12. Book 07 · Droṇa Parva — The Book of Droṇa (part 1 of 3)

7.1.1

जनमेजय उवाच
तमप्रतिमसत्त्वौजोबलवीर्यपराक्रमम्
हतं देवव्रतं श्रुत्वा पाञ्चाल्येन शिखण्डिना

7.1.2

धृतराष्ट्रस्तदा राजा शोकव्याकुलचेतनः
किमचेष्टत विप्रर्षे हते पितरि वीर्यवान्

7.1.3

तस्य पुत्रो हि भगवन्भीष्मद्रोणमुखै रथैः
पराजित्य महेष्वासान्पाण्डवान्राज्यमिच्छति

7.1.4

तस्मिन्हते तु भगवन्केतौ सर्वधनुष्मताम्
यदचेष्टत कौरव्यस्तन्मे ब्रूहि द्विजोत्तम

7.1.5

वैशंपायन उवाच
निहतं पितरं श्रुत्वा धृतराष्ट्रो जनाधिपः
लेभे न शान्तिं कौरव्यश्चिन्ताशोकपरायणः

7.1.6

तस्य चिन्तयतो दुःखमनिशं पार्थिवस्य तत्
आजगाम विशुद्धात्मा पुनर्गावल्गणिस्तदा

7.1.7

शिबिरात्संजयं प्राप्तं निशि नागाह्वयं पुरम्
आम्बिकेयो महाराज धृतराष्ट्रोऽन्वपृच्छत

7.1.8

श्रुत्वा भीष्मस्य निधनमप्रहृष्टमना भृशम्
पुत्राणां जयमाकाङ्क्षन्विललापातुरो यथा

7.1.9

धृतराष्ट्र उवाच
संसाध्य तु महात्मानं भीष्मं भीमपराक्रमम्
किमकार्षुः परं तात कुरवः कालचोदिताः

7.1.10

तस्मिन्विनिहते शूरे दुराधर्षे महौजसि
किं नु स्वित्कुरवोऽकार्षुर्निमग्नाः शोकसागरे

7.1.11

तदुदीर्णं महत्सैन्यं त्रैलोक्यस्यापि संजय
भयमुत्पादयेत्तीव्रं पाण्डवानां महात्मनाम्

7.1.12

देवव्रते तु निहते कुरूणामृषभे तदा
यदकार्षुर्नृपतयस्तन्ममाचक्ष्व संजय

7.1.13

संजय उवाच
शृणु राजन्नेकमना वचनं ब्रुवतो मम
यत्ते पुत्रास्तदाकार्षुर्हते देवव्रते मृधे

7.1.14

निहते तु तदा भीष्मे राजन्सत्यपराक्रमे
तावकाः पाण्डवेयाश्च प्राध्यायन्त पृथक्पृथक्

7.1.15

विस्मिताश्च प्रहृष्टाश्च क्षत्रधर्मं निशाम्य ते
स्वधर्मं निन्दमानाश्च प्रणिपत्य महात्मने

7.1.16

शयनं कल्पयामासुर्भीष्मायामिततेजसे
सोपधानं नरव्याघ्र शरैः संनतपर्वभिः

7.1.17

विधाय रक्षां भीष्माय समाभाष्य परस्परम्
अनुमान्य च गाङ्गेयं कृत्वा चापि प्रदक्षिणम्

7.1.18

क्रोधसंरक्तनयनाः समवेक्ष्य परस्परम्
पुनर्युद्धाय निर्जग्मुः क्षत्रियाः कालचोदिताः

7.1.19

ततस्तूर्यनिनादैश्च भेरीणां च महास्वनैः
तावकानामनीकानि परेषां चापि निर्ययुः

7.1.20

व्यावृत्तेऽहनि राजेन्द्र पतिते जाह्नवीसुते
अमर्षवशमापन्नाः कालोपहतचेतसः

7.1.21

अनादृत्य वचः पथ्यं गाङ्गेयस्य महात्मनः
निर्ययुर्भरतश्रेष्ठाः शस्त्राण्यादाय सर्वशः

7.1.22

मोहात्तव सपुत्रस्य वधाच्छांतनवस्य च
कौरव्या मृत्युसाद्भूताः सहिताः सर्वराजभिः

7.1.23

अजावय इवागोपा वने श्वापदसंकुले
भृशमुद्विग्नमनसो हीना देवव्रतेन ते

7.1.24

पतिते भरतश्रेष्ठे बभूव कुरुवाहिनी
द्यौरिवापेतनक्षत्रा हीनं खमिव वायुना

7.1.25

विपन्नसस्येव मही वाक्चैवासंस्कृता यथा
आसुरीव यथा सेना निगृहीते पुरा बलौ

7.1.26

विधवेव वरारोहा शुष्कतोयेव निम्नगा
वृकैरिव वने रुद्धा पृषती हतयूथपा

7.1.27

स्वाधर्षा हतसिंहेव महती गिरिकन्दरा
भारती भरतश्रेष्ठ पतिते जाह्नवीसुते

7.1.28

विष्वग्वातहता रुग्णा नौरिवासीन्महार्णवे
बलिभिः पाण्डवैर्वीरैर्लब्धलक्षैर्भृशार्दिता

7.1.29

सा तदासीद्भृशं सेना व्याकुलाश्वरथद्विपा
विषण्णभूयिष्ठनरा कृपणा द्रष्टुमाबभौ

7.1.30

तस्यां त्रस्ता नृपतयः सैनिकाश्च पृथग्विधाः
पाताल इव मज्जन्तो हीना देवव्रतेन ते
कर्णं हि कुरवोऽस्मार्षुः स हि देवव्रतोपमः

7.1.31

सर्वशस्त्रभृतां श्रेष्ठं रोचमानमिवातिथिम्
बन्धुमापद्गतस्येव तमेवोपागमन्मनः

7.1.32

चुक्रुशुः कर्ण कर्णेति तत्र भारत पार्थिवाः
राधेयं हितमस्माकं सूतपुत्रं तनुत्यजम्

7.1.33

स हि नायुध्यत तदा दशाहानि महायशाः
सामात्यबन्धुः कर्णो वै तमाह्वयत माचिरम्

7.1.34

भीष्मेण हि महाबाहुः सर्वक्षत्रस्य पश्यतः
रथेषु गण्यमानेषु बलविक्रमशालिषु
संख्यातोऽर्धरथः कर्णो द्विगुणः सन्नरर्षभः

7.1.35

रथातिरथसंख्यायां योऽग्रणीः शूरसंमतः
पितृवित्ताम्बुदेवेशानपि यो योद्धुमुत्सहेत्

7.1.36

स तु तेनैव कोपेन राजन्गाङ्गेयमुक्तवान्
त्वयि जीवति कौरव्य नाहं योत्स्ये कथंचन

7.1.37

त्वया तु पाण्डवेयेषु निहतेषु महामृधे
दुर्योधनमनुज्ञाप्य वनं यास्यामि कौरव

7.1.38

पाण्डवैर्वा हते भीष्मे त्वयि स्वर्गमुपेयुषि
हन्तास्म्येकरथेनैव कृत्स्नान्यान्मन्यसे रथान्

7.1.39

एवमुक्त्वा महाराज दशाहानि महायशाः
नायुध्यत ततः कर्णः पुत्रस्य तव संमते

7.1.40

भीष्मः समरविक्रान्तः पाण्डवेयस्य पार्थिव
जघान समरे योधानसंख्येयपराक्रमः

7.1.41

तस्मिंस्तु निहते शूरे सत्यसंधे महौजसि
त्वत्सुताः कर्णमस्मार्षुस्तर्तुकामा इव प्लवम्

7.1.42

तावकास्तव पुत्राश्च सहिताः सर्वराजभिः
हा कर्ण इति चाक्रन्दन्कालोऽयमिति चाब्रुवन्

7.1.43

जामदग्न्याभ्यनुज्ञातमस्त्रे दुर्वारपौरुषम्
अगमन्नो मनः कर्णं बन्धुमात्ययिकेष्विव

7.1.44

स हि शक्तो रणे राजंस्त्रातुमस्मान्महाभयात्
त्रिदशानिव गोविन्दः सततं सुमहाभयात्

7.1.45

वैशंपायन उवाच
तथा कर्णं युधि वरं कीर्तयन्तं पुनः पुनः
आशीविषवदुच्छ्वस्य धृतराष्ट्रोऽब्रवीदिदम्

7.1.46

यत्तद्वैकर्तनं कर्णमगमद्वो मनस्तदा
अप्यपश्यत राधेयं सूतपुत्रं तनुत्यजम्

7.1.47

अपि तन्न मृषाकार्षीद्युधि सत्यपराक्रमः
संभ्रान्तानां तदार्तानां त्रस्तानां त्राणमिच्छताम्

7.1.48

अपि तत्पूरयां चक्रे धनुर्धरवरो युधि
यत्तद्विनिहते भीष्मे कौरवाणामपावृतम्

7.1.49

तत्खण्डं पूरयामास परेषामादधद्भयम्
कृतवान्मम पुत्राणां जयाशां सफलामपि

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

(Dronabhisheka Parva)

OM! HAVING BOWED down unto Narayan, and unto that most exalted of male beings, viz., Nara, and unto the goddess Saraswati also, must the word Jaya be uttered.

"Janamejaya said, 'Hearing that his sire Devavrata of unrivalled vigour and sturdiness, and might, energy and prowess, had been slain by Sikhandin, the prince of the Panchalas, what, indeed, O regenerate Rishi, did the powerful king Dhritarashtra with eyes bathed in tears do? O illustrious one, his son (Duryodhana) wished for sovereignty after vanquishing those mighty bowmen, viz., the sons of Panda, through Bhishma and Drona and other great car-warriors. Tell me, O thou that hast wealth of asceticism, all that he, of Kura's race, did after that chief of all bowmen had been slain.'

"Vaisampayana said, 'Hearing that his sire had been slain, king Dhritarashtra of Kura's race filled with anxiety and grief, obtained no peace of mind. And while he, of Kura's race, was thus continually brooding over that sorrow, Gavalgana's son of pure soul once more came to him. Then, O monarch, Dhritarashtra, the son of Amvika, addressed Sanjaya, who had that night come back from the camp to the city called after the elephant. With a heart rendered exceedingly cheerless in consequence of his having heard of Bhishma's fall, and desirous of the victory of his sons, he indulged in these lamentations in great distress.'

"Dhritarashtra said, 'After having wept for the high-souled Bhishma of terrible prowess, what, O son, did the Kauravas, urged by fate, next do? Indeed, when that high-souled and invincible hero was slain, what did the Kauravas do, sunk as they were in an ocean of grief? Indeed, that swelling and highly efficient host of the high-souled Pandavas, would, O Sanjaya, excite the keenest fears of even the three worlds. Tell me, therefore, O Sanjaya, what the (assembled) kings did after Devavrata, that bull of Kura's race, had fallen.'

"Sanjaya said, 'Listen, O king, with undivided attention, to me as I recite what thy sons did after Devavrata had been killed in battle. When Bhishma, O monarch, of prowess incapable of being baffled, was slain, thy warriors as also the Pandavas both reflected by themselves (on the situation). Reflecting on the duties of the Kshatriya order, they were filled with wonder and joy; but acting according to those duties of their own order,

they all bowed to that high-souled warrior. Then those tigers among men contrived for Bhishma of immeasurable prowess a bed with a pillow made of straight shafts. And having made arrangements for Bhishma's protection, they addressed one another (in pleasant converse). Then bidding Ganga's son their farewell and walking round him, and looking at one another with eyes red in anger, those Kshatriyas, urged by fate, once more went out against one another for battle. Then by the blare of trumpets and the beat of drums, the divisions of thy army as also those of the foe, marched out. After the fall of Ganga's son, O king, when the best part of the day had passed away, yielding to the influence of wrath, with hearts afflicted by fate, and disregarding the words, worthy of acceptance, of the high-souled Bhishma, those foremost ones of Bharata's race went out with great speed, armed with weapons. In consequence of thy folly and of thy son's and of the slaughter of Santanu's son, the Kauravas with all the kings seemed to be summoned by Death himself. The Kurus, deprived of Devavrata, were filled with great anxiety, and resembled a herd of goats and sheep without a herdsman, in a forest abounding with beasts of prey. Indeed, after the fall of that foremost one of Bharata's race, the Kuru host looked like the firmament divested of stars, or like the sky without the atmosphere, or like the earth with blasted crops, or like an oration disfigured by bad grammar, 1 or like the Asura host of old after Vali had been smitten down, or like a beautiful damsel deprived of husband, 2 or like a river whose waters have been dried up, or like a roe deprived of her mate and encompassed in the woods by wolves; or like a spacious mountain cave with its lion killed by a Sarabha. 3 Indeed, O chief of the Bharatas, the Bharata host, on the fall of Ganga's son, became like a frail boat on the bosom of the ocean, tossed by a tempest blowing from every side. Exceedingly afflicted by the mighty and heroic Pandavas of sure aim, the Kaurava host, with its steeds, car-warriors and elephants much troubled, became exceedingly distressed, helpless, and panic-stricken. And the frightened kings and the common soldiers, no longer relying upon one another, of that army, deprived of Devavrata, seemed to sink into the nethermost region of the world. Then the Kauravas remembered Karna, who indeed, was equal to Devavrata himself. All hearts turned to that foremost of all wielders of arms, that one resembling a guest resplendent (with learning and ascetic austerities). And all hearts turned to him, as the heart of a man in distress turneth to a friend capable of relieving that distress. And, O Bharata, the kings then cried out saying, Karna! Karna! The son of Radha, our friend, the son of a Suta, that one who is ever prepared to lay down his life in battle! Endued with great fame, Karna, with his followers and friends, did not fight for these ten days. O, summon him soon!' The mighty-armed hero, in the presence of all the Kshatriyas, during the mention of valiant and

mighty car-warriors, was by Bhishma classed as an Ardha-ratha, although that bull among men is equal to two Maharathas! Even thus was he classed during the counting of Rathas and Atirathas, he that is the foremost (of all Rathas and Atirathas), he that is respected by all heroes, he that would venture to fight even with Yama, Kuvera, Varuna, and Indra. Through anger caused by this, O king, he had said unto Ganga's son these words: 'As long as thou livest, O thou of Kuru's race, I will never fight! if thou, however, succeedest in slaying the sons of Pandu in great battle, I shall, O Kaurava, with Duryodhana's permission, retire into the woods. If, on the other hand, thou, O Bhishma, slain by the Pandavas, attainest to heaven, I shall then, on a single car, slay all of them, whom thou regardest as great car-warriors.' Having said this, mighty-armed Karna of great fame, with thy son's approval, did not fight for the first ten days. Bhishma, of great prowess in battle and of immeasurable might, slew, O Bharata, a very large number of warriors belonging to Yudhishthira's army. When, however, that hero of sure aim and great energy was slain, thy sons thought of Karna, like persons desirous of crossing a river thinking, of a boat. Thy warriors and thy sons, together with all the kings, cried out, saying, Karna! And they all said, 'Even this is the time for the display of his prowess.' Our hearts are turned to that Karna who derived his knowledge of weapons from Jamadagni's son, and whose prowess is incapable of being resisted! He, indeed, O king, is competent to save us from great dangers, like Govinda always saving the celestials from great dangers.'

"Vaisampayana continued, 'Unto Sanjaya who was thus repeatedly applauding Karna, Dhritarashtra sighing like a snake, said those words.'

"Dhritarashtra said, '[I understand] that the hearts of all of you are turned towards Vikartana's son Karna, and that all of you, saw that son of Radha, that hero of the Suta caste, ever prepared to lay down his life in battle. I hope that hero of prowess incapable of being baffled, did not falsify the expectations of Duryodhana and his brothers, all of whom were then afflicted with grief and fear, and desirous of being relieved from their danger. When Bhishma, that refuge of Kauravas, was slain, could Karna, that foremost of bowmen, succeed in filling up the gap caused? Filling up that gap, could Karna fill the foe with fear? Could he also crown with fruit the hopes, entertained by my sons, of victory?'"

2:1 Literally, like an oration teeming with unrefined expressions.

2:2 i.e., deprived of robes and ornaments because of her widowhood.

2:3 A Sarabha is a fabulous animal of eight legs supposed to be stronger than the lion.

7.2.1

संजय उवाच
हतं भीष्ममाधिरथिर्विदित्वा; भिन्नां नावमिवात्यगाधे कुरूणाम्
सोदर्यवद्व्यसनात्सूतपुत्रः; संतारयिष्यंस्तव पुत्रस्य सेनाम्

7.2.2

श्रुत्वा तु कर्णः पुरुषेन्द्रमच्युतं; निपातितं शांतनवं महारथम्
अथोपायात्तूर्णममित्रकर्शनो; धनुर्धराणां प्रवरस्तदा वृषः

7.2.3

हते तु भीष्मे रथसत्तमे परै;र्निमज्जतीं नावमिवार्णवे कुरून्
पितेव पुत्रांस्त्वरितोऽभ्ययात्ततः; संतारयिष्यंस्तव पुत्रस्य सेनाम्

7.2.4

कर्ण उवाच
यस्मिन्धृतिर्बुद्धिपराक्रमौजो; दमः सत्यं वीरगुणाश्च सर्वे
अस्त्राणि दिव्यान्यथ संनतिर्ह्रीः; प्रिया च वागनपायीनि भीष्मे

7.2.5

ब्रह्मद्विषघ्ने सततं कृतज्ञे; सनातनं चन्द्रमसीव लक्ष्म
स चेत्प्रशान्तः परवीरहन्ता; मन्ये हतानेव हि सर्वयोधान्

7.2.6

नेह ध्रुवं किंचन जातु विद्यते; अस्मिँल्लोके कर्मणोऽनित्ययोगात्
सूर्योदये को हि विमुक्तसंशयो; भावं कुर्वीताद्य महाव्रते हते

7.2.7

वसुप्रभावे वसुवीर्यसंभवे; गते वसूनेव वसुंधराधिपे
वसूनि पुत्रांश्च वसुंधरां तथा; कुरूंश्च शोचध्वमिमां च वाहिनीम्

7.2.8

संजय उवाच
महाप्रभावे वरदे निपातिते; लोकश्रेष्ठे शांतनवे महौजसि
पराजितेषु भरतेषु दुर्मनाः; कर्णो भृशं न्यश्वसदश्रु वर्तयन्

7.2.9

इदं तु राधेयवचो निशम्य ते; सुताश्च राजंस्तव सैनिकाश्च ह
परस्परं चुक्रुशुरार्तिजं भृशं; तदाश्रु नेत्रैर्मुमुचुर्हि शब्दवत्

7.2.10

प्रवर्तमाने तु पुनर्महाहवे; विगाह्यमानासु चमूषु पार्थिवैः
अथाब्रवीद्धर्षकरं वचस्तदा; रथर्षभान्सर्वमहारथर्षभः

7.2.11

कर्ण उवाच
जगत्यनित्ये सततं प्रधावति; प्रचिन्तयन्नस्थिरमद्य लक्षये
भवत्सु तिष्ठत्स्विह पातितो रणे; गिरिप्रकाशः कुरुपुंगवः कथम्

7.2.12

निपातिते शांतनवे महारथे; दिवाकरे भूतलमास्थिते यथा
न पार्थिवाः सोढुमलं धनंजयं; गिरिप्रवोढारमिवानिलं द्रुमाः

7.2.13

हतप्रधानं त्विदमार्तरूपं; परैर्हतोत्साहमनाथमद्य वै
मया कुरूणां परिपाल्यमाहवे; बलं यथा तेन महात्मना तथा

7.2.14

समाहितं चात्मनि भारमीदृशं; जगत्तथानित्यमिदं च लक्षये
निपातितं चाहवशौण्डमाहवे; कथं नु कुर्यामहमाहवे भयम्

7.2.15

अहं तु तान्कुरुवृषभानजिह्मगैः; प्रवेरयन्यमसदनं रणे चरन्
यशः परं जगति विभाव्य वर्तिता; परैर्हतो युधि शयिताथ वा पुनः

7.2.16

युधिष्ठिरो धृतिमतिधर्मतत्त्ववा;न्वृकोदरो गजशततुल्यविक्रमः
तथार्जुनस्त्रिदशवरात्मजो यतो; न तद्बलं सुजयमथामरैरपि

7.2.17

यमौ रणे यत्र यमोपमौ बले; ससात्यकिर्यत्र च देवकीसुतः
न तद्बलं कापुरुषोऽभ्युपेयिवा;न्निवर्तते मृत्युमुखादिवासकृत्

7.2.18

तपोऽभ्युदीर्णं तपसैव गम्यते; बलं बलेनापि तथा मनस्विभिः
मनश्च मे शत्रुनिवारणे ध्रुवं; स्वरक्षणे चाचलवद्व्यवस्थितम्

7.2.19

एवं चैषां बुध्यमानः प्रभावं; गत्वैवाहं ताञ्जयाम्यद्य सूत
मित्रद्रोहो मर्षणीयो न मेऽयं; भग्ने सैन्ये यः सहायः स मित्रम्

7.2.20

कर्तास्म्येतत्सत्पुरुषार्यकर्म; त्यक्त्वा प्राणाननुयास्यामि भीष्मम्
सर्वान्संख्ये शत्रुसंघान्हनिष्ये; हतस्तैर्वा वीरलोकं गमिष्ये

7.2.21

संप्राक्रुष्टे रुदितस्त्रीकुमारे; पराभूते पौरुषे धार्तराष्ट्रे
मया कृत्यमिति जानामि सूत; तस्माच्छत्रून्धार्तराष्ट्रस्य जेष्ये

7.2.22

कुरून्रक्षन्पाण्डुपुत्राञ्जिघांसं;स्त्यक्त्वा प्राणान्घोररूपे रणेऽस्मिन्
सर्वान्संख्ये शत्रुसंघान्निहत्य; दास्याम्यहं धार्तराष्ट्राय राज्यम्

7.2.23

निबध्यतां मे कवचं विचित्रं; हैमं शुभ्रं मणिरत्नावभासि
शिरस्त्राणं चार्कसमानभासं; धनुः शरांश्चापि विषाहिकल्पान्

7.2.24

उपासङ्गान्षोडश योजयन्तु; धनूंषि दिव्यानि तथाहरन्तु
असींश्च शक्तीश्च गदाश्च गुर्वीः; शङ्खं च जाम्बूनदचित्रभासम्

7.2.25

एतां रौक्मीं नागकक्ष्यां च जैत्रीं; जैत्रं च मे ध्वजमिन्दीवराभम्
श्लक्ष्णैर्वस्त्रैर्विप्रमृज्यानयस्व; चित्रां मालां चात्र बद्ध्वा सजालाम्

7.2.26

अश्वानग्र्यान्पाण्डुराभ्रप्रकाशा;न्पुष्टान्स्नातान्मन्त्रपूताभिरद्भिः
तप्तैर्भाण्डैः काञ्चनैरभ्युपेता;ञ्शीघ्राञ्शीघ्रं सूतपुत्रानयस्व

7.2.27

रथं चाग्र्यं हेमजालावनद्धं; रत्नैश्चित्रं चन्द्रसूर्यप्रकाशैः
द्रव्यैर्युक्तं संप्रहारोपपन्नै;र्वाहैर्युक्तं तूर्णमावर्तयस्व

7.2.28

चित्राणि चापानि च वेगवन्ति; ज्याश्चोत्तमाः संहननोपपन्नाः
तूणांश्च पूर्णान्महतः शराणा;मासज्य गात्रावरणानि चैव

7.2.29

प्रायात्रिकं चानयताशु सर्वं; कन्याः पूर्णं वीरकांस्यं च हैमम्
आनीय मालामवबध्य चाङ्गे; प्रवादयन्त्वाशु जयाय भेरीः

7.2.30

प्रयाहि सूताशु यतः किरीटी; वृकोदरो धर्मसुतो यमौ च
तान्वा हनिष्यामि समेत्य संख्ये; भीष्माय वैष्यामि हतो द्विषद्भिः

7.2.31

यस्मिन्राजा सत्यधृतिर्युधिष्ठिरः; समास्थितो भीमसेनार्जुनौ च
वासुदेवः सात्यकिः सृञ्जयाश्च; मन्ये बलं तदजय्यं महीपैः

7.2.32

तं चेन्मृत्युः सर्वहरोऽभिरक्षे;त्सदाप्रमत्तः समरे किरीटिनम्
तथापि हन्तास्मि समेत्य संख्ये; यास्यामि वा भीष्मपथा यमाय

7.2.33

न त्वेवाहं न गमिष्यामि तेषां; मध्ये शूराणां तत्तथाहं ब्रवीमि
मित्रद्रुहो दुर्बलभक्तयो ये; पापात्मानो न ममैते सहायाः

7.2.34

संजय उवाच
स सिद्धिमन्तं रथमुत्तमं दृढं; सकूबरं हेमपरिष्कृतं शुभम्
पताकिनं वातजवैर्हयोत्तमै;र्युक्तं समास्थाय ययौ जयाय

7.2.35

संपूज्यमानः कुरुभिर्महात्मा; रथर्षभः पाण्डुरवाजियाता
ययौ तदायोधनमुग्रधन्वा; यत्रावसानं भरतर्षभस्य

7.2.36

वरूथिना महता सध्वजेन; सुवर्णमुक्तामणिवज्रशालिना
सदश्वयुक्तेन रथेन कर्णो; मेघस्वनेनार्क इवामितौजाः

7.2.37

हुताशनाभः स हुताशनप्रभे; शुभः शुभे वै स्वरथे धनुर्धरः
स्थितो रराजाधिरथिर्महारथः; स्वयं विमाने सुरराडिव स्थितः

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Then Adhiratha's son of the Suta caste, knowing that Bhishma had been slain, became desirous of rescuing, like a brother, thy son's army from the distress into which it had fallen, and which then

resembled a boat sunk in the fathomless ocean. [Indeed], O king, having heard that that mighty car-warrior and foremost of men, that hero of unfading glory, viz., Santanu's son, had been thrown down (from his car), that grinder of foes, that foremost of all wielders of bows, viz., Karna, soon came (to the field of battle). When the best of car-warriors, viz., Bhishma, was slain by the foe, Karna speedily came there, desirous of rescuing the Kuru host which resembled a boat sunk in the ocean, like a sire desirous of rescuing his children.'

"And Karna (addressing the soldiers) said, 'That Bhishma who possessed firmness, intelligence, prowess, vigour, truth, self-restraint, and all the virtues of a hero, as also celestial weapons, and humidity, and modesty, agreeable speech, and freedom from malice, that ever-grateful Bhishma, that slayer of the foes of Brahmanas, in whom were these attributes as permanently as Lakshmi in the moon, alas, when that Bhishma, that slayer of hostile heroes, hath received his quietus, I regard all other heroes as already slain. In consequence of the eternal connection (of all things) with work, nothing exists in this world that is imperishable. When Bhisma of high vows hath been slain, who is there that would take upon himself to say with certitude that tomorrow's sun will rise? When he that was endued with prowess equal to that of the Vasus, he that was born of the energy of the Vasus, when he, that ruler of the earth, hath once more been united with the Vasus, grieve ye, therefore, for your possessions and children for this earth and the Kurus, and this host.' 1

"Sanjaya continued, 'Upon the fall of that boon-giving hero of great might, that lord of the world, viz., Santanu's son of great energy, and upon the (consequent) defeat of the Bharatas, Karna, with cheerless heart and eyes filled with tears, began to console (the Dhartarashtras). Hearing these words of Radha's son, thy sons, O monarch, and thy troops, began to wail aloud and shed copious tears of grief corresponding with the loudness of those wails. 2 When, however, the dreadful battle once more took place and the Kaurava divisions, urged on by the Kings, once more set up loud shouts, that bull among mighty car-warriors, viz., Karna, then addressed the great car-warriors (of the Kaurava army) and said words which caused them great delight: In this transient world everything is continually flitting (towards the jaws of Death). Thinking of this, I regard everything as ephemeral. When, however, all of you were here, how could Bhishma, that bull among the Kurus, immovable as a hill, be thrown down from his car? When that mighty car-warrior, viz., the son of Santanu, hath been overthrown, who even now lieth on the ground like the Sun himself dropped (from the firmament), the Kuru kings are scarcely competent

to bear Dhananjaya, like trees incapable of bearing the mountain-wind. I shall, however, now protect, as that high-souled one did, this helpless Kuru host of cheerless mien, whose foremost warriors have already been slain by the foe. Let this burden now devolve on me. I see that this universe is transient, since that foremost of heroes hath been slain in battle. Why shall I then cherish any fear of battle? Coursing, therefore, on the field I shall despatch those bulls of Kuru's race (viz., the Pandavas) to Yama's abode by means of my straight shafts. Regarding fame as the highest object in the world, I shall slay them in battle, or, slain by the foe, shall sleep on the field. Yudhishthira is possessed of firmness, intelligence, virtue, and might. Vrikodara is equal to a hundred elephant in prowess, Arjuna is young and is the son of the chief of the celestials. The Pandava host, therefore, is not capable of being easily defeated by the very celestials. That force in which are the twins, each resembling Yama himself, that force in which are Satyaki and the son of Devaki, that force is like the jaws of Death. No coward, approaching it, can come back with life. The wise oppose swelling ascetic power with ascetic austerities, so should force be opposed by force. Verily, my mind is firmly fixed upon opposing the foe and protecting my own party, O charioteer, I shall today certainly resist the might of the enemy, and vanquish him by repairing only to the field of battle. I will not tolerate this intestine feud. When the troops are broken, he that cometh (for aiding) in the endeavour to rally is a friend. I shall either achieve this righteous feat worthy of an honest man, or casting off my life shall follow Bhishma. I shall either slay all my foes united together, or slain by them proceed to the regions reserved for heroes. O charioteer, I know that even this is what I should do, when women and children cry for help, or when Duryodhana's prowess sustains a check. Therefore, I shall today conquer the foe. Reckless of my very life in this terrible battle, I shall protect the Kurus and slay the sons of Pandu. Slaying in battle all my foes banded together, I shall bestow (undisputed) sovereignty on Dhritarashtra's son. Let my armour, beautiful, made of gold, bright, and radiant with jewels and gems, be donned; and my head-gear, of effulgence equal to that of the sun; and my bows and arrows that resemble fire, poison, or snakes. Let also sixteen quivers be tied (to my car) at the proper places, and let a number of excellent bows be procured. Let also shafts, and darts and heavy maces, and my conch, variegated with gold, be got ready. Bring also my variegated, beautiful, and excellent standard, made of gold, possessed of the effulgence of the lotus, and bearing the device of the elephant's girth, cleaning it with a delicate cloth, and decking it with excellent garlands and a network of wires. 1 O charioteer's son, bring me also, with speed, some fleet steeds of the hue of tawny clouds, not lean, and bathed in water sanctified with mantras, and furnished with trappings of bright gold. Bring me also, with speed, an excellent car decked with garlands of gold, adorned gems, bright as the sun or the moon, furnished

with every necessary, as also with weapons, and unto which are yoked excellent animals. Bring me also a number of excellent bows of great toughness, and a number of excellent bow-strings capable of smitting (the foe), and some quivers, large and full of shafts and some coats of mail for my body. Bring me also, with speed, O hero, every (auspicious) article needed for occasions of setting out (for battle), such as vessels of brass and gold, full of curds. Let garlands of flowers be brought, and let them be put on the (proper) limbs of my body. Let drums also be beaten for victory! Go, O charioteer, quickly to the spot where the diadem-decked (Arjuna), and Vrikodara, and Dharma's son (Yudhishthira), and the twins, are. Encountering them in battle, either I shall slay them, or, being slain by them, my foes, I shall follow Bhishma. Arjuna, and Vasudeva, and Satyaki, and the Srinjayas, that force, I think, is incapable of being conquered by the kings. If all-destroying Death himself with unremitting vigilance, were to protect Kiritin, still shall I slay him, encountering him in battle, or repair myself to Yama's abode by Bhishma's track. Verily, I say, that I will repair into the midst of those heroes. Those (kings) that are my allies are not provokers of intestine feuds, or of weak attachment to me, or of unrighteous souls.'

"Sanjaya continued, Riding on an excellent and costly car of great strength, with an excellent pole, decked with gold, auspicious, furnished with a standard, and unto which were yoked excellent steeds that were fleet as the wind, Karna proceeded (to battle) for victory. Worshipped by the foremost of Kuru car-warriors like Indra by the celestials, that high-souled and fierce bowman, endued with immeasurable energy like the Sun himself, upon his car decked with gold and jewels and gems, furnished with an excellent standard, unto which were yoked excellent steeds, and whose rattle resembled the roll of the clouds, proceeded, accompanied by a large force, to that field of battle where that bull of Bharata's race (Bhishma) had paid his debt to nature. Of beautiful person, and endued with the splendour of fire, that great bowman and mighty car-warrior, viz., the son of Adhiratha, then mounted on his own beautiful car possessed of the effulgence of fire, and shone like the lord of the celestials himself riding on his celestial car.'"

4:1 The sense seems to be, that when such an one hath been slain, what is there on earth that is not subject to destruction? Ye, should, therefore, grieve for your wealth, children etc. as things already gone.

4:2 There is a slight difference of reading in this sloka as it occurs in the Bombay text. The sense seems to be, that since everything is destined to die, why should I fear to do my duty.

5:1 The last line is read incorrectly, I think, in the Bombay text.

7.3.1

संजय उवाच
शरतल्पे महात्मानं शयानममितौजसम्
महावातसमूहेन समुद्रमिव शोषितम्

7.3.2

दिव्यैरस्त्रैर्महेष्वासं पातितं सव्यसाचिना
जयाशां तव पुत्राणां संभग्नां शर्म वर्म च

7.3.3

अपाराणामिव द्वीपमगाधे गाधमिच्छताम्
स्रोतसा यामुनेनेव शरौघेण परिप्लुतम्

7.3.4

महान्तमिव मैनाकमसह्यं भुवि पातितम्
नभश्च्युतमिवादित्यं पतितं धरणीतले

7.3.5

शतक्रतोरिवाचिन्त्यं पुरा वृत्रेण निर्जयम्
मोहनं सर्वसैन्यस्य युधि भीष्मस्य पातनम्

7.3.6

ककुदं सर्वसैन्यानां लक्ष्म सर्वधनुष्मताम्
धनंजयशरव्याप्तं पितरं ते महाव्रतम्

7.3.7

तं वीरशयने वीरं शयानं पुरुषर्षभम्
भीष्ममाधिरथिर्दृष्ट्वा भरतानाममध्यमम्

7.3.8

अवतीर्य रथादार्तो बाष्पव्याकुलिताक्षरम्
अभिवाद्याञ्जलिं बद्ध्वा वन्दमानोऽभ्यभाषत

7.3.9

कर्णोऽहमस्मि भद्रं ते अद्य मा वद भारत
पुण्यया क्षेमया वाचा चक्षुषा चावलोकय

7.3.10

न नूनं सुकृतस्येह फलं कश्चित्समश्नुते
यत्र धर्मपरो वृद्धः शेते भुवि भवानिह

7.3.11

कोशसंजनने मन्त्रे व्यूहप्रहरणेषु च
नाथमन्यं न पश्यामि कुरूणां कुरुसत्तम

7.3.12

बुद्ध्या विशुद्धया युक्तो यः कुरूंस्तारयेद्भयात्
योधांस्त्वमप्लवे हित्वा पितृलोकं गमिष्यसि

7.3.13

अद्य प्रभृति संक्रुद्धा व्याघ्रा इव मृगक्षयम्
पाण्डवा भरतश्रेष्ठ करिष्यन्ति कुरुक्षयम्

7.3.14

अद्य गाण्डीवघोषस्य वीर्यज्ञाः सव्यसाचिनः
कुरवः संत्रसिष्यन्ति वज्रपाणेरिवासुराः

7.3.15

अद्य गाण्डीवमुक्तानामशनीनामिव स्वनः
त्रासयिष्यति संग्रामे कुरूनन्यांश्च पार्थिवान्

7.3.16

समिद्धोऽग्निर्यथा वीर महाज्वालो द्रुमान्दहेत्
धार्तराष्ट्रान्प्रधक्ष्यन्ति तथा बाणाः किरीटिनः

7.3.17

येन येन प्रसरतो वाय्वग्नी सहितौ वने
तेन तेन प्रदहतो भगवन्तौ यदिच्छतः

7.3.18

यादृशोऽग्निः समिद्धो हि तादृक्पार्थो न संशयः
यथा वायुर्नरव्याघ्र तथा कृष्णो न संशयः

7.3.19

नदतः पाञ्चजन्यस्य रसतो गाण्डिवस्य च
श्रुत्वा सर्वाणि सैन्यानि त्रासं यास्यन्ति भारत

7.3.20

कपिध्वजस्य चोत्पाते रथस्यामित्रकर्शिनः
शब्दं सोढुं न शक्ष्यन्ति त्वामृते वीर पार्थिवाः

7.3.21

को ह्यर्जुनं रणे योद्धुं त्वदन्यः पार्थिवोऽर्हति
यस्य दिव्यानि कर्माणि प्रवदन्ति मनीषिणः

7.3.22

अमानुषश्च संग्रामस्त्र्यम्बकेन च धीमतः
तस्माच्चैव वरः प्राप्तो दुष्प्रापश्चाकृतात्मभिः

7.3.23

तमद्याहं पाण्डवं युद्धशौण्ड;ममृष्यमाणो भवतानुशिष्टः
आशीविषं दृष्टिहरं सुघोर;मियां पुरस्कृत्य वधं जयं वा

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Beholding the grandsire, viz., the venerable Bhishma, that destroyer of all the Kshatriyas, that hero of righteous soul and immeasurable energy, that great bowman thrown down (from his car) by Savyasachin with his celestial weapons, lying on a bed of arrows, and looking like the vast ocean dried up by mighty winds, the hope of thy

sons for victory had disappeared along with their coats of mail and peace of mind. Beholding him who was always an island unto persons sinking in the fathomless ocean in their endeavours to cross it, beholding that hero covered with arrows that had coursed in a stream as continuous as that of Yamuna, that hero who looked like Mainaka of unbearable energy thrown down on the earth by the great Indra, that warrior lying prostrate on the earth like the Sun dropped down from the firmament, that one who looked like the inconceivable Indra himself after his defeat of old by Vritra, that depriver of all warriors of their senses, that foremost of all combatants, that signal of all bowmen, beholding that hero and bull among men, viz., thy sire Bhishma of high vows, that grandsire of the Bharatas thrown down in battle and lying covered with Arjuna's shafts, on a hero's bed. Adhiratha's son (Karna) alighted from his car, in great affliction, filled with grief, and almost senseless. Afflicted (with sorrow), and with eyes troubled with tears, he proceeded on foot. Saluting him with joined palms, and addressing him reverentially, he said, 'I am Karna! Blessed be thou! Speak to me, O Bharata, in sacred and auspicious words, and look at me, opening thy eyes. No man certainly enjoyeth in this world the fruits of his pious deeds, since thou, reverend in years and devoted to virtue, liest slain on the ground. O thou that art the foremost one amongst the Kurus, I do not see that there is any one else among them, who is competent (like thee) in filling the treasury, in counsels, in the matter of disposing the troops in battle array, and in the use of weapons, Alas, he that was endued with a righteous understanding, he that always protected the Kurus from every danger, alas, he, having slain numberless warriors, proceedeth to the region of the Pitris. From this day, O chief of the Bharatas, the Pandavas, excited with wrath, will slaughter the Kurus like tigers slaying deer. Today the Kauravas, acquainted with the force of Gandiva's twang, will regard Savyasachin, like the Asuras regarding the wielder of the thunder-bolt, with terror. Today the noise, resembling that of heaven's thunder, of the arrows shot from Gandiva, will inspire the Kurus and other kings with great terror. Today, O hero, like a raging conflagration of fierce flames consuming a forest, the shafts of Kiritin will consume the Dhartarashtras. In those parts of the forest through which fire and wind march together, they burn all plants and creepers and trees. Without doubt, Partha is even like a surging fire, and, without doubt, O tiger among men, Krishna is like the wind. Hearing the blare of Panchajanya and the twang of Gandiva all the Kaurava troops, O Bharata, will be filled with fear. O hero, without thee, the kings will never be able to bear the rattle of the ape-bannered car belonging to that grinder of foes, when he will advance (upon them). Who amongst the kings, save thyself, is competent to battle with that Arjuna whose feats, as described by the wise, are all superhuman? Superhuman was the battle that he fought with the high-souled (Mahadeva) of three eyes. From him he obtained a boon that is unattainable by persons of unsanctified souls. Delighted in battle, that son

of Pandu is protected by Madhava. Who is there that is competent to vanquish him who could not be vanquished by thee before, although thou, endued with great energy, hadst vanquished Rama himself in battle, that fierce destroyer of the Kshatriya race, worshipped, besides, by the gods and the Danavas? Incapable of putting up with that son of Pandu, that foremost of heroes in battle, even I, with thy permission, am competent to slay, with the force of my weapons, that brave and fierce warrior who resembleth a snake of virulent poison and who slayeth his foes with his glances alone!'"

7.4.1

संजय उवाच
तस्य लालप्यतः श्रुत्वा वृद्धः कुरुपितामहः
देशकालोचितं वाक्यमब्रवीत्प्रीतमानसः

7.4.2

समुद्र इव सिन्धूनां ज्योतिषामिव भास्करः
सत्यस्य च यथा सन्तो बीजानामिव चोर्वरा

7.4.3

पर्जन्य इव भूतानां प्रतिष्ठा सुहृदां भव
बान्धवास्त्वानुजीवन्तु सहस्राक्षमिवामराः

7.4.4

स्वबाहुबलवीर्येण धार्तराष्ट्रप्रियैषिणा
कर्ण राजपुरं गत्वा काम्बोजा निहतास्त्वया

7.4.5

गिरिव्रजगताश्चापि नग्नजित्प्रमुखा नृपाः
अम्बष्ठाश्च विदेहाश्च गान्धाराश्च जितास्त्वया

7.4.6

हिमवद्दुर्गनिलयाः किराता रणकर्कशाः
दुर्योधनस्य वशगाः कृताः कर्ण त्वया पुरा

7.4.7

तत्र तत्र च संग्रामे दुर्योधनहितैषिणा
बहवश्च जिता वीरास्त्वया कर्ण महौजसा

7.4.8

यथा दुर्योधनस्तात सज्ञातिकुलबान्धवः
तथा त्वमपि सर्वेषां कौरवाणां गतिर्भव

7.4.9

शिवेनाभिवदामि त्वां गच्छ युध्यस्व शत्रुभिः
अनुशाधि कुरून्संख्ये धत्स्व दुर्योधने जयम्

7.4.10

भवान्पौत्रसमोऽस्माकं यथा दुर्योधनस्तथा
तवापि धर्मतः सर्वे यथा तस्य वयं तथा

7.4.11

यौनात्संबन्धकाल्लोके विशिष्टं संगतं सताम्
सद्भिः सह नरश्रेष्ठ प्रवदन्ति मनीषिणः

7.4.12

स सत्यसंगरो भूत्वा ममेदमिति निश्चितम्
कुरूणां पालय बलं यथा दुर्योधनस्तथा

7.4.13

इति श्रुत्वा वचः सोऽथ चरणावभिवाद्य च
ययौ वैकर्तनः कर्णस्तूर्णमायोधनं प्रति

7.4.14

सोऽभिवीक्ष्य नरौघाणां स्थानमप्रतिमं महत्
व्यूढप्रहरणोरस्कं सैन्यं तत्समबृंहयत्

7.4.15

कर्णं दृष्ट्वा महेष्वासं युद्धाय समवस्थितम्
क्ष्वेडितास्फोटितरवैः सिंहनादरवैरपि
धनुःशब्दैश्च विविधैः कुरवः समपूजयन्

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Unto him who was talking thus, the aged Kuru grandsire with a cheerful heart, said these words adapted to both time and place: 'Like the ocean unto rivers, like the Sun unto all luminous bodies, like the righteous unto Truth, like a fertile soil unto seeds, like the clouds unto all creatures, be thou the refuge of thy relatives and friends! Like the celestials upon him of a thousand eyes, let thy kinsmen depend on thee. Be thou the humiliator of thy foes, and the enhancer of the joys of thy friends. Be thou unto the Kauravas as Vishnu unto the dwellers of heaven. Desirous of doing what was agreeable to Dhritarashtra's son, thou didst with the might and prowess of own arms, O Karna, vanquish the Kamvojas having proceeded to Rajpura. Many kings, amongst whom Nagnajit was the foremost, while staying in Girivraja, as also the Amvashthas, the Videhas, and the Gandharvas, were all vanquished by thee. The Kiratas, fierce in battle, dwelling in the fastness of Himavat, were formerly, O Karna, made by thee to own Duryodhana's sway. And so also, the Utpalas, the Mekalas, the Paundras, the Kalingas, the Andhras, the Nishadas, the Trigartas, and the Valhikas, were all vanquished by thee, O Karna, in battle. In many other countries, O Karna, impelled by the desire of doing good to Duryodhana, thou didst, O hero, vanquish many races and kings of great energy. Like Duryodhana, O child, with his kinsmen, and relatives, and friends, be thou also the refuge of all the Kauravas. In auspicious words I command thee, go and fight with the enemy. Lead the Kurus in battle, and give victory unto Duryodhana. Thou art to us our grandson even as Duryodhana is. According to the ordinance, all of us also are as much thine as Duryodhana's! 1The wise, O foremost of men, say that the companionship of the righteous with the righteous is a superior relationship to that

born of the same womb. Without falsifying, therefore, thy relationship with Kurus, protect thou the Kaurava host like Duryodhana, regarding it as thy own.

"Hearing these words of his, Vikartana's. son Karna, reverentially saluting Bhishma's feet, (bade him farewell) and came to that spot where all the Kaurava bowmen were. Viewing that wide and unparalleled encampment of the vast host, he began to cherish (by words of encouragement) those well-armed and broad-chested warriors. And all the Kauravas headed by Duryodhana were filled with joy. And beholding the mighty-armed and high-souled Karna come to the field and station himself at the head of the whole army, for battle, the Kauravas received him with loud shouts and slapping of arm-pits and leonine roars and twang of bows and diverse other kinds of noise.'"

8:1 The second fine of 12 is read incorrectly in the Bengal text. Instead of tathapi the true reading (as in the Bombay edition) is tavapi.

7.5.1

संजय उवाच
रथस्थं पुरुषव्याघ्रं दृष्ट्वा कर्णमवस्थितम्
हृष्टो दुर्योधनो राजन्निदं वचनमब्रवीत्

7.5.2

सनाथमिदमत्यर्थं भवता पालितं बलम्
मन्ये किं तु समर्थं यद्धितं तत्संप्रधार्यताम्

7.5.3

कर्ण उवाच
ब्रूहि तत्पुरुषव्याघ्र त्वं हि प्राज्ञतमो नृप
यथा चार्थपतिः कृत्यं पश्यते न तथेतरः

7.5.4

ते स्म सर्वे तव वचः श्रोतुकामा नरेश्वर
नान्याय्यं हि भवान्वाक्यं ब्रूयादिति मतिर्मम

7.5.5

दुर्योधन उवाच
भीष्मः सेनाप्रणेतासीद्वयसा विक्रमेण च
श्रुतेन च सुसंपन्नः सर्वैर्योधगुणैस्तथा

7.5.6

तेनातियशसा कर्ण घ्नता शत्रुगणान्मम
सुयुद्धेन दशाहानि पालिताः स्मो महात्मना

7.5.7

तस्मिन्नसुकरं कर्म कृतवत्यास्थिते दिवम्
कं नु सेनाप्रणेतारं मन्यसे तदनन्तरम्

7.5.8

न ऋते नायकं सेना मुहूर्तमपि तिष्ठति
आहवेष्वाहवश्रेष्ठ नेतृहीनेव नौर्जले

7.5.9

यथा ह्यकर्णधारा नौ रथश्चासारथिर्यथा
द्रवेद्यथेष्टं तद्वत्स्यादृते सेनापतिं बलम्

7.5.10

स भवान्वीक्ष्य सर्वेषु मामकेषु महात्मसु
पश्य सेनापतिं युक्तमनु शांतनवादिह

7.5.11

यं हि सेनाप्रणेतारं भवान्वक्ष्यति संयुगे
तं वयं सहिताः सर्वे प्रकरिष्याम मारिष

7.5.12

कर्ण उवाच
सर्व एव महात्मान इमे पुरुषसत्तमाः
सेनापतित्वमर्हन्ति नात्र कार्या विचारणा

7.5.13

कुलसंहननज्ञानैर्बलविक्रमबुद्धिभिः
युक्ताः कृतज्ञा ह्रीमन्त आहवेष्वनिवर्तिनः

7.5.14

युगपन्न तु ते शक्याः कर्तुं सर्वे पुरःसराः
एक एवात्र कर्तव्यो यस्मिन्वैशेषिका गुणाः

7.5.15

अन्योन्यस्पर्धिनां तेषां यद्येकं सत्करिष्यसि
शेषा विमनसो व्यक्तं न योत्स्यन्ते हि भारत

7.5.16

अयं तु सर्वयोधानामाचार्यः स्थविरो गुरुः
युक्तः सेनापतिः कर्तुं द्रोणः शस्त्रभृतां वरः

7.5.17

को हि तिष्ठति दुर्धर्षे द्रोणे ब्रह्मविदुत्तमे
सेनापतिः स्यादन्योऽस्माच्छुक्राङ्गिरसदर्शनात्

7.5.18

न च स ह्यस्ति ते योधः सर्वराजसु भारत
यो द्रोणं समरे यान्तं नानुयास्यति संयुगे

7.5.19

एष सेनाप्रणेतॄणामेष शस्त्रभृतामपि
एष बुद्धिमतां चैव श्रेष्ठो राजन्गुरुश्च ते

7.5.20

एवं दुर्योधनाचार्यमाशु सेनापतिं कुरु
जिगीषन्तोऽसुरान्संख्ये कार्त्तिकेयमिवामराः

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Beholding that tiger among men, viz., Karna, mounted on his car, Duryodhana, O king, filled with joy, said these words, 'This host, protected by thee, hath now, I think, got a proper leader. Let that, however, be settled now which is proper and within our power.'

'Karna said, 'Tell us thyself, O tiger among men, for thou art the wisest of kings. Another can never see so well what should be done as one seeth it whose concern it is. Those kings are all desirous of listening to what thou mayst have to say. I am sure that no improper words will be uttered by thee.'

"Duryodhana, said, 'Bhishma was our commander possessed (as he was) of years, prowess, and learning and supported by all our warriors. That high-souled one, O Karna, achieving great glory and slaying large numbers of my enemies protected us by fair fight for ten days. He achieved the most difficult of feats. But now that he is about to ascend to heaven, whom, O Karna, dost thou think fit to our commander after him? Without a leader, an army cannot stay in battle for even a short while. Thou art foremost in battle, like a boat without a helmsman in the waters. Indeed, as a boat without a helmsman, or a car without a driver, would go anywhere, so would the plight be of a host that is without a leader. Like a merchant who falleth into every kind of distress when he is unacquainted with the ways of the country he visits, an army that is without a leader is exposed to every kind of distress. Look thou, therefore, among all the high-souled warriors of our army and find out a proper leader who may succeed the son of Santanu. Him whom thou wouldst regard as a fit leader in battle, him, all of us, without doubt, will together make our leader.'

"Karna said, 'All these foremost of men are high-souled persons. Every one of them deserveth to be our leader. There is no need of any minute examination. All of them are conversant with noble genealogies and with the art of smiting; all of them are endued with prowess and intelligence, all of them are attentive and acquainted with the scriptures, possessed of wisdom, and unretreating from battle. 1 All, however, cannot be leaders at the same time. Only one should be selected as leader, in whom are special merits. All of these regard one another as equals. If one amongst them, therefore, be honoured, others will be dissatisfied, and, it is evident, will no longer fight for thee from a desire of benefiting thee. This one, however, is the Preceptor (in arms) of all these warriors; is venerable in years, and worthy of respect. Therefore, Drona, this foremost of all wielders of weapons, should be made the leader. Who is there worthy of becoming a leader, when the invincible Drona, that foremost of persons conversant with Brahma, is here, that one who is equal to Sukra or Vrihaspati himself? Amongst all the kings in thy army, O Bharata, there is not a single warrior who will not follow Drona when the latter goeth to battle. 2 This Drona is the foremost of all leaders of forces, the foremost of all wielders of weapons, and the foremost of all intelligent persons. He is, besides, O king, thy preceptor (in arms). Therefore, O Duryodhana, make this one the leader of thy forces without delay, as the celestials made Kartikeya their leader in battle for vanquishing the Asuras.'"

10:1 Kula-samhanana-jnana, i.e., 'knowledge of Kula, as also of samhanana, which latter, as Nilakantha explains, means the body. A knowledge of the body, of vital and other limbs, was possessed by every accomplished warrior who wanted to smite effectually.

10:2 i.e., who will feel it humiliating for him to walk behind Drona?

7.5.21

संजय उवाच
कर्णस्य वचनं श्रुत्वा राजा दुर्योधनस्तदा
सेनामध्यगतं द्रोणमिदं वचनमब्रवीत्

7.5.22

वर्णश्रैष्ठ्यात्कुलोत्पत्त्या श्रुतेन वयसा धिया
वीर्याद्दाक्ष्यादधृष्यत्वादर्थज्ञानान्नयाज्जयात्

7.5.23

तपसा च कृतज्ञत्वाद्वृद्धः सर्वगुणैरपि
युक्तो भवत्समो गोप्ता राज्ञामन्यो न विद्यते

7.5.24

स भवान्पातु नः सर्वान्विबुधानिव वासवः
भवन्नेत्राः पराञ्जेतुमिच्छामो द्विजसत्तम

7.5.25

रुद्राणामिव कापाली वसूनामिव पावकः
कुबेर इव यक्षाणां मरुतामिव वासवः

7.5.26

वसिष्ठ इव विप्राणां तेजसामिव भास्करः
पितॄणामिव धर्मोऽथ आदित्यानामिवाम्बुराट्

7.5.27

नक्षत्राणामिव शशी दितिजानामिवोशनाः
श्रेष्ठः सेनाप्रणेतॄणां स नः सेनापतिर्भव

7.5.28

अक्षौहिण्यो दशैका च वशगाः सन्तु तेऽनघ
ताभिः शत्रून्प्रतिव्यूह्य जहीन्द्रो दानवानिव

7.5.29

प्रयातु नो भवानग्रे देवानामिव पावकिः
अनुयास्यामहे त्वाजौ सौरभेया इवर्षभम्

7.5.30

उग्रधन्वा महेष्वासो दिव्यं विस्फारयन्धनुः
अग्रे भवन्तं दृष्ट्वा नो नार्जुनः प्रसहिष्यते

7.5.31

ध्रुवं युधिष्ठिरं संख्ये सानुबन्धं सबान्धवम्
जेष्यामि पुरुषव्याघ्र भवान्सेनापतिर्यदि

7.5.32

एवमुक्ते ततो द्रोणे जयेत्यूचुर्नराधिपाः
सिंहनादेन महता हर्षयन्तस्तवात्मजम्

7.5.33

सैनिकाश्च मुदा युक्ता वर्धयन्ति द्विजोत्तमम्
दुर्योधनं पुरस्कृत्य प्रार्थयन्तो महद्यशः

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Hearing these words of Karna, king Duryodhana. then said this unto Drona who was staying in the midst of the troops.'

"Duryodhana said, 'For the superiority of the order of thy birth, for the nobility of thy parentage, for thy learning, years and intelligence, for also thy prowess, skill, invincibility, knowledge of worldly matters, policy, and self-conquest, by reason also of thy ascetic austerities and thy gratitude, superior as thou art as regards every virtue, among these kings there is none who can make so good a leader as thou. Protect thou, therefore, ourselves, like Vasava protecting the celestials. Having thee for our leader, we desire, O best of Brahmanas, to vanquish our foes. As Kapali amongst the Rudras, Pavaka among the Vasus, Kuvera among the Yakshas, Vasava among the Maruts, Vasishtha among Brahmanas,

the Sun amongst luminous bodies, Yama among the Pitris, Varuna among aquatic creatures, as the Moon among the stars, and Usanas among the sons of Diti, so art thou the foremost of all leaders of forces. Be thou, therefore, our leader. O sinless one, let these ten and one Akshauhinis of troops be obedient to thy word of command. Disposing these troops in battle array, slay thou our foes, like Indra slaying the Danavas. Proceed thou art the head of us all, like Pavaka's son (Kartikeya) at the head of the celestial forces. We will follow thee to battle, like bulls following a bovine leader. A fierce and great bowman as thou art, beholding thee stretching the bow at our head. Arjuna will not strike. Without doubt, O tiger among men, if thou becomest our leader, I will vanquish Yudhishthira with all his followers and relatives in battle.'

"Sanjaya continued, 'After Duryodhana had uttered these words, the kings (in the Kaurava army) all cried victory to Drona. And they delighted thy son by uttering a loud leonine shout. And the troops, filled with joy, and with Duryodhana at their head, desirous of winning great renown, began to glorify that best of Brahmanas. Then, O king, Drona addressed Duryodhana fin those words.'"

