Vaishampayana said: "O king, having heard the news from the envoys, Shalya, escorted by a great host of troops and his sons, all mighty in battle, drew near to the Pandavas. His camp covered ground a league and a half in extent, so great was the force belonging to this best of men. He was, O king, master of an akshauhini and possessed of great valor and prowess. His warriors wore armor of many colors, bore varied banners, ribbons, and ornaments, rode diverse chariots and mounts, and all were adorned with beautiful garlands, clad and ornamented in the manner of their homeland. And hundreds and thousands of foremost kshatriyas, dressed and adorned in the fashion of their native lands, led his troops. And King Duryodhana, hearing that the great-souled and mighty hero was already on his way, hastened to him and paid him honor, O best of the Bharata race, and ordered that splendidly adorned places of entertainment be built in various spots for his reception, in beautiful locations, to which many performers were sent to entertain the guests."