Vaishampayana said: 'O scourge of foes, when the mighty-armed son of Devaki set out (for Hastinapura), ten powerful warriors on chariots, able to slay enemy heroes and fully armed, followed him. And a thousand foot-soldiers, a thousand horsemen, and hundreds of attendants also made up his retinue, carrying, O king, abundant provisions.' Janamejaya said: 'How did the illustrious slayer of Madhu of the Dasharha line proceed on his journey? And what omens were observed when this hero set forth?' Vaishampayana continued: 'Hear me as I recount all those natural and unnatural omens that were observed at the time the illustrious Krishna departed (for Hastinapura). Though there were no clouds in the sky, still peals of thunder were heard, accompanied by flashes of lightning. directions.