7.5.34

द्रोण उवाच
वेदं षडङ्गं वेदाहमर्थविद्यां च मानवीम्
त्रैयम्बकमथेष्वस्त्रमस्त्राणि विविधानि च

7.5.35

ये चाप्युक्ता मयि गुणा भवद्भिर्जयकाङ्क्षिभिः
चिकीर्षुस्तानहं सत्यान्योधयिष्यामि पाण्डवान्

7.5.36

संजय उवाच
स एवमभ्यनुज्ञातश्चक्रे सेनापतिं ततः
द्रोणं तव सुतो राजन्विधिदृष्टेन कर्मणा

7.5.37

अथाभिषिषिचुर्द्रोणं दुर्योधनमुखा नृपाः
सेनापत्ये यथा स्कन्दं पुरा शक्रमुखाः सुराः

7.5.38

ततो वादित्रघोषेण सह पुंसां महास्वनैः
प्रादुरासीत्कृते द्रोणे हर्षः सेनापतौ तदा

7.5.39

ततः पुण्याहघोषेण स्वस्तिवादस्वनेन च
संस्तवैर्गीतशब्दैश्च सूतमागधबन्दिनाम्

7.5.40

जयशब्दैर्द्विजाग्र्याणां सुभगानर्तितैस्तथा
सत्कृत्य विधिवद्द्रोणं जितान्मन्यन्त पाण्डवान्

7.6.1

संजय उवाच
सेनापत्यं तु संप्राप्य भारद्वाजो महारथः
युयुत्सुर्व्यूह्य सैन्यानि प्रायात्तव सुतैः सह

7.6.2

सैन्धवश्च कलिङ्गश्च विकर्णश्च तवात्मजः
दक्षिणं पार्श्वमास्थाय समतिष्ठन्त दंशिताः

7.6.3

प्रपक्षः शकुनिस्तेषां प्रवरैर्हयसादिभिः
ययौ गान्धारकैः सार्धं विमलप्रासयोधिभिः

7.6.4

कृपश्च कृतवर्मा च चित्रसेनो विविंशतिः
दुःशासनमुखा यत्ताः सव्यं पार्श्वमपालयन्

7.6.5

तेषां प्रपक्षाः काम्बोजाः सुदक्षिणपुरःसराः
ययुरश्वैर्महावेगैः शकाश्च यवनैः सह

7.6.6

मद्रास्त्रिगर्ताः साम्बष्ठाः प्रतीच्योदीच्यवासिनः
शिबयः शूरसेनाश्च शूद्राश्च मलदैः सह

7.6.7

सौवीराः कितवाः प्राच्या दाक्षिणात्याश्च सर्वशः
तवात्मजं पुरस्कृत्य सूतपुत्रस्य पृष्ठतः

7.6.8

हर्षयन्सर्वसैन्यानि बलेषु बलमादधत्
ययौ वैकर्तनः कर्णः प्रमुखे सर्वधन्विनाम्

7.6.9

तस्य दीप्तो महाकायः स्वान्यनीकानि हर्षयन्
हस्तिकक्ष्यामहाकेतुर्बभौ सूर्यसमद्युतिः

7.6.10

न भीष्मव्यसनं कश्चिद्दृष्ट्वा कर्णममन्यत
विशोकाश्चाभवन्सर्वे राजानः कुरुभिः सह

7.6.11

हृष्टाश्च बहवो योधास्तत्राजल्पन्त संगताः
न हि कर्णं रणे दृष्ट्वा युधि स्थास्यन्ति पाण्डवाः

7.6.12

कर्णो हि समरे शक्तो जेतुं देवान्सवासवान्
किमु पाण्डुसुतान्युद्धे हीनवीर्यपराक्रमान्

7.6.13

भीष्मेण तु रणे पार्थाः पालिता बाहुशालिना
तांस्तु कर्णः शरैस्तीक्ष्णैर्नाशयिष्यत्यसंशयम्

7.6.14

एवं ब्रुवन्तस्तेऽन्योन्यं हृष्टरूपा विशां पते
राधेयं पूजयन्तश्च प्रशंसन्तश्च निर्ययुः

7.6.15

अस्माकं शकटव्यूहो द्रोणेन विहितोऽभवत्
परेषां क्रौञ्च एवासीद्व्यूहो राजन्महात्मनाम्
प्रीयमाणेन विहितो धर्मराजेन भारत

7.6.16

व्यूहप्रमुखतस्तेषां तस्थतुः पुरुषर्षभौ
वानरध्वजमुच्छ्रित्य विष्वक्सेनधनंजयौ

7.6.17

ककुदं सर्वसैन्यानां लक्ष्म सर्वधनुष्मताम्
आदित्यपथगः केतुः पार्थस्यामिततेजसः

7.6.18

दीपयामास तत्सैन्यं पाण्डवस्य महात्मनः
यथा प्रज्वलितः सूर्यो युगान्ते वै वसुंधराम्

7.6.19

अस्यतामर्जुनः श्रेष्ठो गाण्डीवं धनुषां वरम्
वासुदेवश्च भूतानां चक्राणां च सुदर्शनम्

7.6.20

चत्वार्येतानि तेजांसि वहञ्श्वेतहयो रथः
परेषामग्रतस्तस्थौ कालचक्रमिवोद्यतम्

7.6.21

एवमेतौ महात्मानौ बलसेनाग्रगावुभौ
तावकानां मुखं कर्णः परेषां च धनंजयः

7.6.22

ततो जाताभिसंरम्भौ परस्परवधैषिणौ
अवेक्षेतां तदान्योन्यं समरे कर्णपाण्डवौ

7.6.23

ततः प्रयाते सहसा भारद्वाजे महारथे
अन्तर्नादेन घोरेण वसुधा समकम्पत

7.6.24

ततस्तुमुलमाकाशमावृणोत्सदिवाकरम्
वातोद्धूतं रजस्तीव्रं कौशेयनिकरोपमम्

7.6.25

अनभ्रे प्रववर्ष द्यौर्मांसास्थिरुधिराण्युत
गृध्राः श्येना बडाः कङ्का वायसाश्च सहस्रशः
उपर्युपरि सेनां ते तदा पर्यपतन्नृप

7.6.26

गोमायवश्च प्राक्रोशन्भयदान्दारुणान्रवान्
अकार्षुरपसव्यं च बहुशः पृतनां तव
चिखादिषन्तो मांसानि पिपासन्तश्च शोणितम्

7.6.27

अपतद्दीप्यमाना च सनिर्घाता सकम्पना
उल्का ज्वलन्ती संग्रामे पुच्छेनावृत्य सर्वशः

7.6.28

परिवेषो महांश्चापि सविद्युत्स्तनयित्नुमान्
भास्करस्याभवद्राजन्प्रयाते वाहिनीपतौ

7.6.29

एते चान्ये च बहवः प्रादुरासन्सुदारुणाः
उत्पाता युधि वीराणां जीवितक्षयकारकाः

7.6.30

ततः प्रववृते युद्धं परस्परवधैषिणाम्
कुरुपाण्डवसैन्यानां शब्देनानादयज्जगत्

7.6.31

ते त्वन्योन्यं सुसंरब्धाः पाण्डवाः कौरवैः सह
प्रत्यघ्नन्निशितैर्बाणैर्जयगृद्धाः प्रहारिणः

7.6.32

स पाण्डवानां महतीं महेष्वासो महाद्युतिः
वेगेनाभ्यद्रवत्सेनां किरञ्शरशतैः शितैः

7.6.33

द्रोणमभ्युद्यतं दृष्ट्वा पाण्डवाः सह सृञ्जयैः
प्रत्यगृह्णंस्तदा राजञ्शरवर्षैः पृथक्पृथक्

7.6.34

संक्षोभ्यमाणा द्रोणेन भिद्यमाना महाचमूः
व्यशीर्यत सपाञ्चाला वातेनेव बलाहकाः

7.6.35

बहूनीह विकुर्वाणो दिव्यान्यस्त्राणि संयुगे
अपीडयत्क्षणेनैव द्रोणः पाण्डवसृञ्जयान्

7.6.36

ते वध्यमाना द्रोणेन वासवेनेव दानवाः
पाञ्चालाः समकम्पन्त धृष्टद्युम्नपुरोगमाः

7.6.37

ततो दिव्यास्त्रविच्छूरो याज्ञसेनिर्महारथः
अभिनच्छरवर्षेण द्रोणानीकमनेकधा

7.6.38

द्रोणस्य शरवर्षैस्तु शरवर्षाणि भागशः
संनिवार्य ततः सेनां कुरूनप्यवधीद्बली

7.6.39

संहृत्य तु ततो द्रोणः समवस्थाप्य चाहवे
स्वमनीकं महाबाहुः पार्षतं समुपाद्रवत्

7.6.40

स बाणवर्षं सुमहदसृजत्पार्षतं प्रति
मघवान्समभिक्रुद्धः सहसा दानवेष्विव

7.6.41

ते कम्प्यमाना द्रोणेन बाणैः पाण्डवसृञ्जयाः
पुनः पुनरभज्यन्त सिंहेनेवेतरे मृगाः

7.6.42

अथ पर्यपतद्द्रोणः पाण्डवानां बलं बली
अलातचक्रवद्राजंस्तदद्भुतमिवाभवत्

7.6.43

खचरनगरकल्पं कल्पितं शास्त्रदृष्ट्या; चलदनिलपताकं ह्रादिनं वल्गिताश्वम्
स्फटिकविमलकेतुं तापनं शात्रवाणां; रथवरमधिरूढः संजहारारिसेनाम्

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Drona said, 'I know the Vedas with their six branches. I know also the science of human affairs. I am acquainted also with the Saiva weapon, and diverse other species of weapons. Endeavouring to actually display all those virtues which ye, desirous of victory, have attributed to me, I will fight with the Pandavas. I will not, however, O king, be able to slay the son of Prishata. O bull among men, he hath been created for my slaughter. I will fight with the Pandavas, and slay the Somakas. As regards the Pandavas, they will not fight with me with cheerful hearts.'

"Sanjaya continued, 'Thus permitted by Drona, the son, O king, then made him the commander of his forces according to the rites prescribed in the ordinance. And the kings (in the Katirava army) headed by Duryodhana performed the investiture of Drona in the command of the forces, like the celestials headed by India in days of yore performing the investiture of Skanda. After Drona's installation in the command, the joy of the army expressed itself by the sound of drums and the loud blare of conchs. Then with cries such as greet the ears en a festive day, with auspicious invocations by Brahmanas gratified with cries of Jaya uttered by foremost of Brahmanas, and with the dance of mimes, Drona was duly honoured. And Kaurava warriors regarded the Pandayas as already vanquished.'

"Sanjaya continued. 'Then that mighty car-warrior, viz., Bharadwaja's son, having obtained the command, arrayed the troops in order of battle,

and went out with thy sons from desire of fighting the foe. And the ruler of the Sindhus, and the chief of the Kalingas, and thy son Vikarna, clad in mail, took up their position on the right wing (of Drona). And Sakuni, accompanied by many foremost of horsemen battling with bright lances and belonging to the Gandhara tribe, proceeded, acting as their support. And Kripa, and Kritavarman, and Chitrasena, and Vivinsati headed by Duhsasana, strove vigorously for protecting the left wing. And the Kamvojas headed by Sudakshina, and the Sakas, and the Yavanas, with steeds of great fleetness, proceeded, as the latter's support. And the Madras, the Trigartas the Amvashthas, the Westerners, the Northerners, the Malavas, the Surasenas, the Sudras the Maladas, the Sauviras, the Kaitavas, the Easterners, and the Southerners placing thy son (Duryodhana) and the Suta's son (Karna) at their head, forming the rear guard, gladdened warriors of their own army, added to the strength of the (advancing) force, Vikartana's son Karna proceeded at the head of the bowmen. 1 And his blazing and large and tall standard bearing the advice of the elephant's rope, shone with an effulgence like that of the Sun, gladdening his own divisions. Beholding Karna, none regarded the calamity caused by Bhishma's death. And the kings, along with the Kurus, all became freed from grief. And large numbers of warriors, banded together, said unto one another, 'Beholding Karna on the field, the Pandavas will never be able to stand in battle. Indeed, Karna is quite competent to vanquish in battle the very gods with Vasava at their head. What need be said, therefore, for the sons of Pandu who are destitute of energy and prowess? The mighty-armed Bhishma spared the Parthas in battle. Karna, however, will slay them in the fight with his keen shafts.' Speaking unto one another thus and filled with joy, they proceeded, applauding and worshipping the son of Radha. As regards our army, it was arrayed by Drona in the form of a Sakata (vehicle); while the array of our illustrious foes, O king, was in the form of a Krauncha (crane), as disposed, O Bharata, by king Yudhishthira the just in great cheerfulness. At the head of their array were those two foremost of persons viz., Vishnu and Dhananjaya, with their banner set up, bearing the device of the ape. The hump of the whole army and the refuge of all bowmen, that banner of Partha, endued with immeasurable energy, as it floated in the, sky, seemed to illumine the entire host of the high-souled Yudhishthira. The banner of Partha, possessed of great intelligence, seemed to resemble the blazing Sun that riseth at the end of the Yuga for consuming the world. Amongst bowmen, Arjuna is the foremost; amongst bows, Gandiva is the foremost amongst creature Vasudeva is the first; and amongst all kinds of discs, Sudarsana is the first. Bearing these four embodiments of energy, that car unto which were yoked white steeds, took

up its position in the front of the (hostile) army, like the fierce discus upraised (for striking). Thus did those two foremost of men stand at the very head of their respective forces, viz., Karna at the head of thy army, and Dhananjaya at the head of the hostile one. Both excited with wrath, and each desirous of slaying the other, Karna and Arjuna looked at each other in that battle.'

"Then when that mighty car-warrior, viz.. Bharadwaja's son, proceeded to battle with great speed, the earth seemed to tremble with loud sounds of wailing. Then the thick dust, raised by the wind resembling a canopy of tawny silk, enveloped the sky and the sun. And though the firmament was cloudless, yet a shower fell of pieces of flesh, bones, and blood. And vultures and hawks and cranes and Kankas, and crows in thousands, began continually to fall upon the (Kaurava) troops. And jackals yelled aloud; and many fierce and terrible birds repeatedly wheeled to the left of thy army, from desire of eating flesh and drinking blood, 1 and many blazing meteors, illuminating (the sky), and covering large areas with their tails, fell on the field with loud sound and trembling motion. And the wide disc of the sun O monarch, seemed to emit flashes of lightning with thundering noise, when commander of the (Kaurava) army set out. These and many other portents, fierce and indicating a destruction of heroes, were seen during the battle. Then commenced the encounter between the troops of the Kurus and the Pandavas, desirous of slaying each other. And so loud was the din that it seemed to fill the whole earth. And the Pandavas and the Kauravas, enraged with each other and skilled in smiting, began to strike each other with sharp weapons, from desire of victory. 'Then that great bowman of blazing effulgence rushed towards the troops of the Pandavas with great impetuosity, scattering hundreds of sharp arrows. Then the Pandavas and the Srinjayas, beholding Drona rush towards them, received him, O king, with showers upon showers (in distinct sets) of arrows. Agitated and broken by Drona, the large host of the Pandavas and the Panchalas broke like rows of cranes by force of the wind. Invoking into existence many celestial weapons in that battle, Drona, within a very short time, afflicted the Pandavas and the Srinjayas. Slaughtered by Drona, like Danavas by Vasava, the Panchalas headed by Dhrishtadyumna trembled in that battle. Then that mighty car-warrior, viz., Yajnasena's son (Dhrishtadyumna), that hero acquainted with celestial weapons, broke, with his arrowy showers, the division of Drona in many places. And the mighty son of Prishata baffling with his own arrowy showers the showers of arrows shot by Drona, caused a great slaughter among the Kurus. The mighty-armed Drona then, rallying his men in battle and gathering them together, rushed towards the son of Prishata. He then shot at Prishata's son a thick shower of arrows, like Maghavat excited with rage showering his arrows with great force upon the Danavas, Then the

[paragraph continues] Pandavas and the Srinjayas, shaken by Drona with his shafts, repeatedly broke like a herd of inferior animals attacked by a lion. And the mighty Drona coursed through the Pandava force like a circle of fire. All this, O king, seemed highly wonderful. Mounted on his own excellent car which (then) resembled a city coursing through the skies, which was furnished with every necessary article according to (military) science, whose banner floated on the air, whose rattle resounded through the field, whose steeds were (well) urged, and the staff of whose standard was bright as crystal, Drona struck terror into the hearts of the enemy and caused a great slaughter among them.'"

12:1 A substantial difference of reading occurs here between the Bengal and the Bombay texts. Both have defects of their own. It seems to me that Drona, as leader, proceeded in the van. Karna, when described as proceeding at the head of all bowmen, must be taken marching at the head of the whole rear guard. In the case, his position would be immediately behind Drona's.

13:1 Lit, "placed army to their right," i.e., these birds wheeled to the left of thy host, which is an evil omen.

7.7.1

संजय उवाच
तथा द्रोणमभिघ्नन्तं साश्वसूतरथद्विपान्
व्यथिताः पाण्डवा दृष्ट्वा न चैनं पर्यवारयन्

7.7.2

ततो युधिष्ठिरो राजा धृष्टद्युम्नधनंजयौ
अब्रवीत्सर्वतो यत्तैः कुम्भयोनिर्निवार्यताम्

7.7.3

तत्रैनमर्जुनश्चैव पार्षतश्च सहानुगः
पर्यगृह्णंस्ततः सर्वे समायान्तं महारथाः

7.7.4

केकया भीमसेनश्च सौभद्रोऽथ घटोत्कचः
युधिष्ठिरो यमौ मत्स्या द्रुपदस्यात्मजास्तथा

7.7.5

द्रौपदेयाश्च संहृष्टा धृष्टकेतुः ससात्यकिः
चेकितानश्च संक्रुद्धो युयुत्सुश्च महारथः

7.7.6

ये चान्ये पार्थिवा राजन्पाण्डवस्यानुयायिनः
कुलवीर्यानुरूपाणि चक्रुः कर्माण्यनेकशः

7.7.7

संगृह्यमाणां तां दृष्ट्वा पाण्डवैर्वाहिनीं रणे
व्यावृत्य चक्षुषी कोपाद्भारद्वाजोऽन्ववैक्षत

7.7.8

स तीव्रं कोपमास्थाय रथे समरदुर्मदः
व्यधमत्पाण्डवानीकमभ्राणीव सदागतिः

7.7.9

रथानश्वान्नरान्नागानभिधावंस्ततस्ततः
चचारोन्मत्तवद्द्रोणो वृद्धोऽपि तरुणो यथा

7.7.10

तस्य शोणितदिग्धाङ्गाः शोणास्ते वातरंहसः
आजानेया हया राजन्नविभ्रान्ताः श्रियं दधुः

7.7.11

तमन्तकमिव क्रुद्धमापतन्तं यतव्रतम्
दृष्ट्वा संप्राद्रवन्योधाः पाण्डवस्य ततस्ततः

7.7.12

तेषां प्रद्रवतां भीमः पुनरावर्ततामपि
वीक्षतां तिष्ठतां चासीच्छब्दः परमदारुणः

7.7.13

शूराणां हर्षजननो भीरूणां भयवर्धनः
द्यावापृथिव्योर्विवरं पूरयामास सर्वतः

7.7.14

ततः पुनरपि द्रोणो नाम विश्रावयन्युधि
अकरोद्रौद्रमात्मानं किरञ्शरशतैः परान्

7.7.15

स तथा तान्यनीकानि पाण्डवेयस्य धीमतः
कालवन्न्यवधीद्द्रोणो युवेव स्थविरो बली

7.7.16

उत्कृत्य च शिरांस्युग्रो बाहूनपि सभूषणान्
कृत्वा शून्यान्रथोपस्थानुदक्रोशन्महारथः

7.7.17

तस्य हर्षप्रणादेन बाणवेगेन चाभिभो
प्राकम्पन्त रणे योधा गावः शीतार्दिता इव

7.7.18

द्रोणस्य रथघोषेण मौर्वीनिष्पेषणेन च
धनुःशब्देन चाकाशे शब्दः समभवन्महान्

7.7.19

अथास्य बहुशो बाणा निश्चरन्तः सहस्रशः
व्याप्य सर्वा दिशः पेतुर्गजाश्वरथपत्तिषु

7.7.20

तं कार्मुकमहावेगमस्त्रज्वलितपावकम्
द्रोणमासादयां चक्रुः पाञ्चालाः पाण्डवैः सह

7.7.21

तान्वै सरथहस्त्यश्वान्प्राहिणोद्यमसादनम्
द्रोणोऽचिरेणाकरोच्च महीं शोणितकर्दमाम्

7.7.22

तन्वता परमास्त्राणि शरान्सततमस्यता
द्रोणेन विहितं दिक्षु बाणजालमदृश्यत

7.7.23

पदातिषु रथाश्वेषु वारणेषु च सर्वशः
तस्य विद्युदिवाभ्रेषु चरन्केतुरदृश्यत

7.7.24

स केकयानां प्रवरांश्च पञ्च; पाञ्चालराजं च शरैः प्रमृद्य
युधिष्ठिरानीकमदीनयोधी; द्रोणोऽभ्ययात्कार्मुकबाणपाणिः

7.7.25

तं भीमसेनश्च धनंजयश्च; शिनेश्च नप्ता द्रुपदात्मजश्च
शैब्यात्मजः काशिपतिः शिबिश्च; हृष्टा नदन्तो व्यकिरञ्शरौघैः

7.7.26

तेषामथो द्रोणधनुर्विमुक्ताः; पतत्रिणः काञ्चनचित्रपुङ्खाः
भित्त्वा शरीराणि गजाश्वयूनां; जग्मुर्महीं शोणितदिग्धवाजाः

7.7.27

सा योधसंघैश्च रथैश्च भूमिः; शरैर्विभिन्नैर्गजवाजिभिश्च
प्रच्छाद्यमाना पतितैर्बभूव; समन्ततो द्यौरिव कालमेघैः

7.7.28

शैनेयभीमार्जुनवाहिनीपा;ञ्शैब्याभिमन्यू सह काशिराज्ञा
अन्यांश्च वीरान्समरे प्रमृद्ना;द्द्रोणः सुतानां तव भूतिकामः

7.7.29

एतानि चान्यानि च कौरवेन्द्र; कर्माणि कृत्वा समरे महात्मा
प्रताप्य लोकानिव कालसूर्यो; द्रोणो गतः स्वर्गमितो हि राजन्

7.7.30

एवं रुक्मरथः शूरो हत्वा शतसहस्रशः
पाण्डवानां रणे योधान्पार्षतेन निपातितः

7.7.31

अक्षौहिणीमभ्यधिकां शूराणामनिवर्तिनाम्
निहत्य पश्चाद्धृतिमानगच्छत्परमां गतिम्

7.7.32

पाण्डवैः सह पाञ्चालैरशिवैः क्रूरकर्मभिः
हतो रुक्मरथो राजन्कृत्वा कर्म सुदुष्करम्

7.7.33

ततो निनादो भूतानामाकाशे समजायत
सैन्यानां च ततो राजन्नाचार्ये निहते युधि

7.7.34

द्यां धरां खं दिशो वारि प्रदिशश्चानुनादयन्
अहो धिगिति भूतानां शब्दः समभवन्महान्

7.7.35

देवताः पितरश्चैव पूर्वे ये चास्य बान्धवाः
ददृशुर्निहतं तत्र भारद्वाजं महारथम्

7.7.36

पाण्डवास्तु जयं लब्ध्वा सिंहनादान्प्रचक्रिरे
तेन नादेन महता समकम्पत मेदिनी

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Beholding Drona thus slaying steeds and drivers and car-warriors and elephants, the Pandavas, without being troubled, encompassed him on all sides. Then king Yudhishthira, addressing Dhrishtadyumna and Dhananjaya, said unto them, 'Let the pot-born (Drona) be checked, our men surrounding him on all sides with care.' Thus addressed those mighty car-warriors, viz., Arjuna and Prishata's son, along with their followers, all received Drona as the latter came. And the Kekaya princes, and Bhimasena, and Subhadra's son and Ghatotkacha and Yudhishthira, and the twins (Nakula and Sahadeva), and the ruler of the Matsyas, and the son of Drupada, and the (five) sons of Draupadi, all filled with joy, and Dhrishtaketu, and Satyaki, and the wrathful Chitrasena, and the mighty car-warrior, Yuyutsu, and many other kings, O monarch, who followed the sons of Pandu, all achieved diverse feats in keeping with their lineage and prowess. Beholding then that host protected in that battle by those Pandava warriors, Bharadwaja's son, turning his eyes in wrath, cast his looks upon it. Inflamed with rage, that warrior, invincible in battle, consumed, as he stood upon his car, the Pandava host like the tempest destroying vast masses of clouds. Rushing on all sides at car-warriors and steeds and foot-soldiers and elephants, Drona furiously careered over the field like a young man, though bearing the weight of years. His red steeds, fleet as the wind, and of excellent breed, covered with blood, O king, assumed a beautiful appearance. Beholding that hero of regulated vows, felling them like Yama himself inflamed with wrath, the soldiers of Yudhishthira fled away on all sides. And as some fled away and other rallied, as some looked at him and others stayed on the field, the noise they made was fierce and terrible. And that noise causing delight to heroes and enhancing the fears of the timid, filled the whole sky and the earth. And once more Drona, uttering his own name in battle, made himself exceedingly fierce, scattering hundreds of arrows among the

foes. Indeed, the mighty Drona, though old, yet acting like a young man, careered like Death himself, O sire, amid the divisions of Pandu's son. That fierce warrior cutting off heads and arms decked with ornaments, made the terraces of many cars empty and uttered leonine roars. And in consequence of those joyous shouts of his, as also of the force of his shafts, the warriors, O lord, (of the hostile army) trembled like a herd of cows afflicted by cold. And in consequence of the rattle of his car and the stretching of his bow-string and the twang of his bow, the whole welkin resounded with a loud noise. And the shaft., of that hero, coursing in thousands from his bow, and enveloping all the points of the compass, fell upon the elephants and steeds and cars and foot-soldiers (of the enemy). Then the Panchalas and the Pandavas boldly approached Drona, who, armed with his bow of great force, resembled a fire having weapons for its flames. Then with their elephants and foot-soldiers and steeds he began to despatch them unto the abode of Yama. And Drona made the earth miry with blood. Scattering his mighty weapons and shooting his shafts thick on every side, Drona soon so covered all the points of the compass, that nothing could be seen except his showers of arrows. And among foot-soldiers and cars and steeds and elephants nothing could be seen save Drona's arrows. The standard of his car was all that could be seen, moving like flashes of lightning amid the cars. 1 Of soul incapable of being depressed, Drona then, armed with bow and arrows, afflicted the five princes of Kekaya and the ruler of the Panchalas and then rushed against the division of Yudhishthira. Then Bhimasena and Dhananjaya and the grandson of Sini, and the sons of Drupada, and the ruler of Kasi, viz., the son of Saivya, and Sivi himself, cheerfully and with loud roars covered him with their arrows. Shafts in thousands, decked with wings of gold, shot from Drona's bow, piercing through the bodies of the elephants and the young horses of those warriors, entered the earth, their feathers dyed with blood. The field of battle, strewn with cars and the prostrate forms of large bands of warriors, and of elephants and steeds mangled with shafts, looked like the welkin covered with masses of black clouds. Then Drona, desirous of the prosperity of thy sons, having thus crushed the divisions of Satyaki, and Bhima, and Dhananjaya and Subhadra's son and Drupada, and the ruler of the Kasi, and having ground many other heroes in battle, indeed, that high-souled warrior, having achieved these and many other feats, and having, O chief of the Kurus, scorched the world like the Sun himself as he rises at the end of the Yuga, proceeded hence, O monarch, to heaven. That hero possessed of golden car, that grinder of hostile hosts, having achieved mighty feats and slain in thousands the warriors of the Pandava host in battle, hath at last been himself slain by Dhrishtadyumna. Having, in fact, slain more than two Akshauhinis of brave and unreturning warriors, that hero endued with intelligence, at last, attained to the highest state. Indeed, O king, having

achieved the most difficult feats, he hath, at last, been slain by the Pandavas and the Panchalas of cruel deeds. When the preceptor was slain in battle, there arose in the welkin, O monarch, a loud uproar of all creatures, as also of all the troops. Resounding through heaven and earth and the intermediate space and through the cardinal and the subsidiary directions, the loud cry 'O Fie!'--of creatures; was heard. And the gods, the Pitris, and they that were his friends, all beheld that mighty car-warrior, viz., the son of Bharadwaja, thus slain. The Pandavas, having won the victory, uttered leonine shouts. And the earth trembled with those loud shouts of theirs.'"

15:1 The first line of 23 is read with a slight variation in the Bengal text. The words 'nothing could be seen save Drona's arrows' are added here to make the sense clear.

7.8.1

धृतराष्ट्र उवाच
किं कुर्वाणं रणे द्रोणं जघ्नुः पाण्डवसृञ्जयाः
तथा निपुणमस्त्रेषु सर्वशस्त्रभृतामपि

7.8.2

रथभङ्गो बभूवास्य धनुर्वाशीर्यतास्यतः
प्रमत्तो वाभवद्द्रोणस्ततो मृत्युमुपेयिवान्

7.8.3

कथं नु पार्षतस्तात शत्रुभिर्दुष्प्रधर्षणम्
किरन्तमिषुसंघातान्रुक्मपुङ्खाननेकशः

7.8.4

क्षिप्रहस्तं द्विजश्रेष्ठं कृतिनं चित्रयोधिनम्
दूरेषुपातिनं दान्तमस्त्रयुद्धे च पारगम्

7.8.5

पाञ्चालपुत्रो न्यवधीद्दिष्ट्या स वरमच्युतम्
कुर्वाणं दारुणं कर्म रणे यत्तं महारथम्

7.8.6

व्यक्तं दिष्टं हि बलवत्पौरुषादिति मे मतिः
यद्द्रोणो निहतः शूरः पार्षतेन महात्मना

7.8.7

अस्त्रं चतुर्विधं वीरे यस्मिन्नासीत्प्रतिष्ठितम्
तमिष्वस्त्रवराचार्यं द्रोणं शंससि मे हतम्

7.8.8

श्रुत्वा हतं रुक्मरथं वैयाघ्रपरिवारणम्
जातरूपपरिष्कारं नाद्य शोकमपानुदे

7.8.9

न नूनं परदुःखेन कश्चिन्म्रियति संजय
यत्र द्रोणमहं श्रुत्वा हतं जीवामि न म्रिये

7.8.10

अश्मसारमयं नूनं हृदयं सुदृढं मम
यच्छ्रुत्वा निहतं द्रोणं शतधा न विदीर्यते

7.8.11

ब्राह्मे वेदे तथेष्वस्त्रे यमुपासन्गुणार्थिनः
ब्राह्मणा राजपुत्राश्च स कथं मृत्युना हतः

7.8.12

शोषणं सागरस्येव मेरोरिव विसर्पणम्
पतनं भास्करस्येव न मृष्ये द्रोणपातनम्

7.8.13

दृप्तानां प्रतिषेद्धासीद्धार्मिकानां च रक्षिता
योऽत्याक्षीत्कृपणस्यार्थे प्राणानपि परंतपः

7.8.14

मन्दानां मम पुत्राणां जयाशा यस्य विक्रमे
बृहस्पत्युशनस्तुल्यो बुद्ध्या स निहतः कथम्

7.8.15

ते च शोणा बृहन्तोऽश्वाः सैन्धवा हेममालिनः
रथे वातजवा युक्ताः सर्वशब्दातिगा रणे

7.8.16

बलिनो घोषिणो दान्ताः सैन्धवाः साधुवाहिनः
दृढाः संग्राममध्येषु कच्चिदासन्न विह्वलाः

7.8.17

करिणां बृंहतां युद्धे शङ्खदुन्दुभिनिस्वनम्
ज्याक्षेपशरवर्षाणां शस्त्राणां च सहिष्णवः

7.8.18

आशंसन्तः पराञ्जेतुं जितश्वासा जितव्यथाः
हयाः प्रजविताः शीघ्रा भारद्वाजरथोद्वहाः

7.8.19

ते स्म रुक्मरथे युक्ता नरवीरसमाहिताः
कथं नाभ्यतरंस्तात पाण्डवानामनीकिनीम्

7.8.20

जातरूपपरिष्कारमास्थाय रथमुत्तमम्
भारद्वाजः किमकरोच्छूरः संक्रन्दनो युधि

7.8.21

विद्यां यस्योपजीवन्ति सर्वलोकधनुर्भृतः
स सत्यसंधो बलवान्द्रोणः किमकरोद्युधि

7.8.22

दिवि शक्रमिव श्रेष्ठं महामात्रं धनुर्भृताम्
के नु तं रौद्रकर्माणं युद्धे प्रत्युद्ययू रथाः

7.8.23

ननु रुक्मरथं दृष्ट्वा प्रद्रवन्ति स्म पाण्डवाः
दिव्यमस्त्रं विकुर्वाणं सेनां क्षिण्वन्तमव्ययम्

7.8.24

उताहो सर्वसैन्येन धर्मराजः सहानुजः
पाञ्चाल्यप्रग्रहो द्रोणं सर्वतः समवारयत्

7.8.25

नूनमावारयत्पार्थो रथिनोऽन्यानजिह्मगैः
ततो द्रोणं समारोहत्पार्षतः पापकर्मकृत्

7.8.26

न ह्यन्यं परिपश्यामि वधे कंचन शुष्मिणः
धृष्टद्युम्नादृते रौद्रात्पाल्यमानात्किरीटिना

7.8.27

तैर्वृतः सर्वतः शूरैः पाञ्चाल्यापसदस्ततः
केकयैश्चेदिकारूषैर्मत्स्यैरन्यैश्च भूमिपैः

7.8.28

व्याकुलीकृतमाचार्यं पिपीलैरुरगं यथा
कर्मण्यसुकरे सक्तं जघानेति मतिर्मम

7.8.29

योऽधीत्य चतुरो वेदान्सर्वानाख्यानपञ्चमान्
ब्राह्मणानां प्रतिष्ठासीत्स्रोतसामिव सागरः
स कथं ब्राह्मणो वृद्धः शस्त्रेण वधमाप्तवान्

7.8.30

अमर्षणो मर्षितवान्क्लिश्यमानः सदा मया
अनर्हमाणः कौन्तेयः कर्मणस्तस्य तत्फलम्

7.8.31

यस्य कर्मानुजीवन्ति लोके सर्वधनुर्भृतः
स सत्यसंधः सुकृती श्रीकामैर्निहतः कथम्

7.8.32

दिवि शक्र इव श्रेष्ठो महासत्त्वो महाबलः
स कथं निहतः पार्थैः क्षुद्रमत्स्यैर्यथा तिमिः

7.8.33

क्षिप्रहस्तश्च बलवान्दृढधन्वारिमर्दनः
न यस्य जीविताकाङ्क्षी विषयं प्राप्य जीवति

7.8.34

यं द्वौ न जहतः शब्दौ जीवमानं कदाचन
ब्राह्मश्च वेदकामानां ज्याघोषश्च धनुर्भृताम्

7.8.35

नाहं मृष्ये हतं द्रोणं सिंहद्विरदविक्रमम्
कथं संजय दुर्धर्षमनाधृष्ययशोबलम्

7.8.36

केऽरक्षन्दक्षिणं चक्रं सव्यं के च महात्मनः
पुरस्तात्के च वीरस्य युध्यमानस्य संयुगे

7.8.37

के च तत्र तनुं त्यक्त्वा प्रतीपं मृत्युमाव्रजन्
द्रोणस्य समरे वीराः केऽकुर्वन्त परां धृतिम्

7.8.38

एतदार्येण कर्तव्यं कृच्छ्रास्वापत्सु संजय
पराक्रमेद्यथाशक्त्या तच्च तस्मिन्प्रतिष्ठितम्

7.8.39

मुह्यते मे मनस्तात कथा तावन्निवर्त्यताम्
भूयस्तु लब्धसंज्ञस्त्वा परिप्रक्ष्यामि संजय

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Dhritarashtra said, 'How did the Pandavas and the Srinjayas slay Drona in battle,--Drona. who was so accomplished in weapons amongst all wielders of arms? Did his car break (in course of the fight)? Did his bow break while he was striking (the foe)? Or, was Drona careless at the time when he met with his death-blow? How, indeed, O child, could Prishata's son, (viz., Dhrishtadyumna) the prince of the Panchalas, slay that hero incapable of being humiliated by enemies, who scattered thick showers of shafts furnished with wings of gold, and who was endued with great lightness of hand, that foremost of Brahmanas, who was accomplished in everything, acquainted with all modes of warfare, capable of shooting his shafts to a great distance, and self-restrained, who was possessed of great skill in the use of weapons and armed with celestial weapons, that mighty warrior, of unfading glory, who was always careful, and who achieved the fiercest feats in battle? It is plain, it seems to me, that destiny is superior to exertion, since even brave Drona hath been slain by the high-souled son of Prishata, that hero in whom were the four kinds of weapons, alas, thou sayest that that Drona, that preceptor in bowmanship, is slain. Hearing of the slaughter of that hero who used to ride his bright car covered with tiger skins and adorned with pure gold. I cannot drive away my grief. Without doubt, O Sanjaya, no one dies of grief caused by another's calamity, since, wretch that I am, I am yet alive although I have heard of Drona's death. Destiny I regard to be all powerful, exertion is fruitless. Surely, my heart, hard as it is, is made of adamant, since it breaketh not into a hundred pieces, although I have heard of Drona's death. He who was waited up-on by Brahmanas and princes desirous of instruction in the Vedas and divination and bowmanship, alas, how could he be taken away by Death? I cannot brook the overthrow of Drona which is even like the drying up of the ocean, or the removal of Meru from its site, or the fall of the Run from the

firmament. He was a restrainer of the wicked and a protector of the righteous. That scorcher of foes who hath given up his life for the wretched Duryodhana, upon whose prowess rested that hope of victory which my wicked sons entertained, who was equal to Vrihaspati or Usanas himself in intelligence, alas, how was he slain? His large steeds of red hue, covered with net of gold, fleet as the wind and incapable of being struck with any weapon in battle, endued with great strength, neighing cheerfully, well-trained and of the Sindhu breed, yoked unto his car and drawing the vehicle excellently, always preserving in the midst of battle, did they become weak and faint? Coolly bearing in battle the roar of elephants, while those huge creatures trumpeted at the blare of conchs and the beat of drums, unmoved by the twang of bows and showers of arrows and other weapons, foreboding the defeat of foes by their very appearance, never drawing long breaths (in consequence of toil), above all fatigue and pain, how were those fleet steeds that drew the car of Bharadwaja's son soon over-powered? Even such were the steeds yoked unto his golden car. Even such were the steeds yoked thereto by that foremost of human heroes. Mounted on his own excellent car decked with pure gold, why, O son, could he not cross the sea of the Pandava army? What feat were achieved in battle by Bharadwaja's son, that warrior who always drew tears from other heroes, and upon whose knowledge (of weapons) all the bowmen of the world rely? Firmly adhering to truth, and endued with great might, what, indeed, did Drona do in battle? Who were those car-warriors that encountered that achiever of fierce deeds, that foremost of all wielders of the bow, that first of heroes, who resembled Sakra himself in heaven? Did the Pandava fly away beholding him of the golden car and of mighty strength who invoked into existence celestial weapons? Or, did king Yudhishthira the just, with his younger brothers, and having the prince of Panchala (Dhrishtadyumna) for his binding chord, 1 attack Drona, surrounding him with his troops on all sides? Verily, Partha must have, with his straight shafts, checked all the other car-warriors, and then Prishata's son of sinful deeds must have surrounded Drona. I do not see any other warrior, save the fierce Dhrishtadyumna protected by Arjuna, who could have compassed the death of that mighty hero? It seems that when those heroes, viz., the Kekayas, the Chedis, the Karushas, the Matsyas, and the other kings, surrounding the preceptor, pressed him exceedingly like ants pressing upon a snake, while he was engaged in some difficult feat, the wretched Dhrishtadyumna must have slain him then. This is what, I think. He who, having studied the four Vedas with their branches and the histories forming the fifth (Veda), became the refuge of the Brahmanas, as the ocean is of rivers, that scorcher of foes, who lived both as a Brahmana and as a Kshatriya, alas, how could that Brahmana, reverend in years, meet with his end at the edge of a

weapon? Of a proud spirit, he was yet often humiliated and had to suffer, pain on my account. However undeserving of it, he yet attained at the hands of Kunti's son, the fruit of his own conduct. 1 He, upon whose feats depend all wielders of bows in the world, alas, how could that hero, firmly adhering to truth and possessed of great skill, be slain by persons desirous of affluence? Foremost in the world like Sakra himself in heaven, of great might and great energy, alas, how could he be slain by the Parthas, like the whale by the smaller fish? He, from whose presence no warrior desirous of victory could ever escape with life, he whom, while alive, these two sounds never left, viz., the sound of the Vedas by those desirous of Vedic lore, and the twang of bows caused by those desirous of skill in bowmanship, he who was never cheerless, alas, that tiger among men, that hero endued with prosperity and never vanquished in battle, that warrior of prowess equal to that of the lion or the elephant, hath been slain. Verily, I cannot bear the idea of his death. How could Prishata's son, in the sight of the foremost of men, slay in battle that invincible warrior whose might was never humiliated and whose fame was never tarnished? Who were they that fought in Drona's van, protecting him, standing by his side? Who proceeded in his rear and obtained that end which is so difficult of attainment? Who were those high-souled warriors that protected the right and the left wheels of Drona? Who were in the van of that hero while he struggled in battle? Who were they that, reckless of their lives on that occasion, met with death which stood face to face with them? Who were those heroes that went in the last journey in Drona's battle? Did any of those Kshatriyas that were assigned for Drona's protection, proving false, abandon that hero in battle? Was he slain by the foe after such desertion and while alone? Drona would never, from fear, show his back in battle, however great the danger. How then was he slain by the foe? Even in great distress, O Sanjaya, an illustrious person should do this, viz., put forth his prowess according to the measure of his might. All this was in Drona; O child, I am losing my senses. Let this discourse be suspended for a while. After regaining my senses I will once more ask thee, O Sanjaya!'"

17:1 Probably, a ready instrument.

18:1 The sense seems to be that having carefully attained Arjuna in arms he has got the fruit of his care and labour in the form of defeat and death at the hands of, or, at least, through, his own pupil.

7.9.1

वैशंपायन उवाच
एवं पृष्ट्वा सूतपुत्रं हृच्छोकेनार्दितो भृशम्
जये निराशः पुत्राणां धृतराष्ट्रोऽपतत्क्षितौ

7.9.2

तं विसंज्ञं निपतितं सिषिचुः परिचारकाः
जलेनात्यर्थशीतेन वीजन्तः पुण्यगन्धिना

7.9.3

पतितं चैनमाज्ञाय समन्ताद्भरतस्त्रियः
परिवव्रुर्महाराजमस्पृशंश्चैव पाणिभिः

7.9.4

उत्थाप्य चैनं शनकै राजानं पृथिवीतलात्
आसनं प्रापयामासुर्बाष्पकण्ठ्यो वराङ्गनाः

7.9.5

आसनं प्राप्य राजा तु मूर्छयाभिपरिप्लुतः
निश्चेष्टोऽतिष्ठत तदा वीज्यमानः समन्ततः

7.9.6

स लब्ध्वा शनकैः संज्ञां वेपमानो महीपतिः
पुनर्गावल्गणिं सूतं पर्यपृच्छद्यथातथम्

7.9.7

यत्तदुद्यन्निवादित्यो ज्योतिषा प्रणुदंस्तमः
आयादजातशत्रुर्वै कस्तं द्रोणादवारयत्

7.9.8

प्रभिन्नमिव मातङ्गं तथा क्रुद्धं तरस्विनम्
आसक्तमनसं दीप्तं प्रतिद्विरदघातिनम्
वाशितासंगमे यद्वदजय्यं प्रतियूथपैः

7.9.9

अति चान्यान्रणे योधान्वीरः पुरुषसत्तमः
यो ह्येको हि महाबाहुर्निर्दहेद्घोरचक्षुषा
कृत्स्नं दुर्योधनबलं धृतिमान्सत्यसंगरः

7.9.10

चक्षुर्हणं जये सक्तमिष्वासवररक्षितम्
दान्तं बहुमतं लोके के शूराः पर्यवारयन्

7.9.11

के दुष्प्रधर्षं राजानमिष्वासवरमच्युतम्
समासेदुर्नरव्याघ्रं कौन्तेयं तत्र मामकाः

7.9.12

तरसैवाभिपत्याथ यो वै द्रोणमुपाद्रवत्
तं भीमसेनमायान्तं के शूराः पर्यवारयन्

7.9.13

यदायाज्जलदप्रख्यो रथः परमवीर्यवान्
पर्जन्य इव बीभत्सुस्तुमुलामशनिं सृजन्

7.9.14

ववर्ष शरवर्षाणि वर्षाणि मघवानिव
इषुसंबाधमाकाशं कुर्वन्कपिवरध्वजः
अवस्फूर्जन्दिशः सर्वास्तलनेमिस्वनेन च

7.9.15

चापविद्युत्प्रभो घोरो रथगुल्मबलाहकः
रथनेमिघोषस्तनितः शरशब्दातिबन्धुरः

7.9.16

रोषनिर्जितजीमूतो मनोऽभिप्रायशीघ्रगः
मर्मातिगो बाणधारस्तुमुलः शोणितोदकः

7.9.17

संप्लावयन्महीं सर्वां मानवैरास्तरंस्तदा
गदानिष्टनितो रौद्रो दुर्योधनकृतोद्यमः

7.9.18

युद्धेऽभ्यषिञ्चद्विजयो गार्ध्रपत्रैः शिलाशितैः
गाण्डीवं धारयन्धीमान्कीदृशं वो मनस्तदा

7.9.19

कच्चिद्गाण्डीवशब्देन न प्रणश्यत वै बलम्
यद्वः स भैरवं कुर्वन्नर्जुनो भृशमभ्यगात्

7.9.20

कच्चिन्नापानुदद्द्रोणादिषुभिर्वो धनंजयः
वातो मेघानिवाविध्यन्प्रवाञ्शरवनानिलः
को हि गाण्डीवधन्वानं नरः सोढुं रणेऽर्हति

7.9.21

यत्सेनाः समकम्पन्त यद्वीरानस्पृशद्भयम्
के तत्र नाजहुर्द्रोणं के क्षुद्राः प्राद्रवन्भयात्

7.9.22

के वा तत्र तनूस्त्यक्त्वा प्रतीपं मृत्युमाव्रजन्
अमानुषाणां जेतारं युद्धेष्वपि धनंजयम्

7.9.23

न च वेगं सिताश्वस्य विशक्ष्यन्तीह मामकाः
गाण्डीवस्य च निर्घोषं प्रावृड्जलदनिस्वनम्

7.9.24

विष्वक्सेनो यस्य यन्ता योद्धा चैव धनंजयः
अशक्यः स रथो जेतुं मन्ये देवासुरैरपि

7.9.25

सुकुमारो युवा शूरो दर्शनीयश्च पाण्डवः
मेधावी निपुणो धीमान्युधि सत्यपराक्रमः

7.9.26

आरावं विपुलं कुर्वन्व्यथयन्सर्वकौरवान्
यदायान्नकुलो धीमान्के शूराः पर्यवारयन्

7.9.27

आशीविष इव क्रुद्धः सहदेवो यदाभ्ययात्
शत्रूणां कदनं कुर्वञ्जेतासौ दुर्जयो युधि

7.9.28

आर्यव्रतममोघेषुं ह्रीमन्तमपराजितम्
द्रोणायाभिमुखं यान्तं के शूराः पर्यवारयन्

7.9.29

यः स सौवीरराजस्य प्रमथ्य महतीं चमूम्
आदत्त महिषीं भोज्यां काम्यां सर्वाङ्गशोभनाम्

7.9.30

सत्यं धृतिश्च शौर्यं च ब्रह्मचर्यं च केवलम्
सर्वाणि युयुधानेऽस्मिन्नित्यानि पुरुषर्षभे

7.9.31

बलिनं सत्यकर्माणमदीनमपराजितम्
वासुदेवसमं युद्धे वासुदेवादनन्तरम्

7.9.32

युक्तं धनंजयप्रेष्ये शूरमाचार्यकर्मणि
पार्थेन सममस्त्रेषु कस्तं द्रोणादवारयत्

7.9.33

वृष्णीनां प्रवरं वीरं शूरं सर्वधनुष्मताम्
रामेण सममस्त्रेषु यशसा विक्रमेण च

7.9.34

सत्यं धृतिर्दमः शौर्यं ब्रह्मचर्यमनुत्तमम्
सात्वते तानि सर्वाणि त्रैलोक्यमिव केशवे

7.9.35

तमेवंगुणसंपन्नं दुर्वारमपि दैवतैः
समासाद्य महेष्वासं के वीराः पर्यवारयन्

7.9.36

पाञ्चालेषूत्तमं शूरमुत्तमाभिजनप्रियम्
नित्यमुत्तमकर्माणमुत्तमौजसमाहवे

7.9.37

युक्तं धनंजयहिते ममानर्थाय चोत्तमम्
यमवैश्रवणादित्यमहेन्द्रवरुणोपमम्

7.9.38

महारथसमाख्यातं द्रोणायोद्यन्तमाहवे
त्यजन्तं तुमुले प्राणान्के शूराः पर्यवारयन्

7.9.39

एकोऽपसृत्य चेदिभ्यः पाण्डवान्यः समाश्रितः
धृष्टकेतुं तमायान्तं द्रोणात्कः समवारयत्

7.9.40

योऽवधीत्केतुमाञ्शूरो राजपुत्रं सुदर्शनम्
अपरान्तगिरिद्वारे कस्तं द्रोणादवारयत्

7.9.41

स्त्रीपूर्वो यो नरव्याघ्रो यः स वेद गुणागुणान्
शिखण्डिनं याज्ञसेनिमम्लानमनसं युधि

7.9.42

देवव्रतस्य समरे हेतुं मृत्योर्महात्मनः
द्रोणायाभिमुखं यान्तं के वीराः पर्यवारयन्

7.9.43

यस्मिन्नभ्यधिका वीरे गुणाः सर्वे धनंजयात्
यस्मिन्नस्त्राणि सत्यं च ब्रह्मचर्यं च नित्यदा

7.9.44

वासुदेवसमं वीर्ये धनंजयसमं बले
तेजसादित्यसदृशं बृहस्पतिसमं मतौ

7.9.45

अभिमन्युं महात्मानं व्यात्ताननमिवान्तकम्
द्रोणायाभिमुखं यान्तं के वीराः पर्यवारयन्

7.9.46

तरुणस्त्वरुणप्रख्यः सौभद्रः परवीरहा
यदाभ्याद्रवत द्रोणं तदासीद्वो मनः कथम्

7.9.47

द्रौपदेया नरव्याघ्राः समुद्रमिव सिन्धवः
यद्द्रोणमाद्रवन्संख्ये के वीरास्तानवारयन्

7.9.48

ये ते द्वादशवर्षाणि क्रीडामुत्सृज्य बालकाः
अस्त्रार्थमवसन्भीष्मे बिभ्रतो व्रतमुत्तमम्

7.9.49

क्षत्रंजयः क्षत्रदेवः क्षत्रधर्मा च मानिनः
धृष्टद्युम्नात्मजा वीराः के तान्द्रोणादवारयन्

7.9.50

शताद्विशिष्टं यं युद्धे समपश्यन्त वृष्णयः
चेकितानं महेष्वासं कस्तं द्रोणादवारयत्

7.9.51

वार्धक्षेमिः कलिङ्गानां यः कन्यामाहरद्युधि
अनाधृष्टिरदीनात्मा कस्तं द्रोणादवारयत्

7.9.52

भ्रातरः पञ्च कैकेया धार्मिकाः सत्यविक्रमाः
इन्द्रगोपकवर्णाश्च रक्तवर्मायुधध्वजाः

7.9.53

मातृष्वसुः सुता वीराः पाण्डवानां जयार्थिनः
तान्द्रोणं हन्तुमायातान्के वीराः पर्यवारयन्

7.9.54

यं योधयन्तो राजानो नाजयन्वारणावते
षण्मासानभिसंरब्धा जिघांसन्तो युधां पतिम्

7.9.55

धनुष्मतां वरं शूरं सत्यसंधं महाबलम्
द्रोणात्कस्तं नरव्याघ्रं युयुत्सुं प्रत्यवारयत्

7.9.56

यः पुत्रं काशिराजस्य वाराणस्यां महारथम्
समरे स्त्रीषु गृध्यन्तं भल्लेनापहरद्रथात्

7.9.57

धृष्टद्युम्नं महेष्वासं पार्थानां मन्त्रधारिणम्
युक्तं दुर्योधनानर्थे सृष्टं द्रोणवधाय च

7.9.58

निर्दहन्तं रणे योधान्दारयन्तं च सर्वशः
द्रोणायाभिमुखं यान्तं के वीराः पर्यवारयन्

7.9.59

उत्सङ्ग इव संवृद्धं द्रुपदस्यास्त्रवित्तमम्
शैखण्डिनं क्षत्रदेवं के तं द्रोणादवारयन्

7.9.60

य इमां पृथिवीं कृत्स्नां चर्मवत्समवेष्टयत्
महता रथवंशेन मुख्यारिघ्नो महारथः

7.9.61

दशाश्वमेधानाजह्रे स्वन्नपानाप्तदक्षिणान्
निरर्गलान्सर्वमेधान्पुत्रवत्पालयन्प्रजाः

7.9.62

पिबन्त्यो दक्षिणां यस्य गङ्गास्रोतः समापिबन्
तावतीर्गा ददौ वीर उशीनरसुतोऽध्वरे

7.9.63

न पूर्वे नापरे चक्रुरिदं केचन मानवाः
इति संचुक्रुशुर्देवाः कृते कर्मणि दुष्करे

7.9.64

पश्यामस्त्रिषु लोकेषु न तं संस्थास्नुचारिषु
जातं वापि जनिष्यं वा द्वितीयं वापि संप्रति

7.9.65

अन्यमौशीनराच्छैब्याद्धुरो वोढारमित्युत
गतिं यस्य न यास्यन्ति मानुषा लोकवासिनः

7.9.66

तस्य नप्तारमायान्तं शैब्यं कः समवारयत्
द्रोणायाभिमुखं यान्तं व्यात्ताननमिवान्तकम्

7.9.67

विराटस्य रथानीकं मत्स्यस्यामित्रघातिनः
प्रेप्सन्तं समरे द्रोणं के वीराः पर्यवारयन्

7.9.68

सद्यो वृकोदराज्जातो महाबलपराक्रमः
मायावी राक्षसो घोरो यस्मान्मम महद्भयम्

7.9.69

पार्थानां जयकामं तं पुत्राणां मम कण्टकम्
घटोत्कचं महाबाहुं कस्तं द्रोणादवारयत्

7.9.70

एते चान्ये च बहवो येषामर्थाय संजय
त्यक्तारः संयुगे प्राणान्किं तेषामजितं युधि

7.9.71

येषां च पुरुषव्याघ्रः शार्ङ्गधन्वा व्यपाश्रयः
हितार्थी चापि पार्थानां कथं तेषां पराजयः

7.9.72

लोकानां गुरुरत्यन्तं लोकनाथः सनातनः
नारायणो रणे नाथो दिव्यो दिव्यात्मवान्प्रभुः

7.9.73

यस्य दिव्यानि कर्माणि प्रवदन्ति मनीषिणः
तान्यहं कीर्तयिष्यामि भक्त्या स्थैर्यार्थमात्मनः

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Vaisampayana said, 'Having addressed the Suta's son in this way, Dhritarashtra, afflicted with excessive grief of heart and hopeless of his

son's victory, fell down on the ground. Beholding him deprived of his senses and fallen down, his attendants sprinkled him with perfumed and cold water, fanning him the while. Seeing him fallen, the Bharata ladies O king, surrounded him on all sides and gently rubbed him with their hands. And slowly raising the king from the ground, those royal ladies, their voices chocked with tears, seated him on his seat. Seated, the King continued to be under the influence of that swoon. And he remained perfectly motionless, while they fanned him standing around. And a tremour then passed over the monarch's body and he slowly regained his senses. And once more he began to interrogate Gavalgana's son of the Suta caste about the incidents, as they occured in the battle.'

