shakra?
15. But, O great Mani, we hesitate owing to the unstable character of the cause; the author of his being, my son of great lustre.
16. Has been eaten up by the son of Vinata and for that reason we are struck with grief; and when the son of Vinata was going away he again said. - ‘After a month I shall eat the other one (of this race)- Sumukha.’
17. It will surely happen so for I know his determination and for this reason is my cheerfulness lost by the words of Suparna (Garuda).”
Kanwa said: -
18. Matali then said to him: - “In this connection, a plan has been found by me; Sumukha born of your son is selected as my son -in-law.
19. Let this Naga Therefore, accompanied by myself and Narada, and going to the lord of the gods, the protector of the three worlds, see Vasava.
20. O best of your race, I shall try to foil the intentions of Suparna and as a last resource shall ascertain Sumukha’s length of life.
21. Let Sumukha, along with myself, proceed to the lord of the gods for the attainment of this object and may you fare well, O serpent.”
22. Then all of them, endued with great energy taking Sumukha along with them, proceeded and saw the king of gods, Shakra of great effulgence seated.
23. There in his company was the four armed Vishnu and there did Narada tell them all about Matali.
Vaishampayana said: -
24. Then did Vishnu thus speak to Purandara, the lord of the universe: ‘Give unto him nectar and thus make him equal to the immortals.
25. Let Matali, Narada and Sumukha O Vasava, obtain through your pleasure (the fulfilment of) their desires which they cherish.
26. Then Purandara, conisidering the strength of the son of Vinata, said to Vishnu these words: ‘Let it be given by your exalted self.’
Vishnu said: -
27. You are the ruler of all the worlds and of mobile beings as also of these that are immobile; what is given by you, who would dare offend, O lord.
28. Then did Shakra give to the serpent an excellent lease of life, but the slayer of Vala and Vritra did not make him’ drink nectar.
29. Having obtained the (desired) boon Sumukha became possessed of a really pretty face and having taken wife, went according to his desire, towards his home.
30. Narada and Arjyaka being pleased at their success went away after worshipping the king of the gods endued with great lustre.
Thus ends the one hundred and fourth chapter, the search of bridegroom by Matali, in the Bhagavat-Yana of the Udyoga Parva.