SALYA, the ruler of Madradesa, was the brother of Madri, the mother of Nakula and Sahadeva. He heard that the Pandavas were camping in the city of Upaplavya and making preparations for war.

He collected a very big army and set off towards that city to join the Pandavas. Salya's army was so large that where it halted for rest, the encampment extended over a length of nearly fifteen miles.

News of Salya and his marching, forces reached Duryodhana. who, deciding that Salya should somehow be persuaded to join his side, instructed his officers to provide him and his great army with all facilities and treat them to sumptuous hospitality.

In accordance with Duryodhana's instruc- tion, several beautifully decorated rest houses were erected at severalplaces on the route, at which Salya and his men were treated to wondrous hospitality. Food and drink were lavishly provided.