"Dhritarashtra said, [That Ajatasatru] who, like the risen sun, dispelleth darkness by his own light; who rusheth against a foe as a swift and angry elephant with rent temples, incapable of being vanquished by hostile leaders of herds, rusheth against a rival proceeding with cheerful face towards a female of the species in rust, O, what warriors (of my army) resisted that Ajatasatru as he came, for keeping him away from Drona? 1 That hero, that foremost of persons, who hath slain many brave warriors (of my army) in battle, that mighty-armed and intelligent and courageous prince of unbaffled prowess, who, unassisted by any one, can consume the entire host of Duryodhana by means of his terrible glances alone, that slayer by his sight, that one bent on winning victory, that bowman, that hero of unfading glory, that self-restrained monarch who is revered by the whole world, O, who were those heroes (of my army) that surrounded that warrior? 2 That invincible prince, that bowman of unfading glory, that tiger among men, that son of Kunti, who advancing with great celerity came upon Drona, that mighty warrior who always achieves grand feats against the foe, that hero of gigantic fame and great courage, who in strength is equal to ten thousand elephants, O, what brave combatants of my army surrounded that Bhimasena as he rushed upon my host? When that car-warrior of exceeding energy, viz., Vibhatsu, looking like a mass of clouds, came, emitting thunderbolts like the clouds themselves, shooting showers of arrows like Indra pouring rain, and making all the points of the compass resound with the slaps of his palms and the rattle of his car-wheels, when that hero whose bow was like the lightning's flash and whose car resembled a cloud having for its roars the rattle of its wheels (when that hero came) the whizz of whose arrows made him exceedingly fierce, whose wrath resembles an awful cloud, and who is fleet as the mind or the tempest, who always pierces the foe deep into his very vitals, who, armed with shafts, is terrible to look at, who like Death himself bathes all the points of the compass with human blood in profusion, and who, with fierce

uproar and awful visage, wielding the bow Gandiva incessantly pours on my warriors headed by Duryodhana shafts whetted on stone and furnished with vultures' feathers, alas, when that hero of great intelligence came upon you, what became the state of your mind? When that warrior having the huge ape on his banner came, obstructing the welkin with dense showers of arrows, what became that state of your mind at sight of that Partha? Did Arjuna advance upon you, slaying your troops with the twang of the Gandiva and achieving fierce feats on the way? Did Duryodhana take, with his shafts, your lives, like the tempest destroying gathering masses of clouds or felling forests of reeds, blowing through them? What man is there that is capable of bearing in battle the wielder of the Gandiva? Hearing only that he is stationed at the head of the (hostile) force, the heart of every foe seems to rend in twain. In that battle in which the troops trembled and even heroes were struck with fear, who were they that did not desert Drona, and who were those cowards that abandoned him from fear? Who were they that, reckless of their lives met Death himself, standing face to face with them, in the shape of Dhananjaya, who hath vanquished even superhuman combatants in battle? My troops are incapable of bearing the impetus of that warrior having white steeds yoked unto his car and the twang of Gandiva, that resembles the roll of the very clouds. That car which has Vishnu himself for its driver and Dhananjaya for its warrior, that car I regard to be incapable of being vanquished by the very gods and the Asuras united together. Delicate, young, and brave, and of a very handsome countenance, that son of Pandu who is gifted with intelligence and skill and wisdom and whose prowess incapable of being baffled in battle, when Nakula with loud noise and afflicting all hostile warriors, rushed at Drona, what heroes (of my army) surrounded him? When Sahadeva who resembles an angry snake of virulent poison, when that hero owning white steeds and invincible in battle, observant of laudable vows, incapable of being baffled in his purposes, gifted with modesty, and never vanquished in fight, came upon us, what heroes (of our army) surrounded him? That warrior who, having crushed the mighty host of the Sauvira king, took for his wife the beautiful Bhoja maiden of symmetrical limbs, that bull among men, viz., Yuyudhana, in whom are always truth and firmness and bravery and Brahmacharya, that warrior gifted with great might, always practising truth, never cheerless, never vanquished, who in battle is equal to Vasudeva and is regarded as his second self, who, through Dhananjaya's instructions, hath become foremost in the use of arrows, and who is equal to Partha himself in weapons, O, what warrior (of my army) resisted that Satyaki, for keeping him away from Drona? The foremost hero among the Vrishnis, exceedingly brave among all bowmen, equal to Rama himself in (knowledge and the use of) weapons and in prowess and fame, (know, O Sanjaya, that) truth and firmness, intelligence and heroism, and knowledge of Brahma, and high weapons, are all in him (Satyaki) of the Satwata race, as the three worlds are in Kesava. What heroes (of my

army), approaching that mighty bowman, Satyaki, possessed of all those accomplishments and incapable of being resisted by the very gods, surrounded him? The foremost among the Panchalas, possessed of heroism, high-born and the favourite of all high-born heroes, ever achieving good deeds in battle, viz., Uttamaujas, that Prince ever engaged in the welfare of Arjuna, born for only my evil, equal unto Yama, or Vaisaravana, or Aditya, or Mahendra, or Varuna, that prince regarded as a mighty car-warrior and prepared to lay down his life in the thick of battle, O, what heroes (of my army) surrounded him? Who (amongst my warriors) opposed Dhrishtaketu, that single warrior amongst the Chedis who, deserting them, hath embraced the side of the Pandavas, while he rushed upon Drona? Who resisted the heroic Ketumat for keeping him away from Drona, the brave Ketumat who slew prince Durjaya while the latter had taken shelter in Girivraja? What heroes (of my army) surrounded Sikhandin, that tiger among men, who knows the merits and demerits (in his own person) of manhood and femininity, that son of Yajnasena, who is always cheerful in battle, that hero who became the cause of the high-souled Bhishma's death in battle, when he rushed towards Drona? That foremost hero of the Vrishni race, that chief of all bowmen, that brave warrior in whom all accomplishments exist in a greater degree than in Dhananajaya himself, in whom are ever weapons and truth and Brahmacharya, who is equal to Vasudeva in energy and Dhananjaya in strength, who in splendour is equal to Aditya and in intelligence to Vrihaspati, viz., the high-souled Abhimanyu, resembling Death himself with wide-open mouth, O what heroes (of my army) surrounded him when he rushed towards Drona? That youth of vigorous understanding, that slayer of hostile heroes, viz., Subhadra's son, O, when he rushed towards Drona, what became the state of your mind? What heroes surrounded those tigers among men, viz., the sons of Draupadi, when they rushed in battle against Drona like rivers rushing towards the sea? Those children who, giving up all (childish) sports for twelve years, and observing excellent vows, waited upon Bhishma for the sake of weapons, those children, viz., Kshatranjaya and Kshatradeva and Kshatravarman and Manada, those heroic sons of Dhrishtadyumna, O, who resisted them, seeking to keep them away from Drona? He whom the Vrishnis regarded as superior in battle to a hundred car-warriors, O, who resisted that great bowman, viz., Chekitana, for keeping him away from Drona? Those five Kekaya brothers, virtuous and possessed of prowess, incapable of being baffled, resembling (in hue) the insects called Indragopakas, with red coats of mail, red weapons and red banners, those heroes that are the maternal cousins of the Pandavas and that always wish for victory unto the latter, O, what heroes (of my army) surrounded those valiant princes when they rushed towards Drona for slaying him? That lord of battle, that foremost of bowmen, that hero of unbaffled aim and great strength, that tiger among men, viz., Yuyutsu, whom many wrathful kings battling together for six months at Varanavata from desire of slaying him could not vanquish, and who in battle at

[paragraph continues] Varanasi overthrew with a broad-headed arrow that mighty car-warrior, viz., the prince of Kasi, desirous of seizing (at a Swayamvara) a maiden for wife, O, what hero (of my army) resisted him? That mighty bowman, viz., Dhrishtadyumna, who is the chief counsellor of the Pandavas, who is engaged in doing evil to Duryodhana, who was created for Drona's destruction, O, what heroes (of my army) surrounded him when he came towards Drona, breaking through all my ranks and consuming all my warriors in battle? That foremost of all persons conversant with weapons, who has been reared almost on Drupada's lap, O, what warriors (of my army) surrounded that Sikhandin protected by (Arjuna's) weapons, for keeping him away from Drona? He who encompassed this earth by the loud rattle of his car as by a leathern belt, that mighty car-warrior and foremost of all slayers of foes, who, as (a substitute for) all sacrifices, performed, without hindrance, ten Horse sacrifices with excellent food and drink and gifts in profusion, who ruled his subjects as if they were his children, that Usinara's son who in sacrifices gave away kine countless as the grains of sand in the Ganga's stream, whose feat none amongst men have been or will ever be able to imitate, after the performance of whose difficult feats the very gods had cried out, saying, 'We do not see in the three worlds with their mobile and immobile creatures a second person other than Usinara's son who, was, has ever been, or will ever be born, who hath attained to regions (in after-life) which are unattainable by human beings, O, who (amongst my army) resisted that Saivya, that grandson of that Usinara's son, while he came upon (Drona)? What heroes (of my army) surrounded the car-division of that slayer of foes, viz.. Virata, the king of the Matsyas, while it reached Drona in battle? Who kept away from Drona the gigantic Ghatotkacha, that thorn (on the side), of my sons, that warrior who always wishes victory unto the Pandavas, that heroic Rakshasa, possessed of extensive powers of illusion, endued with great strength and great prowess, and born of Bhima in course of a single day, and of whom I entertain very great fears? 1 What, O Srinjaya, can remain unconquered by them for whose sake these and many others are prepared to Jay down their lives in battle? How can the sons of Pritha meet with defeat, they, viz., that have the greatest of all beings, the wielder of the bow called Sarnga, for their refuge and benefactor? Vasudeva is, indeed, the great Master of all the worlds, the Lord of all, and Eternal! Of celestial soul and infinite power, Narayana is the refuge of men in battle. The wise recite his celestial feats. I also will recite them with devotion, for recovering my firmness!'"

19:1 This sentence comprises 7. 8 and the first line of 9. I have followed the exact order of the original. The peculiarity of the Sanskrit construction is that the Nominative Pronoun is made to stand in apposition with a noun in the objective case. The whole of this Section contains many such sentences.

19:2 10 and 11 also refer to Ajatasatru.

22:1 Ghatotkacha was the son of Hidimva by Bhimasena. Rakshasi women bring forth the very day they conceive, and their offspring attain to youth the very day they are born!

7.10.1

धृतराष्ट्र उवाच
शृणु दिव्यानि कर्माणि वासुदेवस्य संजय
कृतवान्यानि गोविन्दो यथा नान्यः पुमान्क्वचित्

7.10.2

संवर्धता गोपकुले बालेनैव महात्मना
विख्यापितं बलं बाह्वोस्त्रिषु लोकेषु संजय

7.10.3

उच्चैःश्रवस्तुल्यबलं वायुवेगसमं जवे
जघान हयराजं यो यमुनावनवासिनम्

7.10.4

दानवं घोरकर्माणं गवां मृत्युमिवोत्थितम्
वृषरूपधरं बाल्ये भुजाभ्यां निजघान ह

7.10.5

प्रलम्बं नरकं जम्भं पीठं चापि महासुरम्
मुरुं चाचलसंकाशमवधीत्पुष्करेक्षणः

7.10.6

तथा कंसो महातेजा जरासंधेन पालितः
विक्रमेणैव कृष्णेन सगणः शातितो रणे

7.10.7

सुनामा नाम विक्रान्तः समग्राक्षौहिणीपतिः
भोजराजस्य मध्यस्थो भ्राता कंसस्य वीर्यवान्

7.10.8

बलदेवद्वितीयेन कृष्णेनामित्रघातिना
तरस्वी समरे दग्धः ससैन्यः शूरसेनराट्

7.10.9

दुर्वासा नाम विप्रर्षिस्तथा परमकोपनः
आराधितः सदारेण स चास्मै प्रददौ वरान्

7.10.10

तथा गान्धारराजस्य सुतां वीरः स्वयंवरे
निर्जित्य पृथिवीपालानवहत्पुष्करेक्षणः

7.10.11

अमृष्यमाणा राजानो यस्य जात्या हया इव
रथे वैवाहिके युक्ताः प्रतोदेन कृतव्रणाः

7.10.12

जरासंधं महाबाहुमुपायेन जनार्दनः
परेण घातयामास पृथगक्षौहिणीपतिम्

7.10.13

चेदिराजं च विक्रान्तं राजसेनापतिं बली
अर्घे विवदमानं च जघान पशुवत्तदा

7.10.14

सौभं दैत्यपुरं स्वस्थं शाल्वगुप्तं दुरासदम्
समुद्रकुक्षौ विक्रम्य पातयामास माधवः

7.10.15

अङ्गान्वङ्गान्कलिङ्गांश्च मागधान्काशिकोसलान्
वत्सगर्गकरूषांश्च पुण्ड्रांश्चाप्यजयद्रणे

7.10.16

आवन्त्यान्दाक्षिणात्यांश्च पार्वतीयान्दशेरकान्
काश्मीरकानौरसकान्पिशाचांश्च समन्दरान्

7.10.17

काम्बोजान्वाटधानांश्च चोलान्पाण्ड्यांश्च संजय
त्रिगर्तान्मालवांश्चैव दरदांश्च सुदुर्जयान्

7.10.18

नानादिग्भ्यश्च संप्राप्तान्व्रातानश्वशकान्प्रति
जितवान्पुण्डरीकाक्षो यवनांश्च सहानुगान्

7.10.19

प्रविश्य मकरावासं यादोभिरभिसंवृतम्
जिगाय वरुणं युद्धे सलिलान्तर्गतं पुरा

7.10.20

युधि पञ्चजनं हत्वा पातालतलवासिनम्
पाञ्चजन्यं हृषीकेशो दिव्यं शङ्खमवाप्तवान्

7.10.21

खाण्डवे पार्थसहितस्तोषयित्वा हुताशनम्
आग्नेयमस्त्रं दुर्धर्षं चक्रं लेभे महाबलः

7.10.22

वैनतेयं समारुह्य त्रासयित्वामरावतीम्
महेन्द्रभवनाद्वीरः पारिजातमुपानयत्

7.10.23

तच्च मर्षितवाञ्शक्रो जानंस्तस्य पराक्रमम्
राज्ञां चाप्यजितं कंचित्कृष्णेनेह न शुश्रुम

7.10.24

यच्च तन्महदाश्चर्यं सभायां मम संजय
कृतवान्पुण्डरीकाक्षः कस्तदन्य इहार्हति

7.10.25

यच्च भक्त्या प्रपन्नोऽहमद्राक्षं कृष्णमीश्वरम्
तन्मे सुविदितं सर्वं प्रत्यक्षमिव चागमत्

7.10.26

नान्तो विक्रमयुक्तस्य बुद्ध्या युक्तस्य वा पुनः
कर्मणः शक्यते गन्तुं हृषीकेशस्य संजय

7.10.27

तथा गदश्च साम्बश्च प्रद्युम्नोऽथ विदूरथः
आगावहोऽनिरुद्धश्च चारुदेष्णश्च सारणः

7.10.28

उल्मुको निशठश्चैव झल्ली बभ्रुश्च वीर्यवान्
पृथुश्च विपृथुश्चैव समीकोऽथारिमेजयः

7.10.29

एते वै बलवन्तश्च वृष्णिवीराः प्रहारिणः
कथंचित्पाण्डवानीकं श्रयेयुः समरे स्थिताः

7.10.30

आहूता वृष्णिवीरेण केशवेन महात्मना
ततः संशयितं सर्वं भवेदिति मतिर्मम

7.10.31

नागायुतबलो वीरः कैलासशिखरोपमः
वनमाली हली रामस्तत्र यत्र जनार्दनः

7.10.32

यमाहुः सर्वपितरं वासुदेवं द्विजातयः
अपि वा ह्येष पाण्डूनां योत्स्यतेऽर्थाय संजय

7.10.33

स यदा तात संनह्येत्पाण्डवार्थाय केशवः
न तदा प्रत्यनीकेषु भविता तस्य कश्चन

7.10.34

यदि स्म कुरवः सर्वे जयेयुः सर्वपाण्डवान्
वार्ष्णेयोऽर्थाय तेषां वै गृह्णीयाच्छस्त्रमुत्तमम्

7.10.35

ततः सर्वान्नरव्याघ्रो हत्वा नरपतीन्रणे
कौरवांश्च महाबाहुः कुन्त्यै दद्यात्स मेदिनीम्

7.10.36

यस्य यन्ता हृषीकेशो योद्धा यस्य धनंजयः
रथस्य तस्य कः संख्ये प्रत्यनीको भवेद्रथः

7.10.37

न केनचिदुपायेन कुरूणां दृश्यते जयः
तस्मान्मे सर्वमाचक्ष्व यथा युद्धमवर्तत

7.10.38

अर्जुनः केशवस्यात्मा कृष्णोऽप्यात्मा किरीटिनः
अर्जुने विजयो नित्यं कृष्णे कीर्तिश्च शाश्वती

7.10.39

प्राधान्येन हि भूयिष्ठममेयाः केशवे गुणाः
मोहाद्दुर्योधनः कृष्णं यन्न वेत्तीह माधवम्

7.10.40

मोहितो दैवयोगेन मृत्युपाशपुरस्कृतः
न वेद कृष्णं दाशार्हमर्जुनं चैव पाण्डवम्

7.10.41

पूर्वदेवौ महात्मानौ नरनारायणावुभौ
एकात्मानौ द्विधाभूतौ दृश्येते मानवैर्भुवि

7.10.42

मनसापि हि दुर्धर्षौ सेनामेतां यशस्विनौ
नाशयेतामिहेच्छन्तौ मानुषत्वात्तु नेच्छतः

7.10.43

युगस्येव विपर्यासो लोकानामिव मोहनम्
भीष्मस्य च वधस्तात द्रोणस्य च महात्मनः

7.10.44

न ह्येव ब्रह्मचर्येण न वेदाध्ययनेन च
न क्रियाभिर्न शस्त्रेण मृत्योः कश्चिद्विमुच्यते

7.10.45

लोकसंभावितौ वीरौ कृतास्त्रौ युद्धदुर्मदौ
भीष्मद्रोणौ हतौ श्रुत्वा किं नु जीवामि संजय

7.10.46

यां तां श्रियमसूयामः पुरा यातां युधिष्ठिरे
अद्य तामनुजानीमो भीष्मद्रोणवधेन च

7.10.47

तथा च मत्कृते प्राप्तः कुरूणामेष संक्षयः
पक्वानां हि वधे सूत वज्रायन्ते तृणान्यपि

7.10.48

अनन्यमिदमैश्वर्यं लोके प्राप्तो युधिष्ठिरः
यस्य कोपान्महेष्वासौ भीष्मद्रोणौ निपातितौ

7.10.49

प्राप्तः प्रकृतितो धर्मो नाधर्मो मानवान्प्रति
क्रूरः सर्वविनाशाय कालः समतिवर्तते

7.10.50

अन्यथा चिन्तिता ह्यर्था नरैस्तात मनस्विभिः
अन्यथैव हि गच्छन्ति दैवादिति मतिर्मम

7.10.51

तस्मादपरिहार्येऽर्थे संप्राप्ते कृच्छ्र उत्तमे
अपारणीये दुश्चिन्त्ये यथाभूतं प्रचक्ष्व मे

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Dhritarashtra said, 'Hear, O Sanjaya, the celestial feats of Vasudeva, feats that Govinda achieved and the like of which no other person hath ever been able to achieve. Whilst being brought up, O Sanjaya, in the family of the cowherd (Nanda), that high-souled one, while yet a boy, made the might of his arms known to the three worlds. Even then he slew Hayaraja, living in the woods (on the shores) of the Yamuna, who was equal to (the celestial steed) Uchchaisravas in strength and the wind itself in speed. 1 In childhood, he also slew with his two bare arms, the Danava, in the form of a bull, of terrible deeds, and risen like Death himself unto all the kine. Of eyes like the lotus petals, he also slew the mighty Asuras named Pralamva, and Naraka, and Jambha, and Pitha, as also Mura, that terror of the celestials. And so also Kansa of mighty energy, who was, besides, protected by Jarasandha, was, with all his followers, slain in battle by Krishna aided by his prowess alone. 2 With Valadeva as his second, that slayer of foes, viz., Krishna, consumed in battle, with all his troops, the king of the Surasenas, viz., Sunaman, of great activity and prowess in battle, the lord of a full Akshauhini, and the valiant second brother of Kansa, the king of the Bhojas. The highly wrathful regenerate Rishi (gratified with the adoration) gave him boons. 3 Of eyes like the lotus petals, and endued with great bravery, Krishna, vanquishing all the kings at a self-choice, bore away the daughter of the king of the Gandharas. Those angry kings, as if they were horses by birth, were yoked unto his nuptial car and were lacerated with the whip. The mighty-armed Janardana also caused Jarasandha, the lord of a full Akshauhini of troops, to be slain through the instrumentality of another. 4 The mighty Krishna also slew the valiant king of Chedis, that leader of kings, as if he were some animal, on the occasion of the latter's disputing about the Arghya. Putting forth his prowess, Madhava hurled unto the sea the Daitya city called Saubha, (moving) in the skies, protected by Salwa, and regarded as impregnable. The Angas, the Vangas, the Kalingas, the Magadhas, the Kasis, the Kosalas, the Vatsyas, the Gargyas, the Karushas and the Paundras,--all these he vanquished in battle. The Avantis, the Southerners, the Mountaineers, the Daserakas, the Kasmirakas, the Aurasikas, the Pisachas, the Samudgalas, the Kamvojas, the Vatadhanas, the Cholas, the Pandyas, O Sanjaya, the Trigartas, the Malavas, the Daradas difficult of being vanquished, the Khasas arrived from diverse realms, as also the Sakas, and the Yavanas with followers, were all vanquished by him of eyes like

lotus-petals. In days of old, penetrating into the very sea, he vanquished in battle Varuna himself in those watery depths, surrounded by all kinds of aquatic animals. Slaying in battle (the Danava named) Panchajanya living in the depths of Patala, Hrishikesa obtained the celestial conch called Panchajanya. The mighty Kesava, accompanied by Partha, having gratified Agni at Khandava, obtained his invincible weapon of fire, viz., his discus (called Sudarsana). Riding on Vinata's son and frightening (the denizens of) Amaravati, the heroic Krishna brought from Mahendra himself (the celestial flower called) Parijata. Knowing Krishna's prowess, Sakra quietly bore that act. 1 We have never heard that there is any one among the kings who has not been vanquished by Krishna. That exceedingly wonderful feat also, O Sanjaya, which the lotus-eyed one performed in my court, who else is capable of performing it? And since, humbled by devotion, I was suffered to behold Krishna as the Supreme Lord; everything (about that feat) is well-known to me, myself having witnessed it with my own eyes, O Sanjaya, the end can never be seen of the (infinite) achievements of Hrishikesa. of great energy and great intelligence. Gada, and Samva, and Pradyumna, and Viduratha, and Charudeshna, and Sarana, and Ulmukha, and Nisatha, and the valiant Jhilivabhru, and Prithu, and Viprithu, and Samika, and Arimejaya,--these and other mighty Vrishni heroes, accomplished in smiting, will, standing on the field of battle, take up their position in the Pandava host, when summoned by that Vrishni hero, viz., the high-souled Kesava. Everything (on my side) will then be in great danger. Even this is what I think. And there where Janardana is, there will be the heroic Rama, equal in strength to ten thousand elephants, resembling the Kailasa peak, decked with garlands of wild flowers, and armed with the plough. That Vasudeva, O Sanjaya, whom all the regenerate ones describe as the Father of all, will that Vasudeva fight for the sake of the Pandavas? O son, O Sanjaya, if he puts on his armour for the sake of the Pandavas, there is none amongst us who can be his antagonist. If the Kauravas happen to vanquish the Pandavas, he, of the Vrishni race, will then, for the sake of the latter, take up his mighty weapon. And that tiger among men, that mighty-armed one, slaying then all the kings in battle as also the Kauravas, will give away the whole earth to Kunti's son. What car will advance in battle against that car which has Hrishikesa for its driver and Dhananjaya for its warrior? The Kurus cannot, by any means, gain victory. Tell me, then everything about how the battle took place. Arjuna is Kesava's life and Krishna is always victory; in Krishna is always fame. In all the worlds, Vibhatsu is invincible. In Kesava are infinite merits in excess. The foolish Duryodhana, who doth not know Krishna or Kesava, seems, through Destiny, to have Death's noose before him. Alas, Duryodhana knows not Krishna of Dasarha's race and Arjuna the son of Pandu. These high-souled ones are ancient gods. They are even Nara and Narayana. On earth they

are seen by men as; two separate forms, though in reality they are both possessed but by one soul. With the mind alone, that invincible pair, of world-wide fame, can, if only they wish it, destroy this host. Only, in consequence of their humanity they do not wish it. 1 Like a change of the Yuga, the death of Bhishma, O child, and the slaughter of the high-souled Drona, overturn the senses. Indeed, neither by Brahmacharya, nor by the study of the Vedas, nor by (religious) rites, nor by weapons, can any one prevent death. Hearing of the slaughter of Bhishma and Drona, those heroes accomplished in weapons, respected by all the worlds, and invincible in battle, why O Sanjaya, do I yet live? In consequence of the death of Bhishma and Drona, O Sanjaya, we will henceforth have to live as dependants on that prosperity beholding which in Yudhishthira we had before been so jealous. Indeed, this destruction of the Kurus hath come in consequence only of my acts. O Suta, in killing these that are ripe for destruction, the very straw becomes thunderbolt. That prosperity is without end in this; world which Yudhishthira is about to obtain--Yudhishthira through whose wrath both Bhishma and Drona have fallen. In consequence of his very disposition, hath Righteousness gone over to the side of Yudhishthira, while it is hostile to my son. Alas, time, so cruel, that hath now come for the destruction of all, cannot be overcome. Things calculated in one way, O son, even by men of intelligence, become otherwise through Destiny. This is what I think. Therefore, tell me everything that has taken place during the progress of this unavoidable and dreadful calamity productive of the most sorrowful reflection incapable of being crossed over (by us).'"

23:1 Hayaraja, lit., the prince of steeds. He was an Asura, otherwise called Kesi, in the form of a steed.

23:2 i.e., without weapons of any kind.

23:3 Kaliprasanna Singha, in his Bengali translation, makes a mess of this Sloka.

23:4 Jarasandha, the powerful king of the Magadhas, and the sworn foe of Krishna, was slain by Bhima through Krishna's instigation.

24:1 viz., the transplantation of the Parijata from Amaravati to the earth.

25:1 Though gods, they have taken their births as men, and, they must achieve their objects by human means. It is for this that they do not, by a fiat only of their will, destroy this host.

7.11.1

संजय उवाच
हन्त ते वर्णयिष्यामि सर्वं प्रत्यक्षदर्शिवान्
यथा स न्यपतद्द्रोणः सादितः पाण्डुसृञ्जयैः

7.11.2

सेनापतित्वं संप्राप्य भारद्वाजो महारथः
मध्ये सर्वस्य सैन्यस्य पुत्रं ते वाक्यमब्रवीत्

7.11.3

यत्कौरवाणामृषभादापगेयादनन्तरम्
सेनापत्येन मां राजन्नद्य सत्कृतवानसि

7.11.4

सदृशं कर्मणस्तस्य फलं प्राप्नुहि पार्थिव
करोमि कामं कं तेऽद्य प्रवृणीष्व यमिच्छसि

7.11.5

ततो दुर्योधनश्चिन्त्य कर्णदुःशासनादिभिः
तमथोवाच दुर्धर्षमाचार्यं जयतां वरम्

7.11.6

ददासि चेद्वरं मह्यं जीवग्राहं युधिष्ठिरम्
गृहीत्वा रथिनां श्रेष्ठं मत्समीपमिहानय

7.11.7

ततः कुरूणामाचार्यः श्रुत्वा पुत्रस्य ते वचः
सेनां प्रहर्षयन्सर्वामिदं वचनमब्रवीत्

7.11.8

धन्यः कुन्तीसुतो राजा यस्य ग्रहणमिच्छसि
न वधार्थं सुदुर्धर्ष वरमद्य प्रयाचसि

7.11.9

किमर्थं च नरव्याघ्र न वधं तस्य काङ्क्षसि
नाशंससि क्रियामेतां मत्तो दुर्योधन ध्रुवम्

7.11.10

आहोस्विद्धर्मपुत्रस्य द्वेष्टा तस्य न विद्यते
यदिच्छसि त्वं जीवन्तं कुलं रक्षसि चात्मनि

7.11.11

अथ वा भरतश्रेष्ठ निर्जित्य युधि पाण्डवान्
राज्यांशं प्रतिदत्त्वा च सौभ्रात्रं कर्तुमिच्छसि

7.11.12

धन्यः कुन्तीसुतो राजा सुजाता चास्य धीमतः
अजातशत्रुता सत्या तस्य यत्स्निह्यते भवान्

7.11.13

द्रोणेन त्वेवमुक्तस्य तव पुत्रस्य भारत
सहसा निःसृतो भावो योऽस्य नित्यं प्रवर्तते

7.11.14

नाकारो गूहितुं शक्यो बृहस्पतिसमैरपि
तस्मात्तव सुतो राजन्प्रहृष्टो वाक्यमब्रवीत्

7.11.15

वधे कुन्तीसुतस्याजौ नाचार्य विजयो मम
हते युधिष्ठिरे पार्थो हन्यात्सर्वान्हि नो ध्रुवम्

7.11.16

न च शक्यो रणे सर्वैर्निहन्तुममरैरपि
य एव चैषां शेषः स्यात्स एवास्मान्न शेषयेत्

7.11.17

सत्यप्रतिज्ञे त्वानीते पुनर्द्यूतेन निर्जिते
पुनर्यास्यन्त्यरण्याय कौन्तेयास्तमनुव्रताः

7.11.18

सोऽयं मम जयो व्यक्तं दीर्घकालं भविष्यति
अतो न वधमिच्छामि धर्मराजस्य कर्हिचित्

7.11.19

तस्य जिह्ममभिप्रायं ज्ञात्वा द्रोणोऽर्थतत्त्ववित्
तं वरं सान्तरं तस्मै ददौ संचिन्त्य बुद्धिमान्

7.11.20

द्रोण उवाच
न चेद्युधिष्ठिरं वीर पालयेदर्जुनो युधि
मन्यस्व पाण्डवं ज्येष्ठमानीतं वशमात्मनः

7.11.21

न हि पार्थो रणे शक्यः सेन्द्रैर्देवासुरैरपि
प्रत्युद्यातुमतस्तात नैतदामर्षयाम्यहम्

7.11.22

असंशयं स शिष्यो मे मत्पूर्वश्चास्त्रकर्मणि
तरुणः कीर्तियुक्तश्च एकायनगतश्च सः

7.11.23

अस्त्राणीन्द्राच्च रुद्राच्च भूयांसि समवाप्तवान्
अमर्षितश्च ते राजंस्तेन नामर्षयाम्यहम्

7.11.24

स चापक्रम्यतां युद्धाद्येनोपायेन शक्यते
अपनीते ततः पार्थे धर्मराजो जितस्त्वया

7.11.25

ग्रहणं चेज्जयं तस्य मन्यसे पुरुषर्षभ
एतेन चाभ्युपायेन ध्रुवं ग्रहणमेष्यति

7.11.26

अहं गृहीत्वा राजानं सत्यधर्मपरायणम्
आनयिष्यामि ते राजन्वशमद्य न संशयः

7.11.27

यदि स्थास्यति संग्रामे मुहूर्तमपि मेऽग्रतः
अपनीते नरव्याघ्रे कुन्तीपुत्रे धनंजये

7.11.28

फल्गुनस्य समक्षं तु न हि पार्थो युधिष्ठिरः
ग्रहीतुं समरे शक्यः सेन्द्रैरपि सुरासुरैः

7.11.29

संजय उवाच
सान्तरं तु प्रतिज्ञाते राज्ञो द्रोणेन निग्रहे
गृहीतं तममन्यन्त तव पुत्राः सुबालिशाः

7.11.30

पाण्डवेषु हि सापेक्षं द्रोणं जानाति ते सुतः
ततः प्रतिज्ञास्थैर्यार्थं स मन्त्रो बहुलीकृतः

7.11.31

ततो दुर्योधनेनापि ग्रहणं पाण्डवस्य तत्
सैन्यस्थानेषु सर्वेषु व्याघोषितमरिंदम

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Yes, as I saw everything with my own eyes, I will describe to thee how Drona fell down, slain by the Pandavas and the Srinjayas. Having obtained the command of the troops, that mighty car-warrior, viz., Bharadwaja's son, said these words unto thy son in the midst of all the troops, 'Inasmuch as, O king, thou hast honoured me with the command of the troops immediately after that bull among the Kauravas, viz., the son of the Ocean-going (Ganga), take thou, O Bharata, the adequate fruit of that act of thine. What business of thine shall I now achieve? Ask thou the boon that thou desirest.' Then king Duryodhana having consulted with Karna and Duhsasana and others, said unto the preceptor, that invincible warrior and foremost of all victors, these words, 'If thou

wouldst give me a boon, then, seizing that foremost of car-warriors, viz., Yudhishthira, alive, bring him unto me here.' Then that preceptor of the Kurus, hearing those words of thy son, returned him the following answer, gladdening all the troops therewith, Praised be Kunti's son (Yudhishthira) whose seizing only thou desirest. O thou that art difficult of being vanquished, thou askest not any other boon (one for example) for his slaughter. For what reason, O tiger among men, dost thou not desire his death? Thou art, without doubt, O Duryodhana, not ignorant of policy. Why, therefore, dost thou not allude to Yudhisthira's death? It is a matter of great wonder that king Yudhisthira, the just, hath no enemy desirous of his death. Inasmuch as thou wishest him to be alive, thou (either) seekest to preserve thy race from extinction, or, O chief of the Bharatas, thou, having vanquished the Pandavas in battle, art desirous of establishing brotherly relation (with them) by giving them their kingdom. Auspicious was the birth of that intelligent prince. Truly is he called Ajatasatru (the foeless one), for even thou bearest affection for him.' Thus addressed by Drona, O Bharata, the feeling that is ever present in thy son's breast suddenly made itself known. Not even persons like Vrihaspati can conceal the expressions of their countenance. For this, thy son, O king, filled with joy, said these words, 'By the slaughter of Kunti's son in battle, O preceptor, victory cannot be mine. If Yudhishthira were slain, Partha then, without doubt, would slay all of us. All of them, again, cannot be slain by the very gods. He amongst them that will, in that case, survive, will exterminate us. Yudhishthira, however, is truthful in his promises. If brought hither (alive), vanquished once more at dice, the Pandavas will once more go to the woods, for they are all obedient to Yudhishthira. It is evident that such a victory will be an enduring one. It is for this that I do not, by any means, desire the slaughter of king Yudhishthira the just.' Ascertaining this crooked purpose of Duryodhana, Drona who was conversant with the truths of the science of profit and gifted with great intelligence, reflected a little and gave him the boon circumscribing it in the following way.'

"Drona said, 'If the heroic Arjuna do not protect Yudhishthira in battle, thou mayst think the eldest Pandava as already brought under thy control. As regards Partha, the very gods and the Asuras together headed by Indra, cannot advance against him in battle. It is for this that I dare not do what thou askest me to do. Without doubt, Arjuna is disciple, and I was his first preceptor in arms. He is, however, young, endued with great good fortune, and excessively intent (on the achievement of his purposes). He hath obtained, again, many weapons from Indra and Rudra. He hath besides been provoked by thee. I dare not, therefore, do what thou askest me. Let Arjuna be removed, by whatsoever means that can be done, from the battle. Upon Partha being withdrawn, thou mayst regard king Yudhishthira as already vanquished. Upon his seizure is victory and not upon his slaughter, O bull among men! Even by stratagem, can his seizure be accomplished. Seizing that king devoted to truth and righteousness, I

will, without doubt, O monarch, bring him to thy control this very day, if he stays before me in battle even for a moment, of course, if Dhananjaya, the son of Kunti, that tiger among men, be withdrawn from the field. In Phalguni's presence, however, O king, Yudhishthira is incapable of being taken in battle even by the gods and the Asuras headed by Indra.'

"Sanjaya continued, 'After Drona had promised the king's seizure even under these limitations, thy foolish sons regarded Yudhishthira as already taken. Thy son (Duryodhana) knew Drona's partiality for the Pandavas. In order to make Drona stick to his promise, therefore, he divulged those counsels. Then, O chastiser of foes, the fact of Drona's having promised to seize the (eldest) Pandava was proclaimed by Duryodhana unto all his troops.'"

7.12.1

संजय उवाच
ततस्ते सैनिकाः श्रुत्वा तं युधिष्ठिरनिग्रहम्
सिंहनादरवांश्चक्रुर्बाणशङ्खरवैः सह

7.12.2

तत्तु सर्वं यथा वृत्तं धर्मराजेन भारत
आप्तैराशु परिज्ञातं भारद्वाजचिकीर्षितम्

7.12.3

ततः सर्वान्समानाय्य भ्रातॄन्सैन्यांश्च सर्वशः
अब्रवीद्धर्मराजस्तु धनंजयमिदं वचः

7.12.4

श्रुतं ते पुरुषव्याघ्र द्रोणस्याद्य चिकीर्षितम्
यथा तन्न भवेत्सत्यं तथा नीतिर्विधीयताम्

7.12.5

सान्तरं हि प्रतिज्ञातं द्रोणेनामित्रकर्शन
तच्चान्तरममोघेषौ त्वयि तेन समाहितम्

7.12.6

स त्वमद्य महाबाहो युध्यस्व मदनन्तरम्
यथा दुर्योधनः कामं नेमं द्रोणादवाप्नुयात्

7.12.7

अर्जुन उवाच
यथा मे न वधः कार्य आचार्यस्य कथंचन
तथा तव परित्यागो न मे राजंश्चिकीर्षितः

7.12.8

अप्येवं पाण्डव प्राणानुत्सृजेयमहं युधि
प्रतीयां नाहमाचार्यं त्वां न जह्यां कथंचन

7.12.9

त्वां निगृह्याहवे राजन्धार्तराष्ट्रो यमिच्छति
न स तं जीवलोकेऽस्मिन्कामं प्राप्तः कथंचन

7.12.10

प्रपतेद्द्यौः सनक्षत्रा पृथिवी शकलीभवेत्
न त्वां द्रोणो निगृह्णीयाज्जीवमाने मयि ध्रुवम्

7.12.11

यदि तस्य रणे साह्यं कुरुते वज्रभृत्स्वयम्
देवैर्वा सहितो दैत्यैर्न त्वां प्राप्स्यत्यसौ मृधे

7.12.12

मयि जीवति राजेन्द्र न भयं कर्तुमर्हसि
द्रोणादस्त्रभृतां श्रेष्ठात्सर्वशस्त्रभृतामपि

7.12.13

न स्मराम्यनृतां वाचं न स्मरामि पराजयम्
न स्मरामि प्रतिश्रुत्य किंचिदप्यनपाकृतम्

7.12.14

संजय उवाच
ततः शङ्खाश्च भेर्यश्च मृदङ्गाश्चानकैः सह
प्रावाद्यन्त महाराज पाण्डवानां निवेशने

7.12.15

सिंहनादश्च संजज्ञे पाण्डवानां महात्मनाम्
धनुर्ज्यातलशब्दश्च गगनस्पृक्सुभैरवः

7.12.16

तं श्रुत्वा शङ्खनिर्घोषं पाण्डवस्य महात्मनः
त्वदीयेष्वप्यनीकेषु वादित्राण्यभिजघ्निरे

7.12.17

ततो व्यूढान्यनीकानि तव तेषां च भारत
शनैरुपेयुरन्योन्यं योत्स्यमानानि संयुगे

7.12.18

ततः प्रववृते युद्धं तुमुलं लोमहर्षणम्
पाण्डवानां कुरूणां च द्रोणपाञ्चाल्ययोरपि

7.12.19

यतमानाः प्रयत्नेन द्रोणानीकविशातने
न शेकुः सृञ्जया राजंस्तद्धि द्रोणेन पालितम्

7.12.20

तथैव तव पुत्रस्य रथोदाराः प्रहारिणः
न शेकुः पाण्डवीं सेनां पाल्यमानां किरीटिना

7.12.21

आस्तां ते स्तिमिते सेने रक्ष्यमाणे परस्परम्
संप्रसुप्ते यथा नक्तं वनराज्यौ सुपुष्पिते

7.12.22

ततो रुक्मरथो राजन्नर्केणेव विराजता
वरूथिना विनिष्पत्य व्यचरत्पृतनान्तरे

7.12.23

तमुद्यतं रथेनैकमाशुकारिणमाहवे
अनेकमिव संत्रासान्मेनिरे पाण्डुसृञ्जयाः

7.12.24

तेन मुक्ताः शरा घोरा विचेरुः सर्वतोदिशम्
त्रासयन्तो महाराज पाण्डवेयस्य वाहिनीम्

7.12.25

मध्यं दिनमनुप्राप्तो गभस्तिशतसंवृतः
यथादृश्यत घर्मांशुस्तथा द्रोणोऽप्यदृश्यत

7.12.26

न चैनं पाण्डवेयानां कश्चिच्छक्नोति मारिष
वीक्षितुं समरे क्रुद्धं महेन्द्रमिव दानवाः

7.12.27

मोहयित्वा ततः सैन्यं भारद्वाजः प्रतापवान्
धृष्टद्युम्नबलं तूर्णं व्यधमन्निशितैः शरैः

7.12.28

स दिशः सर्वतो रुद्ध्वा संवृत्य खमजिह्मगैः
पार्षतो यत्र तत्रैव ममृदे पाण्डुवाहिनीम्

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'After Drona had promised the kings seizure under those limitations, thy troops hearing of (that promise about) Yudhishthira's capture, uttered many leonine shouts, mingling them with the whiz of their arrows and the blare of their conchs. King Yudhishthira the just, however, O Bharata, soon learnt in detail, through his spies, everything about the purpose upon which Bharadwaja's son was intent. Then bringing together all his brothers and all the other kings of his army, king Yudhishthira the just addressed Dhananjaya, saying, 'Thou hast heard, O tiger among men, about the intention of Drona. Let such measures, therefore, be adopted as may prevent the accomplishment of that purpose. It is true, Drona, that grinder of foes, hath vowed his pledge, subject to limitations, however, O great bowman, rest on thee. Fight thou, therefore, today, O thou of mighty arms, in my vicinity, so that Duryodhana may not obtain from Drona the fruition of his desire.'

"Arjuna said, 'As the slaughter of my preceptor can never be accomplished by me, so, king, I can never consent to give thee up. O son of Pandu, I would rather yield up my life in battle than fight against my preceptor. This son of Dhritarashtra desireth sovereignty, having seized thee as a captive in battle. In this world he will never obtain the fruition of that desire of his. The firmament itself with its stars may fall down, the Earth herself may split into fragments, yet Drona will, surely, never succeed in seizing thee as long as I am alive. If the wielder of the thunderbolt himself, or Vishnu at the head of the gods, assist him in battle, still he shall not succeed in seizing thee on the field. As long as I am alive, O great king, it behoveth thee not to entertain any fear of Drona, although he is the foremost of all wielders of weapons. I further say unto thee. O monarch,

that my promise never remains unfulfilled. I do not recollect having ever spoken any untruth. I do not recollect having ever been vanquished. I do not recollect having ever, after making a vow, left the least part of it unfulfilled.

"Sanjaya continued, 'Then, O king, conchs and drums and cymbals and smaller drums were sounded and beaten in the Pandava camp. And the high-souled Pandavas uttered many leonine shouts. These and the awful twang of their bow-strings and the slaps of palms reached the very heaven. Hearing that loud blare of conchs that arose from the camp of the mighty sons of Pandu, diverse instruments were sounded amongst thy divisions also. Then thy divisions as also those of theirs were arrayed in order of battle. And slowly they advanced against each other from desire of battle. Then commenced a battle, that was fierce and that made the hairs stand on their ends, between the Pandavas and the Kurus, and Drona and the Panchalas. The Srinjayas, though struggling vigorously, were unable to beat in battle the host of Drona as it was protected by Drona himself. And so also the mighty car-warriors of thy son, skilled in smiting, could not beat the Pandava host, as it was protected by the Diadem-decked (Arjuna). Protected by Drona and Arjuna, both the hosts seemed to stand inactive like two blossoming forests in the silence of the night. Then he, of the golden car, (viz., Drona) like the Sun himself of great splendour, crushing the ranks of the Pandavas, careered through them at will. And the Pandavas, and the Srinjayas, through fear, regarded that single warrior of great activity upon his quickly-moving car as if multiplied into many. Shot by him, terrible shafts coursed in all directions, frightening, O king, the army of Pandu's son. Indeed, Drona then seemed as the Sun himself at mid-day covered by a hundred rays of light. And as the Danavas were unable to look at Indra, so there was not one amongst the Pandavas, who. O monarch, was able to look at the angry son of Bharadwaja in that battle. The valiant son of Bharadwaja then, having confound the (hostile) troops, speedily began to consume the division of Dhrishtadyumna by means of sharp shafts. And covering and obstructing all the points of the compass by means of his straight shafts, he began to crush the Pandava force even there, where Prishata's son was.'"

7.13.1

संजय उवाच
ततः स पाण्डवानीके जनयंस्तुमुलं महत्
व्यचरत्पाण्डवान्द्रोणो दहन्कक्षमिवानलः

7.13.2

निर्दहन्तमनीकानि साक्षादग्निमिवोत्थितम्
दृष्ट्वा रुक्मरथं युद्धे समकम्पन्त सृञ्जयाः

7.13.3

प्रततं चास्यमानस्य धनुषोऽस्याशुकारिणः
ज्याघोषः श्रूयतेऽत्यर्थं विस्फूर्जितमिवाशनेः

7.13.4

रथिनः सादिनश्चैव नागानश्वान्पदातिनः
रौद्रा हस्तवता मुक्ताः प्रमथ्नन्ति स्म सायकाः

7.13.5

नानद्यमानः पर्जन्यः सानिलः शुचिसंक्षये
अश्मवर्षमिवावर्षत्परेषामावहद्भयम्

7.13.6

व्यचरत्स तदा राजन्सेनां विक्षोभयन्प्रभुः
वर्धयामास संत्रासं शात्रवाणाममानुषम्

7.13.7

तस्य विद्युदिवाभ्रेषु चापं हेमपरिष्कृतम्
भ्रमद्रथाम्बुदे तस्मिन्दृश्यते स्म पुनः पुनः

7.13.8

स वीरः सत्यवान्प्राज्ञो धर्मनित्यः सुदारुणः
युगान्तकाले यन्तेव रौद्रां प्रास्कन्दयन्नदीम्

7.13.9

अमर्षवेगप्रभवां क्रव्यादगणसंकुलाम्
बलौघैः सर्वतः पूर्णां वीरवृक्षापहारिणीम्

7.13.10

शोणितोदां रथावर्तां हस्त्यश्वकृतरोधसम्
कवचोडुपसंयुक्तां मांसपङ्कसमाकुलाम्

7.13.11

मेदोमज्जास्थिसिकतामुष्णीषवरफेनिलाम्
संग्रामजलदापूर्णां प्रासमत्स्यसमाकुलाम्

7.13.12

नरनागाश्वसंभूतां शरवेगौघवाहिनीम्
शरीरदारुशृङ्गाटां भुजनागसमाकुलाम्

7.13.13

उत्तमाङ्गोपलतलां निस्त्रिंशझषसेविताम्
रथनागह्रदोपेतां नानाभरणनीरजाम्

7.13.14

महारथशतावर्तां भूमिरेणूर्मिमालिनीम्
महावीर्यवतां संख्ये सुतरां भीरुदुस्तराम्

7.13.15

शूरव्यालसमाकीर्णां प्राणिवाणिजसेविताम्
छिन्नच्छत्रमहाहंसां मुकुटाण्डजसंकुलाम्

7.13.16

चक्रकूर्मां गदानक्रां शरक्षुद्रझषाकुलाम्
बडगृध्रसृगालानां घोरसंघैर्निषेविताम्

7.13.17

निहतान्प्राणिनः संख्ये द्रोणेन बलिना शरैः
वहन्तीं पितृलोकाय शतशो राजसत्तम

7.13.18

शरीरशतसंबाधां केशशैवलशाद्वलाम्
नदीं प्रावर्तयद्राजन्भीरूणां भयवर्धिनीम्

7.13.19

तं जयन्तमनीकानि तानि तान्येव भारत
सर्वतोऽभ्यद्रवन्द्रोणं युधिष्ठिरपुरोगमाः

7.13.20

तानभिद्रवतः शूरांस्तावका दृढकार्मुकाः
सर्वतः प्रत्यगृह्णन्त तदभूल्लोमहर्षणम्

7.13.21

शतमायस्तु शकुनिः सहदेवं समाद्रवत्
सनियन्तृध्वजरथं विव्याध निशितैः शरैः

7.13.22

तस्य माद्रीसुतः केतुं धनुः सूतं हयानपि
नातिक्रुद्धः शरैश्छित्त्वा षष्ट्या विव्याध मातुलम्

7.13.23

सौबलस्तु गदां गृह्य प्रचस्कन्द रथोत्तमात्
स तस्य गदया राजन्रथात्सूतमपातयत्

7.13.24

ततस्तौ विरथौ राजन्गदाहस्तौ महाबलौ
चिक्रीडतू रणे शूरौ सशृङ्गाविव पर्वतौ

7.13.25

द्रोणः पाञ्चालराजानं विद्ध्वा दशभिराशुगैः
बहुभिस्तेन चाभ्यस्तस्तं विव्याध शताधिकैः

7.13.26

विविंशतिं भीमसेनो विंशत्या निशितैः शरैः
विद्ध्वा नाकम्पयद्वीरस्तदद्भुतमिवाभवत्

7.13.27

विविंशतिस्तु सहसा व्यश्वकेतुशरासनम्
भीमं चक्रे महाराज ततः सैन्यान्यपूजयन्

7.13.28

स तन्न ममृषे वीरः शत्रोर्विजयमाहवे
ततोऽस्य गदया दान्तान्हयान्सर्वानपातयत्

7.13.29

शल्यस्तु नकुलं वीरः स्वस्रीयं प्रियमात्मनः
विव्याध प्रहसन्बाणैर्लाडयन्कोपयन्निव

7.13.30

तस्याश्वानातपत्रं च ध्वजं सूतमथो धनुः
निपात्य नकुलः संख्ये शङ्खं दध्मौ प्रतापवान्

7.13.31

धृष्टकेतुः कृपेनास्ताञ्छित्त्वा बहुविधाञ्शरान्
कृपं विव्याध सप्तत्या लक्ष्म चास्याहरत्त्रिभिः

7.13.32

तं कृपः शरवर्षेण महता समवाकिरत्
निवार्य च रणे विप्रो धृष्टकेतुमयोधयत्

7.13.33

सात्यकिः कृतवर्माणं नाराचेन स्तनान्तरे
विद्ध्वा विव्याध सप्तत्या पुनरन्यैः स्मयन्निव

7.13.34

सप्तसप्ततिभिर्भोजस्तं विद्ध्वा निशितैः शरैः
नाकम्पयत शैनेयं शीघ्रो वायुरिवाचलम्

7.13.35

सेनापतिः सुशर्माणं शीघ्रं मर्मस्वताडयत्
स चापि तं तोमरेण जत्रुदेशे अताडयत्

7.13.36

वैकर्तनं तु समरे विराटः प्रत्यवारयत्
सह मत्स्यैर्महावीर्यैस्तदद्भुतमिवाभवत्

7.13.37

तत्पौरुषमभूत्तत्र सूतपुत्रस्य दारुणम्
यत्सैन्यं वारयामास शरैः संनतपर्वभिः

7.13.38

द्रुपदस्तु स्वयं राजा भगदत्तेन संगतः
तयोर्युद्धं महाराज चित्ररूपमिवाभवत्
भूतानां त्रासजननं चक्रातेऽस्त्रविशारदौ

7.13.39

भूरिश्रवा रणे राजन्याज्ञसेनिं महारथम्
महता सायकौघेन छादयामास वीर्यवान्

7.13.40

शिखण्डी तु ततः क्रुद्धः सौमदत्तिं विशां पते
नवत्या सायकानां तु कम्पयामास भारत

7.13.41

राक्षसौ भीमकर्माणौ हैडिम्बालम्बुसावुभौ
चक्रातेऽत्यद्भुतं युद्धं परस्परवधैषिणौ

7.13.42

मायाशतसृजौ दृप्तौ मायाभिरितरेतरम्
अन्तर्हितौ चेरतुस्तौ भृशं विस्मयकारिणौ

7.13.43

चेकितानोऽनुविन्देन युयुधे त्वतिभैरवम्
यथा देवासुरे युद्धे बलशक्रौ महाबलौ

7.13.44

लक्ष्मणः क्षत्रदेवेन विमर्दमकरोद्भृशम्
यथा विष्णुः पुरा राजन्हिरण्याक्षेण संयुगे

7.13.45

ततः प्रजविताश्वेन विधिवत्कल्पितेन च
रथेनाभ्यपतद्राजन्सौभद्रं पौरवो नदन्

7.13.46

ततोऽभियाय त्वरितो युद्धाकाङ्क्षी महाबलः
तेन चक्रे महद्युद्धमभिमन्युररिंदमः

7.13.47

पौरवस्त्वथ सौभद्रं शरव्रातैरवाकिरत्
तस्यार्जुनिर्ध्वजं छत्रं धनुश्चोर्व्यामपातयत्

7.13.48

सौभद्रः पौरवं त्वन्यैर्विद्ध्वा सप्तभिराशुगैः
पञ्चभिस्तस्य विव्याध हयान्सूतं च सायकैः

7.13.49

ततः संहर्षयन्सेनां सिंहवद्विनदन्मुहुः
समादत्तार्जुनिस्तूर्णं पौरवान्तकरं शरम्

7.13.50

द्वाभ्यां शराभ्यां हार्दिक्यश्चकर्त सशरं धनुः
तदुत्सृज्य धनुश्छिन्नं सौभद्रः परवीरहा
उद्बबर्ह सितं खड्गमाददानः शरावरम्

7.13.51

स तेनानेकतारेण चर्मणा कृतहस्तवत्
भ्रान्तासिरचरन्मार्गान्दर्शयन्वीर्यमात्मनः

7.13.52

भ्रामितं पुनरुद्भ्रान्तमाधूतं पुनरुच्छ्रितम्
चर्मनिस्त्रिंशयो राजन्निर्विशेषमदृश्यत

7.13.53

स पौरवरथस्येषामाप्लुत्य सहसा नदन्
पौरवं रथमास्थाय केशपक्षे परामृशत्

7.13.54

जघानास्य पदा सूतमसिनापातयद्ध्वजम्
विक्षोभ्याम्भोनिधिं तार्क्ष्यस्तं नागमिव चाक्षिपत्

7.13.55

तमाकलितकेशान्तं ददृशुः सर्वपार्थिवाः
उक्षाणमिव सिंहेन पात्यमानमचेतनम्

7.13.56

तमार्जुनिवशं प्राप्तं कृष्यमाणमनाथवत्
पौरवं पतितं दृष्ट्वा नामृष्यत जयद्रथः

7.13.57

स बर्हिणमहावाजं किङ्किणीशतजालवत्
चर्म चादाय खड्गं च नदन्पर्यपतद्रथात्

7.13.58

ततः सैन्धवमालोक्य कार्ष्णिरुत्सृज्य पौरवम्
उत्पपात रथात्तूर्णं श्येनवन्निपपात च

7.13.59

प्रासपट्टिशनिस्त्रिंशाञ्शत्रुभिः संप्रवेरितान्
चिच्छेदाथासिना कार्ष्णिश्चर्मणा संरुरोध च

7.13.60

स दर्शयित्वा सैन्यानां स्वबाहुबलमात्मनः
तमुद्यम्य महाखड्गं चर्म चाथ पुनर्बली

7.13.61

वृद्धक्षत्रस्य दायादं पितुरत्यन्तवैरिणम्
ससाराभिमुखः शूरः शार्दूल इव कुञ्जरम्

7.13.62

तौ परस्परमासाद्य खड्गदन्तनखायुधौ
हृष्टवत्संप्रजह्राते व्याघ्रकेसरिणाविव

7.13.63

संपातेष्वभिपातेषु निपातेष्वसिचर्मणोः
न तयोरन्तरं कश्चिद्ददर्श नरसिंहयोः

7.13.64

अवक्षेपोऽसिनिर्ह्रादः शस्त्रान्तरनिदर्शनम्
बाह्यान्तरनिपातश्च निर्विशेषमदृश्यत

7.13.65

बाह्यमाभ्यन्तरं चैव चरन्तौ मार्गमुत्तमम्
ददृशाते महात्मानौ सपक्षाविव पर्वतौ

7.13.66

ततो विक्षिपतः खड्गं सौभद्रस्य यशस्विनः
शरावरणपक्षान्ते प्रजहार जयद्रथः

7.13.67

रुक्मपक्षान्तरे सक्तस्तस्मिंश्चर्मणि भास्वरे
सिन्धुराजबलोद्धूतः सोऽभज्यत महानसिः

7.13.68

भग्नमाज्ञाय निस्त्रिंशमवप्लुत्य पदानि षट्
सोऽदृश्यत निमेषेण स्वरथं पुनरास्थितः

7.13.69

तं कार्ष्णिं समरान्मुक्तमास्थितं रथमुत्तमम्
सहिताः सर्वराजानः परिवव्रुः समन्ततः

7.13.70

ततश्चर्म च खड्गं च समुत्क्षिप्य महाबलः
ननादार्जुनदायादः प्रेक्षमाणो जयद्रथम्

7.13.71

सिन्धुराजं परित्यज्य सौभद्रः परवीरहा
तापयामास तत्सैन्यं भुवनं भास्करो यथा

7.13.72

तस्य सर्वायसीं शक्तिं शल्यः कनकभूषणाम्
चिक्षेप समरे घोरां दीप्तामग्निशिखामिव

7.13.73

तामवप्लुत्य जग्राह सकोशं चाकरोदसिम्
वैनतेयो यथा कार्ष्णिः पतन्तमुरगोत्तमम्

7.13.74

तस्य लाघवमाज्ञाय सत्त्वं चामिततेजसः
सहिताः सर्वराजानः सिंहनादमथानदन्

7.13.75

ततस्तामेव शल्यस्य सौभद्रः परवीरहा
मुमोच भुजवीर्येण वैडूर्यविकृताजिराम्

7.13.76

सा तस्य रथमासाद्य निर्मुक्तभुजगोपमा
जघान सूतं शल्यस्य रथाच्चैनमपातयत्

7.13.77

ततो विराटद्रुपदौ धृष्टकेतुर्युधिष्ठिरः
सात्यकिः केकया भीमो धृष्टद्युम्नशिखण्डिनौ
यमौ च द्रौपदेयाश्च साधु साध्विति चुक्रुशुः

7.13.78

बाणशब्दाश्च विविधाः सिंहनादाश्च पुष्कलाः
प्रादुरासन्हर्षयन्तः सौभद्रमपलायिनम्
तन्नामृष्यन्त पुत्रास्ते शत्रोर्विजयलक्षणम्

7.13.79

अथैनं सहसा सर्वे समन्तान्निशितैः शरैः
अभ्याकिरन्महाराज जलदा इव पर्वतम्

7.13.80

तेषां च प्रियमन्विच्छन्सूतस्य च पराभवात्
आर्तायनिरमित्रघ्नः क्रुद्धः सौभद्रमभ्ययात्

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Then Drona, causing a great confusion in the Pandava host, careered through it, like a conflagration consuming (a forest of) trees. Beholding that angry warrior, owning a golden car, consume their divisions like a raging conflagration, the Srinjayas trembled (in fear). The twang, in that battle, of the constantly stretched bow of that warrior of great activity

was heard to resemble the roar of the thunder. 1 Fierce shafts shot by Drona, endued with great lightness of hand, began to crush car-warriors and horsemen and elephant-warriors and foot soldiers along with elephants and steeds. Showering his arrows as the roaring clouds at the close of summer, assisted by the wind, pour hail-stones, he inspired fear in the hearts of the foe. Coursing (through the hostile ranks), O king, and agitating the troops, the mighty Drona enhanced the unnatural fear entertained by the enemy. The gold-decked bow, on his quickly-moving car, was repeatedly seen to resemble the lightning's flash amid a mass of dark clouds. That hero, firm in truth, endued with wisdom, and always devoted, besides, to righteousness, caused an awful river of angry current, such as may be seen at the end of the Yuga, to flow there. And that river had its source in the impetuosity of Drona's wrath, and it was haunted by crowds of carnivorous creatures. And the combatants constituted the waves that filled its entire surface. And heroic warriors constituted the trees on its banks whose roots were constantly eaten away by its current. And its waters were constituted by the blood that was shed in that battle, and cars constituted its eddies, and elephants and steeds formed its banks. And costs of mail constituted its lilies, and the flesh of creatures the mire on its bed. And the fat, marrow, and bones (of fallen animals and men) formed the sands on its beach, and (fallen) head-gears its froth. And the battle itself that was fought there constituted the canopy above its surface. And lances constituted the fish with which it abounded. And it was inaccessible in consequence of the large number of (slain) men, elephants, and steeds (that fell in it). And the impetus of the shaft shot constituted its current. And the slain bodies themselves constituted the timber floating on it. And cars constituted its tortoises. And heads constituted the stones scattered on its banks and bed, and scimitars, its fish in profusion. And cars and elephants formed its lakes. And it was decked with many adornments. And mighty car-warriors constituted its hundreds of little whirlpools. And the dust of the earth constituted its wavelets. And capable of being easily crossed by those possessed of exceeding energy, it was incapable of being crossed by the timid. And heaps of dead bodies constituted the sand-banks obstructing its navigation. And it was the haunt of Kankas and vultures and other birds of prey. And it carried away thousands of mighty-car-warriors to the abode of Yama. And long spears constituted the snakes that infested it in profusion. And the living combatants constituted the fowls sporting on its waters. 2 Torn umbrellas constituted its large swans. Diadems formed the (smaller) birds that adorned it. Wheels constituted its turtles, and maces its alligators, and arrows its smaller fish. And it was the resort of frightful swarms of crows and vultures and

jackals. And that river, O best of kings, bore away in hundreds, to the region of the Pitris, the creatures that were slain by Drona in battle. Obstructed by hundreds of bodies (floating on it), the hair (of slain warriors and animals) constituted its moss and weeds. Even such was the river, enhancing the fears of the timid, that Drona caused to flow there. 1

"And when Drona was thus grinding the hostile army hither and thither, the Pandava warriors headed by Yudhishthira rushed at that mighty car-warrior from all sides. Then seeing them thus rushing (towards Drona), brave combatants of thy army, possessed of unyielding prowess, rushed from every side. And the battle that thereupon ensued made the hair stand on end. Sakuni, full of a hundred kinds of deceit, rushed towards Sahadeva, and pierced the latter's charioteer, and standard, and car, with many keen-pointed shafts. Sahadeva, however, without being much excited, cutting off Sauvala's standard and bow and car-driver and car, with sharp arrows, pierced Sauvala himself with sixty shafts. Thereupon, Suvala's son, taking up mace, jumped down from his excellent car, and with that mace, O king, he felled Sahadeva's driver from the latter's car. Then these two heroic and mighty warriors, O monarch, both deprived of car, and both armed with mace, sported in battle like two crests of hills. Drona, having pierced the ruler of the Panchalas with ten shafts, was, in return, pierced by the latter with many shafts. And the latter was again pierced by Drona with a larger number of shafts. Bhimasena pierced Vivinsati with sharp arrows. The latter, however, thus pierced, trembled not, which seemed to be highly wonderful. Vivinsati then, O monarch, suddenly deprived Bhimasena of his steeds and standard and bow. And thereupon all the troops worshipped him for that feat. The heroic Bhimasena, however, brooked not that exhibition of prowess by his enemy in battle. With his mace, therefore, he slew the well-trained steeds of Vivinsati. Then the mighty Vivinsati, taking up a shield (and sword) jumped down from that car whose steeds had been slain, and rushed against Bhimasena like an infuriated elephant rushing against an infuriated compeer. The heroic Salya, laughing the while, pierced, as if in dalliance, his own dear nephew, Nakula. with many shafts for angering him. The valiant Nakula, however, cutting off his uncle's steeds and umbrella and standard and charioteer and bow in that battle, blew his conch. Dhrishtaketu, engaged with Kripa, cut off diverse kinds of arrows shot at him by the latter, and then pierced Kripa, with seventy arrows. And then he cut off the device of Kripa's standard with three arrows. Kripa, however, began to oppose him with a thick shower of arrows. And resisting him in this way, the Brahmana fought on with Dhrishtaketu. Satyaki, laughing the while, pierced Kritavarman in the centre of the chest with a long arrow. And piercing him then with seventy

arrows, he once more pierced him with many others. The Bhoja warrior, however, in return, pierced Satyaki with seventy arrows of keen points. Like the swiftly-coursing winds failing to move a mountain, Kritavarman was unable to move Satyaki or make him tremble. Senapati deeply struck Susarman in his vitals. Susarman also struck his antagonist with a lance on the shoulder-joint. Virata, aided by his Matsya warriors of great energy, resisted Vikartana's son in that battle. And that feat (of the Matsya king) seemed highly wonderful. Even this was regarded as an act of great valour on the part of the Suta's son, in that, he singly resisted that whole force by means of his straight shafts. King Drupada was engaged with Bhagadatta. And the battle between those two warriors became beautiful to behold. That bull among men, viz., Bhagadatta, pierced king Drupada and his driver and standard and car with many straight shafts. Then Drupada, excited with wrath, quickly pierced that mighty car-warrior in the chest with a straight shaft. Those two foremost of warriors on earth, viz., Somadatta's son and Sikhandin, both conversant with every weapon, encountered each other in fierce battle that made all creatures tremble with fear. The valiant Bhurisravas, O king, covered that mighty car-warrior, Yajnasena's son Sikhandin, with a thick shower of arrows. Sikhandin, then O monarch, excited with wrath, pierced Somadatta's son with ninety shafts, and caused him, O Bharata, to tremble. Those Rakshasas of fierce deeds, viz., Hidimba's son and Alamvusha, each desirous of vanquishing the other, battled most wonderfully. Both capable of creating a hundred illusions, both swelling with pride, battled with each other most wonderfully, relying on their powers of illusion, and each desirous of vanquishing the other. The fierce Chekitana battled with Anuvinda. They coursed on the field, disappearing at times, and causing great wonder. Lakshmana fought fiercely with Kshatradeva, even as Vishnu, O monarch, in days of old, with the (Asura) Hiranyaksha. With his fleet steeds and upon his car duly equipped, Paurava, O king, roared at Abhimanyu. Endued with great might, Paurava then rushed at Abhimanyu, desirous of battle. Then that chastiser of foes, viz., Abhimanyu fought fiercely with that foe. Paurava covered Subhadra's son with a thick shower of arrows. Thereupon, Arjuna's son felled his antagonist's standard and umbrella and bow on earth. 1 Then piercing Paurava with seven arrows, Subhadra's son pierced the latter's driver and steeds with five arrows. Gladdening his troops thus, he then repeatedly roared like a lion. Then Arjuna's son quickly fixed an arrow on his bow-string that was certain to take away Paurava's life. Beholding however, that arrow of frightful mien fixed on Abhimanyu's bow-string, Haridika's son, with two shafts, cut off that bow and arrow. Then that slayer of hostile heroes, viz., Subhadra's son, throwing aside that broken bow, took up a bright sword and a shield. Whirling with great speed that shield decked with many stars, and whirling that sword

also, he coursed on the field, exhibiting his prowess. Whirling them before him, and whirling them on high, now shaking them and now jumping up himself, from the manner of his handling those weapons, it seemed that (with him) there is no difference between that offensive and that defensive weapons. Jumping suddenly then upon the shafts of Paurava's car, he roared aloud. Mounting next upon his car, he seized Paurava by the hair, and slaying meanwhile with a kick, the latter's driver, he felled his standard with a stroke of his sword. And as regards Paurava himself, Abhimanyu raised him up, like the Garuda raising a snake from the bottom of the sea agitating the waters. Thereupon, all the kings beheld Paurava (standing helpless) with dishevelled hair, and looking like an ox deprived of its senses while on the point of being slain by a lion. Beholding Paurava thus prostrated, placed under the control of Arjuna's son, and dragged helplessly, Jayadratha was unable to brook it. Taking up a sword as also a shield that bore the device of a peacock and was decked with a hundred bells of small size suspended in rows, Jayadratha jumped down from his car with a loud roar. Then Subhadra's son (Abhimanyu), beholding the ruler of the Sindhus, let Paurava alone, and leaping up like a hawk from the latter's car, quickly alighted on the earth. The lances and aves and scimitars hurled by his foes--Arjuna's son cut off by means of his sword or warded off by his shield. Thus showing unto all the warriors the strength of his own arms the mighty [and heroic] Abhimanyu, once more upraising his large and heavy sword as also his shield, 1 proceeded towards Vriddhakshatra's son who was a sworn foe of his (Abhimanyu's) father, like a tiger proceeding against an elephant. Approaching they cheerfully attacked each other with their swords like a tiger and a lion with their claws and teeth. And none could notice any difference between those two lions among men as regards the whirl-strokes, and descent of their swords and shields. 2 And as regards the descent and the whiz of their swords, and the warding off of each other's blows, it seemed there was no distinction between the two. Coursing, beautifully in outward and inward tracks, those two illustrious warriors seemed to be like two winged mountains. Then Jayadratha struck on the shield of the renowned Abhimanyu when the latter stretched his sword for making a pass at him. Then, O Bharata, Jayadratha's large sword sticking into Abhimanyu's shield covered with golden plate, broke, as the ruler of the Sindhus attempted to draw it off forcibly. Seeing his sword broken, Jayadratha hastily retreated six steps and was seen within a twinkle of the eye to be mounted on his own car. Then Arjuna's son also, that combat with the sword being over, ascended his own excellent car. Many kings, then, of the Kuru army, uniting together, surrounded him on all sides. The mighty son of Arjuna, however, eyeing Jayadratha, whirled his sword and shield, and uttered a loud shout. Having vanquished the ruler of the Sindhus, Subhadra's son, that slayer

of hostile heroes, then began to scorch that division of the Kaurava army like Sun scorching the world. Then in that battle Salya hurled at him a fierce dart made wholly of iron, decked with gold, and resembling a blazing flame of fire. Thereupon, Arjuna's son, jumping up, caught hold of that dart, like Garuda catching a mighty snake falling from above. And having seized it thus, Abhimanyu unsheathed his sword. Witnessing the great activity and might of that warrior of immeasurable energy, all the kings together uttered a leonine shout. Then that slayer of hostile heroes, viz., the son of Subhadra, hurled with the might of his arms at Salya himself that very dart of great effulgence, decked with stones of lapis lazuli. Resembling a snake that has recently cast off its slough, that dart, reaching Salya's car slew the latter's driver and felled him from his niche of the vehicle. Then Virata and Drupada, and Dhristaketu, and Yudhishthira, and Satyaki, and Kekaya, and Bhima, and Dhrishtadyumna, and Sikhandin, and the twins (Nakula and Sahadeva), and the five sons of Draupadi, all exclaimed, 'Excellent! Excellent!' And diverse kinds of sounds due to the shooting of arrows, and many leonine shouts, arose there, gladdening the unretreating son of Arjuna. Thy sons, however, could not brook those indications of the victory of their foe. Then all of them suddenly surrounded Subhadra's son and covered him, O king, with showers of arrows like the clouds pouring rain on the mountain-breast. Then that slayer of foes, viz., Artayani (Salya), wishing good of thy sons, and remembering the overthrow of his own driver, rushed in rage against Subhadra's son.'"

29:1 The Bengal Texts read this verse incorrectly. For Prataptam, the correct reading is satatam; and for anukarinas, the correct word is asukarinas.

29:2 The Bengal reading is Sura-vyala. The Bombay texts reads Sulav-yala. I adopt the latter. Vajinas, in Prani-vaji-nishevitam, is explained by Nilakantha to mean fowl or bird.

30:1 It is evident that the very minuteness with which the comparison is sought to be sustained, destroys the effect. Regarding the repetition, they are just such as one may expect to find in verses composed extempore.

31:1 This verse is read incorrectly in the Bengal texts. For hayan read Dhanus.

32:1 The word "heroic" occurs in the next verse.

32:2 The word in the original are Sampata, Abhighata, and Nipata.

7.14.1

धृतराष्ट्र उवाच
बहूनि सुविचित्राणि द्वंद्वयुद्धानि संजय
त्वयोक्तानि निशम्याहं स्पृहयामि सचक्षुषाम्

7.14.2

आश्चर्यभूतं लोकेषु कथयिष्यन्ति मानवाः
कुरूणां पाण्डवानां च युद्धं देवासुरोपमम्

7.14.3

न हि मे तृप्तिरस्तीह शृण्वतो युद्धमुत्तमम्
तस्मादार्तायनेर्युद्धं सौभद्रस्य च शंस मे

7.14.4

संजय उवाच
सादितं प्रेक्ष्य यन्तारं शल्यः सर्वायषीं गदाम्
समुत्क्षिप्य नदन्क्रुद्धः प्रचस्कन्द रथोत्तमात्

7.14.5

तं दीप्तमिव कालाग्निं दण्डहस्तमिवान्तकम्
जवेनाभ्यपतद्भीमः प्रगृह्य महतीं गदाम्

7.14.6

सौभद्रोऽप्यशनिप्रख्यां प्रगृह्य महतीं गदाम्
एह्येहीत्यब्रवीच्छल्यं यत्नाद्भीमेन वारितः

7.14.7

वारयित्वा तु सौभद्रं भीमसेनः प्रतापवान्
शल्यमासाद्य समरे तस्थौ गिरिरिवाचलः

7.14.8

तथैव मद्रराजोऽपि भीमं दृष्ट्वा महाबलम्
ससाराभिमुखस्तूर्णं शार्दूल इव कुञ्जरम्

7.14.9

ततस्तूर्यनिनादाश्च शङ्खानां च सहस्रशः
सिंहनादाश्च संजज्ञुर्भेरीणां च महास्वनाः

7.14.10

पश्यतां शतशो ह्यासीदन्योन्यसमचेतसाम्
पाण्डवानां कुरूणां च साधु साध्विति निस्वनः

7.14.11

न हि मद्राधिपादन्यः सर्वराजसु भारत
सोढुमुत्सहते वेगं भीमसेनस्य संयुगे

7.14.12

तथा मद्राधिपस्यापि गदावेगं महात्मनः
सोढुमुत्सहते लोके कोऽन्यो युधि वृकोदरात्

7.14.13

पट्टैर्जाम्बूनदैर्बद्धा बभूव जनहर्षिणी
प्रजज्वाल तथाविद्धा भीमेन महती गदा

7.14.14

तथैव चरतो मार्गान्मण्डलानि च भागशः
महाविद्युत्प्रतीकाशा शल्यस्य शुशुभे गदा

7.14.15

तौ वृषाविव नर्दन्तौ मण्डलानि विचेरतुः
आवर्जितगदाशृङ्गावुभौ शल्यवृकोदरौ

7.14.16

मण्डलावर्तमार्गेषु गदाविहरणेषु च
निर्विशेषमभूद्युद्धं तयोः पुरुषसिंहयोः

7.14.17

ताडिता भीमसेनेन शल्यस्य महती गदा
साग्निज्वाला महारौद्रा गदाचूर्णमशीर्यत

7.14.18

तथैव भीमसेनस्य द्विषताभिहता गदा
वर्षाप्रदोषे खद्योतैर्वृतो वृक्ष इवाबभौ

7.14.19

गदा क्षिप्ता तु समरे मद्रराजेन भारत
व्योम संदीपयाना सा ससृजे पावकं बहु

7.14.20

तथैव भीमसेनेन द्विषते प्रेषिता गदा
तापयामास तत्सैन्यं महोल्का पतती यथा

7.14.21

ते चैवोभे गदे श्रेष्ठे समासाद्य परस्परम्
श्वसन्त्यौ नागकन्येव ससृजाते विभावसुम्

7.14.22

नखैरिव महाव्याघ्रौ दन्तैरिव महागजौ
तौ विचेरतुरासाद्य गदाभ्यां च परस्परम्

7.14.23

ततो गदाग्राभिहतौ क्षणेन रुधिरोक्षितौ
ददृशाते महात्मानौ पुष्पिताविव किंशुकौ

7.14.24

शुश्रुवे दिक्षु सर्वासु तयोः पुरुषसिंहयोः
गदाभिघातसंह्रादः शक्राशनिरवोपमः

7.14.25

गदया मद्रराजेन सव्यदक्षिणमाहतः
नाकम्पत तदा भीमो भिद्यमान इवाचलः

7.14.26

तथा भीमगदावेगैस्ताड्यमानो महाबलः
धैर्यान्मद्राधिपस्तस्थौ वज्रैर्गिरिरिवाहतः

7.14.27

आपेततुर्महावेगौ समुच्छ्रितमहागदौ
पुनरन्तरमार्गस्थौ मण्डलानि विचेरतुः

7.14.28

अथाप्लुत्य पदान्यष्टौ संनिपत्य गजाविव
सहसा लोहदण्डाभ्यामन्योन्यमभिजघ्नतुः

7.14.29

तौ परस्परवेगाच्च गदाभ्यां च भृशाहतौ
युगपत्पेततुर्वीरौ क्षिताविन्द्रध्वजाविव

7.14.30

ततो विह्वलमानं तं निःश्वसन्तं पुनः पुनः
शल्यमभ्यपतत्तूर्णं कृतवर्मा महारथः

7.14.31

दृष्ट्वा चैनं महाराज गदयाभिनिपीडितम्
विचेष्टन्तं यथा नागं मूर्छयाभिपरिप्लुतम्

7.14.32

ततः सगदमारोप्य मद्राणामधिपं रथम्
अपोवाह रणात्तूर्णं कृतवर्मा महारथः

7.14.33

क्षीबवद्विह्वलो वीरो निमेषात्पुनरुत्थितः
भीमोऽपि सुमहाबाहुर्गदापाणिरदृश्यत

7.14.34

ततो मद्राधिपं दृष्ट्वा तव पुत्राः पराङ्मुखम्
सनागरथपत्त्यश्वाः समकम्पन्त मारिष

7.14.35

ते पाण्डवैरर्द्यमानास्तावका जितकाशिभिः
भीता दिशोऽन्वपद्यन्त वातनुन्ना घना इव

7.14.36

निर्जित्य धार्तराष्ट्रांस्तु पाण्डवेया महारथाः
व्यरोचन्त रणे राजन्दीप्यमाना यशस्विनः

7.14.37

सिंहनादान्भृशं चक्रुः शङ्खान्दध्मुश्च हर्षिताः
भेरीश्च वादयामासुर्मृदङ्गांश्चानकैः सह

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Dhritarashtra said, 'Thou hast, O Sanjaya, described to me many excellent single combats. Hearing about them, I envy those that have eyes. This battle between the Kurus and the Pandavas, resembling that (of old) between the gods and the Asuras, will be spoken of as exceedingly wonderful by all men. I am scarcely gratified by listening to thy narrations of this stirring battle. Tell me, therefore, about this combat between Artayani (Salya) and Subhadra's son.'

"Sanjaya said, 'Beholding his driver slain, Salya, upraising a mace made wholly of iron, jumped down in rage from his excellent car. Bhima, then taking up his own huge mace, quickly rushed towards Salya who then resembled the blazing Yuga-fire or the Destroyer himself armed with his bludgeon. Subhadra's son also, taking up a prodigious mace resembling the bolt of heaven, addressed Salya, saying, 'Come, Come!' Bhima, however, with much ado, persuaded him to stand aside. The valiant Bhimasena, then, having persuaded Subhadra's son to stand aside, approached Salya

in battle and stood immovable as a hill. The mighty ruler of Madras also, beheld Bhima, and proceeded towards him like a tiger towards an elephant. Then was heard there the loud blare of trumpets and conchs by thousands and leonine shouts, and the sound of drums. And loud cries of 'Bravo, Bravo,' arose among hundreds of Pandava and Kaurava warriors rushing towards each other. There is none else among all the kings, O Bharata, save the ruler of Madras who can venture to bear the might of Bhimasena in battle; similarly, who else save Vrikodara, in the world, can venture to bear the impetus of the illustrious Salya's mace in battle? Bound in hempen strings mixed with wires of gold, the prodigious mace, of Bhima, capable of delighting by its beauty all spectators, being grasped by him, shone, brilliantly. And similarly the mace of Salya, also, who coursed in beautiful circles, looked like a blazing flash of lightning. Both of them roared like bulls, and both coursed in circles. And both Salya and Vrikodara, standing as they did, with their maces slightly bent, looked like a couple of horned bulls. Whether as regards coursing in circles or in whirling and striking with their maces, the combat that took place between those two lions among men was in every way equal. Struck by Bhimasena with his mace, the prodigious mace of Salya, emitting fierce sparks of fire, soon broke unto fragments. And similarly, Bhimasena's mace, struck by the foe, looked beautiful like a tree covered fire-flies during the season of rains at even-tide. And the mace that the ruler of Madras hurled in that battle, irradiating the welkin, O Bharata, frequently caused sparks of fire (to fly around). Similarly, the mace hurled by Bhimasena at the foe scorched his antagonist's forces like a fierce meteor falling down (from the firmament). And both those best of maces, striking against each other, resembled sighing she-snakes and caused flashes of fire. Like two large tigers attacking each other with their claws, or like two mighty elephants with their tusks, those mighty warriors coursed in circles, encountering each other with those two foremost of maces, and soon covered with blood, those two illustrious warriors seemed to resemble a couple of flowering Kinsukas. And the blows, loud as Indra's thunder, of the maces wielded by those two lions among men were heard on all sides. Struck by the ruler of Madras with his mace on both the left and the right side, Bhima moved not in the least, like a hill riven by the thunder. Similarly, the mighty ruler of Madras, struck by Bhima with his mace, patiently stood still like a hill struck with the thunder. Both of them, with upraised maces, endued as they were with great impetus, fell upon each other, coursing in shorter circles. Quickly nearing each other, then by eight steps and falling upon each other like two elephants, they suddenly struck each other with those maces of theirs made entirely or iron. And each of those heroes, in consequence of the other's impetuosity and violence being struck with each other's mace, fell down at the same instant of time like a couple of Indra's poles. Then the mighty car-warrior Kritavarman quickly approached Salya who, deprived of his senses, was breathing hard as he lay on the field. And beholding him, O king, struck violently with the

mace, and writhing like a snake, and deprived of his senses in a swoon, the mighty car-warrior Kritavarman, taking him upon his car, quickly bore the ruler of Madras away from the field. Reeling like a drunken man, the heroic Bhima of mighty arms, rising up within the twinkling of an eye, stood mace in hand. Thy sons then, beholding the ruler of the Madras turn away from the fight, began, O sire, to tremble, along with their elephants, and foot-soldiers, and cavalry, and cars. Ground then by the Pandavas desirous of victory, those warriors of thy army, struck with fear, fled away in all directions, like masses of clouds driven away by the wind. And those mighty car-warriors, viz., the Pandavas, having vanquished the Dhritarashtras, looked resplendent in that battle. O king, like blazing fires. And they uttered loud leonine roars, and blew their conchs, elated with joy. And they beat their drums, large and small, and cymbals and other instruments.'"

7.15.1

संजय उवाच
तद्बलं सुमहद्दीर्णं त्वदीयं प्रेक्ष्य वीर्यवान्
दधारैको रणे पाण्डून्वृषसेनोऽस्त्रमायया

7.15.2

शरा दश दिशो मुक्ता वृषसेनेन मारिष
विचेरुस्ते विनिर्भिद्य नरवाजिरथद्विपान्

7.15.3

तस्य दीप्ता महाबाणा विनिश्चेरुः सहस्रशः
भानोरिव महाबाहो ग्रीष्मकाले मरीचयः

7.15.4

तेनार्दिता महाराज रथिनः सादिनस्तथा
निपेतुरुर्व्यां सहसा वातनुन्ना इव द्रुमाः

7.15.5

हयौघांश्च रथौघांश्च गजौघांश्च समन्ततः
अपातयद्रणे राजञ्शतशोऽथ सहस्रशः

7.15.6

दृष्ट्वा तमेवं समरे विचरन्तमभीतवत्
सहिताः सर्वराजानः परिवव्रुः समन्ततः

7.15.7

नाकुलिस्तु शतानीको वृषसेनं समभ्ययात्
विव्याध चैनं दशभिर्नाराचैर्मर्मभेदिभिः

7.15.8

तस्य कर्णात्मजश्चापं छित्त्वा केतुमपातयत्
तं भ्रातरं परीप्सन्तो द्रौपदेयाः समभ्ययुः

7.15.9

कर्णात्मजं शरव्रातैश्चक्रुश्चादृश्यमञ्जसा
तान्नदन्तोऽभ्यधावन्त द्रोणपुत्रमुखा रथाः

7.15.10

छादयन्तो महाराज द्रौपदेयान्महारथान्
शरैर्नानाविधैस्तूर्णं पर्वताञ्जलदा इव

7.15.11

तान्पाण्डवाः प्रत्यगृह्णंस्त्वरिताः पुत्रगृद्धिनः
पाञ्चालाः केकया मत्स्याः सृञ्जयाश्चोद्यतायुधाः

7.15.12

तद्युद्धमभवद्घोरं तुमुलं लोमहर्षणम्
त्वदीयैः पाण्डुपुत्राणां देवानामिव दानवैः

7.15.13

एवमुत्तमसंरम्भा युयुधुः कुरुपाण्डवाः
परस्परमुदीक्षन्तः परस्परकृतागसः

7.15.14

तेषां ददृशिरे कोपाद्वपूंष्यमिततेजसाम्
युयुत्सूनामिवाकाशे पतत्रिवरभोगिनाम्

7.15.15

भीमकर्णकृपद्रोणद्रौणिपार्षतसात्यकैः
बभासे स रणोद्देशः कालसूर्यैरिवोदितैः

7.15.16

तदासीत्तुमुलं युद्धं निघ्नतामितरेतरम्
महाबलानां बलिभिर्दानवानां यथा सुरैः

7.15.17

ततो युधिष्ठिरानीकमुद्धूतार्णवनिस्वनम्
त्वदीयमवधीत्सैन्यं संप्रद्रुतमहारथम्

7.15.18

तत्प्रभग्नं बलं दृष्ट्वा शत्रुभिर्भृशमर्दितम्
अलं द्रुतेन वः शूरा इति द्रोणोऽभ्यभाषत

7.15.19

ततः शोणहयः क्रुद्धश्चतुर्दन्त इव द्विपः
प्रविश्य पाण्डवानीकं युधिष्ठिरमुपाद्रवत्

7.15.20

तमविध्यच्छितैर्बाणैः कङ्कपत्रैर्युधिष्ठिरः
तस्य द्रोणो धनुश्छित्त्वा तं द्रुतं समुपाद्रवत्

7.15.21

चक्ररक्षः कुमारस्तु पाञ्चालानां यशस्करः
दधार द्रोणमायान्तं वेलेव सरितां पतिम्

7.15.22

द्रोणं निवारितं दृष्ट्वा कुमारेण द्विजर्षभम्
सिंहनादरवो ह्यासीत्साधु साध्विति भाषताम्

7.15.23

कुमारस्तु ततो द्रोणं सायकेन महाहवे
विव्याधोरसि संक्रुद्धः सिंहवच्चानदन्मुहुः

7.15.24

संवार्य तु रणे द्रोणः कुमारं वै महाबलः
शरैरनेकसाहस्रैः कृतहस्तो जितक्लमः

7.15.25

तं शूरमार्यव्रतिनमस्त्रार्थकृतनिश्रमम्
चक्ररक्षमपामृद्नात्कुमारं द्विजसत्तमः

7.15.26

स मध्यं प्राप्य सेनायाः सर्वाः परिचरन्दिशः
तव सैन्यस्य गोप्तासीद्भारद्वाजो रथर्षभः

7.15.27

शिखण्डिनं द्वादशभिर्विंशत्या चोत्तमौजसम्
नकुलं पञ्चभिर्विद्ध्वा सहदेवं च सप्तभिः

7.15.28

युधिष्ठिरं द्वादशभिर्द्रौपदेयांस्त्रिभिस्त्रिभिः
सात्यकिं पञ्चभिर्विद्ध्वा मत्स्यं च दशभिः शरैः

7.15.29

व्यक्षोभयद्रणे योधान्यथामुख्यानभिद्रवन्
अभ्यवर्तत संप्रेप्सुः कुन्तीपुत्रं युधिष्ठिरम्

7.15.30

युगंधरस्ततो राजन्भारद्वाजं महारथम्
वारयामास संक्रुद्धं वातोद्धूतमिवार्णवम्

7.15.31

युधिष्ठिरं स विद्ध्वा तु शरैः संनतपर्वभिः
युगंधरं च भल्लेन रथनीडादपाहरत्

7.15.32

ततो विराटद्रुपदौ केकयाः सात्यकिः शिबिः
व्याघ्रदत्तश्च पाञ्चाल्यः सिंहसेनश्च वीर्यवान्

7.15.33

एते चान्ये च बहवः परीप्सन्तो युधिष्ठिरम्
आवव्रुस्तस्य पन्थानं किरन्तः सायकान्बहून्

7.15.34

व्याघ्रदत्तश्च पाञ्चाल्यो द्रोणं विव्याध मार्गणैः
पञ्चाशद्भिः शितै राजंस्तत उच्चुक्रुशुर्जनाः

7.15.35

त्वरितं सिंहसेनस्तु द्रोणं विद्ध्वा महारथम्
प्राहसत्सहसा हृष्टस्त्रासयन्वै यतव्रतम्

7.15.36

ततो विस्फार्य नयने धनुर्ज्यामवमृज्य च
तलशब्दं महत्कृत्वा द्रोणस्तं समुपाद्रवत्

7.15.37

ततस्तु सिंहसेनस्य शिरः कायात्सकुण्डलम्
व्याघ्रदत्तस्य चाक्रम्य भल्लाभ्यामहरद्बली

7.15.38

तान्प्रमृद्य शरव्रातैः पाण्डवानां महारथान्
युधिष्ठिरसमभ्याशे तस्थौ मृत्युरिवान्तकः

7.15.39

ततोऽभवन्महाशब्दो राजन्यौधिष्ठिरे बले
हृतो राजेति योधानां समीपस्थे यतव्रते

7.15.40

अब्रुवन्सैनिकास्तत्र दृष्ट्वा द्रोणस्य विक्रमम्
अद्य राजा धार्तराष्ट्रः कृतार्थो वै भविष्यति
आगमिष्यति नो नूनं धार्तराष्ट्रस्य संयुगे

7.15.41

एवं संजल्पतां तेषां तावकानां महारथः
आयाज्जवेन कौन्तेयो रथघोषेण नादयन्

7.15.42

शोणितोदां रथावर्तां कृत्वा विशसने नदीम्
शूरास्थिचयसंकीर्णां प्रेतकूलापहारिणीम्

7.15.43

तां शरौघमहाफेनां प्रासमत्स्यसमाकुलाम्
नदीमुत्तीर्य वेगेन कुरून्विद्राव्य पाण्डवः

7.15.44

ततः किरीटी सहसा द्रोणानीकमुपाद्रवत्
छादयन्निषुजालेन महता मोहयन्निव

7.15.45

शीघ्रमभ्यस्यतो बाणान्संदधानस्य चानिशम्
नान्तरं ददृशे कश्चित्कौन्तेयस्य यशस्विनः

7.15.46

न दिशो नान्तरिक्षं च न द्यौर्नैव च मेदिनी
अदृश्यत महाराज बाणभूतमिवाभवत्

7.15.47

नादृश्यत तदा राजंस्तत्र किंचन संयुगे
बाणान्धकारे महति कृते गाण्डीवधन्वना

7.15.48

सूर्ये चास्तमनुप्राप्ते रजसा चाभिसंवृते
नाज्ञायत तदा शत्रुर्न सुहृन्न च किंचन

7.15.49

ततोऽवहारं चक्रुस्ते द्रोणदुर्योधनादयः
तान्विदित्वा भृशं त्रस्तानयुद्धमनसः परान्

7.15.50

स्वान्यनीकानि बीभत्सुः शनकैरवहारयत्
ततोऽभितुष्टुवुः पार्थं प्रहृष्टाः पाण्डुसृञ्जयाः
पाञ्चालाश्च मनोज्ञाभिर्वाग्भिः सूर्यमिवर्षयः

7.15.51

एवं स्वशिबिरं प्रायाज्जित्वा शत्रून्धनंजयः
पृष्ठतः सर्वसैन्यानां मुदितो वै सकेशवः

7.15.52

मसारगल्वर्कसुवर्णरूप्यै;र्वज्रप्रवालस्फटिकैश्च मुख्यैः
चित्रे रथे पाण्डुसुतो बभासे; नक्षत्रचित्रे वियतीव चन्द्रः

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Beholding that army of thine exceedingly broken, the valiant Vrishasena, single-handed, began to protect it, O king, displaying the illusion of his weapons. Shot by Vrishasena in that battle, thousands of arrows coursed in all directions, piercing through men and steeds and cars and elephants. Mighty arrows, of blazing effulgence, shot by him, coursed in thousands, like the rays, O monarch, of the sun, in the summer season. Afflicted and crushed therewith, O king, car-warriors and horse-men, suddenly fell down on the earth, like trees broken by the wind. The mighty car-warrior Vrishasena, O king, felled large bodies of steeds, of cars and of elephants, in that battle, by thousands. Beholding that single warrior coursing fearlessly on the field, all the kings (of the Pandava army) uniting together, surrounded him on all sides. Nakula's son, Satanika, rushed at Vrishasena and pierced him with ten arrows capable of penetrating into the vitals. The son of Karna, however, cutting off his bow, felled then his standard. Thereupon, the other sons of Draupadi, desirous of rescuing that brother of theirs, rushed at him. And soon they made Karna's son invisible by means of their arrowy showers. Against them thus smiting (the son of Karna), many car-warriors headed by Drona's son (Aswatthama) rushed. And those, O monarch, quickly covered those mighty car-warriors, viz., the sons of Draupadi, with diverse kinds of arrows like clouds pouring rain on mountain breasts. Thereupon, the Pandavas, from affection for their sons, quickly encountered those assailants. The battle then that took place between thy troops and those of the Pandavas, was exceedingly fierce and made the hairs stand on their ends, resembling as it did that between the Gods and the Danavas. Even

thus did the heroic Kauravas and the Pandavas, excited with rage, fight, eyeing one another (furiously) and having incurred one another's animosity for past offences. The bodies of those heroes of immeasurable energy then seemed, in consequence of (the) wrath (that inspired them), to resemble those of Garuda and (mighty) Nagas battling in the sky. And with Bhima and Karna and Kripa and Drona and Drona's son and Prishata's son and Satyaki, the field of battle looked resplendent like the all-destructive sun that rises at the end of the Yuga. The battle that took place between those mighty men engaged with mighty antagonists and all smiting one another was fierce in the extreme, resembling that (of yore) between the Danavas and the gods. Then Yudhishthira's host, uttering a shout, loud as that of the surging sea, began to slaughter thy troops, the great car-warriors of thy army having fled away. Beholding the (Kaurava) host broken and excessively mangled by the foe, Drona said, 'Ye heroes, ye need not fly away.' Then he (Drona) owning red steeds, excited with wrath and resembling a (fierce) elephant with four tusks, penetrated into the Pandava host and rushed against Yudhishthira. Then Yudhishthira pierced the preceptor with many whetted arrows equipped with Kanka feathers; Drona, however, cutting off Yudhishthira's bow, rushed impetuously at him. Then the protector of Yudhishthira's car-wheels, Kumara, the renowned prince of the Panchalas, received the advancing Drona, like the continent receiving the surging sea. Beholding Drona, that bull among Brahmanas, held in check by Kumara, loud leonine shouts were heard there with cries of 'Excellent, Excellent!' Kumara then, in that great battle, excited with rage, pierced Drona with an arrow in the chest and uttered many leonine shouts. Having checked Drona in battle, the mighty Kumara, endued with great lightness of hand, and above all fatigue, pierced him with many thousands of arrows. Then that bull among men (Drona) slew that protector of Yudhishthira's car-wheels, Kumara, that hero observant of virtuous vows and accomplished in both mantras and weapons. And then penetrating into the midst of the (Pandava) host and careering in all directions, that bull among men, Bharadwaja's son, became the protector of thy troops. And piercing Sikhandin with twelve arrows, and Uttamaujas with twenty, and Nakula with five, and Sahadeva with seven, and Yudhishthira with twelve, and each of the (five) sons of Draupadi with three, and Satyaki with five, and the ruler of Matsyas with ten arrows, and agitating the entire host in that battle, he rushed against one after another of the foremost warriors (of the Pandavas). And then he advanced against Kunti's son, Yudhisthira, from a desire of seizing him. Then Yugandhara, O king, checked Bharadwaja's son, that mighty car-warrior, filled with rage and resembling the very ocean lashed into fury by the tempest. Bharadwaja's son, however, having pierced Yudhishthira with many straight arrows, felled Yugandhara with a broad-headed shaft from his niche in the car. Then, Virata and Drupada, and the Kaikeya princes, and Satyaki, and Sivi, and Vyaghradatta, the prince n the Panchalas, and the valiant Singhasena, these, and many others,

desirous of rescuing Yudhishthira, surrounded Drona on all sides and impeded his way, scattering countless arrows. Vyaghradatta, the prince of the Panchalas, pierced Drona with fifty keen-pointed arrows, at which, O king, the troops uttered loud shouts. Then Singhasena also, quickly piercing that mighty car-warrior, Drona, roared aloud in joy, striking terror into the hearts of mighty car-warriors; Drona then expanding his eyes and rubbing his bowstring and producing loud sound of slaps by his palms, rushed against the latter. Then the mighty son of Bharadwaja, putting forth his prowess, cut off with a couple of broad-headed arrows the heads decked with earrings from the trunks of both Singhasena and Vyaghradatta. And afflicting also, with his arrowy showers, the other mighty car-warriors of the Pandavas, he stood in front of Yudhishthira's car, like all-destroying Death himself. Then, O king, loud cries were heard among the warriors of Yudhishthira's army to the effect, 'The king is slain,' when Bharadwaja's son, of regulated vows, thus, stood in his vicinity. And the warriors there all exclaimed, beholding Drona's prowess, 'Today the royal son of Dhritarashtra will be crowned with success. This very moment Drona having seized Yudhishthira, will, filled, with joy, assuredly come to us and Duryodhana's presence. While thy soldiers were indulging in such talks, Kunti's son (Arjuna) quickly came there, filling (the welkin) with the rattle of his car, and creating, as he came, owing to the carnage he caused, a river whose waters were blood, and whose eddies were cars, and which abounded with the bones and bodies of brave warriors and which bore creatures away to where the spirits of the departed dwell. And the son of Pandu came there, routing the Kurus, and quickly crossing that river whose froth was constituted by showers of arrows and which abounded with fish in the form of lances and other weapons. And the diadem-decked (Arjuna) suddenly came upon Drona's divisions, covering it with a thick net-work of arrows and confounding the very sense (of those that followed Drona). Incessantly placing his arrows on the bow-string and quickly shooting them, none could notice any lapse of time between these two acts of the renowned son of Kunti. Neither (four cardinal) directions, nor the firmament above, nor the earth, O king, could any longer be distinguished, for everything then became one dense mass of arrows. Indeed, O king, when the wielder of Gandiva caused that thick darkness by means of his arrows, nothing could be seen in that battle. Just then the sun also set, enveloped with a dusty cloud. Neither friend nor foe could any longer be distinguished. Then Drona and Duryodhana and others caused the withdrawal of their troops. And ascertaining the foe to be inspired with fear and unwilling to continue the fight, Vibhatsu also slowly caused his troops to be withdrawn. Then the Pandavas and the Srinjayas and the Panchalas, filled with joy, praised Partha with delightful speeches like the Rishis praising the Sun. Having vanquished his foes thus, Dhananjaya then, filled with joy, retired to his tent, proceeding in the rear of the whole army, with Kesava as his companion. And stationed on his beautiful car decked with the costliest

specimens of sapphires and rubies and gold and silver and diamonds and corals and crystals, the son of Pandu looked resplendent like the moon in the firmament bespangled with stars.'"

7.16.1

संजय उवाच
ते सेने शिबिरं गत्वा न्यविशेतां विशां पते
यथाभागं यथान्यायं यथागुल्मं च सर्वशः

7.16.2

कृत्वावहारं सैन्यानां द्रोणः परमदुर्मनाः
दुर्योधनमभिप्रेक्ष्य सव्रीडमिदमब्रवीत्

7.16.3

उक्तमेतन्मया पूर्वं न तिष्ठति धनंजये
शक्यो ग्रहीतुं संग्रामे देवैरपि युधिष्ठिरः

7.16.4

इति तद्वः प्रयततां कृतं पार्थेन संयुगे
मातिशङ्कीर्वचो मह्यमजेयौ कृष्णपाण्डवौ

7.16.5

अपनीते तु योगेन केनचिच्छ्वेतवाहने
तत एष्यति ते राजन्वशमद्य युधिष्ठिरः

7.16.6

कश्चिदाह्वयतां संख्ये देशमन्यं प्रकर्षतु
तमजित्वा तु कौन्तेयो न निवर्तेत्कथंचन

7.16.7

एतस्मिन्नन्तरे शून्ये धर्मराजमहं नृप
ग्रहीष्यामि चमूं भित्त्वा धृष्टद्युम्नस्य पश्यतः

7.16.8

अर्जुनेन विहीनस्तु यदि नोत्सृजते रणम्
मामुपायान्तमालोक्य गृहीतमिति विद्धि तम्

7.16.9

एवं ते सहसा राजन्धर्मपुत्रं युधिष्ठिरम्
समानेष्यामि सगणं वशमद्य न संशयः

7.16.10

यदि तिष्ठति संग्रामे मुहूर्तमपि पाण्डवः
अथापयाति संग्रामाद्विजयात्तद्विशिष्यते

7.16.11

द्रोणस्य तु वचः श्रुत्वा त्रिगर्ताधिपतिस्ततः
भ्रातृभिः सहितो राजन्निदं वचनमब्रवीत्

7.16.12

वयं विनिकृता राजन्सदा गाण्डीवधन्वना
अनागःस्वपि चागस्कृदस्मासु भरतर्षभ

7.16.13

ते वयं स्मरमाणास्तान्विनिकारान्पृथग्विधान्
क्रोधाग्निना दह्यमाना न शेमहि सदा निशाः

7.16.14

स नो दिव्यास्त्रसंपन्नश्चक्षुर्विषयमागतः
कर्तारः स्म वयं सर्वं यच्चिकीर्षाम हृद्गतम्

7.16.15

भवतश्च प्रियं यत्स्यादस्माकं च यशस्करम्
वयमेनं हनिष्यामो निकृष्यायोधनाद्बहिः

7.16.16

अद्यास्त्वनर्जुना भूमिरत्रिगर्ताथ वा पुनः
सत्यं ते प्रतिजानीमो नैतन्मिथ्या भविष्यति

7.16.17

एवं सत्यरथश्चोक्त्वा सत्यधर्मा च भारत
सत्यवर्मा च सत्येषुः सत्यकर्मा तथैव च

7.16.18

सहिता भ्रातरः पञ्च रथानामयुतेन च
न्यवर्तन्त महाराज कृत्वा शपथमाहवे

7.16.19

मालवास्तुण्डिकेराश्च रथानामयुतैस्त्रिभिः
सुशर्मा च नरव्याघ्रस्त्रिगर्तः प्रस्थलाधिपः

7.16.20

माचेल्लकैर्ललित्थैश्च सहितो मद्रकैरपि
रथानामयुतेनैव सोऽशपद्भ्रातृभिः सह

7.16.21

नानाजनपदेभ्यश्च रथानामयुतं पुनः
समुत्थितं विशिष्टानां संशपार्थमुपागतम्

7.16.22

ततो ज्वलनमादाय हुत्वा सर्वे पृथक्पृथक्
जगृहुः कुशचीराणि चित्राणि कवचानि च

7.16.23

ते च बद्धतनुत्राणा घृताक्ताः कुशचीरिणः
मौर्वीमेखलिनो वीराः सहस्रशतदक्षिणाः

7.16.24

यज्वानः पुत्रिणो लोक्याः कृतकृत्यास्तनुत्यजः
योक्ष्यमाणास्तदात्मानं यशसा विजयेन च

7.16.25

ब्रह्मचर्यश्रुतिमुखैः क्रतुभिश्चाप्तदक्षिणैः
प्राप्य लोकान्सुयुद्धेन क्षिप्रमेव यियासवः

7.16.26

ब्राह्मणांस्तर्पयित्वा च निष्कान्दत्त्वा पृथक्पृथक्
गाश्च वासांसि च पुनः समाभाष्य परस्परम्

7.16.27

प्रज्वाल्य कृष्णवर्त्मानमुपागम्य रणे व्रतम्
तस्मिन्नग्नौ तदा चक्रुः प्रतिज्ञां दृढनिश्चयाः

7.16.28

शृण्वतां सर्वभूतानामुच्चैर्वाचः स्म मेनिरे
धृत्वा धनंजयवधे प्रतिज्ञां चापि चक्रिरे

7.16.29

ये वै लोकाश्चानृतानां ये चैव ब्रह्मघातिनाम्
पानपस्य च ये लोका गुरुदाररतस्य च

7.16.30

ब्रह्मस्वहारिणश्चैव राजपिण्डापहारिणः
शरणागतं च त्यजतो याचमानं तथा घ्नतः

7.16.31

अगारदाहिनां ये च ये च गां निघ्नतामपि
अपचारिणां च ये लोका ये च ब्रह्मद्विषामपि

7.16.32

जायां च ऋतुकाले वै ये मोहादभिगच्छताम्
श्राद्धसंगतिकानां च ये चाप्यात्मापहारिणाम्

7.16.33

न्यासापहारिणां ये च श्रुतं नाशयतां च ये
कोपेन युध्यमानानां ये च नीचानुसारिणाम्

7.16.34

नास्तिकानां च ये लोका येऽग्निहोरापितृत्यजाम्
तानाप्नुयामहे लोकान्ये च पापकृतामपि

7.16.35

यद्यहत्वा वयं युद्धे निवर्तेम धनंजयम्
तेन चाभ्यर्दितास्त्रासाद्भवेम हि पराङ्मुखाः

7.16.36

यदि त्वसुकरं लोके कर्म कुर्याम संयुगे
इष्टान्पुण्यकृतां लोकान्प्राप्नुयाम न संशयः

7.16.37

एवमुक्त्वा ततो राजंस्तेऽभ्यवर्तन्त संयुगे
आह्वयन्तोऽर्जुनं वीराः पितृजुष्टां दिशं प्रति

7.16.38

आहूतस्तैर्नरव्याघ्रैः पार्थः परपुरंजयः
धर्मराजमिदं वाक्यमपदान्तरमब्रवीत्

7.16.39

आहूतो न निवर्तेयमिति मे व्रतमाहितम्
संशप्तकाश्च मां राजन्नाह्वयन्ति पुनः पुनः

7.16.40

एष च भ्रातृभिः सार्धं सुशर्माह्वयते रणे
वधाय सगणस्यास्य मामनुज्ञातुमर्हसि

7.16.41

नैतच्छक्नोमि संसोढुमाह्वानं पुरुषर्षभ
सत्यं ते प्रतिजानामि हतान्विद्धि परान्युधि

7.16.42

युधिष्ठिर उवाच
श्रुतमेतत्त्वया तात यद्द्रोणस्य चिकीर्षितम्
यथा तदनृतं तस्य भवेत्तद्वत्समाचर

7.16.43

द्रोणो हि बलवाञ्शूरः कृतास्त्रश्च जितश्रमः
प्रतिज्ञातं च तेनैतद्ग्रहणं मे महारथ

7.16.44

अर्जुन उवाच
अयं वै सत्यजिद्राजन्नद्य ते रक्षिता युधि
ध्रियमाणे हि पाञ्चाल्ये नाचार्यः काममाप्स्यति

7.16.45

हते तु पुरुषव्याघ्रे रणे सत्यजिति प्रभो
सर्वैरपि समेतैर्वा न स्थातव्यं कथंचन

7.16.46

संजय उवाच
अनुज्ञातस्ततो राज्ञा परिष्वक्तश्च फल्गुनः
प्रेम्णा दृष्टश्च बहुधा आशिषा च प्रयोजितः

7.16.47

विहायैनं ततः पार्थस्त्रिगर्तान्प्रत्ययाद्बली
क्षुधितः क्षुद्विघातार्थं सिंहो मृगगणानिव

7.16.48

ततो दौर्योधनं सैन्यं मुदा परमया युतम्
गतेऽर्जुने भृशं क्रुद्धं धर्मराजस्य निग्रहे

7.16.49

ततोऽन्योन्येन ते सेने समाजग्मतुरोजसा
गङ्गासरय्वोर्वेगेन प्रावृषीवोल्बणोदके

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'The troops of both the armies, having proceeded to their tents, duly took up their quarters, O king, according to the divisions and the sub-divisions to which they belonged. Having withdrawn the troops, Drona, in great cheerlessness of mind, beholding Duryodhana, said these words in shame: 'I told thee before that when Dhananjaya is by Yudhishthira, he is incapable of being seized in battle by the very gods. Although all of you fell upon him in battle, yet Partha frustrated all your attempts. Do not doubt what I say, Krishna and Pandu's son (Arjuna) are invincible. If, however, Arjuna of white steeds can, by any means, be withdrawn (from Yudhishthira's side), then Yudhishthira, O king, shall soon come under thy control. Let some one challenging him (Arjuna) in battle draw him away to some other part of the field. The son of Kunti will not return without vanquishing him. Meanwhile, when Arjuna will not be by, O monarch, I will seize king Yudhishthira the just, penetrating through the Pandava host in the very sight of Dhrishtadyumna. Thus, O monarch, I will, without doubt, bring Yudhishthira, the son of Dharma, along with his followers, under control. If that son of Pandu stays even for a moment before me in battle, I will bring him a captive from the field. That feat will be more advantageous than victory (over the Pandava army).'

"Sanjaya continued, 'Hearing those words of Drona, the ruler of the Trigartas, O monarch, with his brothers, said these words: 'We, O king, are always humiliated by the wielder of Gandiva! O bull of Bharata's race, although we have done him no injury, yet he hath always injured us. Remembering all those diverse instances of humiliation, we burn in wrath and are never able to sleep at night. By good luck, that Arjuna, armed with weapons, will stand before us. That therefore, which is in our heart and which we strive to accomplish, we are resolved to achieve now, that viz., which will be agreeable to thee, and which will bring us renown. Taking him out of the field will slay him. Let the earth today be without Arjuna or let it be without the Trigartas. We truly swear this before thee. This our vow will never be false.' And Satyaratha and Satyavarman, O Bharata, and Satyavrata and Satyeshu, and Satyakarman also, having spoken similarly, those five brothers together, with ten thousand cars, came, O king, (before Duryodhana), having taken that oath on the field of battle. And the Malavas, and the Tundikeras with thousand cars,

and the tiger among men, Susarman, the ruler of Prasthala, with the Mavellakas, the Lalithas, and the Madrakas, accompanied by ten thousand cars and his brothers, and with another ten thousand cars from diverse realms came forward for taking the oath. Then bringing fire, and each making preparations for igniting one for himself, they took up ropes Kusa grass and beautiful coats of mail. And equipped in mail, bathed in clarified butter, clad in robes of Kusa grass, and with their bow-strings serving as girdles, those heroes, who had given away hundreds and thousands as presents to Brahmanas, who had performed many sacrifices, had been blessed with children, and were deserving of blessed regions hereafter, who had nothing more to do in this world, who were deserving of blessed regions hereafter, who were prepared to lay down their lives in battle, and who devoted their souls to the attainment of fame and victory, who were desirous of soon repairing by fair fight to those regions (hereafter) that are attainable by means only of sacrifices, with abundant presents to Brahmanas, and by means also of the rites, the chief amongst which are Brahmacharya and study of the Vedas, those heroes, having each gratified Brahmanas by giving them gold, 1 and kine, and robes, and having addressed one another in loving discourse, ignited those fires and took that vow in battle. And in the presence of those fires, firmly resolved, they took that vow. And having made that vow for the slaughter of Dhananjaya, they, in the hearing of creatures, very loudly said, Those regions that are for persons who have never adopted any vows, are for one who drinketh wine, those that are for him who hath adulterous connection with his preceptor's wife, those that are for him who robbeth the property of a Brahmana, or for him who enjoyeth the king's grant without satisfying the condition of that grant or for him who abandoneth one asking for shelter, or for him who slayeth a candidate for his favour, those that are for persons that set fire to houses and for those that slay kine, those regions that are for those that injure others, those that are for persons harbouring malice against Brahmanas, those that are for him who from folly doth not seek the companionship of his wife in her season, those also that are for those that seek the companionship of women on the day they have to perform the Sraddha of their ancestors, those that are for persons that injure their own selves, or for those that misappropriate what is deposited with them from confidence or for those that destroy learning, or for those who battle with eunuchs, or for those that follow persons that are mean those regions that are for atheists, or for those that abandon their (sacred) fires and mothers, and those regions also that are for the sinful, those shall be ours, if without slaying Dhananjaya we return from the field, or if, ground by him on the field, we turn back from fear. If, again, we succeed in achieving in battle feats the most difficult of accomplishment in the world, we shalt then, without doubt, obtain the most desirable regions. Having said these

words, O king, those heroes then marched to battle, summoning Arjuna towards the southern part of the field. That tiger among men, and subjugator of hostile cities, Arjuna, thus challenged by them, said these words unto king Yudhishthira the Just without any delay: 'Summoned, I never turn back. This is my fixed vow. These men, sworn to conquer or die, are summoning me, O king, to great battle. This Susarman here, with his brothers, summoneth me to battle. It behoveth thee to grant me permission for slaying him, with all his followers. O bull among men, I am unable to brook this challenge. I tell thee truly, know these foes to be (already) slain in battle.'

"Yudhishthira said, 'Thou hast heard, O child, in detail, what Drona hath resolved to accomplish. Act thou in such a way that that resolve of his may become futile. Drona is endued with great might. He is a hero, accomplished in arms, and above fatigue. O mighty car-warrior, even he hath vowed my seizure.'

"Arjuna said, 'This Satyajit, O king, will today become thy protector in battle. As long as Satyajit lives, the preceptor will never be able to attain his desire. If, however, O lord, this tiger among men, Satyajit, be slain in battle, thou shouldst not then remain on the field even if surrounded by all our warriors.'

"'Sanjaya continued, 'King Yudhishthira then gave (Arjuna) the leave (he sought). And he also embraced Arjuna and eyed him affectionately. And diverse were the benedictions that the king uttered on him. Having made this arrangement (for Yudhishthira's protection), 1 the mighty Partha went out against the Trigartas, like a hungry lion, for assuaging his hunger upon a herd of deer. Then Duryodhana's troops, filled with joy at Arjuna's absence (from Yudhishthira's side), became furious for the seizure of Yudhishthira. Then both the hosts, with a great impetuosity, encountered each other, like the Ganga and the Sarayu in the season of rains when both streams are swollen with water.'"

39:1 Nishka, literally, a golden coin, whose weight is diversely stated by diverse authorities.

40:1 I adopt the Bengal reading which is Vidhayaivam. The Bombay reading is Vihayainam, meaning 'leaving Yudhishthira.'

7.17.1

संजय उवाच
ततः संशप्तका राजन्समे देशे व्यवस्थिताः
व्यूह्यानीकं रथैरेव चन्द्रार्धाख्यं मुदान्विताः

7.17.2

ते किरीटिनमायान्तं दृष्ट्वा हर्षेण मारिष
उदक्रोशन्नरव्याघ्राः शब्देन महता तदा

7.17.3

स शब्दः प्रदिशः सर्वा दिशः खं च समावृणोत्
आवृतत्वाच्च लोकस्य नासीत्तत्र प्रतिस्वनः

7.17.4

अतीव संप्रहृष्टांस्तानुपलभ्य धनंजयः
किंचिदभ्युत्स्मयन्कृष्णमिदं वचनमब्रवीत्

7.17.5

पश्यैतान्देवकीमातर्मुमूर्षूनद्य संयुगे
भ्रातॄंस्त्रैगर्तकानेवं रोदितव्ये प्रहर्षितान्

7.17.6

अथ वा हर्षकालोऽयं त्रैगर्तानामसंशयम्
कुनरैर्दुरवापान्हि लोकान्प्राप्स्यन्त्यनुत्तमान्

7.17.7

एवमुक्त्वा महाबाहुर्हृषीकेशं ततोऽर्जुनः
आससाद रणे व्यूढां त्रैगर्तानामनीकिनीम्

7.17.8

स देवदत्तमादाय शङ्खं हेमपरिष्कृतम्
दध्मौ वेगेन महता फल्गुनः पूरयन्दिशः

7.17.9

तेन शब्देन वित्रस्ता संशप्तकवरूथिनी
निश्चेष्टावस्थिता संख्ये अश्मसारमयी यथा

7.17.10

वाहास्तेषां विवृत्ताक्षाः स्तब्धकर्णशिरोधराः
विष्टब्धचरणा मूत्रं रुधिरं च प्रसुस्रुवुः

7.17.11

उपलभ्य च ते संज्ञामवस्थाप्य च वाहिनीम्
युगपत्पाण्डुपुत्राय चिक्षिपुः कङ्कपत्रिणः

7.17.12

तान्यर्जुनः सहस्राणि दश पञ्चैव चाशुगैः
अनागतान्येव शरैश्चिच्छेदाशुपराक्रमः

7.17.13

ततोऽर्जुनं शितैर्बाणैर्दशभिर्दशभिः पुनः
प्रत्यविध्यंस्ततः पार्थस्तानविध्यत्त्रिभिस्त्रिभिः

7.17.14

एकैकस्तु ततः पार्थं राजन्विव्याध पञ्चभिः
स च तान्प्रतिविव्याध द्वाभ्यां द्वाभ्यां पराक्रमी

7.17.15

भूय एव तु संरब्धास्तेऽर्जुनं सहकेशवम्
आपूरयञ्शरैस्तीक्ष्णैस्तटाकमिव वृष्टिभिः

7.17.16

ततः शरसहस्राणि प्रापतन्नर्जुनं प्रति
भ्रमराणामिव व्राताः फुल्लद्रुमगणे वने

7.17.17

ततः सुबाहुस्त्रिंशद्भिरद्रिसारमयैर्दृढैः
अविध्यदिषुभिर्गाढं किरीटे सव्यसाचिनम्

7.17.18

तैः किरीटी किरीटस्थैर्हेमपुङ्खैरजिह्मगैः
शातकुम्भमयापीडो बभौ यूप इवोच्छ्रितः

7.17.19

हस्तावापं सुबाहोस्तु भल्लेन युधि पाण्डवः
चिच्छेद तं चैव पुनः शरवर्षैरवाकिरत्

7.17.20

ततः सुशर्मा दशभिः सुरथश्च किरीटिनम्
सुधर्मा सुधनुश्चैव सुबाहुश्च समर्पयन्

7.17.21

तांस्तु सर्वान्पृथग्बाणैर्वानरप्रवरध्वजः
प्रत्यविध्यद्ध्वजांश्चैषां भल्लैश्चिच्छेद काञ्चनान्

7.17.22

सुधन्वनो धनुश्छित्त्वा हयान्वै न्यवधीच्छरैः
अथास्य सशिरस्त्राणं शिरः कायादपाहरत्

7.17.23

तस्मिंस्तु पतिते वीरे त्रस्तास्तस्य पदानुगाः
व्यद्रवन्त भयाद्भीता येन दौर्योधनं बलम्

7.17.24

ततो जघान संक्रुद्धो वासविस्तां महाचमूम्
शरजालैरविच्छिन्नैस्तमः सूर्य इवांशुभिः

7.17.25

ततो भग्ने बले तस्मिन्विप्रयाते समन्ततः
सव्यसाचिनि संक्रुद्धे त्रैगर्तान्भयमाविशत्

7.17.26

ते वध्यमानाः पार्थेन शरैः संनतपर्वभिः
अमुह्यंस्तत्र तत्रैव त्रस्ता मृगगणा इव

7.17.27

ततस्त्रिगर्तराट्क्रुद्धस्तानुवाच महारथान्
अलं द्रुतेन वः शूरा न भयं कर्तुमर्हथ

7.17.28

शप्त्वा तु शपथान्घोरान्सर्वसैन्यस्य पश्यतः
गत्वा दौर्योधनं सैन्यं किं वै वक्ष्यथ मुख्यगाः

7.17.29

नावहास्याः कथं लोके कर्मणानेन संयुगे
भवेम सहिताः सर्वे निवर्तध्वं यथाबलम्

7.17.30

एवमुक्तास्तु ते राजन्नुदक्रोशन्मुहुर्मुहुः
शङ्खांश्च दध्मिरे वीरा हर्षयन्तः परस्परम्

7.17.31

ततस्ते संन्यवर्तन्त संशप्तकगणाः पुनः
नारायणाश्च गोपालाः कृत्वा मृत्युं निवर्तनम्

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'The Samsaptakas, 2 then, filled with joy, took their stand on a level field, having, with their cars, formed an array in the shape of the half-moon. And those tigers among men, beholding the diadem-decked (Arjuna) come towards them, were, O sire, filled with delight and uttered loud shouts. That noise filled the sky and all the points of the compass,

cardinal and subsidiary. And because it was an open plain covered only with men, it produced no echoes. Ascertaining them to be exceedingly delighted, Dhananjaya, with a little smile, said these words unto Krishna: 'Behold, O thou that hast Devaki for thy mother, those Trigarta brothers, who are about to perish in battle, are filled with delight at a time when they should weep. Or, this is, without doubt, the hour of delight (with them) since they will obtain those excellent regions that are unattainable by cowards.' Having said these words unto the mighty-armed Hrishikesa, Arjuna came upon the arrayed ranks of the Trigartas in battle, taking up then his conch called Devadatta decked with gold, he blew it with great force, filling all the points of the compass with its blare. Terrified by that blare, that car-host of the Samsaptakas stood motionless in battle, as if it was petrified. And all their animals stood with eyes wide open, ears and necks and lips paralysed, and legs motionless. And they passed urine and vomited blood. Regaining consciousness then, and placing their ranks in proper order, they shot their arrows all at once at the son of Pandu. Capable of displaying his prowess with great speed, Arjuna, with five and ten arrows cut off those thousands of arrows before they could reach him. They then pierced Arjuna, each with ten arrows. Partha pierced them with three arrows. Then each of them, O king, pierced Partha with five arrows. Endued with great prowess, he pierced each of them in return with two arrows. And, once again, excited with wrath, they quickly poured upon Arjuna and Kesava countless arrows like the clouds pouring upon a lake their incessant showers. Then those thousands of arrows fell upon Arjuna, like swarms of bees upon a flowering cluster of trees in the forest. Then deeply pierced Arjuna's diadem with thirty shafts, endued with the strength of adamant with those shafts equipped with wings of gold fixed on his diadem, Arjuna, as if decked with ornaments of gold, shone like the (newly) risen sun. The son of Pandu then, in that battle, with a broad-headed arrow, cut off the leathern fence of Suvahu, and covered Sudharman and Sudhanwan, and Suvahu pierced Partha with ten arrows. Partha, having the excellent ape-device on his banner, pierced all of them in return with many arrows, and also cut off, with some broad-headed shafts, their standards made of gold. And cutting off the bow of Sudhanwan, he slew with his arrows the latter's steeds. And then he cut off from his trunk the latter's head graced with turban. Upon the fall of that hero, his followers were terrified. And stricken with panic, they all fled away to where Duryodhana's forces were. Then Vasava's son, filled with wrath, smote that mighty host with incessant showers of arrows, like the sun destroying darkness by means of his incessant rays. Then when that host broke and melted away on all sides, and Arjuna was filled with wrath, the Trigartas were struck with fear. While being slaughtered by Partha with his straight shafts, they remained where they stood, deprived of their senses, like a terrified, herd of deer. Then the king of the Trigartas, filled with rage, addressed those mighty car-warrior, saying, 'Do not fly, ye heroes! It behoveth ye not to be frightened. Having, in

the sight of all the troops, taken those terrible steps, repairing thither, what shall ye say unto the leaders of Duryodhana's host? Do we not incur ridicule in the world by such a (cowardly) act in battle? Therefore, stop ye all, and fight according to your strength.' Thus addressed, O king, those heroes, repeatedly uttering loud shouts, blew their conchs, gladdening one another. Then those Samsaptakas once more returned to the field, with the Narayana cow-herds, resolved to fade Death himself.'"

40:2 Soldiers sworn to conquer or die. Instead of using a long-winded phrase each time the word occurs, it is better to repeat it in this form.

7.18.1

संजय उवाच
दृष्ट्वा तु संनिवृत्तांस्तान्संशप्तकगणान्पुनः
वासुदेवं महात्मानमर्जुनः समभाषत

7.18.2

चोदयाश्वान्हृषीकेश संशप्तकगणान्प्रति
नैते हास्यन्ति संग्रामं जीवन्त इति मे मतिः

7.18.3

पश्य मेऽस्त्रबलं घोरं बाह्वोरिष्वसनस्य च
अद्यैतान्पातयिष्यामि क्रुद्धो रुद्रः पशूनिव

7.18.4

ततः कृष्णः स्मितं कृत्वा परिणन्द्य शिवेन तम्
प्रावेशयत दुर्धर्षो यत्र यत्रैच्छदर्जुनः

7.18.5

बभ्राजे स रथोऽत्यर्थमुह्यमानो रणे तदा
उह्यमानमिवाकाशे विमानं पाण्डुरैर्हयैः

7.18.6

मण्डलानि ततश्चक्रे गतप्रत्यागतानि च
यथा शक्ररथो राजन्युद्धे देवासुरे पुरा

7.18.7

अथ नारायणाः क्रुद्धा विविधायुधपाणयः
छादयन्तः शरव्रातैः परिवव्रुर्धनंजयम्

7.18.8

अदृश्यं च मुहूर्तेन चक्रुस्ते भरतर्षभ
कृष्णेन सहितं युद्धे कुन्तीपुत्रं धनंजयम्

7.18.9

क्रुद्धस्तु फल्गुनः संख्ये द्विगुणीकृतविक्रमः
गाण्डीवमुपसंमृज्य तूर्णं जग्राह संयुगे

7.18.10

बद्ध्वा च भृकुटीं वक्त्रे क्रोधस्य प्रतिलक्षणम्
देवदत्तं महाशङ्खं पूरयामास पाण्डवः

7.18.11

अथास्त्रमरिसंघघ्नं त्वाष्ट्रमभ्यस्यदर्जुनः
ततो रूपसहस्राणि प्रादुरासन्पृथक्पृथक्

7.18.12

आत्मनः प्रतिरूपैस्तैर्नानारूपैर्विमोहिताः
अन्योन्यमर्जुनं मत्वा स्वमात्मानं च जघ्निरे

7.18.13

अयमर्जुनोऽयं गोविन्द इमौ यादवपाण्डवौ
इति ब्रुवाणाः संमूढा जघ्नुरन्योन्यमाहवे

7.18.14

मोहिताः परमास्त्रेण क्षयं जग्मुः परस्परम्
अशोभन्त रणे योधाः पुष्पिता इव किंशुकाः

7.18.15

ततः शरसहस्राणि तैर्विमुक्तानि भस्मसात्
कृत्वा तदस्त्रं तान्वीराननयद्यमसादनम्

7.18.16

अथ प्रहस्य बीभत्सुर्ललित्थान्मालवानपि
माचेल्लकांस्त्रिगर्तांश्च यौधेयांश्चार्दयच्छरैः

7.18.17

ते वध्यमाना वीरेण क्षत्रियाः कालचोदिताः
व्यसृजञ्शरवर्षाणि पार्थे नानाविधानि च

7.18.18

ततो नैवार्जुनस्तत्र न रथो न च केशवः
प्रत्यदृश्यत घोरेण शरवर्षेण संवृतः

7.18.19

ततस्ते लब्धलक्ष्यत्वादन्योन्यमभिचुक्रुशुः
हतौ कृष्णाविति प्रीता वासांस्यादुधुवुस्तदा

7.18.20

भेरीमृदङ्गशङ्खांश्च दध्मुर्वीराः सहस्रशः
सिंहनादरवांश्चोग्रांश्चक्रिरे तत्र मारिष

7.18.21

ततः प्रसिष्विदे कृष्णः खिन्नश्चार्जुनमब्रवीत्
क्वासि पार्थ न पश्ये त्वां कच्चिज्जीवसि शत्रुहन्

7.18.22

तस्य तं मानुषं भावं भावज्ञोऽऽज्ञाय पाण्डवः
वायव्यास्त्रेण तैरस्तां शरवृष्टिमपाहरत्

7.18.23

ततः संशप्तकव्रातान्साश्वद्विपरथायुधान्
उवाह भगवान्वायुः शुष्कपर्णचयानिव

7.18.24

उह्यमानास्तु ते राजन्बह्वशोभन्त वायुना
प्रडीनाः पक्षिणः काले वृक्षेभ्य इव मारिष

7.18.25

तांस्तथा व्याकुलीकृत्य त्वरमाणो धनंजयः
जघान निशितैर्बाणैः सहस्राणि शतानि च

7.18.26

शिरांसि भल्लैरहरद्बाहूनपि च सायुधान्
हस्तिहस्तोपमांश्चोरूञ्शरैरुर्व्यामपातयत्

7.18.27

पृष्ठच्छिन्नान्विचरणान्विमस्तिष्केक्षणाङ्गुलीन्
नानाङ्गावयवैर्हीनांश्चकारारीन्धनंजयः

7.18.28

गन्धर्वनगराकारान्विधिवत्कल्पितान्रथान्
शरैर्विशकलीकुर्वंश्चक्रे व्यश्वरथद्विपान्

7.18.29

मुण्डतालवनानीव तत्र तत्र चकाशिरे
छिन्नध्वजरथव्राताः केचित्केचित्क्वचित्क्वचित्

7.18.30

सोत्तरायुधिनो नागाः सपताकाङ्कुशायुधाः
पेतुः शक्राशनिहता द्रुमवन्त इवाचलाः

7.18.31

चामरापीडकवचाः स्रस्तान्त्रनयनासवः
सारोहास्तुरगाः पेतुः पार्थबाणहताः क्षितौ

7.18.32

विप्रविद्धासिनखराश्छिन्नवर्मर्ष्टिशक्तयः
पत्तयश्छिन्नवर्माणः कृपणं शेरते हताः

7.18.33

तैर्हतैर्हन्यमानैश्च पतद्भिः पतितैरपि
भ्रमद्भिर्निष्टनद्भिश्च घोरमायोधनं बभौ

7.18.34

रजश्च महदुद्भूतं शान्तं रुधिरवृष्टिभिः
मही चाप्यभवद्दुर्गा कबन्धशतसंकुला

7.18.35

तद्बभौ रौद्रबीभत्सं बीभत्सोर्यानमाहवे
आक्रीड इव रुद्रस्य घ्नतः कालात्यये पशून्

7.18.36

ते वध्यमानाः पार्थेन व्याकुलाश्वरथद्विपाः
तमेवाभिमुखाः क्षीणाः शक्रस्यातिथितां गताः

7.18.37

सा भूमिर्भरतश्रेष्ठ निहतैस्तैर्महारथैः
आस्तीर्णा संबभौ सर्वा प्रेतीभूतैः समन्ततः

7.18.38

एतस्मिन्नन्तरे चैव प्रमत्ते सव्यसाचिनि
व्यूढानीकस्ततो द्रोणो युधिष्ठिरमुपाद्रवत्

7.18.39

तं प्रत्यगृह्णंस्त्वरिता व्यूढानीकाः प्रहारिणः
युधिष्ठिरं परीप्सन्तस्तदासीत्तुमुलं महत्

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Beholding those Samsaptakas once more return to the field, Arjuna addressed the high-souled Vasudeva, saying, 'Urge the steeds, O Hrishikesa, towards the Samsaptakas. They will not give up the battle alive. This is what I think. Today thou shalt witness the terrible might of my arms as also of my bow. Today I shall slay all these, like Rudra slaying creatures (at the end of the Yuga).' Hearing these words, the invincible Krishna smiled, and gladdening him with auspicious speeches, conveyed Arjuna to those places whither the latter desired to go. While borne in battle by those white steeds, that car looked exceedingly resplendent like a celestial car borne along the firmament. And like Sakra's car, O king, in the battle between the gods and the Asuras in days of old, it displayed circular, forward, backward, and diverse other kinds of motion. Then the Narayanas, excited with wrath and armed with diverse weapons, surrounded Dhananjaya, covering him with showers of arrows. And, O bull of Bharata's race, they soon made Kunti's son, Dhananjaya, together with Krishna, entirely invisible in that battle. Then Phalguni, excited with wrath, doubled his energy, and quickly rubbing its string, grasped Gandiva, (firmly) in the battle. Causing wrinkles to form themselves on his brow, sure indications of wrath, the son of Pandu blew his prodigious conch, called Devadatta, and then he shot the weapon called Tvashtra that is capable of slaying large bodies of foes together. Thereupon, thousands of separate forms started into existence there (of Arjuna himself and of Vasudeva). Confounded by those diverse images after the form of Arjuna, the troops began to strike each other, each regarding the other as Arjuna's self.' 'This is Arjuna!' 'This is Govinda!' 'They are Pandu's son and he is of Yadu's race!' Uttering such exclamations, and deprived of their senses, they slew one another in that battle. Deprived of their senses by that mighty weapon, they slew one another. Indeed, those warriors (while striking one another) looked beautiful like blossoming Kinsukas. Consuming those thousands of arrows shot by them, that (mighty) weapon despatched those heroes to Yama's abode. Then Vibhatsu, laughing, crushed with his arrows the Lalithya, the Malava, the Mavellaka,

and the Trigarta warriors. While those Kshatriyas, urged by fate, were thus slaughtered by that hero, they shot at Partha showers of diverse kinds of arrows. Overwhelmed with those terrible showers of arrows, neither Arjuna, nor his car, nor Kesava, could any longer be seen. Seeing their arrows strike the aim, they uttered joyous shouts. And regarding the two Krishnas as already slain, they joyously waved their garments in the air. And those heroes also blew their conchs and beat their drums and cymbals by thousands, and uttered many leonine shouts, O sire! Then Krishna, covered with sweat, and much weakened, addressed Arjuna, saying, 'Where art thou, O Partha! I do not see thee. Art thou alive, O slayer of foes?' Hearing those words of his, Dhananjaya with great speed dispelled, by means of the Vayavya weapon, that arrowy downpour shot by his foes. Then the illustrious Vayu (the presiding deity of that mighty weapon) bore away crowds of Samsaptakas with steeds and elephants and cars and weapons, as if these were dry leaves of trees. Borne away by the wind, O king, they looked highly beautiful, like flights of birds, O monarch, flying away from trees. Then Dhananjaya, having afflicted them thus, with great speed struck hundreds and thousands of them with sharp shafts. And he cut off their heads and also hands with weapons in their grasp, by means of his broad-headed arrows. And he felled on the ground, with his shafts, their thighs, resembling the trunks of elephants. And some were wounded on their backs, arms and eyes. And thus Dhananjaya deprived his foes of diverse limbs, and cars decked and equipped according to rule, and looking like the vapour edifices in the welkin, he cut off into fragments, by means of his arrows, their riders and steeds and elephants. And in many places crowds of cars, whose standards had been cut off, looked like forests of headless palmyras. And elephants with excellent weapons, banners, hooks, and standards fell down like wooded mountains, split with Sakra's thunder. Graced with tails, looking like those of the yak, and covered with coats of mail, and with their entrails and eyes dragged out, steeds along with their riders, rolled on the ground, slain by means of Partha's shafts. No longer holding in their grasp the swords that had served for their nails, with their coats of mail tom, and the joints of their bones broken, foot-soldiers with their vital limbs cut open, helplessly laid themselves down on the field, slain by means of Arjuna's arrows. And the field of battle assumed an awful aspect in consequence of those warriors slain, or in the course of being slaughtered, falling and fallen, standing or in course of being whirled along. And the air was purified of the dust that had arisen, by means of the showers of blood (caused by Arjuna's arrows). And the earth, strewn with hundreds of headless trunks, became impassable. And the car of Vibhatsu in that battle shone fiercely like the car of Rudra himself, while engaged at the end of the Yuga in destroying all creatures. While slaughtered by Partha thus, those warriors, with their steeds and cars and elephants in great distress, ceased not to rush against him; though, deprived of life one after another, they had to become the guests of Sakra. Then the field of battle, O chief of the

[paragraph continues] Bharatas, strewn with mighty car-warriors deprived of life, looked dreadful like Yama's domains, abounding with the spirits of the departed creatures. Meanwhile, when Arjuna was furiously engaged (with the Samsaptakas), Drona, at the head of his forces arrayed for battle, rushed against Yudhishthira, and many warriors, accomplished in smiting and properly arrayed, followed him, actuated by the desire of seizing Yudhishthira. The battle then that ensued became exceedingly fierce.'"

7.19.1

संजय उवाच
परिणाम्य निशां तां तु भारद्वाजो महारथः
बहूक्त्वा च ततो राजन्राजानं च सुयोधनम्

7.19.2

विधाय योगं पार्थेन संशप्तकगणैः सह
निष्क्रान्ते च रणात्पार्थे संशप्तकवधं प्रति

7.19.3

व्यूढानीकस्ततो द्रोणः पाण्डवानां महाचमूम्
अभ्ययाद्भरतश्रेष्ठ धर्मराजजिघृक्षया

7.19.4

व्यूहं दृष्ट्वा सुपर्णं तु भारद्वाजकृतं तदा
व्यूहेन मण्डलार्धेन प्रत्यव्यूहद्युधिष्ठिरः

7.19.5

मुखमासीत्सुपर्णस्य भारद्वाजो महारथः
शिरो दुर्योधनो राजा सोदर्यैः सानुगैः सह

7.19.6

चक्षुषी कृतवर्मा च गौतमश्चास्यतां वरः
भूतवर्मा क्षेमशर्मा करकर्षश्च वीर्यवान्

7.19.7

कलिङ्गाः सिंहलाः प्राच्याः शूराभीरा दशेरकाः
शका यवनकाम्बोजास्तथा हंसपदाश्च ये

7.19.8

ग्रीवायां शूरसेनाश्च दरदा मद्रकेकयाः
गजाश्वरथपत्त्यौघास्तस्थुः शतसहस्रशः

7.19.9

भूरिश्रवाः शलः शल्यः सोमदत्तश्च बाह्लिकः
अक्षौहिण्या वृता वीरा दक्षिणं पक्षमाश्रिताः

7.19.10

विन्दानुविन्दावावन्त्यौ काम्बोजश्च सुदक्षिणः
वामं पक्षं समाश्रित्य द्रोणपुत्राग्रगाः स्थिताः

7.19.11

पृष्ठे कलिङ्गाः साम्बष्ठा मागधाः पौण्ड्रमद्रकाः
गान्धाराः शकुनिप्राग्याः पार्वतीया वसातयः

7.19.12

पुच्छे वैकर्तनः कर्णः सपुत्रज्ञातिबान्धवः
महत्या सेनया तस्थौ नानाध्वजसमुत्थया

7.19.13

जयद्रथो भीमरथः सांयात्रिकसभो जयः
भूमिंजयो वृषक्राथो नैषधश्च महाबलः

7.19.14

वृता बलेन महता ब्रह्मलोकपुरस्कृताः
व्यूहस्योपरि ते राजन्स्थिता युद्धविशारदाः

7.19.15

द्रोणेन विहितो व्यूहः पदात्यश्वरथद्विपैः
वातोद्धूतार्णवाकारः प्रवृत्त इव लक्ष्यते

7.19.16

तस्य पक्षप्रपक्षेभ्यो निष्पतन्ति युयुत्सवः
सविद्युत्स्तनिता मेघाः सर्वदिग्भ्य इवोष्णगे

7.19.17

तस्य प्राग्ज्योतिषो मध्ये विधिवत्कल्पितं गजम्
आस्थितः शुशुभे राजन्नंशुमानुदये यथा

7.19.18

माल्यदामवता राजा श्वेतच्छत्रेण धार्यता
कृत्तिकायोगयुक्तेन पौर्णमास्यामिवेन्दुना

7.19.19

नीलाञ्जनचयप्रख्यो मदान्धो द्विरदो बभौ
अभिवृष्टो महामेघैर्यथा स्यात्पर्वतो महान्

7.19.20

नानानृपतिभिर्वीरैर्विविधायुधभूषणैः
समन्वितः पार्वतीयैः शक्रो देवगणैरिव

7.19.21

ततो युधिष्ठिरः प्रेक्ष्य व्यूहं तमतिमानुषम्
अजय्यमरिभिः संख्ये पार्षतं वाक्यमब्रवीत्

7.19.22

ब्राह्मणस्य वशं नाहमियामद्य यथा प्रभो
पारावतसवर्णाश्व तथा नीतिर्विधीयताम्

7.19.23

धृष्टद्युम्न उवाच
द्रोणस्य यतमानस्य वशं नैष्यसि सुव्रत
अहमावारयिष्यामि द्रोणमद्य सहानुगम्

7.19.24

मयि जीवति कौरव्य नोद्वेगं कर्तुमर्हसि
न हि शक्तो रणे द्रोणो विजेतुं मां कथंचन

7.19.25

संजय उवाच
एवमुक्त्वा किरन्बाणान्द्रुपदस्य सुतो बली
पारावतसवर्णाश्वः स्वयं द्रोणमुपाद्रवत्

7.19.26

अनिष्टदर्शनं दृष्ट्वा धृष्टद्युम्नमवस्थितम्
क्षणेनैवाभवद्द्रोणो नातिहृष्टमना इव

7.19.27

तं तु संप्रेक्ष्य पुत्रस्ते दुर्मुखः शत्रुकर्शनः
प्रियं चिकीर्षन्द्रोणस्य धृष्टद्युम्नमवारयत्

7.19.28

स संप्रहारस्तुमुलः समरूप इवाभवत्
पार्षतस्य च शूरस्य दुर्मुखस्य च भारत

7.19.29

पार्षतः शरजालेन क्षिप्रं प्रच्छाद्य दुर्मुखम्
भारद्वाजं शरौघेण महता समवारयत्

7.19.30

द्रोणमावारितं दृष्ट्वा भृशायस्तस्तवात्मजः
नानालिङ्गैः शरव्रातैः पार्षतं सममोहयत्

7.19.31

तयोर्विषक्तयोः संख्ये पाञ्चाल्यकुरुमुख्ययोः
द्रोणो यौधिष्ठिरं सैन्यं बहुधा व्यधमच्छरैः

7.19.32

अनिलेन यथाभ्राणि विच्छिन्नानि समन्ततः
तथा पार्थस्य सैन्यानि विच्छिन्नानि क्वचित्क्वचित्

7.19.33

मुहूर्तमिव तद्युद्धमासीन्मधुरदर्शनम्
तत उन्मत्तवद्राजन्निर्मर्यादमवर्तत

7.19.34

नैव स्वे न परे राजन्नज्ञायन्त परस्परम्
अनुमानेन संज्ञाभिर्युद्धं तत्समवर्तत

7.19.35

चूडामणिषु निष्केषु भूषणेष्वसिचर्मसु
तेषामादित्यवर्णाभा मरीच्यः प्रचकाशिरे

7.19.36

तत्प्रकीर्णपताकानां रथवारणवाजिनाम्
बलाकाशबलाभ्राभं ददृशे रूपमाहवे

7.19.37

नरानेव नरा जघ्नुरुदग्राश्च हया हयान्
रथांश्च रथिनो जघ्नुर्वारणा वरवारणान्

7.19.38

समुच्छ्रितपताकानां गजानां परमद्विपैः
क्षणेन तुमुलो घोरः संग्रामः समवर्तत

7.19.39

तेषां संसक्तगात्राणां कर्षतामितरेतरम्
दन्तसंघातसंघर्षात्सधूमोऽग्निरजायत

7.19.40

विप्रकीर्णपताकास्ते विषाणजनिताग्नयः
बभूवुः खं समासाद्य सविद्युत इवाम्बुदाः

7.19.41

विक्षरद्भिर्नदद्भिश्च निपतद्भिश्च वारणैः
संबभूव मही कीर्णा मेघैर्द्यौरिव शारदी

7.19.42

तेषामाहन्यमानानां बाणतोमरवृष्टिभिः
वारणानां रवो जज्ञे मेघानामिव संप्लवे

7.19.43

तोमराभिहताः केचिद्बाणैश्च परमद्विपाः
वित्रेसुः सर्वभूतानां शब्दमेवापरेऽव्रजन्

7.19.44

विषाणाभिहताश्चापि केचित्तत्र गजा गजैः
चक्रुरार्तस्वरं घोरमुत्पातजलदा इव

7.19.45

प्रतीपं ह्रियमाणाश्च वारणा वरवारणैः
उन्मथ्य पुनराजह्रुः प्रेरिताः परमाङ्कुशैः

7.19.46

महामात्रा महामात्रैस्ताडिताः शरतोमरैः
गजेभ्यः पृथिवीं जग्मुर्मुक्तप्रहरणाङ्कुशाः

7.19.47

निर्मनुष्याश्च मातङ्गा विनदन्तस्ततस्ततः
छिन्नाभ्राणीव संपेतुः संप्रविश्य परस्परम्

7.19.48

हतान्परिवहन्तश्च यन्त्रिताः परमायुधैः
दिशो जग्मुर्महानागाः केचिदेकचरा इव

7.19.49

ताडितास्ताड्यमानाश्च तोमरर्ष्टिपरश्वधैः
पेतुरार्तस्वरं कृत्वा तदा विशसने गजाः

7.19.50

तेषां शैलोपमैः कायैर्निपतद्भिः समन्ततः
आहता सहसा भूमिश्चकम्पे च ननाद च

7.19.51

सादितैः सगजारोहैः सपताकैः समन्ततः
मातङ्गैः शुशुभे भूमिर्विकीर्णैरिव पर्वतैः

7.19.52

गजस्थाश्च महामात्रा निर्भिन्नहृदया रणे
रथिभिः पातिता भल्लैर्विकीर्णाङ्कुशतोमराः

7.19.53

क्रौञ्चवद्विनदन्तोऽन्ये नाराचाभिहता गजाः
परान्स्वांश्चापि मृद्नन्तः परिपेतुर्दिशो दश

7.19.54

गजाश्वरथसंघानां शरीरौघसमावृता
बभूव पृथिवी राजन्मांसशोणितकर्दमा

7.19.55

प्रमथ्य च विषाणाग्रैः समुत्क्षिप्य च वारणैः
सचक्राश्च विचक्राश्च रथैरेव महारथाः

7.19.56

रथाश्च रथिभिर्हीना निर्मनुष्याश्च वाजिनः
हतारोहाश्च मातङ्गा दिशो जग्मुः शरातुराः

7.19.57

जघानात्र पिता पुत्रं पुत्रश्च पितरं तथा
इत्यासीत्तुमुलं युद्धं न प्रज्ञायत किंचन

7.19.58

आ गुल्फेभ्योऽवसीदन्त नराः शोणितकर्दमे
दीप्यमानैः परिक्षिप्ता दावैरिव महाद्रुमाः

7.19.59

शोणितैः सिच्यमानानि वस्त्राणि कवचानि च
छत्राणि च पताकाश्च सर्वं रक्तमदृश्यत

7.19.60

हयौघाश्च रथौघाश्च नरौघाश्च निपातिताः
संवृत्ताः पुनरावृत्ता बहुधा रथनेमिभिः

7.19.61

स गजौघमहावेगः परासुनरशैवलः
रथौघतुमुलावर्तः प्रबभौ सैन्यसागरः

7.19.62

तं वाहनमहानौभिर्योधा जयधनैषिणः
अवगाह्यावमज्जन्तो नैव मोहं प्रचक्रिरे

7.19.63

शरवर्षाभिवृष्टेषु योधेष्वजितलक्ष्मसु
न हि स्वचित्ततां लेभे कश्चिदाहतलक्षणः

7.19.64

वर्तमाने तथा युद्धे घोररूपे भयंकरे
मोहयित्वा परान्द्रोणो युधिष्ठिरमुपाद्रवत्

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Having passed the night, that mighty car-warrior viz., Bharadwaja's son, addressed Suyodhana, O monarch, saying, 'I am thine! 1 I have made arrangements for Partha's encounter with the Samsaptaka.' 2 After Partha went out for slaying the Samsaptakas, Drona then, at the head of his troops arrayed for battle, proceeded, O chief of the Bharatas, for seizing king Yudhishthira the just. Seeing that Drona had arrayed his forces in the form of a Garuda, Yudhishthira disposed his troops in counter array in the form of a semi-circle. In the mouth of that Garuda was the mighty car-warrior Drona himself. And its head was formed by king Duryodhana, surrounded by his uterine brothers. And Kritavarman and the illustrious Kripa formed the two eyes of that Garuda. And Bhutasarman, and Kshemasarman, and the valiant Karakaksha, and the Kalingas, the Singhalas, the Easterners, the Sudras, the Abhiras, the Daserakas, the Sakas, the Yavanas, the Kamvojas, the Hangsapadas, the Surasenas, the Daradas, the Madras, and the Kalikeyas, with hundreds and thousands of elephants, steeds, cars, and foot-soldiers were stationed at its neck. And Bhurisravah. and Salya, and Somadatta, and Valhika, these heroes, surrounded by a full Akshauhini, took up their position in the right wing. And Vinda and Anuvinda of Avanti, and Sudakshina, the ruler of the Kamvojas, stationed themselves in the left wing at the head, however, of Drona's son Aswatthaman. In the back (of that Garuda) were the Kalingas, the Amvashthas, the Magadhas, the Paundras, the Madrakas, the Gandharas, the Sakunas, the Easterners, the Mountaineers, and the Vasatis. In the tail stood Vikartana's son Karna, with his sons, kinsmen and friends, and surrounded by a large force raised from diverse realms, Jayadratha, and Bhimaratha, and Sampati, and the Jays, and the Bhojas, and Bhuminjaya, and Vrisha, and Kratha, and the mighty ruler of the Nishadhas, all accomplished in battle, surrounded by a large host and keeping the region of Brahma before their eyes, stood, O king, in the heart of that array. That array, formed by Drona, in consequence of its foot-soldiers, steeds, cars and elephants, seemed to

surge like the tempest-tossed ocean (as it advanced to battle). Warriors, desirous of battle, began to start out from the wings and sides of that array, like roaring clouds charged with lightning rushing from all sides (in the welkin) at summer. And in the midst of that army, the ruler of the Pragjyotishas, mounted on his duly equipped elephant, looked resplendent, O king, like the rising sun. Decked, O monarch, in garlands of flower, and with a white umbrella held over his head, he looked like the full moon when in conjunction with the constellation Krittika. And blind with the wine-like exudation, the elephant, looking like a mass of black antimony, shone like a huge mountain washed by mighty clouds (with their showers). And the ruler of the Pragjyotishas was surrounded by many heroic kings of the hilly countries, armed with diverse weapons, like Sakra himself surrounded by the celestials. Then Yudhishthira, beholding that superhuman array incapable of being vanquished by foes in battle, addressed Prishata's son, saying, 'O lord, O thou that ownest steeds white as pigeons, let such measures be adopted that I may not be taken a prisoner by the Brahmana.'

"Dhrishtadyumna said, 'O thou of excellent vows, never shalt thou be placed under the power of Drona, however much may he strive. Even I shall check Drona today with all his followers. As long as I am alive, O thou of Kuru's race, it behoveth thee not to feel any anxiety. Under no circumstances will Drona be able to vanquish me in battle.'

"Sanjaya continued, 'Having said these words, the mighty son of Drupada owning steeds of the hue of pigeons, scattering his shafts, rushed himself at Drona. Beholding that (to him) evil omen in the form of Dhrishtadyumna stationed before him, Drona soon became exceedingly cheerless. Beholding this, that crusher of foes, viz., thy son Durmukha, desirous of doing what was agreeable to Drona, began to resist Dhrishtadyumna. Then a terrible and a fierce battle took place, O Bharata, between the brave son of Prishata and thy son, Durmukha. Then Prishata's son, quickly covering Durmukha, with a shower of arrows, checked Bharadwaja's son also with a thick arrowy downpour. Beholding Drona checked, thy son Durmukha quickly rushed at Prishata's son and confounded him with clouds of arrows of diverse kinds. And while the prince of the Panchalas and that foremost one of Kuru's race were thus engaged in battle, Drona consumed many sections of Yudhishthira's host. As a mass of clouds is dispersed in different directions by the wind, even so was Yudhisthira's host, in many parts of the field, scattered by Drona. For only a short while did that battle look like an ordinary combat. And then, O king, it became an encounter of infuriated persons in which no consideration was shown for anybody. And the combatants could no longer distinguish their own men from the foe. And the battle raged on, the warriors being guided by inferences and watch-words. Upon the gems on their headgears, upon their necklaces and other ornaments, and upon their coats of mail, rays of light like those of the Sun seemed to fall and play. And cars and elephants and steeds, decked with streaming banners, seemed in that

battle to resemble masses of clouds with flocks of cranes under them. And men slew men, and steeds of fiery metal slew steeds, and car-warriors slew car-warriors and elephants slew elephants. And soon a fierce and terrible encounter took place between elephants with tall standards on their backs and mighty compeers (rushing against them). All in consequence of those huge creatures rubbing their bodies against those of hostile compeers and tearing one another (with their tusks), fires mixed with smoke were generated there by (such) friction of countless tusks with tusks. Shorn of the standards (on their backs), those elephants, in consequence of the fires caused by their tusks, looked like masses of clouds in the welkin charged with lightning. And the earth, strewn with elephants dragging (hostile compeers) and roaring and falling down, looked beautiful like the autumnal sky overspread with clouds. And the roars of those elephants while they were being slaughtered with showers of shafts and lances, sounded like the roll of clouds in the rainy season. And some huge elephants, wounded with lances and shafts, became panic-stricken. And others amongst those creatures, left the field with loud cries. 1 And some elephants there, struck by others with their tusks, uttered fierce yells of distress that resounded like the roll of the all-destroying clouds at the end of the Yuga. And some, turned back by huge antagonists, returned to the charge, urged on by sharp hooks. And crushing hostile ranks, they began to kill all who came in their way. And elephant-drivers, attacked by elephant-drivers with arrows and lances, fell down from the backs of their beasts, their weapons and hooks being loosened from their hands. And many elephants, without riders on their backs, wandered hither and thither like clouds torn from mightier masses, and then fell down, encountering one another. And some huge elephants, bearing on their backs slain and fallen warriors, or those whose weapons had fallen down, wandered in all directions singly. 2 And in the midst of that carnage, some elephants attacked, or in course of being attacked with lances, swords and battle axes, fell down in course of that awful carnage, uttering sounds of distress. And the earth, suddenly struck with the falling bodies, huge as hills, of those creatures all around trembled and emitted sounds. And with those elephants slain along with their riders and lying all about with the standards on their backs, the earth looked beautiful as if strewn with hills. And the drivers on the backs of many elephants, with their breasts pierced by car-warriors with broad-headed shafts in that battle, fell down, their lances and hooks loosened from their grasp. And some elephants, struck with long shafts, uttered crane like cries and ran in all directions, crushing friends and foes by trampling them to death. And covered with countless bodies of elephants and steeds and car-warriors, the earth, O king, became miry with flesh and blood. And large cars with wheels and many without wheels, crushed by

the points of their tusks, were thrown up by elephants, with the warriors mounted on them. Cars were seen deprived of warriors. And riderless steeds and elephants ran in all directions, afflicted with wounds. And there father slew his son, and son slew his sire, for the battle that took place was exceedingly fierce and nothing could be distinguished. Men sank ankle-deep in the gory mire and looked like tall trees whose lower parts were swallowed up in a blazing forest-conflagration. And robes and coats of mail and umbrellas and standards having been dyed with blood, everything seemed to be bloody on the field. Large bodies of slain steeds, of cars, and of men, were again cut into fragments by the rolling of car-wheels. And that sea of troops having elephants for its current, and slain men for its floating moss and weeds, and cars for its fierce, eddies, looked terribly grim. Warriors, having steeds and elephants for their large vessels, and desirous of victory as their wealth, plunged into that sea, and instead of sinking in it endeavoured to deprive their enemies of their senses. When all the warriors, each bearing particular signs, were covered with arrowy showers, there was none amongst them lost heart, though all were deprived of their signs. In that fierce and awful battle, Drona confounding the senses of his foes, (at last) rushed at Yudhishthira.'"

44:1 The second line reads differently in the Bombay text.

44:2 It seems that the text here is vicious. It certainly requires settling. One complete Sloka seems to be wanting.

46:1 The second line of this verse is certainly vicious.

46:2 Ekacharas is explained by Nilakantha as 'unable to bear the sight of others of their species,' i.e., walking by themselves, or solitarily or singly. Some of the vernacular translators are for taking this word as implying the Rhinoceros.

7.20.1

संजय उवाच
ततो युधिष्ठिरो द्रोणं दृष्ट्वान्तिकमुपागतम्
महता शरवर्षेण प्रत्यगृह्णादभीतवत्

7.20.2

ततो हलहलाशब्द आसीद्यौधिष्ठिरे बले
जिघृक्षति महासिंहे गजानामिव यूथपम्

7.20.3

दृष्ट्वा द्रोणं ततः शूरः सत्यजित्सत्यविक्रमः
युधिष्ठिरं परिप्रेप्सुमाचार्यं समुपाद्रवत्

7.20.4

तत आचार्यपाञ्चाल्यौ युयुधाते परस्परम्
विक्षोभयन्तौ तत्सैन्यमिन्द्रवैरोचनाविव

7.20.5

ततः सत्यजितं तीक्ष्णैर्दशभिर्मर्मभेदिभिः
अविध्यच्छीघ्रमाचार्यश्छित्त्वास्य सशरं धनुः

7.20.6

स शीघ्रतरमादाय धनुरन्यत्प्रतापवान्
द्रोणं सोऽभिजघानाशु विंशद्भिः कङ्कपत्रिभिः

7.20.7

ज्ञात्वा सत्यजिता द्रोणं ग्रस्यमानमिवाहवे
वृकः शरशतैस्तीक्ष्णैः पाञ्चाल्यो द्रोणमर्दयत्

7.20.8

संछाद्यमानं समरे द्रोणं दृष्ट्वा महारथम्
चुक्रुशुः पाण्डवा राजन्वस्त्राणि दुधुवुश्च ह

7.20.9

वृकस्तु परमक्रुद्धो द्रोणं षष्ट्या स्तनान्तरे
विव्याध बलवान्राजंस्तदद्भुतमिवाभवत्

7.20.10

द्रोणस्तु शरवर्षेण छाद्यमानो महारथः
वेगं चक्रे महावेगः क्रोधादुद्वृत्य चक्षुषी

7.20.11

ततः सत्यजितश्चापं छित्त्वा द्रोणो वृकस्य च
षड्भिः ससूतं सहयं शरैर्द्रोणोऽवधीद्वृकम्

7.20.12

अथान्यद्धनुरादाय सत्यजिद्वेगवत्तरम्
साश्वं ससूतं विशिखैर्द्रोणं विव्याध सध्वजम्

7.20.13

स तन्न ममृषे द्रोणः पाञ्चाल्येनार्दनं मृधे
ततस्तस्य विनाशाय सत्वरं व्यसृजच्छरान्

7.20.14

हयान्ध्वजं धनुर्मुष्टिमुभौ च पार्ष्णिसारथी
अवाकिरत्ततो द्रोणः शरवर्षैः सहस्रशः

7.20.15

तथा संछिद्यमानेषु कार्मुकेषु पुनः पुनः
पाञ्चाल्यः परमास्त्रज्ञः शोणाश्वं समयोधयत्

7.20.16

स सत्यजितमालक्ष्य तथोदीर्णं महाहवे
अर्धचन्द्रेण चिच्छेद शिरस्तस्य महात्मनः

7.20.17

तस्मिन्हते महामात्रे पाञ्चालानां रथर्षभे
अपायाज्जवनैरश्वैर्द्रोणात्त्रस्तो युधिष्ठिरः

7.20.18

पाञ्चालाः केकया मत्स्याश्चेदिकारूषकोसलाः
युधिष्ठिरमुदीक्षन्तो हृष्टा द्रोणमुपाद्रवन्

7.20.19

ततो युधिष्ठिरप्रेप्सुराचार्यः शत्रुपूगहा
व्यधमत्तान्यनीकानि तूलराशिमिवानिलः

7.20.20

निर्दहन्तमनीकानि तानि तानि पुनः पुनः
द्रोणं मत्स्यादवरजः शतानीकोऽभ्यवर्तत

7.20.21

सूर्यरश्मिप्रतीकाशैः कर्मारपरिमार्जितैः
षड्भिः ससूतं सहयं द्रोणं विद्ध्वानदद्भृशम्

7.20.22

तस्य नानदतो द्रोणः शिरः कायात्सकुण्डलम्
क्षुरेणापाहरत्तूर्णं ततो मत्स्याः प्रदुद्रुवुः

7.20.23

मत्स्याञ्जित्वाजयच्चेदीन्कारूषान्केकयानपि
पाञ्चालान्सृञ्जयान्पाण्डून्भारद्वाजः पुनः पुनः

7.20.24

तं दहन्तमनीकानि क्रुद्धमग्निं यथा वनम्
दृष्ट्वा रुक्मरथं क्रुद्धं समकम्पन्त सृञ्जयाः

7.20.25

उत्तमं ह्यादधानस्य धनुरस्याशुकारिणः
ज्याघोषो निघ्नतोऽमित्रान्दिक्षु सर्वासु शुश्रुवे

7.20.26

नागानश्वान्पदातींश्च रथिनो गजसादिनः
रौद्रा हस्तवता मुक्ताः प्रमथ्नन्ति स्म सायकाः

7.20.27

नानद्यमानः पर्जन्यो मिश्रवातो हिमात्यये
अश्मवर्षमिवावर्षत्परेषां भयमादधत्

7.20.28

सर्वा दिशः समचरत्सैन्यं विक्षोभयन्निव
बली शूरो महेष्वासो मित्राणामभयंकरः

7.20.29

तस्य विद्युदिवाभ्रेषु चापं हेमपरिष्कृतम्
दिक्षु सर्वास्वपश्याम द्रोणस्यामिततेजसः

7.20.30

द्रोणस्तु पाण्डवानीके चकार कदनं महत्
यथा दैत्यगणे विष्णुः सुरासुरनमस्कृतः

7.20.31

स शूरः सत्यवाक्प्राज्ञो बलवान्सत्यविक्रमः
महानुभावः कालान्ते रौद्रीं भीरुविभीषणाम्

7.20.32

कवचोर्मिध्वजावर्तां मर्त्यकूलापहारिणीम्
गजवाजिमहाग्राहामसिमीनां दुरासदाम्

7.20.33

वीरास्थिशर्करां रौद्रां भेरीमुरजकच्छपाम्
चर्मवर्मप्लवां घोरां केशशैवलशाड्वलाम्

7.20.34

शरौघिणीं धनुःस्रोतां बाहुपन्नगसंकुलाम्
रणभूमिवहां घोरां कुरुसृञ्जयवाहिनीम्
मनुष्यशीर्षपाषाणां शक्तिमीनां गदोडुपाम्

7.20.35

उष्णीषफेनवसनां निष्कीर्णान्त्रसरीसृपाम्
वीरापहारिणीमुग्रां मांसशोणितकर्दमाम्

7.20.36

हस्तिग्राहां केतुवृक्षां क्षत्रियाणां निमज्जनीम्
क्रूरां शरीरसंघाटां सादिनक्रां दुरत्ययाम्
द्रोणः प्रावर्तयत्तत्र नदीमन्तकगामिनीम्

7.20.37

क्रव्यादगणसंघुष्टां श्वशृगालगणायुताम्
निषेवितां महारौद्रैः पिशिताशैः समन्ततः

7.20.38

तं दहन्तमनीकानि रथोदारं कृतान्तवत्
सर्वतोऽभ्यद्रवन्द्रोणं कुन्तीपुत्रपुरोगमाः

7.20.39

तांस्तु शूरान्महेष्वासांस्तावकाभ्युद्यतायुधाः
राजानो राजपुत्राश्च समन्तात्पर्यवारयन्

7.20.40

ततो द्रोणः सत्यसंधः प्रभिन्न इव कुञ्जरः
अभ्यतीत्य रथानीकं दृढसेनमपातयत्

7.20.41

ततो राजानमासाद्य प्रहरन्तमभीतवत्
अविध्यन्नवभिः क्षेमं स हतः प्रापतद्रथात्

7.20.42

स मध्यं प्राप्य सैन्यानां सर्वाः प्रविचरन्दिशः
त्राता ह्यभवदन्येषां न त्रातव्यः कथंचन

7.20.43

शिखण्डिनं द्वादशभिर्विंशत्या चोत्तमौजसम्
वसुदानं च भल्लेन प्रेषयद्यमसादनम्

7.20.44

अशीत्या क्षत्रवर्माणं षड्विंशत्या सुदक्षिणम्
क्षत्रदेवं तु भल्लेन रथनीडादपाहरत्

7.20.45

युधामन्युं चतुःषष्ट्या त्रिंशता चैव सात्यकिम्
विद्ध्वा रुक्मरथस्तूर्णं युधिष्ठिरमुपाद्रवत्

7.20.46

ततो युधिष्ठिरः क्षिप्रं कितवो राजसत्तमः
अपायाज्जवनैरश्वैः पाञ्चाल्यो द्रोणमभ्ययात्

7.20.47

तं द्रोणः सधनुष्कं तु साश्वयन्तारमक्षिणोत्
स हतः प्रापतद्भूमौ रथाज्ज्योतिरिवाम्बरात्

7.20.48

तस्मिन्हते राजपुत्रे पाञ्चालानां यशस्करे
हत द्रोणं हत द्रोणमित्यासीत्तुमुलं महत्

7.20.49

तांस्तथा भृशसंक्रुद्धान्पाञ्चालान्मत्स्यकेकयान्
सृञ्जयान्पाण्डवांश्चैव द्रोणो व्यक्षोभयद्बली

7.20.50

सात्यकिं चेकितानं च धृष्टद्युम्नशिखण्डिनौ
वार्धक्षेमिं चित्रसेनं सेनाबिन्दुं सुवर्चसम्

7.20.51

एतांश्चान्यांश्च सुबहून्नानाजनपदेश्वरान्
सर्वान्द्रोणोऽजयद्युद्धे कुरुभिः परिवारितः

7.20.52

तावकास्तु महाराज जयं लब्ध्वा महाहवे
पाण्डवेयान्रणे जघ्नुर्द्रवमाणान्समन्ततः

7.20.53

ते दानवा इवेन्द्रेण वध्यमाना महात्मना
पाञ्चालाः केकया मत्स्याः समकम्पन्त भारत

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya continued, 'Then Drona, beholding Yudhishthira near him fearlessly received him with a thick shower of arrows. And there arose a loud noise among the troops of Yudhishthira's army like what is made by the elephants belonging to a herd when their leader is attacked by a mighty lion. Beholding Drona, the brave Satyajit, of prowess incapable of being baffled, rushed at the Preceptor who was desirous of seizing Yudhishthira. The Preceptor and the Panchala prince, both endued with great might, fought with each other, agitating each other's troops, like Indra and Vali. Then Satyajit, of prowess incapable of being baffled, invoking a mighty weapon, pierced Drona with keen-pointed arrows. And Satyajit shot at Drona's charioteer five arrows, fatal as snake-poison and each looking like Death himself. The charioteer, thus struck, became deprived of his senses. Then Satyajit quickly Pierced Drona's steeds with ten shafts; and filled with rage, he next pierced each of his Parshni drivers with ten shafts. And then he coursed at the head of his troops on his car in a circular motion. Excited with wrath, he cut off the standard of Drona, that crushers of foes Drona then, that chastiser of foes, beholding these feats of his foe in battle, mentally resolved to despatch him to the other world. 1 The Preceptor,

cutting off Satyajit's bow with arrow fixed thereon, quickly pierced him with ten arrows capable of penetrating into the very vitals. Thereupon, the valiant Satyajit, quickly taking up another bow, struck Drona, O king, with thirty arrows winged with the feathers of the Kanka bird. Beholding Drona (thus) encountered in battle by Satyajit, the Pandayas, O king, shouted in joy and waved their garments. Then the mighty Vrika, O king, excited with great wrath, pierced Drona in the centre of the chest with sixty arrows. That feat seemed highly wonderful., Then that mighty car-warrior, viz., Drona, of great impetuosity, covered with the arrowy showers (of his foes) opened his eyes wide and mustered all his energy. Then cutting off the bows of both Satyajit and Vrika, Drona, with six shafts slew Vrika with his charioteer and steeds. Then Satyajit, taking up another bow that was tougher, pierced Drona with his steeds, his charioteer, and his standard. Thus afflicted in battle by the prince of the Panchalas, Drona could not brook that act. For the destruction then of his foe, he quickly shot his arrows (at him). Drona then covered with incessant showers of arrows his antagonist's steeds and standards as also the handle of his bow, and both his Parshni drivers. But though his bows were (thus) repeatedly cut off, the prince of the Panchalas conversant with the highest weapons continued to battle with him of red steeds. Beholding Satyajit swell with energy in that dreadful combat, Drona cut off that illustrious warrior's head with a crescent-shaped arrow. 1 Upon the slaughter of that foremost of combatants, that mighty car-warrior among the Panchalas, Yudhishthira, from fear of Drona, fled away, (borne) by fleet steeds. Then the Panchalas, the Kekayas, the Matsyas, the Chedis, the Karushas and the Kosalas, seeing Drona, rushed at him, desirous of rescuing Yudhishthira. The Preceptor, however, that slayer of large numbers of foes, desirous of seizing Yudhishthira, began to consume those divisions, like fire consuming heaps of cotton. Then Satanika, the younger brother of the ruler of the Matsyas, rushed at Drona who was thus engaged in incessantly destroying those divisions (of the Pandava host). And Satanika, piercing Drona along with his driver and steeds with six shafts, bright as the rays of the sun and polished by his hands of their forger, uttered loud shouts. And engaged in a cruel act, and endeavouring to accomplish what was difficult of attainment, he covered Bharadwaja's son, that mighty car-warrior with showers of arrows. 2 Then Drona, with an arrow sharp as razor, quickly cut off from his trunk the head, decked with ear-rings of Satanika, shouting at him. Thereupon, the Matsya warriors all fled away. Having vanquished the Matsyas, the son of Bharadwaja then defeated the Chedis, the Karushas, the Kaikeyas, the Panchalas, the Srinjayas. and the Pandus repeatedly. Beholding that hero of the golden car, excited with rage and consuming their divisions, like a fire consuming a forest, the Srinjayas trembled (with fear). Endued with

great activity and slaughtering the foe ceaselessly, the twang of the bow-string, as he stretched his bow, was heard in all directions. Fierce arrows shot by that warrior endued with great lightness of hand, crushed elephants and steeds and foot-soldiers and car-warriors and elephant-riders. As a mighty mass of roaring clouds in summer with violent winds (blowing) poureth a shower of hail-stones, so did Drona pour his arrowy showers and inspired fear in the hearts of his foes. That mighty hero, that great bowman, that dispeller of the fears of his friends, careered in all directions (of the field) agitating the (hostile) host. The bow, decked with gold, of Drona of immeasurable energy, was seen in all directions like the flashes of lightning in the clouds. The beautiful altar on his banner, as he careered in battle, O Bharata, was seen to resemble a crest or Himavat. The slaughter that Drona caused among the Pandava troops was very great, resembling that caused by Vishnu himself, the adored of both the gods and Asuras, among the Daitya host. Heroic, truthful in speech, endued with great wisdom and might, and possessed of prowess incapable of being baffled, the illustrious Drona caused a river to flow there that was fierce and capable of striking the timid with fear. Coats of mail formed its waves, and standards its eddies. And it carried away (as it ran) large numbers of mortal creatures. And elephants and steeds constituted its great alligators, and swords formed its fishes. And it was incapable of being easily crossed over. The bones of brave warriors formed its pebbles, and drums and cymbals its tortoises. And shields and armour formed its boats, and the hair of warriors its floating moss and weeds. And arrows constituted its wavelets and bows its current. And the arms of the combatants formed its snakes. 1 And that river of fierce current, running over the field of battle, bore away both the Kurus and the Srinjayas. And the heads of human beings, constituted its stones, and their thighs its fishes. And maces constituted the rafts (by which many sought to cross it). And head-gears formed the forth that covered its surface, and the entrails (of animals) its reptiles. Awful (in mien), it bore away heroes (to the other world). And blood and flesh constituted its mire. And elephants formed its crocodiles, and standards, the trees (on its banks). Thousands of Kshatriyas sank in it. Fierce, clogged (dead) bodies, and having horse-soldiers and elephant-warriors for its sharks, it was extremely difficult to cross it. And that river ran towards the abode of Yama. And it abounded with Rakshasas and dogs and jackals. And it v as haunted by fierce cannibals all around.

"Then many Pandava warriors, headed by Kunti's son, rushing at Drona, that mighty car-warrior consuming their divisions like Death himself, surrounded him on all sides. Indeed, those brave warriors completely encompassed Drona who was scorching everything around him like the sun himself scorching the world with his rays. Then the

kings and the princes of thy army, with upraised weapons, all rushed for supporting that hero and great bowman. Then Sikhandin pierced Drona with five straight arrows. And Kshatradharman pierced him with twenty arrows, and Vasudeva with five. And Uttamaujas pierced him with three arrows, and Kshatradeva with five. And Satyaki pierced him in that battle with a hundred arrows, and Yudhamanyu with eight. And Yudhishthira pierced Drona with a dozen shafts, and Dhrishtadyumna pierced him with ten, and Chekitana with three. Then Drona, of unbaffled aim and resembling an elephant with rent temples, getting over the car-division (of the Pandavas), overthrew Dridhasena. Approaching then king Kshema who was battling fearlessly, he struck him with nine arrows. Thereupon, Kshema, deprived of life, fell down from his car. Getting then into the midst of the (hostile) troops, he careered in all directions, protecting others, but himself in no need of Protection. He then pierced Sikhandin with twelve arrows, and Uttamaujas with twenty. And he despatched Vasudeva with a broad-headed arrow to the abode of Yama. And he pierced Kshemavarman with eighty arrows, and Sudakshina with six and twenty. And he felled Kshatradeva with a broad-headed arrow from his niche in the car. And having pierced Yudhamanyu with sixty-four arrows and Satyaki with thirty, Drona, of the golden car, quickly approached Yudhishthira. Then Yudhishthira, that best of kings, quickly fled away from the preceptor, borne by his fleet steeds. Then Panchala rushed at Drona. Drona slew the prince, cutting off his bow, and felling his steeds and charioteer along with him. Deprived of life, the prince fell down on the earth from his car, like a luminary loosened from the firmament. Upon the fall of that illustrious prince of the Panchalas, loud cries were heard thereof, 'Slay Drona, Slay Drona!' The mighty Drona then began to crush and mangle the Panchalas, the Matsyas, the Kaikeyas, the Srinjayas, and the Pandavas, all excited with rage. And supported by the Kurus, Drona, then vanquished Satyaki and Chekitana's son, and Senavindu, and Suvarchas, all these and numerous other kings. Thy warriors, O king, having obtained the victory in that great battle, slew the Pandavas as they flew away in all directions. And the Panchalas, the Kaikeyas and the Matsyas, thus slaughtered on all sides like the Danavas by Indra, began to tremble (with fear).'"

47:1 Literally, 'thought in his mind that his hour was come.'

48:1 Literally, half-moon-shaped.'

48:2 Cruel because it was a Brahmana with whom Satanika was fighting.

49:1 The Bengal reading Vahupellava is a mistake. The correct reading is Vahupannaga as in the Bombay text.

7.21.1

धृतराष्ट्र उवाच
भारद्वाजेन भग्नेषु पाण्डवेषु महामृधे
पाञ्चालेषु च सर्वेषु कश्चिदन्योऽभ्यवर्तत

7.21.2

आर्यां युद्धे मतिं कृत्वा क्षत्रियाणां यशस्करीम्
असेवितां कापुरुषैः सेवितां पुरुषर्षभैः

7.21.3

स हि वीरो नरः सूत यो भग्नेषु निवर्तते
अहो नासीत्पुमान्कश्चिद्दृष्ट्वा द्रोणं व्यवस्थितम्

7.21.4

जृम्भमाणमिव व्याघ्रं प्रभिन्नमिव कुञ्जरम्
त्यजन्तमाहवे प्राणान्संनद्धं चित्रयोधिनम्

7.21.5

महेष्वासं नरव्याघ्रं द्विषतामघवर्धनम्
कृतज्ञं सत्यनिरतं दुर्योधनहितैषिणम्

7.21.6

भारद्वाजं तथानीके दृष्ट्वा शूरमवस्थितम्
के वीराः संन्यवर्तन्त तन्ममाचक्ष्व संजय

7.21.7

संजय उवाच
तान्दृष्ट्वा चलितान्संख्ये प्रणुन्नान्द्रोणसायकैः
पाञ्चालान्पाण्डवान्मत्स्यान्सृञ्जयांश्चेदिकेकयान्

7.21.8

द्रोणचापविमुक्तेन शरौघेणासुहारिणा
सिन्धोरिव महौघेन ह्रियमाणान्यथा प्लवान्

7.21.9

कौरवाः सिंहनादेन नानावाद्यस्वनेन च
रथद्विपनराश्वैश्च सर्वतः पर्यवारयन्

7.21.10

तान्पश्यन्सैन्यमध्यस्थो राजा स्वजनसंवृतः
दुर्योधनोऽब्रवीत्कर्णं प्रहृष्टः प्रहसन्निव

7.21.11

पश्य राधेय पाञ्चालान्प्रणुन्नान्द्रोणसायकैः
सिंहेनेव मृगान्वन्यांस्त्रासितान्दृढधन्वना

7.21.12

नैते जातु पुनर्युद्धमीहेयुरिति मे मतिः
यथा तु भग्ना द्रोणेन वातेनेव महाद्रुमाः

7.21.13

अर्द्यमानाः शरैरेते रुक्मपुङ्खैर्महात्मना
पथा नैकेन गच्छन्ति घूर्णमानास्ततस्ततः

7.21.14

संनिरुद्धाश्च कौरव्यैर्द्रोणेन च महात्मना
एतेऽन्ये मण्डलीभूताः पावकेनेव कुञ्जराः

7.21.15

भ्रमरैरिव चाविष्टा द्रोणस्य निशितैः शरैः
अन्योन्यं समलीयन्त पलायनपरायणाः

7.21.16

एष भीमो दृढक्रोधो हीनः पाण्डवसृञ्जयैः
मदीयैरावृतो योधैः कर्ण तर्जयतीव माम्

7.21.17

व्यक्तं द्रोणमयं लोकमद्य पश्यति दुर्मतिः
निराशो जीवितान्नूनमद्य राज्याच्च पाण्डवः

7.21.18

कर्ण उवाच
नैष जातु महाबाहुर्जीवन्नाहवमुत्सृजेत्
न चेमान्पुरुषव्याघ्र सिंहनादान्विशक्ष्यते

7.21.19

न चापि पाण्डवा युद्धे भज्येरन्निति मे मतिः
शूराश्च बलवन्तश्च कृतास्त्रा युद्धदुर्मदाः

7.21.20

विषाग्निद्यूतसंक्लेशान्वनवासं च पाण्डवाः
स्मरमाणा न हास्यन्ति संग्राममिति मे मतिः

7.21.21

निकृतो हि महाबाहुरमितौजा वृकोदरः
वरान्वरान्हि कौन्तेयो रथोदारान्हनिष्यति

7.21.22

असिना धनुषा शक्त्या हयैर्नागैर्नरै रथैः
आयसेन च दण्डेन व्रातान्व्रातान्हनिष्यति

7.21.23

तमेते चानुवर्तन्ते सात्यकिप्रमुखा रथाः
पाञ्चालाः केकया मत्स्याः पाण्डवाश्च विशेषतः

7.21.24

शूराश्च बलवन्तश्च विक्रान्ताश्च महारथाः
विशेषतश्च भीमेन संरब्धेनाभिचोदिताः

7.21.25

ते द्रोणमभिवर्तन्ते सर्वतः कुरुपुंगवाः
वृकोदरं परीप्सन्तः सूर्यमभ्रगणा इव

7.21.26

एकायनगता ह्येते पीडयेयुर्यतव्रतम्
अरक्ष्यमाणं शलभा यथा दीपं मुमूर्षवः
असंशयं कृतास्त्राश्च पर्याप्ताश्चापि वारणे

7.21.27

अतिभारं त्वहं मन्ये भारद्वाजे समाहितम्
ते शीघ्रमनुगच्छामो यत्र द्रोणो व्यवस्थितः
काका इव महानागं मा वै हन्युर्यतव्रतम्

7.21.28

संजय उवाच
राधेयस्य वचः श्रुत्वा राजा दुर्योधनस्तदा
भ्रातृभिः सहितो राजन्प्रायाद्द्रोणरथं प्रति

7.21.29

तत्रारावो महानासीदेकं द्रोणं जिघांसताम्
पाण्डवानां निवृत्तानां नानावर्णैर्हयोत्तमैः

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Dhritarashtra said, 'When the Pandavas were broken by Bharadwaja's son in hat dreadful battle, and the Panchalas also, was there anybody that approached Drona for battle? Alas, beholding Drona stationed in battle, like a, awning tiger, or an elephant with rent temples, ready to

lay down his life in battle, well-armed, conversant with all modes of fight, that great bowman, that tiger among men, that enhancer of the fear of foes, grateful, devoted to truth, ever desirous of benefiting Duryodhana,--alas, beholding him at the head of his troops, was there no man that could approach him, with a laudable determination for battle a determination that enhances the renown of Kshatriyas, that mean-spirited persons can never form, and that is distinctive only of the foremost of persons? Tell me, O Sanjaya, who were those heroes that approached the son of Bharadwaja, beholding him at the head of his forces?'

"Sanjaya said, 'Beholding the Panchalas, the Pandavas, the Matsyas, the Srinjayas, the Chedis, the Kalikeyas, thus routed after being broken in battle by Drona with his shafts, beholding them thus driven from the field by those showers of fleet arrows shot from Drona's, bow, like vessels sent adrift by the awful waves of the tempest-tossed ocean, the Kauravas with many leonine shouts and with the noise of diverse instruments, began to assail the cars and elephants and foot-soldiers (of that hostile host) from all sides. And beholding those (fleeting soldiers of the Pandavas) king Duryodhana, stationed in the midst of his own forces and encompassed by his own relatives and kinsmen, filled with joy, and laughing as he spoke, said these words unto Karna.'

"Duryodhana said, 'Behold, O Radha's son, the Panchalas broken by that firm bowman (Drona) with his shafts, like a herd of the wild deer frightened by a lion. These, I think, will not again come to battle. They have been broken by Drona like mighty trees by the tempest. Afflicted by that high-souled warrior with those shafts winged with gold, they are fleeing away, no two persons are together. Indeed, they seem to be dragged in eddies all over the field. Checked by the Kauravas as also by the high-souled Drona, they are huddling close to one another like (a herd of) elephants in the midst of a conflagration. Like a blossoming trees penetrated by flights of bees, these warriors, pierced with the sharp shafts of Drona, are huddling close to one another, as they are flying away from the field. There, the wrathful Bhima, abandoned by the Pandavas and the Srinjayas, and surrounded by my warriors, delighteth me greatly, O Karna! It is evident, that wicked wight beholdeth the world today to be full of Drona! Without doubt, that son of Pandu hath today become hopeless of life and kingdom.'

"Karna said, 'That mighty-armed warrior will not certainly abandon the battle as long as he is alive. Nor will he, O tiger among men, brook these leonine shouts (of ours). Nor will the Pandavas, I think, be defeated in battle. They are brave, endued with great might, accomplished in weapons, and difficult of being resisted in battle. Recollecting the woes caused them by our attempts at poisoning and burning them, and the woes that arose from the match at dice, bearing in mind also their exile in, the woods, the Pandavas, I think, will not abandon the fight. The mighty-armed Vrikodara of immeasurable energy hath already turned back (for the fight). The son of Kunti will certainly slay many of our foremost

car-warriors. With sword and bow and dart, with steeds and elephants and men and cars, 1 with his mace made of iron, he will slay crowds (of our soldiers). Other car-warriors headed by Satyajit, together with the Panchalas, the Kekayas, the Matsyas, and especially the Pandavas, are following him. They are all brave, and possessed of great might and prowess. Mighty car-warriors, they are again led by Bhima in wrath. Those bulls of the race, surrounding Vrikodara on all sides, like the clouds surrounding the Sun, begin to approach Drona from all sides. Closely intent upon one object, these will certainly afflict unprotected Drona, like flights of insects, on the point of death, striking a blazing lamp. Accomplished in weapons, they are certainly competent to resist Drona. Heavy is the burthen, I think, that now rests on Bharadwaja's son. Let us then quickly go to the spot where Drona is. Let not those slay him of regulated vows like wolves slaying a mighty elephant!'

"Sanjaya continued, 'Hearing these words of Radheya, king Duryodhana then, accompanied by his brothers, O monarch, proceeded towards Drona's car. The noise there was deafening, of Pandava warriors returned to the fight on their cars drawn by excellent steeds of diverse hue, 2 all actuated by the desire of slaying Drona alone.'"

52:1 Using even these as implements for striking, for Bhima's might was superhuman.

52:2 Hemadandais is a mistake of the Bengal texts for Hemabhandiers.

7.22.1

धृतराष्ट्र उवाच
सर्वेषामेव मे ब्रूहि रथचिह्नानि संजय
ये द्रोणमभ्यवर्तन्त क्रुद्धा भीमपुरोगमाः

7.22.2

संजय उवाच
ऋश्यवर्णैर्हयैर्दृष्ट्वा व्यायच्छन्तं वृकोदरम्
रजताश्वस्ततः शूरः शैनेयः संन्यवर्तत

7.22.3

दर्शनीयास्तु काम्बोजाः शुकपत्रपरिच्छदाः
वहन्तो नकुलं शीघ्रं तावकानभिदुद्रुवुः

7.22.4

कृष्णास्तु मेघसंकाशाः सहदेवमुदायुधम्
भीमवेगा नरव्याघ्रमवहन्वातरंहसः

7.22.5

हेमोत्तमप्रतिच्छन्नैर्हयैर्वातसमैर्जवे
अभ्यवर्तन्त सैन्यानि सर्वाण्येव युधिष्ठिरम्

7.22.6

राज्ञस्त्वनन्तरं राजा पाञ्चाल्यो द्रुपदोऽभवत्
जातरूपमयच्छत्रः सर्वैः स्वैरभिरक्षितः

7.22.7

ललामैर्हरिभिर्युक्तैः सर्वशब्दक्षमैर्युधि
राज्ञां मध्ये महेष्वासः शान्तभीरभ्यवर्तत

7.22.8

तं विराटोऽन्वयात्पश्चात्सह शूरैर्महारथैः
केकयाश्च शिखण्डी च धृष्टकेतुस्तथैव च
स्वैः स्वैः सैन्यैः परिवृता मत्स्यराजानमन्वयुः

7.22.9

ते तु पाटलपुष्पाणां समवर्णा हयोत्तमाः
वहमाना व्यराजन्त मत्स्यस्यामित्रघातिनः

7.22.10

हारिद्रसमवर्णास्तु जवना हेममालिनः
पुत्रं विराटराजस्य सत्वराः समुदावहन्

7.22.11

इन्द्रगोपकवर्णैस्तु भ्रातरः पञ्च केकयाः
जातरूपसमाभासः सर्वे लोहितकध्वजाः

7.22.12

ते हेममालिनः शूराः सर्वे युद्धविशारदाः
वर्षन्त इव जीमूताः प्रत्यदृश्यन्त दंशिताः

7.22.13

आमपात्रनिभाकाराः पाञ्चाल्यममितौजसम्
दान्तास्ताम्रारुणा युक्ताः शिखण्डिनमुदावहन्

7.22.14

तथा द्वादशसाहस्राः पाञ्चालानां महारथाः
तेषां तु षट्सहस्राणि ये शिखण्डिनमन्वयुः

7.22.15

पुत्रं तु शिशुपालस्य नरसिंहस्य मारिष
आक्रीडन्तो वहन्ति स्म सारङ्गशबला हयाः

7.22.16

धृष्टकेतुश्च चेदीनामृषभोऽतिबलोदितः
काम्बोजैः शबलैरश्वैरभ्यवर्तत दुर्जयः

7.22.17

बृहत्क्षत्रं तु कैकेयं सुकुमारं हयोत्तमाः
पलालधूमवर्णाभाः सैन्धवाः शीघ्रमावहन्

7.22.18

मल्लिकाक्षाः पद्मवर्णा बाह्लिजाताः स्वलंकृताः
शूरं शिखण्डिनः पुत्रं क्षत्रदेवमुदावहन्

7.22.19

युवानमवहन्युद्धे क्रौञ्चवर्णा हयोत्तमाः
काश्यस्याभिभुवः पुत्रं सुकुमारं महारथम्

7.22.20

श्वेतास्तु प्रतिविन्ध्यं तं कृष्णग्रीवा मनोजवाः
यन्तुः प्रेष्यकरा राजन्राजपुत्रमुदावहन्

7.22.21

सुतसोमं तु यं धौम्यात्पार्थः पुत्रमयाचत
माषपुष्पसवर्णास्तमवहन्वाजिनो रणे

7.22.22

सहस्रसोमप्रतिमा बभूवुः; पुरे कुरूणामुदयेन्दुनाम्नि
तस्मिञ्जातः सोमसंक्रन्दमध्ये; यस्मात्तस्मात्सुतसोमोऽभवत्सः

7.22.23

नाकुलिं तु शतानीकं शालपुष्पनिभा हयाः
आदित्यतरुणप्रख्याः श्लाघनीयमुदावहन्

7.22.24

काञ्चनप्रतिमैर्योक्त्रैर्मयूरग्रीवसंनिभाः
द्रौपदेयं नरव्याघ्रं श्रुतकर्माणमावहन्

7.22.25

श्रुतकीर्तिं श्रुतनिधिं द्रौपदेयं हयोत्तमाः
ऊहुः पार्थसमं युद्धे चाषपत्रनिभा हयाः

7.22.26

यमाहुरध्यर्धगुणं कृष्णात्पार्थाच्च संयुगे
अभिमन्युं पिशङ्गास्तं कुमारमवहन्रणे

7.22.27

एकस्तु धार्तराष्ट्रेभ्यः पाण्डवान्यः समाश्रितः
तं बृहन्तो महाकाया युयुत्सुमवहन्रणे

7.22.28

पलालकाण्डवर्णास्तु वार्धक्षेमिं तरस्विनम्
ऊहुः सुतुमुले युद्धे हया हृष्टाः स्वलंकृताः

7.22.29

कुमारं शितिपादास्तु रुक्मपत्रैरुरश्छदैः
सौचित्तिमवहन्युद्धे यन्तुः प्रेष्यकरा हयाः

7.22.30

रुक्मपृष्ठावकीर्णास्तु कौशेयसदृशा हयाः
सुवर्णमालिनः क्षान्ताः श्रेणिमन्तमुदावहन्

7.22.31

रुक्ममालाधराः शूरा हेमवर्णाः स्वलंकृताः
काशिराजं हयश्रेष्ठाः श्लाघनीयमुदावहन्

7.22.32

अस्त्राणां च धनुर्वेदे ब्राह्मे वेदे च पारगम्
तं सत्यधृतिमायान्तमरुणाः समुदावहन्

7.22.33

यः स पाञ्चालसेनानीर्द्रोणमंशमकल्पयत्
पारावतसवर्णाश्वा धृष्टद्युम्नमुदावहन्

7.22.34

तमन्वयात्सत्यधृतिः सौचित्तिर्युद्धदुर्मदः
श्रेणिमान्वसुदानश्च पुत्रः काश्यस्य चाभिभो

7.22.35

युक्तैः परमकाम्बोजैर्जवनैर्हेममालिभिः
भीषयन्तो द्विषत्सैन्यं यमवैश्रवणोपमाः

7.22.36

प्रभद्रकास्तु पाञ्चालाः षट्सहस्राण्युदायुधाः
नानावर्णैर्हयश्रेष्ठैर्हेमचित्ररथध्वजाः

7.22.37

शरव्रातैर्विधुन्वन्तः शत्रून्विततकार्मुकाः
समानमृत्यवो भूत्वा धृष्टद्युम्नं समन्वयुः

7.22.38

बभ्रुकौशेयवर्णास्तु सुवर्णवरमालिनः
ऊहुरग्लानमनसश्चेकितानं हयोत्तमाः

7.22.39

इन्द्रायुधसवर्णैस्तु कुन्तिभोजो हयोत्तमैः
आयात्सुवश्यैः पुरुजिन्मातुलः सव्यसाचिनः

7.22.40

अन्तरिक्षसवर्णास्तु तारकाचित्रिता इव
राजानं रोचमानं ते हयाः संख्ये समावहन्

7.22.41

कर्बुराः शितिपादास्तु स्वर्णजालपरिच्छदाः
जारासंधिं हयश्रेष्ठाः सहदेवमुदावहन्

7.22.42

ये तु पुष्करनालस्य समवर्णा हयोत्तमाः
जवे श्येनसमाश्चित्राः सुदामानमुदावहन्

7.22.43

शशलोहितवर्णास्तु पाण्डुरोद्गतराजयः
पाञ्चाल्यं गोपतेः पुत्रं सिंहसेनमुदावहन्

7.22.44

पाञ्चालानां नरव्याघ्रो यः ख्यातो जनमेजयः
तस्य सर्षपपुष्पाणां तुल्यवर्णा हयोत्तमाः

7.22.45

माषवर्णास्तु जवना बृहन्तो हेममालिनः
दधिपृष्ठाश्चन्द्रमुखाः पाञ्चाल्यमवहन्द्रुतम्

7.22.46

शूराश्च भद्रकाश्चैव शरकाण्डनिभा हयाः
पद्मकिञ्जल्कवर्णाभा दण्डधारमुदावहन्

7.22.47

बिभ्रतो हेममालाश्च चक्रवाकोदरा हयाः
कोसलाधिपतेः पुत्रं सुक्षत्रं वाजिनोऽवहन्

7.22.48

शबलास्तु बृहन्तोऽश्वा दान्ता जाम्बूनदस्रजः
युद्धे सत्यधृतिं क्षैमिमवहन्प्रांशवः शुभाः

7.22.49

एकवर्णेन सर्वेण ध्वजेन कवचेन च
अश्वैश्च धनुषा चैव शुक्लैः शुक्लो न्यवर्तत

7.22.50

समुद्रसेनपुत्रं तु सामुद्रा रुद्रतेजसम्
अश्वाः शशाङ्कसदृशाश्चन्द्रदेवमुदावहन्

7.22.51

नीलोत्पलसवर्णास्तु तपनीयविभूषिताः
शैब्यं चित्ररथं युद्धे चित्रमाल्यावहन्हयाः

7.22.52

कलायपुष्पवर्णास्तु श्वेतलोहितराजयः
रथसेनं हयश्रेष्ठाः समूहुर्युद्धदुर्मदम्

7.22.53

यं तु सर्वमनुष्येभ्यः प्राहुः शूरतरं नृपम्
तं पटच्चरहन्तारं शुकवर्णावहन्हयाः

7.22.54

चित्रायुधं चित्रमाल्यं चित्रवर्मायुधध्वजम्
ऊहुः किंशुकपुष्पाणां तुल्यवर्णा हयोत्तमाः

7.22.55

एकवर्णेन सर्वेण ध्वजेन कवचेन च
धनुषा रथवाहैश्च नीलैर्नीलोऽभ्यवर्तत

7.22.56

नानारूपै रत्नचित्रैर्वरूथध्वजकार्मुकैः
वाजिध्वजपताकाभिश्चित्रैश्चित्रोऽभ्यवर्तत

7.22.57

ये तु पुष्करपत्रस्य तुल्यवर्णा हयोत्तमाः
ते रोचमानस्य सुतं हेमवर्णमुदावहन्

7.22.58

योधाश्च भद्रकाराश्च शरदण्डानुदण्डजाः
श्वेताण्डाः कुक्कुटाण्डाभा दण्डकेतुमुदावहन्

7.22.59

आटरूषकपुष्पाभा हयाः पाण्ड्यानुयायिनाम्
अवहन्रथमुख्यानामयुतानि चतुर्दश

7.22.60

नानारूपेण वर्णेन नानाकृतिमुखा हयाः
रथचक्रध्वजं वीरं घटोत्कचमुदावहन्

7.22.61

सुवर्णवर्णा धर्मज्ञमनीकस्थं युधिष्ठिरम्
राजश्रेष्ठं हयश्रेष्ठाः सर्वतः पृष्ठतोऽन्वयुः
वर्णैश्चोच्चावचैर्दिव्यैः सदश्वानां प्रभद्रकाः

7.22.62

ते यत्ता भीमसेनेन सहिताः काञ्चनध्वजाः
प्रत्यदृश्यन्त राजेन्द्र सेन्द्रा इव दिवौकसः

7.22.63

अत्यरोचत तान्सर्वान्धृष्टद्युम्नः समागतान्
सर्वाण्यपि च सैन्यानि भारद्वाजोऽत्यरोचत

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Dhritarashtra said, 'Tell me, O Sanjaya, the distinctive indications of the cars of all those who, excited with wrath and headed by Bhimasena, had proceeded against Drona.'

"Sanjaya said, 'Beholding Vrikodara advancing (on a car drawn) by steeds of dappled hue (like: that of the antelope), the brave grandson of Sini (Satyaki) proceeded, borne by steeds of a silvery hue. The irresistible Yudhamanyu, excited with rage, proceeded against Drona, borne by excellent steeds of variegated hue. Dhristadyumna, the son of the Panchala king, proceeded, borne by steeds of great fleetness in trappings of gold and of the hue of pigeons. 3 Desirous of protecting his sire, and wishing him complete success, Dhristadyumna's son, Kshatradharman of regulated vows, proceeded., borne by red steeds. Kshatradeva, the son of Sikhandin, himself urging well-decked steeds of the hue of lotus-leaves and with eyes of pure white, proceeded (against Drona). Beautiful steeds of the Kamvoja breed, decked with the feathers of the green parrot, bearing Nakula, quickly ran towards thy army. Dark steeds of the clouds

wrathfully bore Uttamaujas, O Bharata, to battle, against the invincible Drona, standing with arrows aimed. Steeds, fleet as the wind, and of variegated hue, bore Sahadeva with upraised weapons to that fierce battle. Of great impetuosity, and possessed of the fleetness of the wind, steeds of the ivory hue and having black manes on the neck, bore Yudhishthira, that tiger among men. And many warriors followed Yudhishthira, borne on their steeds, decked in trappings of gold and all fleet as the wind. Behind the king was the royal chief of the Panchalas, viz., Drupada, with a golden umbrella over his head and himself protected by all those soldiers (that followed Yudhishthira). That great bowman among all the kings, viz., Sautabhi, proceeded, borne by beautiful steeds capable of bearing every noise. Accompanied by all the great car-warriors, Virata quickly followed the former. The Kaikeyas and Sikhandin, and Dhrishtaketu, surrounded by their respective troops, followed the ruler of Matsyas. Excellent steeds of the (pale red) hue of trumpet-flowers, looked exceedingly beautiful as they bore Virata. Fleet steeds of yellow colour and decked in chains of gold, bore with great speed the son (Uttara) of that slayer of foes, viz., Virata, the royal chief of the Matsyas. The five Kekaya brothers were borne by steeds of deep red hue. Of the splendour of gold and owning standards of the red hue, and decked with chains of gold, all of them heroes, accomplished in battle, they proceeded, clad in mail, and showering arrows like the very clouds. Excellent steeds, the gift of Tumvuru, of the hue of unbaked earthen pots, bore Sikhandin, the Panchala prince of immeasurable energy. Altogether, twelve thousand mighty car-warriors of the Panchala race proceeded to battle. Of these, six thousand followed Sikhandin. Sportive steeds, O sire, of the dappled hue of the antelope, bore the son of Sisupal, that tiger among men. That bull among the Chedis, viz., Dhrishtaketu, endued with great strength, and difficult of being vanquished in battle, proceeded, borne by Kamvoja steeds of variegated hue. Excellent steeds of the Sindhu breed, of beautiful limbs, and of the hue of the smoke of straw, quickly bore the Kaikeya prince, Vrihatkshatra. Possessed of eyes of pure white, of the hue of the lotus, born in the country of the Valhikas, and decked with ornaments, bore Sikhandin's son, the brave Kshatradeva. 1 Decked in trappings of gold, and possessed of the hue of red silk, quiet steeds bore Senavindu, that chastiser of foes, to battle. Excellent steeds of the hue of cranes, bore to battle the youthful and delicate son of the king of the Kasis, that mighty car-warrior. White steeds with black necks, endued with the speed of the mind, O monarch, and exceedingly obedient to the driver, bore prince Prativindhya. Whitish yellow steeds bore Sutasoma, the son of Arjuna, whom the latter had obtained from Soma himself. He was born in the Kuru city known by the name of Udayendu. Endued with effulgence of a thousand moons, and because he also had won great renown in an assembly of the Somakas, he came to be called Sutasoma. Steeds of the

hue of Sala flowers or of morning sun bore Nakula's son Satanika worthy of every praise. Steeds decked in trappings of gold, and endued with the hue of the peacock's neck, bore that tiger among men, Srutakarman, the son of Draupdi (by Bhima). Excellent steeds of the hue of the king-fishers bore Draupadi's son Srutkirti to that battle, who like Partha was an ocean of learning. Steeds of a tawny hue bore the youthful Abhimanyu who was regarded as superior to Krishna or Partha one and a half times in battle. Gigantic steeds bore Yuyutsu to battle, that only warrior amongst the sons of Dhritarashtra who (abandoning his brothers) hath sided with the Pandavas. Plump and well-decked steeds of the hue of the (dried) paddy stalk bore Vardhakshemi of great activity to that dreadful battle. Steeds with black legs, equipped in breast-plates of gold, and exceedingly obedient to the driver, bore youthful Sauchitti to battle. Steeds whose backs were covered with golden armour, decked with chains of gold, well-broken, and of the hue of red silk, bore Srenimat. Steeds of a red hue bore the advancing Satyadhriti accomplished in the science of arms and in the divine Vedas. That Panchala who was commander (of the Pandava army) and who took Drona as the victim allotted to his share,--that Dhrishtadyumna,--was borne by steeds of the hue of pigeons. Him followed Satyadhriti, and Sauchitti irresistible in battle, and Srenimat, and Vasudana, and Vibhu, the son of the ruler of the Kasis. These had fleet steeds of the best Kamvoja breed decked with chains of gold. Each resembling Yama or Vaisravana, they proceeded to battle, striking fear into the hearts of the hostile soldiers. The Prabhadrakas of the Kamvoja country, numbering six thousand, with upraised weapons, with excellent steeds of diverse hues on their gold-decked cars, with stretched bows and making their foes tremble with their showers of arrows and resolved to die together, 1 followed Dhristadyumna. Excellent steeds of the hue of tawny silk, decked with beautiful chains of gold, cheerfully bore Chekitana. Arjuna's maternal uncle Purujit, otherwise called Kuntibhoja, came borne by excellent steeds of the colour of the rainbow. Steeds of the colour of star-bespangled firmament bore to battle king Rochamana. Steeds of the hue of the red deer, with white streaks over their bodies, bore the Panchala prince Singhasena, the son of Gopati. That tiger among the Panchalas who is known by the name of Janamejaya, had excellent steeds of the hue of mustard flowers. Fleet, gigantic and dark blue steeds decked with chains of gold, with backs of the hue of curd and faces of the hue of the moon, bore with great speed the ruler of the Panchalas. Brave steeds with beautiful heads, (white) as the stalks of reeds, and a splendour resembling that of the firmament or the lotus, bore Dandadhara. Light brown steeds with backs of the hue of the mouse, and with necks proudly drawn up, bore Vyaghradatta to battle. Dark-spotted steeds bore that tiger among men, viz., Sudhanwan, the prince of Panchala. Of fierce impetuosity resembling that of Indra's thunder, beautiful steeds of the

hue of Indragopakas, with variegated patches, bore Chitrayudha. Decked with golden chains, steeds whose bellies were of the hue of the Chakravaka bore Sukshatra, the son of the ruler of the Kosalas. Beautiful and tall steeds of variegated hue and gigantic bodies, exceedingly docile, and decked with chains of gold, bore Satyadhriti accomplished in battle. Sukla advanced to battle with his standard and armour and bow and steeds all of the same white hue. Steeds born on the sea-coast and white as the moon, bore Chandrasena of fierce energy, the son of Samudrasena. Steeds of the hue of the blue lotus and decked with ornaments of gold and adorned with beautiful floral wreaths, bore Saiva owning a beautiful car to battle. Superior steeds of the hue of Kalaya flowers, with white and red streaks, bore Rathasena difficult of being resisted in battle. White steeds bore that king who slew the Patachcharas and who is regarded as the bravest of men. Superior steeds of the hue of Kinsuka flowers bore Chitrayudha decked with beautiful garlands and owning beautiful armour and weapons and standard. King Nila advanced to battle, with standard and armour and bow and banner and steeds all of the same blue colour. Chitra advanced to battle with car-fence and standard and bow all decked with diverse kinds of gems, and beautiful steeds and banner. Excellent steeds of the hue of the lotus bore Hemavarna, the son of Rochamana. Chargers, capable of bearing all kinds of weapons, of brave achievements in battle, possessed of vertebral columns of the hue of reeds, having white testicles, and endued with the colour of the hen's egg, bore Dandaketu. The mighty Sarangadhwaja, endued with wealth of energy, the king of the Pandyas, on steeds of the hue of the moon's rays and decked with armour set with stones of lapis lazuli, advanced upon Drona, stretching his excellent bow. His country having been invaded and his kinsmen having fled, his father had been slain by Krishna in battle. Obtaining weapons then from Bhishma and Drona, Rama and Kripa, prince Sarangadhwaja became, in weapons, the equal of Rukmi and Karna and Arjuna and Achyuta. He then desired to destroy the city of Dwaraka and subjugate the whole world. Wise friends, however, from desire of doing him good, counselled him against that course. Giving up all thoughts of revenge, he is now ruling his own dominions. Steeds that were all of the hue of the Atrusa flower bore a hundred and forty thousand principle car-warriors that followed that Sarangadhwaja, the king of the Pandyas. Steeds of diverse hues and diverse kinds of forces, bore the heroic Ghatotkacha. Mighty steeds of gigantic size, of the Aratta breed, bore the mighty-armed Vrihanta of red eyes mounted on his golden car, that prince, viz., who, rejecting the opinions of all the Bharatas, hath singly, from his reverence for Yudhishthira. gone over to him, abandoning all his cherished desire. 1 Superior steeds of the hue of gold, followed that foremost of kings viz., the virtuous Yudhishthira at his back. Large number of Prabhadrakas, of celestial shapes, advanced to battle, with steeds of diverse excellent colours. All of

them owning standards of gold and prepared to struggle vigorously, proceeded with Bhimasena, and wore the aspect, O monarch, of the denizens of heaven with Indra at their head. That assembled host of Prabhadrakas was much liked by Dhristadyumna.'

"Bharadwaja's son, however, O monarch, surpassed all the warriors in splendour. His standard, with a black deer-skin waving on its top and the beautiful water-pot, O monarch, that it bore, looked exceedingly beautiful. And Bhimasena's standard, bearing the device of a gigantic lion in silver with its eyes made of lapis lazuli, looked exceedingly resplendent. The standard of Yudhishthira of great energy, bearing the device of a golden moon with planets around it, looked very beautiful. Two large and beautiful kettle-drums, called Nanda and Upananda, were tied to it. Played upon by machinery, these produced excellent music that enhanced the delight of all who heard it. For terrifying the foe, we beheld that tall and fierce standard of Nakula, placed on his car bearing the device of a Sarabha with its back made of gold. A beautiful silver swan with bells and banner terrible to look at and enhancing the grief of the foe, was seen on Sahadeva's standard. The standards of the five sons of Draupadi bore on them the excellent images of Dharma, Marut, Sakra, and the twin Aswins. On the car, O king, of the youthful Abhimanyu was an excellent standard that bore a golden peacock, which was bright as heated gold. On Ghatotkacha's standard, O king, a vulture shone brightly, and his steeds also were capable of going everywhere at will, like those of Ravana in days of yore. In Yudhishthira's hands was the celestial bow called Mahendra; and in the hands of Bhimasena, O king, was the celestial bow called Vayavya. For the protection of the three worlds Brahman created a bow. That celestial and indestructible bow was held by Phalguni. The Vaishnava bow was held by Nakula, and the bow called Aswina was held by Sahadeva. That celestial and terrible bow called the Paulastya, was held by Ghatotkacha. The five jewels of bows born by the five sons of Draupadi were the Raudra, the Agneya, the Kauverya, the Yamya, and the Girisa. That excellent and best of bows, called the Raudra, which Rohini's son (Valadeva) had obtained, the latter gave unto the high-souled son of Subhadra, having been gratified with him. These and many other standards decked with gold, were seen there, belonging to brave warriors, all of which enhanced the fear of their foes. The host commanded by Drona, which numbered not a single coward, and in which countless standards rising together seemed to obstruct the welkin, then looked, O monarch, like images on a canvas. We heard the names and lineage, O king, of brave warriors rushing towards Drona in that battle like to what is heard, O monarch, at a self-choice. 1

"Then royal Drupada advanced against him at the head of a mighty division. The encounter between those two old men at the heads of their

respective forces became terrible like that between two mighty leaders, with rent temples, of two elephantine herds. Vinda and Anuvinda of Avanti, with their troops encountered Virata, the ruler of Matsyas at the head of his forces, like Indra and Agni in days of old encountering the (Asura) Vali. That awful encounter between the Matsyas and the Kekayas, in which steeds and car-warriors and elephants fought most fearlessly, resembled that between the gods and the Asuras in days of old. Bhutakarman, otherwise called Sabhapati, kept away from Drona. Nakula's son Satanika, as the latter advanced, scattering showers of arrows. Then the heir of Nakula, with three broad-headed shafts of great sharpness, deprived Bhutakarman of both his arms and head in that battle. Vivinsati resisted the heroic Sutasoma of great prowess, as the latter advanced towards Drona, scattering showers of arrows. Sutasoma, however, excited with wrath, pierced his uncle Vivinsati with straight arrows, and cased in mail, stood ready for the combat. Bhimaratha, (brother of Duryodhana), with six sharp shafts of great swiftness and made wholly of iron, despatched Salwa along with his steeds and charioteer to Yama's abode. Chitrasena's son, O king, opposed thy (grand) son Srutakarman as the latter came, borne by steeds, looking like peacocks. Those two grandsons of thine, both difficult of being vanquished in battle, and each desirous of slaying the other, fought vigorously for the success of the objects of their respective sires. Beholding Prativindhya staying at the van of that dreadful battle, Drona's son (Aswatthaman), desirous of protecting the honour of his sire, resisted the former with his shafts. Prativindhya, then, excited with rage pierced Aswatthaman, bearing on his standard the device of a lion's tail and staying in battle for the sake of his father, with many sharp shafts. The (eldest) son of Draupadi then scattered over Drona's son showers of arrows, like a sower, O bull among men, scattering seeds on the soil at the sowing season. 1 The son of Duhsasana resisted the mighty car-warrior Srutakirti, the son of Arjuna by Draupadi, as the latter was rushing towards Drona. That son of Arjuna, however, who was equal to Arjuna himself, cutting off the former's bow and standard and charioteer with three broad-headed arrows of great sharpness, proceeded against Drona. Duryodhana's son, Lakshmana, resisted the slayer of the Patachcharas,--him, that is, O king, who is regarded by both the armies as the bravest of the brave. The latter, however, cutting off both the bow and the standard of Lakshmana, and showering upon him many arrows, flared up with splendour. The youthful Vikarna of great wisdom resisted Sikhandin, the youthful son of Yajnasena, as the latter advanced in that battle. Yajnasena's son then covered the former with showers of arrows. The mighty son Vikarna, baffling those arrowy showers, looked resplendent on the field of battle. Angada resisted with showers of arrows the heroic Uttamaujas in that battle as the latter rushed towards Drona.

[paragraph continues] That encounter between those two lions among men became frightful, and it filled both them and the troops with great zeal. The great bowman Durmukha, endued with great might, resisted with his shafts the heroic Purujit as the latter proceeded towards Drona. Furujit struck Durmukha between his eye-brows with a long shaft. Thereupon, Durmukha's face looked beautiful like a lotus with its stalk. Karna resisted with showers of arrows the five Kekaya brothers, owning red standards, as they proceeded towards Drona. Scorched with the arrowy showers of Karna, those five brothers covered Karna with their arrows. Karna, in return, repeatedly covered them with showers of arrows. Covered with arrows, neither Karna nor the five brother could be seen with their steeds, charioteers, standards, and cars. Thy sons, Durjaya, Jaya, and Vijaya, resisted Nila, and the ruler of the Kasis, and Jayatsena, three against. And the combat between those warriors deepened and gladdened the hearts of the spectators like those between a lion, a tiger, and a wolf on the one side and a bear, a buffalo, and a bull on the other. The brothers Kshemadhurti and Vrihanta mangled Satyaki of the Satwata race with their keen arrows, as the latter proceeded against Drona. The battle between those two on one side and Satyaki on the other became exceedingly wonderful to behold, like that between a lion and two mighty elephants with rent temples in the forest. The king of the Chedis, excited with wrath, and shooting many warriors, kept away from Drona, king Amvashtha, that hero who always delighted, in battle. Then king Amvashtha pierced his antagonist with a long arrow capable of penetrating into the very bones. Thereupon, the latter, with bow and arrow loosened from his grasp, fell down from his car on the ground. The noble Kripa, son of Saradwata, with many small arrows resisted Vardhakshemi of the Vrishni race who was the embodiment of wrath (in battle). They that looked at Kripa, son of Saradwata, with many small arrows, resisted Vardhakshemi of the Vrishni race who was the embodiment of wrath (in battle). They that looked at Kripa and Vardhakshemi, those heroes conversant with every mode of warfare, thus engaged in encountering each other, became so absorbed in it that, they could not attend to anything else. Somadatta's son, for enhancing the glory of Drona, resisted king Manimat of great activity as the latter came to fight. Then Manimat quickly cut off the bowstring, the standard, the banner, the charioteer and the umbrella of Somadatta's son and caused them to fall down from the latter's car. 1 The son of Somadatta then, bearing the device of the sacrificial stake on his standard, that slayer of foes, quickly jumping down from his car, cut off with his large swords, his antagonist with his steeds, charioteer, standard, and car. Re-ascending then upon his own car, and taking up another bow, and guiding his steeds himself, he began, O monarch, to consume the Pandava host. Vrishasena (the son of Karna), competent for the feat, resisted with showers of arrows king Pandava who

was rushing to battle like Indra himself following the Asuras for smiting them. With maces and spiked bludgeons, and swords and axes and stones, short clubs and mallets, and discs, short arrows and battle-axes with dust and wind, and fire and water, and ashes and brick-bats, and straw and trees, afflicting and smitting, and breaking, and slaying and routing the foe, and hurling them on the hostile ranks, and terrifying them therewith, came Ghatotkacha, desirous of getting at Drona. The Rakshasa Alambusha, however, excited with rage, encountered him with diverse weapons and diverse accoutrements of war. And the battle that took place between those two foremost of Rakshasas resembled that which took place in days of old between Samvara and the chief of the celestials. Thus blessed be thou, took place hundreds of single combats between car-warriors and elephants, and steeds and foot-soldiers of thy army and theirs in the midst of the dreadful general engagement. Indeed, such a battle was never seen or heard of before as that which then took place between those warriors that were bent upon Drona's destruction and protection. Indeed, many were the encounters that were then seen on all parts of field, some of which were terrible, some beautiful, and some exceedingly fierce, O lord.'"

52:3 The first line of 20 is vicious as it occurs in the Bengal texts. The Bombay reading is correct.

53:1 'This seems to be a repetition of the 6th verse.

54:1 i.e., not to abandon their comrades in distress.

55:1 The last word of the first line of 74 is vicious as printed in the Bengal texts.

56:1 The custom, when one warrior attacked another, was invariably to give his name and lineage before striking.

57:1 All the printed texts, not excepting that of Bombay, read Drupadeyas. There can be no doubt, however, that it should be Draupadeyas.

58:1 The first line of 54 is read incorrectly in the Bengal texts. I follow the Bombay reading.

7.23.1

धृतराष्ट्र उवाच
व्यथयेयुरिमे सेनां देवानामपि संयुगे
आहवे ये न्यवर्तन्त वृकोदरमुखा रथाः

7.23.2

संप्रयुक्तः किलैवायं दिष्टैर्भवति पूरुषः
तस्मिन्नेव तु सर्वार्था दृश्यन्ते वै पृथग्विधाः

7.23.3

दीर्घं विप्रोषितः कालमरण्ये जटिलोऽजिनी
अज्ञातश्चैव लोकस्य विजहार युधिष्ठिरः

7.23.4

स एव महतीं सेनां समावर्तयदाहवे
किमन्यद्दैवसंयोगान्मम पुत्रस्य चाभवत्

7.23.5

युक्त एव हि भाग्येन ध्रुवमुत्पद्यते नरः
स तथाकृष्यते तेन न यथा स्वयमिच्छति

7.23.6

द्यूतव्यसनमासाद्य क्लेशितो हि युधिष्ठिरः
स पुनर्भागधेयेन सहायानुपलब्धवान्

7.23.7

अर्धं मे केकया लब्धाः काशिकाः कोसलाश्च ये
चेदयश्चापरे वङ्गा मामेव समुपाश्रिताः

7.23.8

पृथिवी भूयसी तात मम पार्थस्य नो तथा
इति मामब्रवीत्सूत मन्दो दुर्योधनस्तदा

7.23.9

तस्य सेनासमूहस्य मध्ये द्रोणः सुरक्षितः
निहतः पार्षतेनाजौ किमन्यद्भागधेयतः

7.23.10

मध्ये राज्ञां महाबाहुं सदा युद्धाभिनन्दिनम्
सर्वास्त्रपारगं द्रोणं कथं मृत्युरुपेयिवान्

7.23.11

समनुप्राप्तकृच्छ्रोऽहं संमोहं परमं गतः
भीष्मद्रोणौ हतौ श्रुत्वा नाहं जीवितुमुत्सहे

7.23.12

यन्मा क्षत्ताब्रवीत्तात प्रपश्यन्पुत्रगृद्धिनम्
दुर्योधनेन तत्सर्वं प्राप्तं सूत मया सह

7.23.13

नृशंसं तु परं तत्स्यात्त्यक्त्वा दुर्योधनं यदि
पुत्रशेषं चिकीर्षेयं कृच्छ्रं न मरणं भवेत्

7.23.14

यो हि धर्मं परित्यज्य भवत्यर्थपरो नरः
सोऽस्माच्च हीयते लोकात्क्षुद्रभावं च गच्छति

7.23.15

अद्य चाप्यस्य राष्ट्रस्य हतोत्साहस्य संजय
अवशेषं न पश्यामि ककुदे मृदिते सति

7.23.16

कथं स्यादवशेषं हि धुर्ययोरभ्यतीतयोः
यौ नित्यमनुजीवामः क्षमिणौ पुरुषर्षभौ

7.23.17

व्यक्तमेव च मे शंस यथा युद्धमवर्तत
केऽयुध्यन्के व्यपाकर्षन्के क्षुद्राः प्राद्रवन्भयात्

7.23.18

धनंजयं च मे शंस यद्यच्चक्रे रथर्षभः
तस्माद्भयं नो भूयिष्ठं भ्रातृव्याच्च विशेषतः

7.23.19

यथासीच्च निवृत्तेषु पाण्डवेषु च संजय
मम सैन्यावशेषस्य संनिपातः सुदारुणः
मामकानां च ये शूराः कांस्तत्र समवारयन्

7.24.1

संजय उवाच
महद्भैरवमासीन्नः संनिवृत्तेषु पाण्डुषु
दृष्ट्वा द्रोणं छाद्यमानं तैर्भास्करमिवाम्बुदैः

7.24.2

तैश्चोद्धूतं रजस्तीव्रमवचक्रे चमूं तव
ततो हतममन्याम द्रोणं दृष्टिपथे हते

7.24.3

तांस्तु शूरान्महेष्वासान्क्रूरं कर्म चिकीर्षतः
दृष्ट्वा दुर्योधनस्तूर्णं स्वसैन्यं समचूचुदत्

7.24.4

यथाशक्ति यथोत्साहं यथासत्त्वं नराधिपाः
वारयध्वं यथायोगं पाण्डवानामनीकिनीम्

7.24.5

ततो दुर्मर्षणो भीममभ्यगच्छत्सुतस्तव
आराद्दृष्ट्वा किरन्बाणैरिच्छन्द्रोणस्य जीवितम्

7.24.6

तं बाणैरवतस्तार क्रुद्धो मृत्युमिवाहवे
तं च भीमोऽतुदद्बाणैस्तदासीत्तुमुलं महत्

7.24.7

त ईश्वरसमादिष्टाः प्राज्ञाः शूराः प्रहारिणः
बाह्यं मृत्युभयं कृत्वा प्रत्यतिष्ठन्परान्युधि

7.24.8

कृतवर्मा शिनेः पुत्रं द्रोणप्रेप्सुं विशां पते
पर्यवारयदायान्तं शूरं समितिशोभनम्

7.24.9

तं शैनेयः शरव्रातैः क्रुद्धः क्रुद्धमवारयत्
कृतवर्मा च शैनेयं मत्तो मत्तमिव द्विपम्

7.24.10

सैन्धवः क्षत्रधर्माणमापतन्तं शरौघिणम्
उग्रधन्वा महेष्वासं यत्तो द्रोणादवारयत्

7.24.11

क्षत्रधर्मा सिन्धुपतेश्छित्त्वा केतनकार्मुके
नाराचैर्बहुभिः क्रुद्धः सर्वमर्मस्वताडयत्

7.24.12

अथान्यद्धनुरादाय सैन्धवः कृतहस्तवत्
विव्याध क्षत्रधर्माणं रणे सर्वायसैः शरैः

7.24.13

युयुत्सुं पाण्डवार्थाय यतमानं महारथम्
सुबाहुर्भ्रातरं शूरं यत्तो द्रोणादवारयत्

7.24.14

सुबाहोः सधनुर्बाणावस्यतः परिघोपमौ
युयुत्सुः शितपीताभ्यां क्षुराभ्यामच्छिनद्भुजौ

7.24.15

राजानं पाण्डवश्रेष्ठं धर्मात्मानं युधिष्ठिरम्
वेलेव सागरं क्षुब्धं मद्रराट्समवारयत्

7.24.16

तं धर्मराजो बहुभिर्मर्मभिद्भिरवाकिरत्
मद्रेशस्तं चतुःषष्ट्या शरैर्विद्ध्वानदद्भृशम्

7.24.17

तस्य नानदतः केतुमुच्चकर्त सकार्मुकम्
क्षुराभ्यां पाण्डवश्रेष्ठस्तत उच्चुक्रुशुर्जनाः

7.24.18

तथैव राजा बाह्लीको राजानं द्रुपदं शरैः
आद्रवन्तं सहानीकं सहानीको न्यवारयत्

7.24.19

तद्युद्धमभवद्घोरं वृद्धयोः सहसेनयोः
यथा महायूथपयोर्द्विपयोः संप्रभिन्नयोः

7.24.20

विन्दानुविन्दावावन्त्यौ विराटं मत्स्यमार्च्छताम्
सहसैन्यौ सहानीकं यथेन्द्राग्नी पुरा बलिम्

7.24.21

तदुत्पिञ्जलकं युद्धमासीद्देवासुरोपमम्
मत्स्यानां केकयैः सार्धमभीताश्वरथद्विपम्

7.24.22

नाकुलिं तु शतानीकं भूतकर्मा सभापतिः
अस्यन्तमिषुजालानि यान्तं द्रोणादवारयत्

7.24.23

ततो नकुलदायादस्त्रिभिर्भल्लैः सुसंशितैः
चक्रे विबाहुशिरसं भूतकर्माणमाहवे

7.24.24

सुतसोमं तु विक्रान्तमापतन्तं शरौघिणम्
द्रोणायाभिमुखं वीरं विविंशतिरवारयत्

7.24.25

सुतसोमस्तु संक्रुद्धः स्वपितृव्यमजिह्मगैः
विविंशतिं शरैर्विद्ध्वा नाभ्यवर्तत दंशितः

7.24.26

अथ भीमरथः शाल्वमाशुगैरायसैः शितैः
षड्भिः साश्वनियन्तारमनयद्यमसादनम्

7.24.27

श्रुतकर्माणमायान्तं मयूरसदृशैर्हयैः
चैत्रसेनिर्महाराज तव पौत्रो न्यवारयत्

7.24.28

तौ पौत्रौ तव दुर्धर्षौ परस्परवधैषिणौ
पितॄणामर्थसिद्ध्यर्थं चक्रतुर्युद्धमुत्तमम्

7.24.29

तिष्ठन्तमग्रतो दृष्ट्वा प्रतिविन्ध्यं तमाहवे
द्रौणिर्मानं पितुः कुर्वन्मार्गणैः समवारयत्

7.24.30

तं क्रुद्धः प्रतिविव्याध प्रतिविन्ध्यः शितैः शरैः
सिंहलाङ्गूललक्ष्माणं पितुरर्थे व्यवस्थितम्

7.24.31

प्रवपन्निव बीजानि बीजकाले नरर्षभ
द्रौणायनिर्द्रौपदेयं शरवर्षैरवाकिरत्

7.24.32

यस्तु शूरतमो राजन्सेनयोरुभयोर्मतः
तं पटच्चरहन्तारं लक्ष्मणः समवारयत्

7.24.33

स लक्ष्मणस्येष्वसनं छित्त्वा लक्ष्म च भारत
लक्ष्मणे शरजालानि विसृजन्बह्वशोभत

7.24.34

विकर्णस्तु महाप्राज्ञो याज्ञसेनिं शिखण्डिनम्
पर्यवारयदायान्तं युवानं समरे युवा

7.24.35

ततस्तमिषुजालेन याज्ञसेनिः समावृणोत्
विधूय तद्बाणजालं बभौ तव सुतो बली

7.24.36

अङ्गदोऽभिमुखः शूरमुत्तमौजसमाहवे
द्रोणायाभिमुखं यान्तं वत्सदन्तैरवारयत्

7.24.37

स संप्रहारस्तुमुलस्तयोः पुरुषसिंहयोः
सैनिकानां च सर्वेषां तयोश्च प्रीतिवर्धनः

7.24.38

दुर्मुखस्तु महेष्वासो वीरं पुरुजितं बली
द्रोणायाभिमुखं यान्तं कुन्तिभोजमवारयत्

7.24.39

स दुर्मुखं भ्रुवोर्मध्ये नाराचेन व्यताडयत्
तस्य तद्विबभौ वक्त्रं सनालमिव पङ्कजम्

7.24.40

कर्णस्तु केकयान्भ्रातॄन्पञ्च लोहितकध्वजान्
द्रोणायाभिमुखं याताञ्शरवर्षैरवारयत्

7.24.41

ते चैनं भृशसंक्रुद्धाः शरव्रातैरवाकिरन्
स च तांश्छादयामास शरजालैः पुनः पुनः

7.24.42

नैव कर्णो न ते पञ्च ददृशुर्बाणसंवृताः
साश्वसूतध्वजरथाः परस्परशराचिताः

7.24.43

पुत्रस्ते दुर्जयश्चैव जयश्च विजयश्च ह
नीलं काश्यं जयं शूरास्त्रयस्त्रीन्प्रत्यवारयन्

7.24.44

तद्युद्धमभवद्घोरमीक्षितृप्रीतिवर्धनम्
सिंहव्याघ्रतरक्षूणां यथेभमहिषर्षभैः

7.24.45

क्षेमधूर्तिबृहन्तौ तौ भ्रातरौ सात्वतं युधि
द्रोणायाभिमुखं यान्तं शरैस्तीक्ष्णैस्ततक्षतुः

7.24.46

तयोस्तस्य च तद्युद्धमत्यद्भुतमिवाभवत्
सिंहस्य द्विपमुख्याभ्यां प्रभिन्नाभ्यां यथा वने

7.24.47

राजानं तु तथाम्बष्ठमेकं युद्धाभिनन्दिनम्
चेदिराजः शरानस्यन्क्रुद्धो द्रोणादवारयत्

7.24.48

तमम्बष्ठोऽस्थिभेदिन्या निरविध्यच्छलाकया
स त्यक्त्वा सशरं चापं रथाद्भूमिमथापतत्

7.24.49

वार्धक्षेमिं तु वार्ष्णेयं कृपः शारद्वतः शरैः
अक्षुद्रः क्षुद्रकैर्द्रोणात्क्रुद्धरूपमवारयत्

7.24.50

युध्यन्तौ कृपवार्ष्णेयौ येऽपश्यंश्चित्रयोधिनौ
ते युद्धसक्तमनसो नान्या बुबुधिरे क्रियाः

7.24.51

सौमदत्तिस्तु राजानं मणिमन्तमतन्द्रितम्
पर्यवारयदायान्तं यशो द्रोणस्य वर्धयन्

7.24.52

स सौमदत्तेस्त्वरितश्छित्त्वेष्वसनकेतने
पुनः पताकां सूतं च छत्रं चापातयद्रथात्

7.24.53

अथाप्लुत्य रथात्तूर्णं यूपकेतुरमित्रहा
साश्वसूतध्वजरथं तं चकर्त वरासिना

7.24.54

रथं च स्वं समास्थाय धनुरादाय चापरम्
स्वयं यच्छन्हयान्राजन्व्यधमत्पाण्डवीं चमूम्

7.24.55

मुसलैर्मुद्गरैश्चक्रैर्भिण्डिपालैः परश्वधैः
पांसुवाताग्निसलिलैर्भस्मलोष्ठतृणद्रुमैः

7.24.56

आरुजन्प्ररुजन्भञ्जन्निघ्नन्विद्रावयन्क्षिपन्
सेनां विभीषयन्नायाद्द्रोणप्रेप्सुर्घटोत्कचः

7.24.57

तं तु नानाप्रहरणैर्नानायुद्धविशेषणैः
राक्षसं राक्षसः क्रुद्धः समाजघ्ने ह्यलम्बुसः

7.24.58

तयोस्तदभवद्युद्धं रक्षोग्रामणिमुख्ययोः
तादृग्यादृक्पुरा वृत्तं शम्बरामरराजयोः

7.24.59

एवं द्वंद्वशतान्यासन्रथवारणवाजिनाम्
पदातीनां च भद्रं ते तव तेषां च संकुलम्

7.24.60

नैतादृशो दृष्टपूर्वः संग्रामो नैव च श्रुतः
द्रोणस्याभावभावेषु प्रसक्तानां यथाभवत्

7.24.61

इदं घोरमिदं चित्रमिदं रौद्रमिति प्रभो
तत्र युद्धान्यदृश्यन्त प्रततानि बहूनि च

7.25.1

धृतराष्ट्र उवाच
तेष्वेवं संनिवृत्तेषु प्रत्युद्यातेषु भागशः
कथं युयुधिरे पार्था मामकाश्च तरस्विनः

7.25.2

किमर्जुनश्चाप्यकरोत्संशप्तकबलं प्रति
संशप्तका वा पार्थस्य किमकुर्वत संजय

7.25.3

संजय उवाच
तथा तेषु निवृत्तेषु प्रत्युद्यातेषु भागशः
स्वयमभ्यद्रवद्भीमं नागानीकेन ते सुतः

7.25.4

स नाग इव नागेन गोवृषेणेव गोवृषः
समाहूतः स्वयं राज्ञा नागानीकमुपाद्रवत्

7.25.5

स युद्धकुशलः पार्थो बाहुवीर्येण चान्वितः
अभिनत्कुञ्जरानीकमचिरेणैव मारिष

7.25.6

ते गजा गिरिसंकाशाः क्षरन्तः सर्वतो मदम्
भीमसेनस्य नाराचैर्विमुखा विमदीकृताः

7.25.7

विधमेदभ्रजालानि यथा वायुः समन्ततः
व्यधमत्तान्यनीकानि तथैव पवनात्मजः

7.25.8

स तेषु विसृजन्बाणान्भीमो नागेष्वशोभत
भुवनेष्विव सर्वेषु गभस्तीनुदितो रविः

7.25.9

ते भीमबाणैः शतशः संस्यूता विबभुर्गजाः
गभस्तिभिरिवार्कस्य व्योम्नि नानाबलाहकाः

7.25.10

तथा गजानां कदनं कुर्वाणमनिलात्मजम्
क्रुद्धो दुर्योधनोऽभ्येत्य प्रत्यविध्यच्छितैः शरैः

7.25.11

ततः क्षणेन क्षितिपं क्षतजप्रतिमेक्षणः
क्षयं निनीषुर्निशितैर्भीमो विव्याध पत्रिभिः

7.25.12

स शरार्पितसर्वाङ्गः क्रुद्धो विव्याध पाण्डवम्
नाराचैरर्करश्म्याभैर्भीमसेनं स्मयन्निव

7.25.13

तस्य नागं मणिमयं रत्नचित्रं ध्वजे स्थितम्
भल्लाभ्यां कार्मुकं चैव क्षिप्रं चिच्छेद पाण्डवः

7.25.14

दुर्योधनं पीड्यमानं दृष्ट्वा भीमेन मारिष
चुक्षोभयिषुरभ्यागादङ्गो मातङ्गमास्थितः

7.25.15

तमापतन्तं मातङ्गमम्बुदप्रतिमस्वनम्
कुम्भान्तरे भीमसेनो नाराचेनार्दयद्भृशम्

7.25.16

तस्य कायं विनिर्भिद्य ममज्ज धरणीतले
ततः पपात द्विरदो वज्राहत इवाचलः

7.25.17

तस्यावर्जितनागस्य म्लेच्छस्यावपतिष्यतः
शिरश्चिच्छेद भल्लेन क्षिप्रकारी वृकोदरः

7.25.18

तस्मिन्निपतिते वीरे संप्राद्रवत सा चमूः
संभ्रान्ताश्वद्विपरथा पदातीनवमृद्नती

7.25.19

तेष्वनीकेषु सर्वेषु विद्रवत्सु समन्ततः
प्राग्ज्योतिषस्ततो भीमं कुञ्जरेण समाद्रवत्

7.25.20

येन नागेन मघवानजयद्दैत्यदानवान्
स नागप्रवरो भीमं सहसा समुपाद्रवत्

7.25.21

श्रवणाभ्यामथो पद्भ्यां संहतेन करेण च
व्यावृत्तनयनः क्रुद्धः प्रदहन्निव पाण्डवम्

7.25.22

ततः सर्वस्य सैन्यस्य नादः समभवन्महान्
हा हा विनिहतो भीमः कुञ्जरेणेति मारिष

7.25.23

तेन नादेन वित्रस्ता पाण्डवानामनीकिनी
सहसाभ्यद्रवद्राजन्यत्र तस्थौ वृकोदरः

7.25.24

ततो युधिष्ठिरो राजा हतं मत्वा वृकोदरम्
भगदत्तं सपाञ्चालः सर्वतः समवारयत्

7.25.25

तं रथै रथिनां श्रेष्ठाः परिवार्य समन्ततः
अवाकिरञ्शरैस्तीक्ष्णैः शतशोऽथ सहस्रशः

7.25.26

स विघातं पृषत्कानामङ्कुशेन समाचरन्
गजेन पाण्डुपाञ्चालान्व्यधमत्पर्वतेश्वरः

7.25.27

तदद्भुतमपश्याम भगदत्तस्य संयुगे
तथा वृद्धस्य चरितं कुञ्जरेण विशां पते

7.25.28

ततो राजा दशार्णानां प्राग्ज्योतिषमुपाद्रवत्
तिर्यग्यातेन नागेन समदेनाशुगामिना

7.25.29

तयोर्युद्धं समभवन्नागयोर्भीमरूपयोः
सपक्षयोः पर्वतयोर्यथा सद्रुमयोः पुरा

7.25.30

प्राग्ज्योतिषपतेर्नागः संनिपत्यापवृत्य च
पार्श्वे दशार्णाधिपतेर्भित्त्वा नागमपातयत्

7.25.31

तोमरैः सूर्यरश्म्याभैर्भगदत्तोऽथ सप्तभिः
जघान द्विरदस्थं तं शत्रुं प्रचलितासनम्

7.25.32

उपसृत्य तु राजानं भगदत्तं युधिष्ठिरः
रथानीकेन महता सर्वतः पर्यवारयत्

7.25.33

स कुञ्जरस्थो रथिभिः शुशुभे सर्वतो वृतः
पर्वते वनमध्यस्थो ज्वलन्निव हुताशनः

7.25.34

मण्डलं सर्वतः श्लिष्टं रथिनामुग्रधन्विनाम्
किरतां शरवर्षाणि स नागः पर्यवर्तत

7.25.35

ततः प्राग्ज्योतिषो राजा परिगृह्य द्विपर्षभम्
प्रेषयामास सहसा युयुधानरथं प्रति

7.25.36

शिनेः पौत्रस्य तु रथं परिगृह्य महाद्विपः
अभिचिक्षेप वेगेन युयुधानस्त्वपाक्रमत्

7.25.37

बृहतः सैन्धवानश्वान्समुत्थाप्य तु सारथिः
तस्थौ सात्यकिमासाद्य संप्लुतस्तं रथं पुनः

7.25.38

स तु लब्ध्वान्तरं नागस्त्वरितो रथमण्डलात्
निश्चक्राम ततः सर्वान्परिचिक्षेप पार्थिवान्

7.25.39

ते त्वाशुगतिना तेन त्रास्यमाना नरर्षभाः
तमेकं द्विरदं संख्ये मेनिरे शतशो नृपाः

7.25.40

ते गजस्थेन काल्यन्ते भगदत्तेन पाण्डवाः
ऐरावतस्थेन यथा देवराजेन दानवाः

7.25.41

तेषां प्रद्रवतां भीमः पाञ्चालानामितस्ततः
गजवाजिकृतः शब्दः सुमहान्समजायत

7.25.42

भगदत्तेन समरे काल्यमानेषु पाण्डुषु
प्राग्ज्योतिषमभिक्रुद्धः पुनर्भीमः समभ्ययात्

7.25.43

तस्याभिद्रवतो वाहान्हस्तमुक्तेन वारिणा
सिक्त्वा व्यत्रासयन्नागस्ते पार्थमहरंस्ततः

7.25.44

ततस्तमभ्ययात्तूर्णं रुचिपर्वाकृतीसुतः
समुक्षञ्शरवर्षेण रथस्थोऽन्तकसंनिभः

7.25.45

ततो रुचिरपर्वाणं शरेण नतपर्वणा
सुपर्वा पर्वतपतिर्निन्ये वैवस्वतक्षयम्

7.25.46

तस्मिन्निपतिते वीरे सौभद्रो द्रौपदीसुताः
चेकितानो धृष्टकेतुर्युयुत्सुश्चार्दयन्द्विपम्

7.25.47

त एनं शरधाराभिर्धाराभिरिव तोयदाः
सिषिचुर्भैरवान्नादान्विनदन्तो जिघांसवः

7.25.48

ततः पार्ष्ण्यङ्कुशाङ्गुष्ठैः कृतिना चोदितो द्विपः
प्रसारितकरः प्रायात्स्तब्धकर्णेक्षणो द्रुतम्

7.25.49

सोऽधिष्ठाय पदा वाहान्युयुत्सोः सूतमारुजत्
पुत्रस्तु तव संभ्रान्तः सौभद्रस्याप्लुतो रथम्

7.25.50

स कुञ्जरस्थो विसृजन्निषूनरिषु पार्थिवः
बभौ रश्मीनिवादित्यो भुवनेषु समुत्सृजन्

7.25.51

तमार्जुनिर्द्वादशभिर्युयुत्सुर्दशभिः शरैः
त्रिभिस्त्रिभिर्द्रौपदेया धृष्टकेतुश्च विव्यधुः

7.25.52

सोऽरियत्नार्पितैर्बाणैराचितो द्विरदो बभौ
संस्यूत इव सूर्यस्य रश्मिभिर्जलदो महान्

7.25.53

नियन्तुः शिल्पयत्नाभ्यां प्रेषितोऽरिशरार्दितः
परिचिक्षेप तान्नागः स रिपून्सव्यदक्षिणम्

7.25.54

गोपाल इव दण्डेन यथा पशुगणान्वने
आवेष्टयत तां सेनां भगदत्तस्तथा मुहुः

7.25.55

क्षिप्रं श्येनाभिपन्नानां वायसानामिव स्वनः
बभूव पाण्डवेयानां भृशं विद्रवतां स्वनः

7.25.56

स नागराजः प्रवराङ्कुशाहतः; पुरा सपक्षोऽद्रिवरो यथा नृप
भयं तथा रिपुषु समादधद्भृशं; वणिग्गणानां क्षुभितो यथार्णवः

7.25.57

ततो ध्वनिर्द्विरदरथाश्वपार्थिवै;र्भयाद्द्रवद्भिर्जनितोऽतिभैरवः
क्षितिं वियद्द्यां विदिशो दिशस्तथा; समावृणोत्पार्थिव संयुगे तदा

7.25.58

स तेन नागप्रवरेण पार्थिवो; भृशं जगाहे द्विषतामनीकिनीम्
पुरा सुगुप्तां विबुधैरिवाहवे; विरोचनो देववरूथिनीमिव

7.25.59

भृशं ववौ ज्वलनसखो वियद्रजः; समावृणोन्मुहुरपि चैव सैनिकान्
तमेकनागं गणशो यथा गजाः; समन्ततो द्रुतमिव मेनिरे जनाः

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Dhritarashtra said, 'When the troops were thus engaged and thus proceeded against one another in separate divisions, how did Partha and the warriors of my army endued with great activity fight? What also did Arjuna do towards the car-warriors of the Samsaptakas? And what, O Sanjaya, did the Samsaptakas, in their turn, do to Arjuna?'

"Sanjaya said, 'When the troops were thus engaged and proceeded against one another, thy son Duryodhana himself rushed against Bhimasena, leading his elephant division. Like an elephant encountering an elephant, like a bull encountering a bull, Bhimasena, summoned by the king himself, rushed against that elephant division of the Kaurava army. Skilled in battle and endued with great might of arms, Pritha's son, O sire, quickly broke that elephant division. These elephants, huge as hills, and with ichor trickling down from every part of their bodies, were mangled and forced to turn back by Bhimasena with his arrows. Indeed, as the wind, when it riseth, driveth away gathering masses of clouds, so did that son of Pavana rout that elephant force of the Kauravas. And Bhima, shooting his arrows at those elephants, looked resplendent like the risen sun, striking everything in the world with his rays. Those elephants, afflicted with the shafts of Bhima, became covered with blood and looked beautiful like masses of clouds in the welkin penetrated with the rays of the sun. Then Duryodhana, excited with wrath, pierced with the sharp

shafts that son of the Wind-god who was causing such a slaughter among his elephants. Then Bhima, with eyes red in wrath, desirous of despatching the king to Yama's abode, pierced him speedily with many sharp shafts. Then Duryodhana, mangled all over with arrows and excited with rage, pierced Bhima, the son of Pandu, with many shafts endued with the effulgence of solar rays, smiling the while. Then the son of Pandu, with a couple of broad-headed arrows, quickly cut off Duryodhana's bow as also his standard, bearing the device of a jewelled elephant, decked with diverse gems. Beholding Duryodhana thus afflicted, O sire, by Bhima, the ruler of the Angas on his elephant came there for afflicting the son of Pandu. Thereupon, Bhimasena deeply pierced with a long arrow that prince of elephants advancing with loud roars, between its two frontal globes. That arrow, penetrating through its body, sank deep in the earth. And at this the elephants fell down like a hill riven by the thunder. While the elephant was falling down, the Mleccha king also was falling down it. But Vrikodara, endued with great activity, cut off his head with a broad-headed arrow before his antagonist actually fell down. When the heroic ruler of the Angas fell, his divisions fled away. Steeds and elephants and car-warriors struck with panic, crushed the foot-soldiers as they fled.

"When those troops, thus broken, fled away in all directions, the ruler of the Pragjyotishas then advanced against Bhima, upon his elephant. 1 With its two (fore) legs and trunk contracted, filled with rage, and with eyes rolling, that elephant seemed to consume the son of Pandu (like a blazing fire). And it pounded Vrikodara's car with the steed yoked thereto into dust. Then Bhima ran forward and got under the elephant's body, for he knew the science called Anjalikabedha. Indeed, the son of Pandu fled not. Getting under the elephant's body, he began to strike it frequently with his bare arms. And he smote that invincible elephant which was bent upon slaying him. Thereupon, the latter began to quickly turn round like a potter's wheel. Endued with the might of ten thousand elephants, the blessed Vrikodara, having struck that elephant thus, came out from under Supratika's body and stood facing the latter. Supratika then, seizing Bhima by its trunk, threw him down by means of its knees. Indeed, having seized him by the neck, that elephant wished to slay him. Twisting the elephant's trunk, Bhima freed himself from its twine, and once more got under the body of that huge creature. And he waited there, expecting the arrival of a hostile elephant of his own army. Coming out from under the beast's body, Bhima then ran away with great speed. Then a loud noise was heard, made by all the troops, to the effect, 'Alas, Bhima hath been slain by the elephant!' The Pandava host, frightened by that elephant, suddenly fled away, O king, to where Vrikodara was waiting. Meanwhile, king Yudhishthira, thinking Vrikodara to have been slain, surrounded Bhagadatta on all sides, aided by the Panchalas. Having

surrounded him with numerous cars, king Yudhishthira that foremost of car-warriors, covered Bhagadatta with keen shafts by hundreds and thousands. Then Bhagadatta, that king of the mountainous regions, frustrating with his iron hook that shower of arrows, began to consume both the Pandavas and the Panchalas by means of that elephant of his. Indeed. O monarch, the feat that we then beheld, achieved by old Bhagadatta with his elephant, was highly wonderful. Then the ruler of the Dasarnas rushed against the king of the Pragjyotisha, on a fleet elephant with temporal sweat trickling down, for attacking Supratika in the flank. The battle then that took place between those two elephants of awful size, resembled that between two winged mountains overgrown with forests in days of old. Then the elephant of Bhagadatta, wheeling round and attacking the elephant of the king of the Dasarnas, ripped open the latter's flank and slew it outright. Then Bhagadatta himself with seven lances bright as the rays of the sun, slew his (human) antagonist seated on the elephant just when the latter was about to fall down from his seat. Piercing king Bhagadatta then (with many arrows), Yudhishthira surrounded him on all sides with a large number of cars. Staying on his elephant amid car-warriors encompassing him all around, he looked resplendent like a blazing fire on a mountain-top in the midst of a dense forest. He stayed fearlessly in the midst of those serried cars ridden by fierce bowmen, all of whom showered upon him their arrows. Then the king of the Pragjyotisha, pressing (with his toe) his huge elephant, urged him towards the car of Yuyudhana. That prodigious beast, then seizing the car of Sinis grandson, hurled it to a distance with great force. Yuyudhana, however, escaped by timely flight. His charioteer also, abandoning the large steeds of the Sindhu breed, yoked unto that car, quickly followed Satyaki and stood where the latter stopped. Meanwhile the elephant, quickly coming out of the circle of cars, began to throw down all the kings (that attempted to bar his course). These bulls among men, frightened out of their wits by that single elephant coursing swiftly, regarded it in that battle as multiplied into many. Indeed, Bhagadatta, mounted on that elephant of his, began to smite down the Pandavas, like the chief of the celestials mounted on Airavata smiting down the Danavas (in days of old). 1 As the Panchalas fled in all directions, loud and awful was the noise that arose amongst them, made by their elephants and steeds. And while the Pandava troops were thus destroyed by Bhagadatta, Bhima, excited with rage, once more rushed against the ruler of the Pragjyotisha. The latter's elephant then frightened the steeds of advancing Bhima by drenching them with water spouted forth from its trunk, and thereupon those animals bore Bhima away from the field. Then Kriti's son, Ruchiparvan, mounted on his car, quickly rushed against Bhagadatta, scattering showers of arrows and advancing like the Destroyer himself. Then Bhagadatta, that ruler of the hilly regions, possessed of beautiful limbs, despatched Ruchiparvan with a

straight shaft to Yama's abode. 1 Upon the fall of the heroic Ruchiparvan, Subhadra's son and the sons of Draupadi, and Chekitana, and Dhrishtaketu, and Yuyutsu began to afflict the elephant. Desiring to slay that elephant, all those warriors, uttering loud shouts, began to pour their arrows on the animals, like the clouds drenching the earth with their watery down-pour. Urged then by its skilful rider with heel, hook, and toe the animal advanced quickly with trunk stretched, and eyes and cars fixed. Treading down Yuyutsu's steeds, the animal then slew the charioteer. Thereupon, O king, Yuyutsu, abandoning his car, fled away quickly. Then the Pandava warriors, desirous of slaying that prince of elephants, uttered loud shouts and covered it quickly with showers of arrows. At this time, thy son, excited with rage, rushed against the car of Subhadra's son. Meanwhile, king Bhagadatta on his elephant, shooting shafts on the foe, looked resplendent like the Sun himself scattering his rays on the earth. Arjuna's son then pierced him with a dozen shafts, and Yuyutsu with ten, and each of the sons of Draupadi pierced him with three shafts and Dhrishtaketu also pierced him with three. That elephant then, pierced with these shafts, shot with great care, looked resplendent like a mighty mass of clouds penetrated with the rays of the sun. Afflicted with those shafts of the foe, that elephant then, urged by its riders with skill and vigour, began to throw hostile warriors on both his flanks. Like a cowherd belabouring his cattle in the forest with a goad, Bhagadatta repeatedly smote the Pandava host. Like the cawing of quickly retreating crows when assailed by hawks, a loud and confused noise was heard among the Pandava troops who fled away with great speed. That prince of elephants, struck by its rider with hook, resembled, O king, a winged mountain of old. And it filled the hearts of the enemy with fear, like to what merchants experience at sight of the surging sea. 2 Then elephants and car-warriors and steeds and kings, flying away in fear, made, as they fled, a loud and awful din that, O monarch, filled the earth and sky and heaven and the cardinal and subsidiary directions in that battle. Mounted on that foremost of elephants, king Bhagadatta penetrated the hostile army like the Asura Virochana in days of old into the celestial host in battle well-protected by the gods. A violent wind began to blow; a dusty cloud covered the sky and the troops; and people regarded that single elephant as multiplied into many, coursing all over the field.'"

60:1 After 19 occurs a complete sloka in the Bombay text which does not appear to be genuine.

61:1 The second line of 46 is omitted in the Bengal texts.

62:1 The Bengali translators have made a mess of these two verses. Among others, K. P. Singha makes Ruchiparvan follow Bhima and suppose Suvarchas to be some Pandava warrior who slew Ruchiparvan. The reading Suvarchas is vicious. The correct reading is Suparva, meaning, as Nilakantha explains, "of beautiful limbs." Parvatapati is Bhagadatta himself.

62:2 The Bengal reading abhitas is incorrect. It should be Kshubitas.

7.26.1

संजय उवाच
यन्मां पार्थस्य संग्रामे कर्माणि परिपृच्छसि
तच्छृणुष्व महाराज पार्थो यदकरोन्मृधे

7.26.2

रजो दृष्ट्वा समुद्भूतं श्रुत्वा च गजनिस्वनम्
भज्यतां भगदत्तेन कौन्तेयः कृष्णमब्रवीत्

7.26.3

यथा प्राग्ज्योतिषो राजा गजेन मधुसूदन
त्वरमाणोऽभ्यतिक्रान्तो ध्रुवं तस्यैष निस्वनः

7.26.4

इन्द्रादनवरः संख्ये गजयानविशारदः
प्रथमो वा द्वितीयो वा पृथिव्यामिति मे मतिः

7.26.5

स चापि द्विरदश्रेष्ठः सदाप्रतिगजो युधि
सर्वशब्दातिगः संख्ये कृतकर्मा जितक्लमः

7.26.6

सहः शस्त्रनिपातानामग्निस्पर्शस्य चानघ
स पाण्डवबलं व्यक्तमद्यैको नाशयिष्यति

7.26.7

न चावाभ्यामृतेऽन्योऽस्ति शक्तस्तं प्रतिबाधितुम्
त्वरमाणस्ततो याहि यतः प्राग्ज्योतिषाधिपः

7.26.8

शक्रसख्याद्द्विपबलैर्वयसा चापि विस्मितम्
अद्यैनं प्रेषयिष्यामि बलहन्तुः प्रियातिथिम्

7.26.9

वचनादथ कृष्णस्तु प्रययौ सव्यसाचिनः
दार्यते भगदत्तेन यत्र पाण्डववाहिनी

7.26.10

तं प्रयान्तं ततः पश्चादाह्वयन्तो महारथाः
संशप्तकाः समारोहन्सहस्राणि चतुर्दश

7.26.11

दशैव तु सहस्राणि त्रिगर्तानां नराधिप
चत्वारि तु सहस्राणि वासुदेवस्य येऽनुगाः

7.26.12

दार्यमाणां चमूं दृष्ट्वा भगदत्तेन मारिष
आहूयमानस्य च तैरभवद्धृदयं द्विधा

7.26.13

किं नु श्रेयस्करं कर्म भवेदिति विचिन्तयन्
इतो वा विनिवर्तेयं गच्छेयं वा युधिष्ठिरम्

7.26.14

तस्य बुद्ध्या विचार्यैतदर्जुनस्य कुरूद्वह
अभवद्भूयसी बुद्धिः संशप्तकवधे स्थिरा

7.26.15

स संनिवृत्तः सहसा कपिप्रवरकेतनः
एको रथसहस्राणि निहन्तुं वासवी रणे

7.26.16

सा हि दुर्योधनस्यासीन्मतिः कर्णस्य चोभयोः
अर्जुनस्य वधोपाये तेन द्वैधमकल्पयत्

7.26.17

स तु संवर्तयामास द्वैधीभावेन पाण्डवः
रथेन तु रथाग्र्याणामकरोत्तां मृषा तदा

7.26.18

ततः शतसहस्राणि शराणां नतपर्वणाम्
व्यसृजन्नर्जुने राजन्संशप्तकमहारथाः

7.26.19

नैव कुन्तीसुतः पार्थो नैव कृष्णो जनार्दनः
न हया न रथो राजन्दृश्यन्ते स्म शरैश्चिताः

7.26.20

यदा मोहमनुप्राप्तः सस्वेदश्च जनार्दनः
ततस्तान्प्रायशः पार्थो वज्रास्त्रेण निजघ्निवान्

7.26.21

शतशः पाणयश्छिन्नाः सेषुज्यातलकार्मुकाः
केतवो वाजिनः सूता रथिनश्चापतन्क्षितौ

7.26.22

द्रुमाचलाग्राम्बुधरैः समरूपाः सुकल्पिताः
हतारोहाः क्षितौ पेतुर्द्विपाः पार्थशराहताः

7.26.23

विप्रविद्धकुथावल्गाश्छिन्नभाण्डाः परासवः
सारोहास्तुरगाः पेतुर्मथिताः पार्थमार्गणैः

7.26.24

सर्ष्टिचर्मासिनखराः समुद्गरपरश्वधाः
संछिन्ना बाहवः पेतुर्नृणां भल्लैः किरीटिना

7.26.25

बालादित्याम्बुजेन्दूनां तुल्यरूपाणि मारिष
संछिन्नान्यर्जुनशरैः शिरांस्युर्वीं प्रपेदिरे

7.26.26

जज्वालालंकृतैः सेना पत्रिभिः प्राणभोजनैः
नानालिङ्गैस्तदामित्रान्क्रुद्धे निघ्नति फल्गुने

7.26.27

क्षोभयन्तं तदा सेनां द्विरदं नलिनीमिव
धनंजयं भूतगणाः साधु साध्वित्यपूजयन्

7.26.28

दृष्ट्वा तत्कर्म पार्थस्य वासवस्येव माधवः
विस्मयं परमं गत्वा तलमाहत्य पूजयत्

7.26.29

ततः संशप्तकान्हत्वा भूयिष्ठं ये व्यवस्थिताः
भगदत्ताय याहीति पार्थः कृष्णमचोदयत्

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Thou askest me about the feats of Arjuna in battle. Listen, O thou of mighty arms, to what Partha achieved in the fight. Beholding the risen dust and hearing the wail of the troops when Bhagadatta was performing great feats on the field, the son of Kunti addressed Krishna and said 'O slayer of Madhu, it seems that the ruler of the Pragjyotishas hath, on his elephant, with great impetuosity, advanced to battle. This loud din that we hear must be due to him. Well-versed in the art of grinding and battling from the back of an elephant, and not inferior to Indra himself in battle, he, I think, is the formost of all elephant-warriors in the world. 1 His elephant, again, is the foremost of elephants, without a rival to encounter it in battle. Possessed of great dexterity and above all fatigue, it is, again, impervious to all weapons. Capable of bearing every weapon and even the touch of fire, it will, O sinless one, alone destroy the Pandava force today. Except us two, there is none else capable of checking that creature. Go quickly, therefore, to that spot where the ruler of the Pragjyotishas is. Proud in battle, in consequence of the strength of his elephant, and arrogant in consequence of his age, I will this very day send him as a guest to the slayer of Vala.' At these words of Arjuna, Krishna began to proceed to the place where Bhagadatta was breaking the Pandava ranks. While Arjuna was proceeding towards Bhagadatta, the mighty Samsaptaka car-warriors, numbering fourteen thousand, made up of ten thousand Gopalas or Narayanas who used to follow Vasudeva, returning to the field, summoned him to battle. Beholding the Pandava host broken by Bhagadatta, and summoned on the other hand by the Samsaptakas, Arjuna's heart was divided in twain. And he began to think, 'Which of these two act will be better for me to do today, to return from this spot for battling with Samsaptakas or to repair to Yudhishthira?' Reflecting with the aid of his understanding, O perpetuator of Kuru's race, Arjuna's heart, at last, was firmly fixed on the slaughter of the Samsaptakas. Desirous of alone slaughtering in battle thousands of car-warriors, Indra's son (Arjuna) having the foremost of apes on banner, suddenly turned back. Even this was what both Duryodhana and Karna had thought of for achieving the slaughter of Arjuna. And it was for this that they had made arrangements for the double encounter. The son of Pandu allowed his heart to waver this side and that, but, at last, resolving to slay those foremost of warriors, viz., the Samsaptakas, he baffled the purpose of his enemies. 2 Then mighty Samsaptakas car-warriors, O king, shot at Arjuna thousands of straight arrows. Covered with those arrows, O monarch, neither Kunti's son Partha, nor Krishna, otherwise called Janardana, nor the steeds, nor the

car, could be seen. Then Janardana became deprived of his senses and perspired greatly. Thereupon, Partha shot the Brahma weapon and nearly exterminated them all. Hundreds upon hundreds of arms with bows and arrows and bowstrings in grasp, cut off from trunks, and hundreds upon hundreds of standards and steeds and charioteers and car-warriors, fell down on the ground. Huge elephants, well-equipped and resembling foremost hills over-grown with woods or masses of clouds, afflicted with Partha's shafts and deprived of riders, fell down on the earth. Many elephants again, with riders on their backs, crushed by means of Arjuna's shafts, fell down, deprived of life, shorn of the embroidered cloths on their backs, and with their housings torn. Cut off by Kiritin with his broad-headed arrows, countless arms having swords and lances and rapiers for their nails or having clubs and battle-axes in grasp, fell down on the earth. Heads also, beautiful, O king, as the morning sun or the lotus or the moon, cut off by Arjuna with his arrows, dropped down on the ground. While Phalguni in rage was thus engaged in slaying the foe with diverse kinds of well-adorned and fatal shafts, that host seemed to be ablaze. Beholding Dhanunjaya crushing that host like an elephant crushing lotus-stalks, all creatures applauded him, saying, 'Excellent, Excellent!' Seeing that feat of Partha resembling that of Vasava himself, Madhava wondered much and, addressing him with joined hands, said, 'Verily, O Partha, I think that this feat which thou hast achieved, could not be performed by Sakra, or Yama, or the Lord of treasures himself. I see that thou hast today felled in battle hundreds and thousands of mighty Samsaptaka warriors an together.' Having slain the Samsaptakas then,--that is, who were engaged in battle,--Partha addressed Krishna, saying, 'Go towards Bhagadatta.'"

63:1 I render 16 and 17 rather freely, as otherwise the sense would not be clear.

63:2 The Bengal texts read,--"he is either the first or the second, on the earth, I think."

7.27.1

संजय उवाच
यियासतस्ततः कृष्णः पार्थस्याश्वान्मनोजवान्
अप्रैषीद्धेमसंछन्नान्द्रोणानीकाय पाण्डुरान्

7.27.2

तं प्रयान्तं कुरुश्रेष्ठं स्वांस्त्रातुं द्रोणतापितान्
सुशर्मा भ्रातृभिः सार्धं युद्धार्थी पृष्ठतोऽन्वयात्

7.27.3

ततः श्वेतहयः कृष्णमब्रवीदजितं जयः
एष मां भ्रातृभिः सार्धं सुशर्माह्वयतेऽच्युत

7.27.4

दीर्यते चोत्तरेणैतत्सैन्यं नः शत्रुसूदन
द्वैधीभूतं मनो मेऽद्य कृतं संशप्तकैरिदम्

7.27.5

किं नु संशप्तकान्हन्मि स्वान्रक्षाम्यहितार्दितान्
इति मे त्वं मतं वेत्थ तत्र किं सुकृतं भवेत्

7.27.6

एवमुक्तस्तु दाशार्हः स्यन्दनं प्रत्यवर्तयत्
येन त्रिगर्ताधिपतिः पाण्डवं समुपाह्वयत्

7.27.7

ततोऽर्जुनः सुशर्माणं विद्ध्वा सप्तभिराशुगैः
ध्वजं धनुश्चास्य तथा क्षुराभ्यां समकृन्तत

7.27.8

त्रिगर्ताधिपतेश्चापि भ्रातरं षड्भिरायसैः
साश्वं ससूतं त्वरितः पार्थः प्रैषीद्यमक्षयम्

7.27.9

ततो भुजगसंकाशां सुशर्मा शक्तिमायसीम्
चिक्षेपार्जुनमादिश्य वासुदेवाय तोमरम्

7.27.10

शक्तिं त्रिभिः शरैश्छित्त्वा तोमरं त्रिभिरर्जुनः
सुशर्माणं शरव्रातैर्मोहयित्वा न्यवर्तत

7.27.11

तं वासवमिवायान्तं भूरिवर्षशरौघिणम्
राजंस्तावकसैन्यानां नोग्रं कश्चिदवारयत्

7.27.12

ततो धनंजयो बाणैस्तत एव महारथान्
आयाद्विनिघ्नन्कौरव्यान्दहन्कक्षमिवानलः

7.27.13

तस्य वेगमसह्यं तु कुन्तीपुत्रस्य धीमतः
नाशक्नुवंस्ते संसोढुं स्पर्शमग्नेरिव प्रजाः

7.27.14

संवेष्टयन्ननीकानि शरवर्षेण पाण्डवः
सुपर्णपातवद्राजन्नायात्प्राग्ज्योतिषं प्रति

7.27.15

यत्तदानामयज्जिष्णुर्भरतानामपायिनाम्
धनुः क्षेमकरं संख्ये द्विषतामश्रुवर्धनम्

7.27.16

तदेव तव पुत्रस्य राजन्दुर्द्यूतदेविनः
कृते क्षत्रविनाशाय धनुरायच्छदर्जुनः

7.27.17

तथा विक्षोभ्यमाणा सा पार्थेन तव वाहिनी
व्यदीर्यत महाराज नौरिवासाद्य पर्वतम्

7.27.18

ततो दश सहस्राणि न्यवर्तन्त धनुष्मताम्
मतिं कृत्वा रणे क्रुद्धा वीरा जयपराजये

7.27.19

व्यपेतहृदयत्रास आपद्धर्मातिगो रथः
आर्छत्पार्थो गुरुं भारं सर्वभारसहो युधि

7.27.20

यथा नडवनं क्रुद्धः प्रभिन्नः षष्टिहायनः
मृद्नीयात्तद्वदायस्तः पार्थोऽमृद्नाच्चमूं तव

7.27.21

तस्मिन्प्रमथिते सैन्ये भगदत्तो नराधिपः
तेन नागेन सहसा धनंजयमुपाद्रवत्

7.27.22

तं रथेन नरव्याघ्रः प्रत्यगृह्णादभीतवत्
स संनिपातस्तुमुलो बभूव रथनागयोः

7.27.23

कल्पिताभ्यां यथाशास्त्रं रथेन च गजेन च
संग्रामे चेरतुर्वीरौ भगदत्तधनंजयौ

7.27.24

ततो जीमूतसंकाशान्नागादिन्द्र इवाभिभूः
अभ्यवर्षच्छरौघेण भगदत्तो धनंजयम्

7.27.25

स चापि शरवर्षं तच्छरवर्षेण वासविः
अप्राप्तमेव चिच्छेद भगदत्तस्य वीर्यवान्

7.27.26

ततः प्राग्ज्योतिषो राजा शरवर्षं निवार्य तत्
शरैर्जघ्ने महाबाहुं पार्थं कृष्णं च भारत

7.27.27

ततः स शरजालेन महताभ्यवकीर्य तौ
चोदयामास तं नागं वधायाच्युतपार्थयोः

7.27.28

तमापतन्तं द्विरदं दृष्ट्वा क्रुद्धमिवान्तकम्
चक्रेऽपसव्यं त्वरितः स्यन्दनेन जनार्दनः

7.27.29

संप्राप्तमपि नेयेष परावृत्तं महाद्विपम्
सारोहं मृत्युसात्कर्तुं स्मरन्धर्मं धनंजयः

7.27.30

स तु नागो द्विपरथान्हयांश्चारुज्य मारिष
प्राहिणोन्मृत्युलोकाय ततोऽक्रुध्यद्धनंजयः

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'At Partha's desire, Krishna then urged his white steeds, fleet as the mind and covered in golden armour, towards Drona's divisions. While that foremost one of the Kurus was thus proceeding towards his brothers who were exceedingly afflicted by Drona, Susarman with his brothers, followed him behind, desirous of battle. The ever-victorious Arjuna then addressed Krishna, saying, 'O thou of unfading glory, this Susarman here, with his brothers, challengeth me to battle! O slayer of foes, our host, again, is broken (by Drona) towards the north. In consequence of these Samsaptakas, my heart wavers today as to whether I should do this or that. Shall I slay the Samsaptakas now, or protect from harm my own troops already afflicted by the foe? Know this to be what I am thinking of, viz., 'Which of these would be better for me?' Thus addressed by him, he of Dasarha's race, turned back the car, and

took the son of Pandu to where the ruler of the Trigartas was. Then Arjuna pierced Susarman with seven shafts, and cut off both his bow and standard with a couple of sharp arrows. He then, with six arrows, quickly despatched the brothers of Trigarta king to Yama's abode. 1 Then Susarman, aiming Arjuna, hurled at him a dart made wholly of iron and looking like a snake, and aiming Vasudeva, hurled a lance at him. Cutting off that dart with three arrows and that lance also with three other arrows, Arjuna, by means of his arrowy showers, deprived Susarman of his senses on his car. Then advancing fiercely (towards thy division), scattering showers of arrows, like Vasava pouring rain, none among thy troops, O king, ventured to oppose. Like a fire consuming heaps of straw as it advances, Dhananjaya advanced, scorching all the mighty car-warriors among the Kauravas by means of his arrows. Like a living creature incapable of bearing the touch of fire, thy troops could not bear the irresistible impetuosity of that intelligent son of Kunti. Indeed, the son of Pandu, overwhelming the hostile host by means of his arrows, came upon the king of the Pragjyotishas, O monarch, like Garuda swooping down (upon his prey). He then held in his hands that Gandiva which in battle was beneficial to the innocent Pandavas and baneful to all foes, for the destruction of Kshatriyas brought about, O king, by the fault of thy son who had recourse to deceitful dice for accomplishing his end. Agitated by Partha thus, thy host then, O king, broke like a boat when it strikes against a rock. Then ten thousand bowmen, brave and fierce, firmly resolved to conquer, advanced (to encounter Arjuna). With dauntless hearts, those mighty car-warriors all surrounded him. Capable of bearing any burden, howsoever heavy in battle, Partha took up that heavy burden. As an angry elephant of sixty years, with rent temples, crushes an assemblage of lotus stalks, even so did Partha crush that division of thy army. And when that division was being thus crushed, king Bhagadatta, on that same elephant of his, impetuously rushed towards Arjuna. Thereupon, Dhananjaya, that tiger among men, staying on his car, received Bhagadatta. That encounter between Arjuna's car and Bhagadatta's elephant was fierce in the extreme. Those two heroes, viz., Bhagadatta and Dhananjaya, then coursed on the field, the one on his car and the other on his elephant, both of which were equipped according to the rules of science. Then Bhagadatta, like the lord Indra, from his elephant looking like a mass of clouds, poured on Dhananjaya showers of arrows. The valiant son of Vasava, however, with his arrows, cut off those arrowy showers of Bhagadatta before they could reach him. The king of the Pragjyotishas, then, baffling that arrowy shower of Arjuna, struck both Partha and Krishna, O king, with many shafts and overwhelming both of them with a thick shower of shafts, Bhagadatta then urged his elephant for the destruction of Krishna and Partha. Beholding that angry elephant advancing like Death himself, Janardana quickly moved his car in such a way as to

keep the elephant on his left. Dhananjaya, although he thus got the opportunity of slaying that huge elephant with its rider from the back, wished not yet to avail himself of it, remembering the rules of fair fight. The elephant, however, coming upon other elephants and cars and steeds, O king, despatched them all to Yama's abode. Beholding this, Dhananjaya was filled with rage.

65:1 The Bombay reading paritas is vicious. The Bengal texts read twaritas.

7.28.1

धृतराष्ट्र उवाच
तथा क्रुद्धः किमकरोद्भगदत्तस्य पाण्डवः
प्राग्ज्योतिषो वा पार्थस्य तन्मे शंस यथातथम्

7.28.2

संजय उवाच
प्राग्ज्योतिषेण संसक्तावुभौ दाशार्हपाण्डवौ
मृत्योरिवान्तिकं प्राप्तौ सर्वभूतानि मेनिरे

7.28.3

तथा हि शरवर्षाणि पातयत्यनिशं प्रभो
भगदत्तो गजस्कन्धात्कृष्णयोः स्यन्दनस्थयोः

7.28.4

अथ कार्ष्णायसैर्बाणैः पूर्णकार्मुकनिःसृतैः
अविध्यद्देवकीपुत्रं हेमपुङ्खैः शिलाशितैः

7.28.5

अग्निस्पर्शसमास्तीक्ष्णा भगदत्तेन चोदिताः
निर्भिद्य देवकीपुत्रं क्षितिं जग्मुः शरास्ततः

7.28.6

तस्य पार्थो धनुश्छित्त्वा शरावापं निहत्य च
लाडयन्निव राजानं भगदत्तमयोधयत्

7.28.7

सोऽर्करश्मिनिभांस्तीक्ष्णांस्तोमरान्वै चतुर्दश
प्रेरयत्सव्यसाची तांस्त्रिधैकैकमथाच्छिनत्

7.28.8

ततो नागस्य तद्वर्म व्यधमत्पाकशासनिः
शरजालेन स बभौ व्यभ्रः पर्वतराडिव

7.28.9

ततः प्राग्ज्योतिषः शक्तिं हेमदण्डामयस्मयीम्
व्यसृजद्वासुदेवाय द्विधा तामर्जुनोऽच्छिनत्

7.28.10

ततश्छत्रं ध्वजं चैव छित्त्वा राज्ञोऽर्जुनः शरैः
विव्याध दशभिस्तूर्णमुत्स्मयन्पर्वताधिपम्

7.28.11

सोऽतिविद्धोऽर्जुनशरैः सुपुङ्खैः कङ्कपत्रिभिः
भगदत्तस्ततः क्रुद्धः पाण्डवस्य महात्मनः

7.28.12

व्यसृजत्तोमरान्मूर्ध्नि श्वेताश्वस्योन्ननाद च
तैरर्जुनस्य समरे किरीटं परिवर्तितम्

7.28.13

परिवृत्तं किरीटं तं यमयन्नेव फल्गुनः
सुदृष्टः क्रियतां लोक इति राजानमब्रवीत्

7.28.14

एवमुक्तस्तु संक्रुद्धः शरवर्षेण पाण्डवम्
अभ्यवर्षत्सगोविन्दं धनुरादाय भास्वरम्

7.28.15

तस्य पार्थो धनुश्छित्त्वा तूणीरान्संनिकृत्य च
त्वरमाणो द्विसप्तत्या सर्वमर्मस्वताडयत्

7.28.16

विद्धस्तथाप्यव्यथितो वैष्णवास्त्रमुदीरयन्
अभिमन्त्र्याङ्कुशं क्रुद्धो व्यसृजत्पाण्डवोरसि

7.28.17

विसृष्टं भगदत्तेन तदस्त्रं सर्वघातकम्
उरसा प्रतिजग्राह पार्थं संछाद्य केशवः

7.28.18

वैजयन्त्यभवन्माला तदस्त्रं केशवोरसि
ततोऽर्जुनः क्लान्तमनाः केशवं प्रत्यभाषत

7.28.19

अयुध्यमानस्तुरगान्संयन्तास्मि जनार्दन
इत्युक्त्वा पुण्डरीकाक्ष प्रतिज्ञां स्वां न रक्षसि

7.28.20

यद्यहं व्यसनी वा स्यामशक्तो वा निवारणे
ततस्त्वयैवं कार्यं स्यान्न तु कार्यं मयि स्थिते

7.28.21

सबाणः सधनुश्चाहं ससुरासुरमानवान्
शक्तो लोकानिमाञ्जेतुं तच्चापि विदितं तव

7.28.22

ततोऽर्जुनं वासुदेवः प्रत्युवाचार्थवद्वचः
शृणु गुह्यमिदं पार्थ यथा वृत्तं पुरानघ

7.28.23

चतुर्मूर्तिरहं शश्वल्लोकत्राणार्थमुद्यतः
आत्मानं प्रविभज्येह लोकानां हितमादधे

7.28.24

एका मूर्तिस्तपश्चर्यां कुरुते मे भुवि स्थिता
अपरा पश्यति जगत्कुर्वाणं साध्वसाधुनी

7.28.25

अपरा कुरुते कर्म मानुषं लोकमाश्रिता
शेते चतुर्थी त्वपरा निद्रां वर्षसहस्रिकाम्

7.28.26

यासौ वर्षसहस्रान्ते मूर्तिरुत्तिष्ठते मम
वरार्हेभ्यो वराञ्श्रेष्ठांस्तस्मिन्काले ददाति सा

7.28.27

तं तु कालमनुप्राप्तं विदित्वा पृथिवी तदा
प्रायाचत वरं यं मां नरकार्थाय तं शृणु

7.28.28

देवानामसुराणां च अवध्यस्तनयोऽस्तु मे
उपेतो वैष्णवास्त्रेण तन्मे त्वं दातुमर्हसि

7.28.29

एवं वरमहं श्रुत्वा जगत्यास्तनये तदा
अमोघमस्त्रमददं वैष्णवं तदहं पुरा

7.28.30

अवोचं चैतदस्त्रं वै ह्यमोघं भवतु क्षमे
नरकस्याभिरक्षार्थं नैनं कश्चिद्वधिष्यति

7.28.31

अनेनास्त्रेण ते गुप्तः सुतः परबलार्दनः
भविष्यति दुराधर्षः सर्वलोकेषु सर्वदा

7.28.32

तथेत्युक्त्वा गता देवी कृतकामा मनस्विनी
स चाप्यासीद्दुराधर्षो नरकः शत्रुतापनः

7.28.33

तस्मात्प्राग्ज्योतिषं प्राप्तं तदस्त्रं पार्थ मामकम्
नास्यावध्योऽस्ति लोकेषु सेन्द्ररुद्रेषु मारिष

7.28.34

तन्मया त्वत्कृतेनैतदन्यथा व्यपनाशितम्
वियुक्तं परमास्त्रेण जहि पार्थ महासुरम्

7.28.35

वैरिणं युधि दुर्धर्षं भगदत्तं सुरद्विषम्
यथाहं जघ्निवान्पूर्वं हितार्थं नरकं तथा

7.28.36

एवमुक्तस्ततः पार्थः केशवेन महात्मना
भगदत्तं शितैर्बाणैः सहसा समवाकिरत्

7.28.37

ततः पार्थो महाबाहुरसंभ्रान्तो महामनाः
कुम्भयोरन्तरे नागं नाराचेन समार्पयत्

7.28.38

समासाद्य तु तं नागं बाणो वज्र इवाचलम्
अभ्यगात्सह पुङ्खेन वल्मीकमिव पन्नगः

7.28.39

स तु विष्टभ्य गात्राणि दन्ताभ्यामवनिं ययौ
नदन्नार्तस्वरं प्राणानुत्ससर्ज महाद्विपः

7.28.40

ततश्चन्द्रार्धबिम्बेन शरेण नतपर्वणा
बिभेद हृदयं राज्ञो भगदत्तस्य पाण्डवः

7.28.41

स भिन्नहृदयो राजा भगदत्तः किरीटिना
शरासनं शरांश्चैव गतासुः प्रमुमोच ह

7.28.42

शिरसस्तस्य विभ्रष्टः पपात च वराङ्कुशः
नालताडनविभ्रष्टं पलाशं नलिनादिव

7.28.43

स हेममाली तपनीयभाण्डा;त्पपात नागाद्गिरिसंनिकाशात्
सुपुष्पितो मारुतवेगरुग्णो; महीधराग्रादिव कर्णिकारः

7.28.44

निहत्य तं नरपतिमिन्द्रविक्रमं; सखायमिन्द्रस्य तथैन्द्रिराहवे
ततोऽपरांस्तव जयकाङ्क्षिणो नरा;न्बभञ्ज वायुर्बलवान्द्रुमानिव

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Dhritarashtra said, 'Filled with rage, what did Partha, the son of Pandu, do to Bhagadatta? What also did the king of the Pragjyotishas do to Partha? Tell me all this, O Sanjaya!'

"Sanjaya said, 'While Partha and Krishna were thus engaged with the ruler of the Pragjyotishas, all creatures regarded them to be very near the jaws of Death. Indeed, O monarch, from the neck of his elephant, Bhagadatta scattered showers of shafts on the two Krishnas, staying upon their car. He pierced Devaki's son with many arrows made wholly of black iron, equipped with wings of gold, whetted on stone, and shot from his bow, drawn to the fullest stretch. Those shafts whose touch resembled that of fire, equipped with beautiful feathers, and shot by Bhagadatta, passing through Devaki's son, entered the earth. Partha then cut off Bhagadatta's bow and slaying next the warrior that protected his elephant from the flank, began to fight with him as if in sport. Then Bhagadatta hurled at him fourteen lances of sharp points, that were bright as the rays of the sun. Arjuna, however, cut each of those lances into three fragments. Then Indra's son cut open the armour in which that elephant was eased, by means of a thick shower of arrows. The armour thus cut off, fell down on the earth. Exceedingly afflicted with arrows shot by Arjuna, that elephant, deprived of its coat of mail, looked like a prince of mountains destitute of its cloudy robes and with streaks of water running down its breast. Then the ruler of the Pragjyotishas hurled at Vasudeva a dart made wholly of iron and decked with gold. That dart Arjuna cut in twain. Then cutting off the king's standard and umbrella by means of his arrows Arjuna quickly pierced that ruler of the mountainous realms with ten arrows, smiling all the while. Deeply pierced with those shafts of Arjuna, that were beautifully winged with Kanka feathers, Bhagadatta, O monarch, became incensed with the son of Pandu. He then hurled some lances at Arjuna's head and uttered a loud shout. In consequence of those lances Arjuna's diadem was displaced. Arjuna, then, having placed his diadem properly, addressed the ruler of the Pragjyotishas, saying, 'Look well on this world!' Thus addressed by him, Bhagadatta became filled with rage, and taking up a bright bow showered upon both the Pandava and Govinda

his arrowy down-pours. Partha then cutting off his bow and quivers, quickly struck him with two and seventy shafts, afflicting his vital limbs. Thus pierced, he was excessively pained. Filled then with rage, he with Mantras, turned his hook into the Vaishnava weapon and hurled it at Arjuna's breast. That all-slaying weapon, hurled by Bhagadatta, Kesava, covering Arjuna, received on his breast. Thereupon, that weapon became a triumphal garland on Kesava's breast. Arjuna then cheerlessly addressed Kesava, saying, 'O sinless one, without battling thyself, thou art to only guide my steed! Thou hadst said so, O lotus-eyed one! Why then dost thou not adhere to thy promise? If I sink in distress, or become unable to baffle, or resist a foe or weapon, then mayst thou act so, but not when I am standing thus. Thou knowest that with my bow and arrows I am competent to vanquish these worlds with the gods, the Asuras, and men.' Hearing these words of Arjuna, Vasudeva replied unto him, saying, 'Listen, O Partha, to this secret and ancient history as it is, O sinless one! I have four forms, eternally engaged as I am in protecting the worlds. Dividing my own Self, I ordain the good of the worlds. One form of mine, staying on the earth, is engaged in the practice of ascetic austerities. Another beholdeth the good and the evil deeds in the world. My third form, coming into the world of men, is engaged in action. My fourth form lieth down in sleep for a thousand years. The form of mine which awaketh from sleep at the end of a thousand years, granteth, upon awakening, excellent boons to persons deserving of them. The earth, knowing (on one occasion) that that time had come, asked of me a boon for (her son) Naraka. Hear, O Partha, what that boon was. Possessed of the Vaishnava weapon, let my son become incapable of being slain by the gods and the Asuras. It behoveth thee to grant me that weapon. Hearing this prayer, I then gave, in days of old, the supreme and infallible Vaishnava weapon to the Earth's son. I said also at that time these words, 'O Earth, let this weapon be infallible for the protection of Naraka. None will be able to slay him. Protected by this weapon, thy son will always, in all the worlds, be invincible and crush all hostile hosts.' Saying, So be it! the intelligent goddess went away, her wishes fulfilled. And Naraka also became invincible and always scorched his foes. It was from Naraka, O Partha, that the ruler of the Pragjyotishas got this weapon of mine. There is none, in all the world, O sire, including even Indra and Rudra, who is unslayable by this weapon. It was for thy sake, therefore, that I baffled it, violating my promise. The great Asura hath now been divested of that supreme weapon. Slay now, O Partha, that invincible foe of thine, viz., Bhagadatta, enemy of the gods, even as I formerly slew for the good of the worlds, the Asura Naraka.' Thus addressed by the high-souled Kesava, Partha suddenly overwhelmed Bhagadatta with clouds of whetted arrows. Then, the mighty-armed and high-souled Arjuna fearlessly struck a long arrow between the frontal globes of his enemy's elephant. That arrow, splitting the elephant like the thunder splitting a mountain, penetrated into its body to the very wings, like a

snake penetrating into an ant-hill. Though urged repeatedly then by Bhagadatta, the elephant refused to obey like a poor man's wife her lord. With limbs paralysed, it fell down, striking the earth with its tusks. Uttering a cry of distress, that huge elephant gave up the ghost. The son of Pandu then, with a straight shaft furnished with a crescent-shaped head, pierced the bosom of king Bhagadatta. His breast, being pierced through by the diadem-decked (Arjuna), king Bhagadatta, deprived of life, threw down his bow and arrows. Loosened from his head, the valuable piece of cloth that had served him for a turban, fell down, like a petal from a lotus when its stalk is violently struck. And he himself, decked with golden garlands, fell down from his huge elephant adorned with golden housings, like flowering Kinsuka broken by the force of the wind from the mountain-top. The son of Indra then, having slain in battle that monarch who resembled Indra himself in prowess and who was Indra's friend, broke the other warriors of thy army inspired with hope of victory like the mighty wind breaking rows of trees.'"

7.29.1

संजय उवाच
प्रियमिन्द्रस्य सततं सखायममितौजसम्
हत्वा प्राग्ज्योतिषं पार्थः प्रदक्षिणमवर्तत

7.29.2

ततो गान्धारराजस्य सुतौ परपुरंजयौ
आर्छेतामर्जुनं संख्ये भ्रातरौ वृषकाचलौ

7.29.3

तौ समेत्यार्जुनं वीरौ पुरः पश्चाच्च धन्विनौ
अविध्येतां महावेगैर्निशितैराशुगैर्भृशम्

7.29.4

वृषकस्य हयान्सूतं धनुश्छत्रं रथं ध्वजम्
तिलशो व्यधमत्पार्थः सौबलस्य शितैः शरैः

7.29.5

ततोऽर्जुनः शरव्रातैर्नानाप्रहरणैरपि
गान्धारान्व्याकुलांश्चक्रे सौबलप्रमुखान्पुनः

7.29.6

ततः पञ्चशतान्वीरान्गान्धारानुद्यतायुधान्
प्राहिणोन्मृत्युलोकाय क्रुद्धो बाणैर्धनंजयः

7.29.7

हताश्वात्तु रथात्तूर्णमवतीर्य महाभुजः
आरुरोह रथं भ्रातुरन्यच्च धनुराददे

7.29.8

तावेकरथमारूढौ भ्रातरौ वृषकाचलौ
शरवर्षेण बीभत्सुमविध्येतां पुनः पुनः

7.29.9

स्यालौ तव महात्मानौ राजानौ वृषकाचलौ
भृशं निजघ्नतुः पार्थमिन्द्रं वृत्रबलाविव

7.29.10

लब्धलक्ष्यौ तु गान्धारावहतां पाण्डवं पुनः
निदाघवार्षिकौ मासौ लोकं घर्माम्बुभिर्यथा

7.29.11

तौ रथस्थौ नरव्याघ्रौ राजानौ वृषकाचलौ
संश्लिष्टाङ्गौ स्थितौ राजञ्जघानैकेषुणार्जुनः

7.29.12

तौ रथात्सिंहसंकाशौ लोहिताक्षौ महाभुजौ
गतासू पेततुर्वीरौ सोदर्यावेकलक्षणौ

7.29.13

तयोर्देहौ रथाद्भूमिं गतौ बन्धुजनप्रियौ
यशो दश दिशः पुण्यं गमयित्वा व्यवस्थितौ

7.29.14

दृष्ट्वा विनिहतौ संख्ये मातुलावपलायिनौ
भृशं मुमुचुरश्रूणि पुत्रास्तव विशां पते

7.29.15

निहतौ भ्रातरौ दृष्ट्वा मायाशतविशारदः
कृष्णौ संमोहयन्मायां विदधे शकुनिस्ततः

7.29.16

लगुडायोगुडाश्मानः शतघ्न्यश्च सशक्तयः
गदापरिघनिस्त्रिंशशूलमुद्गरपट्टिशाः

7.29.17

सकम्पनर्ष्टिनखरा मुसलानि परश्वधाः
क्षुराः क्षुरप्रनालीका वत्सदन्तास्त्रिसंधिनः

7.29.18

चक्राणि विशिखाः प्रासा विविधान्यायुधानि च
प्रपेतुः सर्वतो दिग्भ्यः प्रदिग्भ्यश्चार्जुनं प्रति

7.29.19

खरोष्ट्रमहिषाः सिंहा व्याघ्राः सृमरचिल्लिकाः
ऋक्षाः सालावृका गृध्राः कपयोऽथ सरीसृपाः

7.29.20

विविधानि च रक्षांसि क्षुधितान्यर्जुनं प्रति
संक्रुद्धान्यभ्यधावन्त विविधानि वयांसि च

7.29.21

ततो दिव्यास्त्रविच्छूरः कुन्तीपुत्रो धनंजयः
विसृजन्निषुजालानि सहसा तान्यताडयत्

7.29.22

ते हन्यमानाः शूरेण प्रवरैः सायकैर्दृढैः
विरुवन्तो महारावान्विनेशुः सर्वतो हताः

7.29.23

ततस्तमः प्रादुरभूदर्जुनस्य रथं प्रति
तस्माच्च तमसो वाचः क्रूराः पार्थमभर्त्सयन्

7.29.24

तत्तमोऽस्त्रेण महता ज्योतिषेणार्जुनोऽवधीत्
हते तस्मिञ्जलौघास्तु प्रादुरासन्भयानकाः

7.29.25

अम्भसस्तस्य नाशार्थमादित्यास्त्रमथार्जुनः
प्रायुङ्क्ताम्भस्ततस्तेन प्रायशोऽस्त्रेण शोषितम्

7.29.26

एवं बहुविधा मायाः सौबलस्य कृताः कृताः
जघानास्त्रबलेनाशु प्रहसन्नर्जुनस्तदा

7.29.27

तथा हतासु मायासु त्रस्तोऽर्जुनशराहतः
अपायाज्जवनैरश्वैः शकुनिः प्राकृतो यथा

7.29.28

ततोऽर्जुनोऽस्त्रविच्छ्रैष्ठ्यं दर्शयन्नात्मनोऽरिषु
अभ्यवर्षच्छरौघेण कौरवाणामनीकिनीम्

7.29.29

सा हन्यमाना पार्थेन पुत्रस्य तव वाहिनी
द्वैधीभूता महाराज गङ्गेवासाद्य पर्वतम्

7.29.30

द्रोणमेवान्वपद्यन्त केचित्तत्र महारथाः
केचिद्दुर्योधनं राजन्नर्द्यमानाः किरीटिना

7.29.31

नापश्याम ततस्त्वेतत्सैन्यं वै तमसावृतम्
गाण्डीवस्य च निर्घोषः श्रुतो दक्षिणतो मया

7.29.32

शङ्खदुन्दुभिनिर्घोषं वादित्राणां च निस्वनम्
गाण्डीवस्य च निर्घोषो व्यतिक्रम्यास्पृशद्दिवम्

7.29.33

ततः पुनर्दक्षिणतः संग्रामश्चित्रयोधिनाम्
सुयुद्धमर्जुनस्यासीदहं तु द्रोणमन्वगाम्

7.29.34

नानाविधान्यनीकानि पुत्राणां तव भारत
अर्जुनो व्यधमत्काले दिवीवाभ्राणि मारुतः

7.29.35

तं वासवमिवायान्तं भूरिवर्षशरौघिणम्
महेष्वासं नरव्याघ्रं नोग्रं कश्चिदवारयत्

7.29.36

ते हन्यमानाः पार्थेन त्वदीया व्यथिता भृशम्
स्वानेव बहवो जघ्नुर्विद्रवन्तस्ततस्ततः

7.29.37

तेऽर्जुनेन शरा मुक्ताः कङ्कपत्रास्तनुच्छिदः
शलभा इव संपेतुः संवृण्वाना दिशो दश

7.29.38

तुरगं रथिनं नागं पदातिमपि मारिष
विनिर्भिद्य क्षितिं जग्मुर्वल्मीकमिव पन्नगाः

7.29.39

न च द्वितीयं व्यसृजत्कुञ्जराश्वनरेषु सः
पृथगेकशरारुग्णा निपेतुस्ते गतासवः

7.29.40

हतैर्मनुष्यैस्तुरगैश्च सर्वतः; शराभिवृष्टैर्द्विरदैश्च पातितैः
तदा श्वगोमायुबडाभिनादितं; विचित्रमायोधशिरो बभूव ह

7.29.41

पिता सुतं त्यजति सुहृद्वरं सुहृ;त्तथैव पुत्रः पितरं शरातुरः
स्वरक्षणे कृतमतयस्तदा जना;स्त्यजन्ति वाहानपि पार्थपीडिताः

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, Having slain Bhagadatta who was ever the favourite and I friend of Indra and who was possessed of great energy, Partha circumambulated him. Then the two sons of the king of Gandhara viz., the brothers Vrishaka and Achala, those subjugators of hostile towns, began to afflict Arjuna in battle. Those two heroic bowmen, uniting together, began to deeply pierce Arjuna from the front and from behind with whetted shafts of great impetuosity. Arjuna then with sharp shafts cut off the steeds and driver and bow and umbrella and standard and car of Vrishaka, the son of Suvala, into atoms. With clouds of arrows and diverse other weapons, Arjuna then once more severely afflicted the Gandhara troops headed by Suvala's son. Then Dhananjaya, filled with rage, despatched to Yama's abode, with his shafts, five hundred heroic Gandharas with upraised weapons. The mighty-armed hero then, quickly alighting from that car whose steeds had been slain, mounted upon the car of his brother and took up another bow. Then those two brothers, viz., Vrishaka and Achala, both mounted on the same car, began incessantly to pierce Vibhatsu with showers of arrows. Indeed, those high-souled princes, those relatives of thine by marriage, viz., Vrishaka and Achala, struck Partha very severely, like Vritra or Vala striking Indra of old. Of unfailing aim, these two princes of Gandhara, themselves unhurt, began once more to strike the son of Pandu, like the two months of

summer afflicting the world with sweat-producing rays. 1 Then Arjuna slew those princes and tigers among men, viz., Vrishaka and Achala, staying on one car side by side, with, O monarch, a single arrow. Then those mighty-armed heroes, with red eyes and looking like lions, those uterine brothers having similar features, together fell down from that car. And their bodies, dear to friends, falling down upon the earth, lay there, spreading sacred fame all around.

"Beholding their brave and unretreating maternal uncles thus slain by Arjuna, thy sons, O monarch, rained many weapons upon him. Sakuni also, conversant with a hundred different kinds of illusions, seeing his brothers slain, created illusions for confounding the two Krishnas. Then clubs, and iron balls, and rocks and Sataghnis and darts, and maces, and spiked bludgeons, and scimitars, and lances, mallets, axes, and Kampanas, and swords, and nails, and short clubs, and battle-axes, and razors, and arrows with sharp broad heads, and Nalikas, and calf-tooth headed shafts, and arrows having bony heads and discs and snake-headed shafts, and spears, and diverse other kinds of weapons, fell upon Arjuna from all sides. And asses, and camels, and buffaloes, and tigers, and lions, and deer, and leopards, and bears, and wolves and vultures, and monkeys, and various reptiles, and diverse cannibals, and swarms of crows, all hungry, and excited with rage, ran towards Arjuna. Then Dhananjaya, the son of Kunti, that hero conversant with celestial weapons, shooting clouds of arrows, assailed them all. And assailed by that hero with those excellent and strong shafts, they uttered loud cries and fell down deprived of life. Then a thick darkness appeared and covered Arjuna's car, and from within that gloom harsh voices rebuked Arjuna. The latter, however, by means of the weapons called Jyotishka, dispelled that thick and awful darkness. When that darkness was dispelled frightful waves of water appeared. For drying up those waters, Arjuna applied the weapon called Aditya. And in consequence of that weapon, the waters were almost dried up. These diverse illusions, repeatedly created by Sauvala, Arjuna destroyed speedily by means of the force of his weapons, laughing the while. Upon all his illusions being destroyed, afflicted with Arjuna's shafts and unmanned by fear, Sakuni fled away, aided by his fleet, steeds, like a vulgar wretch. Then Arjuna, acquainted with all weapons, showing his enemies the exceeding lightness of his hands, showered upon the Kaurava host clouds of arrows. That host of thy son, thus slaughtered by Partha, became divided into two streams like the current of Ganga when impeded by a mountain. And one of those streams, O bull among men, proceeded towards Drona, and the other with loud cries, proceeded towards Duryodhana. Then a thick dust arose and covered all the troops. We

could not then see Arjuna. Only the twang of Gandivas was heard by us from off the field. Indeed, the twang of Gandiva was heard, rising above the blare of conchs and the beat of drums and the noise of other instruments. Then on the southern part of the field took place a fierce battle between many foremost warriors on the one side and Arjuna on the other. I, however, followed Drona. The various divisions of Yudhishthira's force smote the foe on every part of the field. The diverse divisions of thy son, O Bharata, Arjuna smote, even as the wind in the summer season destroys masses of clouds in the welkin. Indeed, as Arjuna came, scattering clouds of arrows, like Vasava pouring thick showers of rain, there was none in thy army who could resist that great fierce bowman, that tiger among men. Struck by Partha, thy warriors were in great pain. They fled away, and in flying killed many among their own number. The arrows shot by Arjuna, winged Kanka feathers and capable of penetrating into every body, fell covering all sides, like flights of locusts. Piercing steeds and car-warriors and elephants and foot-soldiers, O sire, like snakes through ant-hills, those shafts entered the earth. Arjuna never shot arrows, at any elephant, steed or man. Struck with only one arrow, each of these, severely afflicted, fell down deprived of life. With slain men and elephant and shaft-struck steeds lying all about, and echoing with yells of dogs and jackals, the field of battle presented a variegated and awful sight. Pained with arrows, sire forsook son, and friend forsook friend and son forsook sire. Indeed, every one was intent upon protecting his own self. Struck with Partha's shafts, many warriors abandoned the very animals that bore them.'"

69:1 The Bengal texts read the second line differently. Lokam (accusative). For Gharmancubhis the Bengal reading is Gharmamvubhis. Nilakantha explains that varsha (whence varshika) means season. Hence Nigadavarshikau masau would mean the two months of summer. If the Bengal reading were adopted, the meaning would be "like summer and the rainy seasons afflicting the world with sweat and rain."

7.30.1

धृतराष्ट्र उवाच
तेष्वनीकेषु भग्नेषु पाण्डुपुत्रेण संजय
चलितानां द्रुतानां च कथमासीन्मनो हि वः

7.30.2

अनीकानां प्रभग्नानां व्यवस्थानमपश्यताम्
दुष्करं प्रतिसंधानं तन्ममाचक्ष्व संजय

7.30.3

संजय उवाच
तथापि तव पुत्रस्य प्रियकामा विशां पते
यशः प्रवीरा लोकेषु रक्षन्तो द्रोणमन्वयुः

7.30.4

समुद्यतेषु शस्त्रेषु संप्राप्ते च युधिष्ठिरे
अकुर्वन्नार्यकर्माणि भैरवे सत्यभीतवत्

7.30.5

अन्तरं भीमसेनस्य प्रापतन्नमितौजसः
सात्यकेश्चैव शूरस्य धृष्टद्युम्नस्य चाभिभो

7.30.6

द्रोणं द्रोणमिति क्रूराः पाञ्चालाः समचोदयन्
मा द्रोणमिति पुत्रास्ते कुरून्सर्वानचोदयन्

7.30.7

द्रोणं द्रोणमिति ह्येके मा द्रोणमिति चापरे
कुरूणां पाण्डवानां च द्रोणद्यूतमवर्तत

7.30.8

यं यं स्म भजते द्रोणः पाञ्चालानां रथव्रजम्
तत्र तत्र स्म पाञ्चाल्यो धृष्टद्युम्नोऽथ धीयते

7.30.9

यथाभागविपर्यासे संग्रामे भैरवे सति
वीराः समासदन्वीरानगच्छन्भीरवः परान्

7.30.10

अकम्पनीयाः शत्रूणां बभूवुस्तत्र पाण्डवाः
अकम्पयंस्त्वनीकानि स्मरन्तः क्लेशमात्मनः

7.30.11

ते त्वमर्षवशं प्राप्ता ह्रीमन्तः सत्त्वचोदिताः
त्यक्त्वा प्राणान्न्यवर्तन्त घ्नन्तो द्रोणं महाहवे

7.30.12

अयसामिव संपातः शिलानामिव चाभवत्
दीव्यतां तुमुले युद्धे प्राणैरमिततेजसाम्

7.30.13

न तु स्मरन्ति संग्राममपि वृद्धास्तथाविधम्
दृष्टपूर्वं महाराज श्रुतपूर्वमथापि वा

7.30.14

प्राकम्पतेव पृथिवी तस्मिन्वीरावसादने
प्रवर्तता बलौघेन महता भारपीडिता

7.30.15

घूर्णतो हि बलौघस्य दिवं स्तब्ध्वेव निस्वनः
अजातशत्रोः क्रुद्धस्य पुत्रस्य तव चाभवत्

7.30.16

समासाद्य तु पाण्डूनामनीकानि सहस्रशः
द्रोणेन चरता संख्ये प्रभग्नानि शितैः शरैः

7.30.17

तेषु प्रमथ्यमानेषु द्रोणेनाद्भुतकर्मणा
पर्यवारयदासाद्य द्रोणं सेनापतिः स्वयम्

7.30.18

तदद्भुतमभूद्युद्धं द्रोणपाञ्चाल्ययोस्तदा
नैव तस्योपमा काचित्संभवेदिति मे मतिः

7.30.19

ततो नीलोऽनलप्रख्यो ददाह कुरुवाहिनीम्
शरस्फुलिङ्गश्चापार्चिर्दहन्कक्षमिवानलः

7.30.20

तं दहन्तमनीकानि द्रोणपुत्रः प्रतापवान्
पूर्वाभिभाषी सुश्लक्ष्णं स्मयमानोऽभ्यभाषत

7.30.21

नील किं बहुभिर्दग्धैस्तव योधैः शरार्चिषा
मयैकेन हि युध्यस्व क्रुद्धः प्रहर चाशुगैः

7.30.22

तं पद्मनिकराकारं पद्मपत्रनिभेक्षणम्
व्याकोशपद्माभमुखं नीलो विव्याध सायकैः

7.30.23

तेनातिविद्धः सहसा द्रौणिर्भल्लैः शितैस्त्रिभिः
धनुर्ध्वजं च छत्रं च द्विषतः स न्यकृन्तत

7.30.24

सोत्प्लुत्य स्यन्दनात्तस्मान्नीलश्चर्मवरासिधृक्
द्रोणायनेः शिरः कायाद्धर्तुमैच्छत्पतत्रिवत्

7.30.25

तस्योद्यतासेः सुनसं शिरः कायात्सकुण्डलम्
भल्लेनापाहरद्द्रौणिः स्मयमान इवानघ

7.30.26

संपूर्णचन्द्राभमुखः पद्मपत्रनिभेक्षणः
प्रांशुरुत्पलगर्भाभो निहतो न्यपतत्क्षितौ

7.30.27

ततः प्रविव्यथे सेना पाण्डवी भृशमाकुला
आचार्यपुत्रेण हते नीले ज्वलिततेजसि

7.30.28

अचिन्तयंश्च ते सर्वे पाण्डवानां महारथाः
कथं नो वासविस्त्रायाच्छत्रुभ्य इति मारिष

7.30.29

दक्षिणेन तु सेनायाः कुरुते कदनं बली
संशप्तकावशेषस्य नारायणबलस्य च

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Dhritarashtra said, 'When those divisions (of mine), O Sanjaya, were broken and routed, and all of you retreated quickly from the field, what became the state of your minds? The rallying of ranks when broken and flying away without beholding a spot whereon to stand, is always exceedingly difficult. Tell me all about it, O Sanjaya!'

"Sanjaya said, [Although thy troops were broken], yet, O monarch, many foremost of heroes in the world, inspired by the desire of doing good to thy son and of maintaining their own reputation, followed Drona. In that dreadful pass, they fearlessly followed their commander, achieving meritorious feats against the Pandava troops with weapons upraised, and Yudhishthira within accessible distance. 1 Taking advantage of an error of

[paragraph continues] Bhimasena of great energy and of heroic Satyaki and Dhrishtadyumna, O monarch, the Kuru leaders fell upon the Pandava Army. 1 The Panchalas urged their troops, saying, 'Drona, Drona!' Thy sons, however, urged all the Kurus, saying, 'Let not Drona be slain. Let not Drona be slain!' One side saying, 'Slay Drona', 'Slay Drona,' and the other saying, 'Let not Drona be slain, 'Let not Drona be slain,' the Kurus and the Pandavas seemed to gamble, making Drona their stake. Dhrishtadyumna, the prince of the Panchalas, proceeded to the side of all those Panchala car-warriors whom Drona sought to crush. Thus no rule was observed as to the antagonist one night select for battling with him. The strife became dreadful. Heroes encountered heroes, uttering loud shouts Their foes could not make the Pandavas tremble. On the other hand, recollecting all their woes, the latter made the ranks of their enemies tremble. Though possessed of modesty, yet excited with rage and vindictiveness, and urged by energy and might, they approached that dreadful battle, reckless of their very lives for slaying Drona. That encounter of heroes of immeasurable energy, sporting in fierce battle making life itself the stake, resembled the collision of iron against adamant. The oldest men even could not recollect whether they had seen or heard of a battle as fierce as that which took place on this occasion. The earth in that encounter, marked with great carnage and afflicted with the weight of that vast host, began to tremble. The awful noise made by the Kuru army agitated and tossed by the foe, paralysing the very welkin, penetrated into the midst of even the Pandava host. Then Drona, coming upon the Pandava divisions by thousands, and careering over the field, broke them by means of his whetted shafts. When these were being thus crushed by Drona of wonderful achievements, Dhrishtadyumna, the generalissimo of the Pandava host, filled with rage himself checked Drona. The encounter that we beheld between Drona and the prince of the Panchalas was highly wonderful. It is my firm conviction that it has no parallel.

"Then Nila, resembling a veritable fire, his arrows constituting its sparks and his bow its flame, began to consume the Kuru ranks, like a conflagration consuming heaps of dry grass. The valiant son of Drona, who from before had been desirous of an encounter with him, smilingly addressed Nila as the latter came consuming the troops, and said unto him these polite words, 2 'O Nila, what dost thou gain by consuming so many common soldiers with thy arrowy flames? Fight with my unaided self, and filled with rage, strike me.' Thus addressed, Nila, the brightness of whose face resembled the splendour of a full-blown lotus, pierced Aswatthaman, whose body resembled an assemblage of lotuses and whose eyes were like lotus-petals with his shafts. Deeply and suddenly pierced by Nila, Drona's son with three broad-headed arrows, cut off his antagonist's bow and standard and umbrella. Quickly jumping down from his car, Nila, then,

with a shield and an excellent sword, desired to sever from Aswatthaman's trunk his head like a bird (bearing away its prey in its talons). Drona's son, however, O sinless one, by means of a bearded arrow, cut off, from his antagonist's trunk, his head graced with a beautiful nose and decked with excellent ear-rings, and which rested on elevated shoulders. That hero, then, the brightness of whose face resembled the splendour of the full moon and whose eyes were like lotus-petals, whose stature was tall, and complexion like that of the lotus, thus slain, fell down on the earth. The Pandava host then, filled with great grief, began to tremble, when the Preceptor's son thus slew Nila of blazing energy. The great car-warriors of the Pandavas, O sire, all thought, 'Alas, how would Indra's son (Arjuna) be able to rescue us from the foe, when that mighty warrior is engaged on the southern part of the field in slaughtering the remnant of the Samsaptakas and the Narayana force?'"

70:1 The Bengal reading Samprapte is vicious. The Bombay reading Sambhrante is evidently correct.

71:1 I render 5 a little freely, and expand it slightly to make the sense clear.

71:2 The Bengal reading Purvabhilashi is better than Purvabhilbhashi. Between Nila and Aswatthaman existed a rivalry since some time.

7.31.1

संजय उवाच
प्रतिघातं तु सैन्यस्य नामृष्यत वृकोदरः
सोऽभिनद्बाह्लिकं षष्ट्या कर्णं च दशभिः शरैः

7.31.2

तस्य द्रोणः शितैर्बाणैस्तीक्ष्णधारैरयस्मयैः
जीवितान्तमभिप्रेप्सुर्मर्मण्याशु जघान ह

7.31.3

कर्णो द्वादशभिर्बाणैरश्वत्थामा च सप्तभिः
षड्भिर्दुर्योधनो राजा तत एनमवाकिरत्

7.31.4

भीमसेनोऽपि तान्सर्वान्प्रत्यविध्यन्महाबलः
द्रोणं पञ्चाशतेषूणां कर्णं च दशभिः शरैः

7.31.5

दुर्योधनं द्वादशभिर्द्रौणिं चाष्टाभिराशुगैः
आरावं तुमुलं कुर्वन्नभ्यवर्तत तान्रणे

7.31.6

तस्मिन्संत्यजति प्राणान्मृत्युसाधारणीकृते
अजातशत्रुस्तान्योधान्भीमं त्रातेत्यचोदयत्

7.31.7

ते ययुर्भीमसेनस्य समीपममितौजसः
युयुधानप्रभृतयो माद्रीपुत्रौ च पाण्डवौ

7.31.8

ते समेत्य सुसंरब्धाः सहिताः पुरुषर्षभाः
महेष्वासवरैर्गुप्तं द्रोणानीकं बिभित्सवः

7.31.9

समापेतुर्महावीर्या भीमप्रभृतयो रथाः
तान्प्रत्यगृह्णादव्यग्रो द्रोणोऽपि रथिनां वरः

7.31.10

महाबलानतिरथान्वीरान्समरशोभिनः
बाह्यं मृत्युभयं कृत्वा तावकाः पाण्डवान्ययुः

7.31.11

सादिनः सादिनोऽभ्यघ्नंस्तथैव रथिनो रथान्
आसीच्छक्त्यसिसंपातो युद्धमासीत्परश्वधैः

7.31.12

निकृष्टमसियुद्धं च बभूव कटुकोदयम्
कुञ्जराणां च संघातैर्युद्धमासीत्सुदारुणम्

7.31.13

अपतत्कुञ्जरादन्यो हयादन्यस्त्ववाक्शिराः
नरो बाणेन निर्भिन्नो रथादन्यश्च मारिष

7.31.14

तत्रान्यस्य च संमर्दे पतितस्य विवर्मणः
शिरः प्रध्वंसयामास वक्षस्याक्रम्य कुञ्जरः

7.31.15

अपरेऽप्यपराञ्जघ्नुर्वारणाः पतितान्नरान्
विषाणैश्चावनिं गत्वा व्यभिन्दन्रथिनो बहून्

7.31.16

नरान्त्रैः केचिदपरे विषाणालग्नसंस्रवैः
बभ्रमुः शतशो नागा मृद्नन्तः शतशो नरान्

7.31.17

कांस्यायसतनुत्राणान्नराश्वरथकुञ्जरान्
पतितान्पोथयां चक्रुर्द्विपाः स्थूलनडानिव

7.31.18

गृध्रपत्राधिवासांसि शयनानि नराधिपाः
ह्रीमन्तः कालसंपक्वाः सुदुःखान्यधिशेरते

7.31.19

हन्ति स्मात्र पिता पुत्रं रथेनाभ्यतिवर्तते
पुत्रश्च पितरं मोहान्निर्मर्यादमवर्तत

7.31.20

अक्षो भग्नो ध्वजश्छिन्नश्छत्रमुर्व्यां निपातितम्
युगार्धं छिन्नमादाय प्रदुद्राव तथा हयः

7.31.21

सासिर्बाहुर्निपतितः शिरश्छिन्नं सकुण्डलम्
गजेनाक्षिप्य बलिना रथः संचूर्णितः क्षितौ

7.31.22

रथिना ताडितो नागो नाराचेनापतद्व्यसुः
सारोहश्चापतद्वाजी गजेनाताडितो भृशम्

7.31.23

निर्मर्यादं महद्युद्धमवर्तत सुदारुणम्
हा तात हा पुत्र सखे क्वासि तिष्ठ क्व धावसि

7.31.24

प्रहराहर जह्येनं स्मितक्ष्वेडितगर्जितैः
इत्येवमुच्चरन्त्यः स्म श्रूयन्ते विविधा गिरः

7.31.25

नरस्याश्वस्य नागस्य समसज्जत शोणितम्
उपाशाम्यद्रजो भौमं भीरून्कश्मलमाविशत्

7.31.26

आसीत्केशपरामर्शो मुष्टियुद्धं च दारुणम्
नखैर्दन्तैश्च शूराणामद्वीपे द्वीपमिच्छताम्

7.31.27

तत्राच्छिद्यत वीरस्य सखड्गो बाहुरुद्यतः
सधनुश्चापरस्यापि सशरः साङ्कुशस्तथा

7.31.28

प्राक्रोशदन्यमन्योऽत्र तथान्यो विमुखोऽद्रवत्
अन्यः प्राप्तस्य चान्यस्य शिरः कायादपाहरत्

7.31.29

शब्दमभ्यद्रवच्चान्यः शब्दादन्योऽद्रवद्भृशम्
स्वानन्योऽथ परानन्यो जघान निशितैः शरैः

7.31.30

गिरिशृङ्गोपमश्चात्र नाराचेन निपातितः
मातङ्गो न्यपतद्भूमौ नदीरोध इवोष्णगे

7.31.31

तथैव रथिनं नागः क्षरन्गिरिरिवारुजत्
अध्यतिष्ठत्पदा भूमौ सहाश्वं सहसारथिम्

7.31.32

शूरान्प्रहरतो दृष्ट्वा कृतास्त्रान्रुधिरोक्षितान्
बहूनप्याविशन्मोहो भीरून्हृदयदुर्बलान्

7.31.33

सर्वमाविग्नमभवन्न प्राज्ञायत किंचन
सैन्ये च रजसा ध्वस्ते निर्मर्यादमवर्तत

7.31.34

ततः सेनापतिः शीघ्रमयं काल इति ब्रुवन्
नित्याभित्वरितानेव त्वरयामास पाण्डवान्

7.31.35

कुर्वन्तः शासनं तस्य पाण्डवेया यशस्विनः
सरो हंसा इवापेतुर्घ्नन्तो द्रोणरथं प्रति

7.31.36

गृह्णीताद्रवतान्योन्यं विभीता विनिकृन्तत
इत्यासीत्तुमुलः शब्दो दुर्धर्षस्य रथं प्रति

7.31.37

ततो द्रोणः कृपः कर्णो द्रौणी राजा जयद्रथः
विन्दानुविन्दावावन्त्यौ शल्यश्चैनानवारयन्

7.31.38

ते त्वार्यधर्मसंरब्धा दुर्निवार्या दुरासदाः
शरार्ता न जहुर्द्रोणं पाञ्चालाः पाण्डवैः सह

7.31.39

ततो द्रोणोऽभिसंक्रुद्धो विसृजञ्शतशः शरान्
चेदिपाञ्चालपाण्डूनामकरोत्कदनं महत्

7.31.40

तस्य ज्यातलनिर्घोषः शुश्रुवे दिक्षु मारिष
वज्रसंघातसंकाशस्त्रासयन्पाण्डवान्बहून्

7.31.41

एतस्मिन्नन्तरे जिष्णुर्हत्वा संशप्तकान्बली
अभ्ययात्तत्र यत्र स्म द्रोणः पाण्डून्प्रमर्दति

7.31.42

तं शरौघमहावर्तं शोणितोदं महाह्रदम्
तीर्णः संशप्तकान्हत्वा प्रत्यदृश्यत फल्गुनः

7.31.43

तस्य कीर्तिमतो लक्ष्म सूर्यप्रतिमतेजसः
दीप्यमानमपश्याम तेजसा वानरध्वजम्

7.31.44

संशप्तकसमुद्रं तमुच्छोष्यास्त्रगभस्तिभिः
स पाण्डवयुगान्तार्कः कुरूनप्यभ्यतीतपत्

7.31.45

प्रददाह कुरून्सर्वानर्जुनः शस्त्रतेजसा
युगान्ते सर्वभूतानि धूमकेतुरिवोत्थितः

7.31.46

तेन बाणसहस्रौघैर्गजाश्वरथयोधिनः
ताड्यमानाः क्षितिं जग्मुर्मुक्तशस्त्राः शरार्दिताः

7.31.47

केचिदार्तस्वरं चक्रुर्विनेदुरपरे पुनः
पार्थबाणहताः केचिन्निपेतुर्विगतासवः

7.31.48

तेषामुत्पततां कांश्चित्पतितांश्च पराङ्मुखान्
न जघानार्जुनो योधान्योधव्रतमनुस्मरन्

7.31.49

ते विशीर्णरथाश्वेभाः प्रायशश्च पराङ्मुखाः
कुरवः कर्ण कर्णेति हा हेति च विचुक्रुशुः

7.31.50

तमाधिरथिराक्रन्दं विज्ञाय शरणैषिणाम्
मा भैष्टेति प्रतिश्रुत्य ययावभिमुखोऽर्जुनम्

7.31.51

स भारतरथश्रेष्ठः सर्वभारतहर्षणः
प्रादुश्चक्रे तदाग्नेयमस्त्रमस्त्रविदां वरः

7.31.52

तस्य दीप्तशरौघस्य दीप्तचापधरस्य च
शरौघाञ्शरजालेन विदुधाव धनंजयः
अस्त्रमस्त्रेण संवार्य प्राणदद्विसृजञ्शरान्

7.31.53

धृष्टद्युम्नश्च भीमश्च सात्यकिश्च महारथः
विव्यधुः कर्णमासाद्य त्रिभिस्त्रिभिरजिह्मगैः

7.31.54

अर्जुनास्त्रं तु राधेयः संवार्य शरवृष्टिभिः
तेषां त्रयाणां चापानि चिच्छेद विशिखैस्त्रिभिः

7.31.55

ते निकृत्तायुधाः शूरा निर्विषा भुजगा इव
रथशक्तीः समुत्क्षिप्य भृशं सिंहा इवानदन्

7.31.56

ता भुजाग्रैर्महावेगा विसृष्टा भुजगोपमाः
दीप्यमाना महाशक्त्यो जग्मुराधिरथिं प्रति

7.31.57

ता निकृत्य शितैर्बाणैस्त्रिभिस्त्रिभिरजिह्मगैः
ननाद बलवान्कर्णः पार्थाय विसृजञ्शरान्

7.31.58

अर्जुनश्चापि राधेयं विद्ध्वा सप्तभिराशुगैः
कर्णादवरजं बाणैर्जघान निशितैस्त्रिभिः

7.31.59

ततः शत्रुंजयं हत्वा पार्थः षड्भिरजिह्मगैः
जहार सद्यो भल्लेन विपाटस्य शिरो रथात्

7.31.60

पश्यतां धार्तराष्ट्राणामेकेनैव किरीटिना
प्रमुखे सूतपुत्रस्य सोदर्या निहतास्त्रयः

7.31.61

ततो भीमः समुत्पत्य स्वरथाद्वैनतेयवत्
वरासिना कर्णपक्षाञ्जघान दश पञ्च च

7.31.62

पुनः स्वरथमास्थाय धनुरादाय चापरम्
विव्याध दशभिः कर्णं सूतमश्वांश्च पञ्चभिः

7.31.63

धृष्टद्युम्नोऽप्यसिवरं चर्म चादाय भास्वरम्
जघान चन्द्रवर्माणं बृहत्क्षत्रं च पौरवम्

7.31.64

ततः स्वरथमास्थाय पाञ्चाल्योऽन्यच्च कार्मुकम्
आदाय कर्णं विव्याध त्रिसप्तत्या नदन्रणे

7.31.65

शैनेयोऽप्यन्यदादाय धनुरिन्द्रायुधद्युति
सूतपुत्रं चतुःषष्ट्या विद्ध्वा सिंह इवानदत्

7.31.66

भल्लभ्यां साधुमुक्ताभ्यां छित्त्वा कर्णस्य कार्मुकम्
पुनः कर्णं त्रिभिर्बाणैर्बाह्वोरुरसि चार्पयत्

7.31.67

ततो दुर्योधनो द्रोणो राजा चैव जयद्रथः
निमज्जमानं राधेयमुज्जह्रुः सात्यकार्णवात्

7.31.68

धृष्टद्युम्नश्च भीमश्च सौभद्रोऽर्जुन एव च
नकुलः सहदेवश्च सात्यकिं जुगुपू रणे

7.31.69

एवमेष महारौद्रः क्षयार्थं सर्वधन्विनाम्
तावकानां परेषां च त्यक्त्वा प्राणानभूद्रणः

7.31.70

पदातिरथनागाश्वैर्गजाश्वरथपत्तयः
रथिनो नागपत्त्यश्वै रथपत्ती रथद्विपैः

7.31.71

अश्वैरश्वा गजैर्नागा रथिनो रथिभिः सह
संसक्ताः समदृश्यन्त पत्तयश्चापि पत्तिभिः

7.31.72

एवं सुकलिलं युद्धमासीत्क्रव्यादहर्षणम्
महद्भिस्तैरभीतानां यमराष्ट्रविवर्धनम्

7.31.73

ततो हता नररथवाजिकुञ्जरै;रनेकशो द्विपरथवाजिपत्तयः
गजैर्गजा रथिभिरुदायुधा रथा; हयैर्हयाः पत्तिगणैश्च पत्तयः

7.31.74

रथैर्द्विपा द्विरदवरैर्महाहया; हयैर्नरा वररथिभिश्च वाजिनः
निरस्तजिह्वादशनेक्षणाः क्षितौ; क्षयं गताः प्रमथितवर्मभूषणाः

7.31.75

तथा परैर्बहुकरणैर्वरायुधै;र्हता गताः प्रतिभयदर्शनाः क्षितिम्
विपोथिता हयगजपादताडिता; भृशाकुला रथखुरनेमिभिर्हताः

7.31.76

प्रमोदने श्वापदपक्षिरक्षसां; जनक्षये वर्तति तत्र दारुणे
महाबलास्ते कुपिताः परस्परं; निषूदयन्तः प्रविचेरुरोजसा

7.31.77

ततो बले भृशलुलिते परस्परं; निरीक्षमाणे रुधिरौघसंप्लुते
दिवाकरेऽस्तंगिरिमास्थिते शनै;रुभे प्रयाते शिबिराय भारत

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Vrikodara, however, could not brook that slaughter of his army. He struck Valhika with sixty and Karna with ten arrows. Drona then, desirous of slaying Bhima, quickly struck the latter, in his very vitals, many straight and whetted shafts of keen edge. Desirous again of allowing no time, he once more struck him with, six and twenty shafts whose touch resembled that of fire and which were all like snakes of virulent poison. Then Karna pierced him with a dozen shafts, and Aswatthaman with seven, and king Duryodhana also with six. The mighty Bhimasena, in return, pierced them all. He struck Drona with fifty shafts, and Karna with ten. And piercing Duryodhana with a dozen shafts, and Drona with eight, he engaged in that battle uttering a loud shout. In that encounter in which the warriors fought reckless of their lives and in which death was easy of attainment, Ajatasattru despatched many warriors, urging them to rescue Bhima. Those heroes of immeasurable energy, viz., the two son of Madri and Pandu, and others headed by Yuyudhana, quickly proceeded to Bhimasena's side. And those bulls among men, filled with rage and uniting together, advanced to battle, desirous of breaking the army of Drona that was protected by many foremost of bowmen. Indeed, those great car-warriors of mighty energy, viz., Bhima and others, fell furiously upon Drona's host. Drona, however, that foremost of car-warriors, received without any anxiety, all those mighty car-warriors, of great strength,--those heroes accomplished in battle. Disregarding their kingdoms and casting off all fear of death, the warriors of thy army proceeded against the Pandavas. Horsemen encountered horsemen, and car-warriors encountered car-warriors.

[paragraph continues] The battle proceeded, darts against darts, swords against swords, axes against axes. A fierce encounter with swords took place, producing a terrible carnage. And in consequence of the collision of elephants against elephants the battle became furious. Some fell down from the backs of elephants, and some from the backs of steeds, with heads downwards. And others, O sire, fell down from cars, pierced with arrows. In that fierce press, as some one fell down deprived of armour, an elephant might be seen attacking him in the chest and crushing his head. Elsewhere might be seen elephants crushing numbers of men fallen down on the field. And many elephants, piercing the earth with their tusks (as they fell down), were seen to tear therewith large bodies of men. Many elephants, again, with arrows sticking to their trunks, wandered over the field, tearing and crushing men by hundreds. And some elephants were seen pressing down into the earth fallen warriors and steeds and elephants cased in armour of black iron, as if these were only thick reeds. Many kings, graced with modesty, their hour having come, laid themselves down (for the last sleep) on painful beds, overlaid with vultures' feathers. Advancing to battle on his car, sire slew son; and son also, through madness all losing regard, approached-sire in battle. The wheels of cars were broken; banners were torn; umbrellas fell down on the earth. Dragging broken yokes, steeds ran away. Arms with swords in grasp, and heads decked with ear-rings fell down. Cars, dragged by mighty elephants, thrown down on the ground, were reduced to fragments. Steeds with riders fell down, severely wounded by elephants. That fierce battle went on, without anybody showing any regard for any one. 'Oh father!--Oh son!--Where art thou, friend?--Wait!--Where dost thou go!--Strike!--Bring! Slay this one!'--these and diverse other cries, with loud laughs and shouts, and roars were uttered and heard there. The blood of human beings and steeds and elephants, mingled together. The earthy dust disappeared. The hearts of all timid persons became cheerless. Here a hero getting his car-wheel entangled with the car-wheel of another hero, and the distance being too near to admit of the use of other weapons, smashed that other's head by means of his mace. Brave combatants, desirous of safety where there was no safety, dragged one another by the hair, and fought fiercely with fists, and teeth and nails. Here was a hero whose upraised arm with sword in grasp was cut off, There another's arm was lopped off with bow, or arrow or hook in grasp. Here one loudly called upon another. There another turned his back on the field. Here one severed another's head from his trunk, getting him within reach. There another rushed with loud shouts Upon an enemy. Here one was filled with fear at another's roar. There another slew with sharp shafts a friend or a foe. Here an elephant, huge as a hill, slain with a long shaft, fell down en the field and lay like a flat island in a river during the summer season. There an elephant, with sweat trickling down its body, like a mountain with rills flowing adown its breast, steed, having crushed by its tread a car-warrior with his steeds and charioteer on the field. Beholding brave warriors, accomplished in arms and covered

with blood, strike one another, they that were timid and of weak hearts, lost their senses. In fact, all became cheerless. Nothing could any longer be distinguished. Overwhelmed with the dust raised by the troops, the battle became furious. Then the commander of the Pandava forces saying, 'This is the time,' speedily led the Pandavas on those heroes that are always endued with great activity. Obeying his behest, the mighty-armed Pandavas, smiting (the Katirava army) proceeded towards Drona's car like swans towards a lake,--'Seize him,'---'Do not fly away,'--'Do not fear,'--'Cut into pieces,'--these uproarious cries were heard in the vicinity of Drona's car. Then Drona and Kripa, and Karna and Drona's son, and king Jayadratha, and Vinda and Anuvinda of Avanti, and Salya, received those heroes. Those irresistible and invincible warriors, however, viz., the Panchalas and the Pandavas, inspired by noble sentiments, did not, though afflicted with shafts, avoid Drona. Then Drona, excited with great rage, shot hundreds of shafts, and caused a great carnage amongst the Chedis, the Panchalas, and the Pandavas. The twang of his bowstring and the slaps of his palms, were, O sire, heard on all sides. And they resembled the roar of thunder and struck fear into the hearts of all. Meanwhile, Jishnu, having vanquished large number of Samsaptakas, quickly came to that place where Drona was grinding the Pandava troops. Having crossed many large lakes whose waters were constituted by blood, and whose fierce billows and eddies were constituted by shafts, and having slain the Samsaptakas, Phalguni showed himself there. Possessed of great fame and endued as he was with the energy of the Sun himself, Arjuna's emblem, viz., his banner bearing the ape, was beheld by us to blaze with splendour. Having dried up the Samsaptaka ocean by means of weapons that constituted his rays, the son of Pandu then blasted the Kurus also, as if he were the very Sun that arises at the end of the Yuga. Indeed, Arjuna scorched all the Kurus by the heat of his weapons, like the fire 1 that appears at the end of the Yuga, burning down all creatures. Struck by him with thousands of shafts, elephant warriors and horsemen and car-warriors fell down on the earth, with dishevelled hair, and exceedingly afflicted with those arrowy showers, some uttered cries of distress. Others set up loud shouts. And some struck with the shafts of Partha, fell down deprived of life. Recollecting the practices of (good) warriors, Arjuna struck not those combatants among the foe that had fallen down, or those that were retreating, or those that were unwilling to fight. Deprived of their cars and filled with wonder, almost all the Kauravas, turning away from the field, uttered cries of Oh and Alas and called upon Karna (for protection). Hearing that din made by the Kurus, desirous of protection, Adhiratha's son (Karna), loudly assuring the troops with the words 'Do not fear' proceeded to face Arjuna. Then (Karna) that foremost of Bharata car-warriors, that delighter of all the Bharatas, that first

of all persons acquainted with weapons, invoked into existence the Agneya weapon. Dhananjaya, however, baffled by means of his own arrowy downpours the flights of arrows shot by Radha's son, that warrior of the blazing bow, that hero of bright shafts. And similarly, Adhiratha's son also baffled the shafts of Arjuna of supreme energy. Resisting Arjuna's weapons thus by his own, Karna uttered loud shouts and shot many shafts at his antagonist. Then Dhristadyumna and Bhima and the mighty car-warrior Satyaki, all approached Karna, and each of them pierced in with three straight shafts. The son of Radha, however, checking Arjuna's weapons by his own arrowy showers, cut off with three sharp shafts the bows of those three warriors. Their bows cut off, they looked like snakes without poison. Hurling darts at their foe from their respective cars, they uttered loud leonine shouts. Those fierce darts of great splendour and great impetuosity, looking like snakes, hurled from those mighty arms, coursed impetuously towards Karna's car. Cutting each of those darts with three straight arrows and speeding many arrows at the same time at Partha, the mighty Karna uttered a loud shout. Then Arjuna piercing Karna with seven shafts, despatched the latter's younger brother by means of his sharp shafts. Slaying Satrunjaya thus with six arrows, Partha, with a broad-headed shaft, struck off Vipatha's head as the latter stood on his car. In the very sight of the Dhritarashtras, therefore, as also of the Suta's son, the three uterine brothers of the latter were despatched by Arjuna unaided by any one. Then Bhima, jumping down from his own car, like a second Garuda, slew with his excellent sword five and ten combatants amongst those that supported Karna. Mounting once more on his car and taking up another bow, he pierced Karna with ten shafts and his charioteer and steeds with five. Dhrishtadyumna also taking up a sword and a bright shield; despatched Charmavarman and also Vrihatkshatra, the ruler of the Naishadhas. The Panchala prince then, mounting upon his own car and taking up another bow, pierced Karna with three and seventy shafts, and uttered a loud roar. Sini's grandson also, of splendour equal to that of Indra himself, taking up another bow pierced Suta's son with four and sixty shafts and roared like a lion. And cutting off Karna's bow with a couple of well-shot shafts, he once more pierced Karna on the arms and the chest with three arrows. The king Duryodhana, and Drona and Jayadratha, rescued Karna from the Satyaki-ocean, as the former was about to sink into it. And foot-soldiers and steeds and cars and elephants, belonging to thy army and numbering by hundreds, all accomplished in smitting rushed to the spot where Karna was frightening (his assailants). Then Dhrishtadyumna, and Bhima and Subhadra's son, and Arjuna himself, and Nakula, and Sahadeva, began to protect Satyaki in that battle. Even thus went on that fierce battle for the destruction of bowmen belonging to thy army and of the enemy's. All the combatants fought, reckless of their very lives. Infantry and cars and steeds and elephants were engaged with cars and infantry. Car-warriors were engaged with elephants and foot-soldiers and steeds, and cars and foot-soldiers were

engaged with cars and elephants. And steeds were seen engaged with steeds, and elephants with elephants, and foot-soldiers with foot-soldiers. Even thus did that battle, marked by great confusion, take place, enhancing the delight of cannibals and carnivorous creatures, between those high-souled men facing one another fearlessly. Indeed, it largely swelled the population of Yama's kingdom. Large numbers of elephants and cars and foot-soldiers and steeds were destroyed by men, cars, steeds and elephants. And elephants were slain by elephants, and car-warriors with weapons upraised by car-warriors, and steeds by steeds, and large bodies of foot-soldiers. And elephants were slain by cars, and large steeds by large elephants and men by steeds; and steeds by foremost of car-warriors. With tongues lolling out, and teeth and eyes pressed out of their places, with coats of mail and ornaments crushed into dust, the slaughtered creatures fell down on the field. Others, again, of terrible mien were struck and thrown down on the earth by others armed with diverse and excellent weapons and sunk into the earth by the tread of steeds and elephants, and tortured and mangled by heavy cars and car wheels. And during the progress of that fierce carnage so delightful to beasts of prey and carnivorous birds and cannibals, mighty combatants, filled with wrath, and slaughtering one another careered over the field putting forth all their energy. Then when both the hosts were broken and mangled, the warriors bathed in blood, looked at each other. Meanwhile, the Sun went to his chambers in the western hills, and both the armies, O Bharata, slowly retired to their respective tents.

74:1 The word in the original is dhumaketu. Elsewhere I have rendered it comet. It would seem, however, that is wrong. In such passages the word is used in its literal sense, viz., "(an article) having smoke for its mark," hence fire.

7.32.1

संजय उवाच
पूर्वमस्मासु भग्नेषु फल्गुनेनामितौजसा
द्रोणे च मोघसंकल्पे रक्षिते च युधिष्ठिरे

7.32.2

सर्वे विध्वस्तकवचास्तावका युधि निर्जिताः
रजस्वला भृशोद्विग्ना वीक्षमाणा दिशो दश

7.32.3

अवहारं ततः कृत्वा भारद्वाजस्य संमते
लब्धलक्ष्यैः परैर्दीना भृशावहसिता रणे

7.32.4

श्लाघमानेषु भूतेषु फल्गुनस्यामितान्गुणान्
केशवस्य च सौहार्दे कीर्त्यमानेऽर्जुनं प्रति
अभिशस्ता इवाभूवन्ध्यानमूकत्वमास्थिताः

7.32.5

ततः प्रभातसमये द्रोणं दुर्योधनोऽब्रवीत्
प्रणयादभिमानाच्च द्विषद्वृद्ध्या च दुर्मनाः
शृण्वतां सर्वभूतानां संरब्धो वाक्यकोविदः

7.32.6

नूनं वयं वध्यपक्षे भवतो ब्रह्मवित्तम
तथा हि नाग्रहीः प्राप्तं समीपेऽद्य युधिष्ठिरम्

7.32.7

इच्छतस्ते न मुच्येत चक्षुःप्राप्तो रणे रिपुः
जिघृक्षतो रक्ष्यमाणः सामरैरपि पाण्डवैः

7.32.8

वरं दत्त्वा मम प्रीतः पश्चाद्विकृतवानसि
आशाभङ्गं न कुर्वन्ति भक्तस्यार्याः कथंचन

7.32.9

ततोऽप्रीतस्तथोक्तः स भारद्वाजोऽब्रवीन्नृपम्
नार्हसे मान्यथा ज्ञातुं घटमानं तव प्रिये

7.32.10

ससुरासुरगन्धर्वाः सयक्षोरगराक्षसाः
नालं लोका रणे जेतुं पाल्यमानं किरीटिना

7.32.11

विश्वसृग्यत्र गोविन्दः पृतनारिस्तथार्जुनः
तत्र कस्य बलं क्रामेदन्यत्र त्र्यम्बकात्प्रभोः

7.32.12

सत्यं तु ते ब्रवीम्यद्य नैतज्जात्वन्यथा भवेत्
अद्यैषां प्रवरं वीरं पातयिष्ये महारथम्

7.32.13

तं च व्यूहं विधास्यामि योऽभेद्यस्त्रिदशैरपि
योगेन केनचिद्राजन्नर्जुनस्त्वपनीयताम्

7.32.14

न ह्यज्ञातमसाध्यं वा तस्य संख्येऽस्ति किंचन
तेन ह्युपात्तं बलवत्सर्वज्ञानमितस्ततः

7.32.15

द्रोणेन व्याहृते त्वेवं संशप्तकगणाः पुनः
आह्वयन्नर्जुनं संख्ये दक्षिणामभितो दिशम्

7.32.16

तत्रार्जुनस्याथ परैः सार्धं समभवद्रणः
तादृशो यादृशो नान्यः श्रुतो दृष्टोऽपि वा क्वचित्

7.32.17

ततो द्रोणेन विहितो राजन्व्यूहो व्यरोचत
चरन्मध्यंदिने सूर्यः प्रतपन्निव दुर्दृशः

7.32.18

तं चाभिमन्युर्वचनात्पितुर्ज्येष्ठस्य भारत
बिभेद दुर्भिदं संख्ये चक्रव्यूहमनेकधा

7.32.19

स कृत्वा दुष्करं कर्म हत्वा वीरान्सहस्रशः
षट्सु वीरेषु संसक्तो दौःशासनिवशं गतः

7.32.20

वयं परमसंहृष्टाः पाण्डवाः शोककर्शिताः
सौभद्रे निहते राजन्नवहारमकुर्वत

7.32.21

धृतराष्ट्र उवाच
पुत्रं पुरुषसिंहस्य संजयाप्राप्तयौवनम्
रणे विनिहतं श्रुत्वा भृशं मे दीर्यते मनः

7.32.22

दारुणः क्षत्रधर्मोऽयं विहितो धर्मकर्तृभिः
यत्र राज्येप्सवः शूरा बाले शस्त्रमपातयन्

7.32.23

बालमत्यन्तसुखिनं विचरन्तमभीतवत्
कृतास्त्रा बहवो जघ्नुर्ब्रूहि गावल्गणे कथम्

7.32.24

बिभित्सता रथानीकं सौभद्रेणामितौजसा
विक्रीडितं यथा संख्ये तन्ममाचक्ष्व संजय

7.32.25

संजय उवाच
यन्मां पृच्छसि राजेन्द्र सौभद्रस्य निपातनम्
तत्ते कार्त्स्न्येन वक्ष्यामि शृणु राजन्समाहितः
विक्रीडितं कुमारेण यथानीकं बिभित्सता

7.32.26

दावाग्न्यभिपरीतानां भूरिगुल्मतृणद्रुमे
वनौकसामिवारण्ये त्वदीयानामभूद्भयम्

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

(Abhimanyu-badha Parva)

"Sanjaya said, 'Having been first broken by Arjuna of immeasurable prowess, and owing also to the failure of Drona's vow, in consequence of Yudhishthira having been well-protected, thy warriors were regarded as defeated. All of them with coats of mail torn and covered with dust, cast anxious glances around. Retiring from the field with Drona's consent, after having been vanquished by their enemies of sure aim and humiliated by them in battle, they heard, as they proceeded, the countless merits of Phalguni praised by all creatures, and the friendship of Kesava for Arjuna spoken of by all. They passed the night like men under a curse, reflecting upon the course of events and observing perfect silence.

"Next morning, Duryodhana said unto Drona, these words, from petulance and wrath, and in great cheerlessness of heart at the sight of the prosperity of their foe. Skilled in speech, and filled with rage at

the success of the foe, the king said these words in the hearing of all the troops, 'O foremost of regenerate ones, without doubt thou hast set us down for men who should be destroyed by thee. Thou didst not seize Yudhishthira today even though thou hadst got him within thy reach. That foe whom thou wouldst seize in battle is incapable of escaping thee if once thou gettest him within sight, even if he be protected by the Pandavas, aided by the very gods. Gratified, thou gavest me a boon; now, however, thou dost not act according to it. They that are noble (like thee), never falsify the hopes of one devoted to them.' Thus addressed by Duryodhana, Bharadwaja's son felt greatly ashamed. Addressing the king, he said, 'It behoveth thee not to take me to be such. I always endeavour to achieve what is agreeable to thee. The three worlds with the gods, the Asuras, the Gandharvas, the Yakshas, the Nagas and the Rakshasas, cannot defeat the force that is protected by the diadem-decked (Arjuna). There where Govinda, the Creator of the universe is, and there where Arjuna is the commander, whose might can avail, save three-eyed Mahadeva's, O lord? O sire, I tell the truly today and it will not be otherwise. Today, I will slay a mighty car-warrior, one of the foremost heroes of the Pandavas. Today I will also form an array that impenetrable by the very gods. Do, however, O king, by some means take Arjuna away from the field. There is nothing that he doth not know or cannot achieve in battle. From various places hath he acquired all that is to be known about battle.'

"Sanjaya continued, 'After Drona had said these words, the Samsaptakas once more challenged Arjuna to battle and took him away to the southern side of the field. Then an encounter took place between Arjuna and his enemies, the like of which had never been seen or heard of. On the other hand, the array formed by Drona, O king, looked resplendent. Indeed, that array was incapable of being looked at like the sun himself when in his course he reaches the meridian and scorches (everything underneath). Abhimanyu, at the command, O Bharata, of his sire's eldest brother, pierced in battle that impenetrable circular array in many places. Having achieved the most difficult feats and slain heroes by thousands, he was (at last) encountered by six heroes together. In the end, succumbing to Duhsasana's son, O lord of earth, Subhadra's son, O chastiser of foes, gave up his life. At this we were filled with great joy and the Pandavas with great grief. And after Subhadra's son had been slain, our troops were withdrawn for nightly rest.'

"Dhritarashtra said, 'Hearing, O Sanjaya, of the slaughter of the son (Abhimanyu), yet in his minority, of that lion among men, (viz., Arjuna), my heart seems to break into pieces. Cruel, indeed, are the duties of Kshatriyas as laid down by the legislators, in as much as brave men, desirous of sovereignty scrupled not to shoot their weapons at even a child. O son of Gavalgana, tell me how so many warriors, accomplished in arms, slew that child who, though brought up in luxury, yet careered over the field so fearlessly. Tell me, O Sanjaya, how our warriors behaved in

battle with Subhadra's son immeasurable energy who had penetrated into our car-array.'

"Sanjaya said, 'That which thou askest me, O king, viz., the slaughter of Subhadra's son, I will describe to thee in detail. Listen, O monarch, with attention. I shall relate to thee how that youth, having penetrated into our ranks, played with his weapons, and how the irresistible heroes of thy army, all inspired by hope of victory, were afflicted by him. Like the denizens of a forest abounding with plants and herbs and trees, when surrounded on all sides by a forest conflagration, the warriors of thy army were all filled with fear.'"

7.33.1

संजय उवाच
समरेऽत्युग्रकर्माणः कर्मभिर्व्यञ्जितश्रमाः
सकृष्णाः पाण्डवाः पञ्च देवैरपि दुरासदाः

7.33.2

सत्त्वकर्मान्वयैर्बुद्ध्या प्रकृत्या यशसा श्रिया
नैव भूतो न भविता कृष्णतुल्यगुणः पुमान्

7.33.3

सत्यधर्मपरो दाता विप्रपूजादिभिर्गुणैः
सदैव त्रिदिवं प्राप्तो राजा किल युधिष्ठिरः

7.33.4

युगान्ते चान्तको राजञ्जामदग्न्यश्च वीर्यवान्
रणस्थो भीमसेनश्च कथ्यन्ते सदृशास्त्रयः

7.33.5

प्रतिज्ञाकर्मदक्षस्य रणे गाण्डीवधन्वनः
उपमां नाधिगच्छामि पार्थस्य सदृशीं क्षितौ

7.33.6

गुरुवात्सल्यमत्यन्तं नैभृत्यं विनयो दमः
नकुलेऽप्रातिरूप्यं च शौर्यं च नियतानि षट्

7.33.7

श्रुतगाम्भीर्यमाधुर्यसत्त्ववीर्यपराक्रमैः
सदृशो देवयोर्वीरः सहदेवः किलाश्विनोः

7.33.8

ये च कृष्णे गुणाः स्फीताः पाण्डवेषु च ये गुणाः
अभिमन्यौ किलैकस्था दृश्यन्ते गुणसंचयाः

7.33.9

युधिष्ठिरस्य धैर्येण कृष्णस्य चरितेन च
कर्मभिर्भीमसेनस्य सदृशो भीमकर्मणः

7.33.10

धनंजयस्य रूपेण विक्रमेण श्रुतेन च
विनयात्सहदेवस्य सदृशो नकुलस्य च

7.33.11

धृतराष्ट्र उवाच
अभिमन्युमहं सूत सौभद्रमपराजितम्
श्रोतुमिच्छामि कार्त्स्न्येन कथमायोधने हतः

7.33.12

संजय उवाच
चक्रव्यूहो महाराज आचार्येणाभिकल्पितः
तत्र शक्रोपमाः सर्वे राजानो विनिवेशिताः

7.33.13

संघातो राजपुत्राणां सर्वेषामभवत्तदा
कृताभिसमयाः सर्वे सुवर्णविकृतध्वजाः

7.33.14

रक्ताम्बरधराः सर्वे सर्वे रक्तविभूषणाः
सर्वे रक्तपताकाश्च सर्वे वै हेममालिनः

7.33.15

तेषां दशसहस्राणि बभूवुर्दृढधन्विनाम्
पौत्रं तव पुरस्कृत्य लक्ष्मणं प्रियदर्शनम्

7.33.16

अन्योन्यसमदुःखास्ते अन्योन्यसमसाहसाः
अन्योन्यं स्पर्धमानाश्च अन्योन्यस्य हिते रताः

7.33.17

कर्णदुःशासनकृपैर्वृतो राजा महारथैः
देवराजोपमः श्रीमाञ्श्वेतच्छत्राभिसंवृतः
चामरव्यजनाक्षेपैरुदयन्निव भास्करः

7.33.18

प्रमुखे तस्य सैन्यस्य द्रोणोऽवस्थितनायके
सिन्धुराजस्तथातिष्ठच्छ्रीमान्मेरुरिवाचलः

7.33.19

सिन्धुराजस्य पार्श्वस्था अश्वत्थामपुरोगमाः
सुतास्तव महाराज त्रिंशत्त्रिदशसंनिभाः

7.33.20

गान्धारराजः कितवः शल्यो भूरिश्रवास्तथा
पार्श्वतः सिन्धुराजस्य व्यराजन्त महारथाः

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Of fierce deeds in battle and above all fatigue, as proved by their feats, five sons of Pandu, with Krishna, are incapable of being resisted by the very gods. In righteousness, in deeds, in lineage, in intelligence, in achievements, in fame, in prosperity, there never was, and there never will be, another man so endued as Yudhishthira. Devoted to truth and righteousness, and with passions under control, king Yudhishthira, in consequence of his worship of the Brahmans and, diverse other virtues of similar nature, is always in the enjoyment of Heaven. The Destroyer himself at the end of the Yuga, Jamadagni's valiant son (Rama), and Bhimasena on his car,--these three, O king, are spoken of as equal. Of Partha, the wielder of Gandiva, who always achieveth his vows in battle, I do not see a proper parallel on earth. Reverence for superiors, keeping counsels, humility, self-restraint, beauty of person, and bravery--these six--are ever present in Nakula. In knowledge of scriptures, gravity, sweetness of temper, righteousness and prowess, the heroic Sahadeva is equal to the Aswins themselves. All those noble qualities that are in Krishna, all those that are in the Pandavas, all that assemblage of qualities was to be found in Abhimanyu alone. In firmness, he was equal to Yudhishthira, and in conduct to Krishna; in feats, he was the equal to Bhimasena of terrible deeds, in beauty of person, in prowess, and in knowledge of scriptures he was the equal to Dhananjaya. In humility, he was equal to Sahadeva and Nakula.'

"Dhritarashtra said, 'I desire, O Suta, to hear in detail, how the invincible Abhimanyu, the son of Subhadra, hath been slain on the field of battle.'

"Sanjaya continued, 'Be still, O king! Bear thy grief that is so unbearable. I shall speak to thee of the great slaughter of thy kinsmen.

"The preceptor, O king, had formed the great circular array. In it were placed all the kings (of our side) that are each equal to Sakra himself.

[paragraph continues] At the entrance were stationed all the princes possessed of solar effulgence. All of them had taken oaths (about standing by one another). All of them had standards decked with gold. All of them were attired in red robes, and all had red ornaments. All of them had red banners and all were adorned with garlands of gold, smeared with sandal-paste and other perfumed unguents; they were decked with floral wreaths. In a body they rushed towards Arjuna's son, desirous of battle. Firm bowmen, all they numbered ten thousand. Placing thy handsome grandson, Lakshmana, at their head, all of them, sympathising with one another in joy and grief, and emulating one another in feats of courage, desiring to excel one another, and devoted to one another's good, they advanced to battle. Duryodhana, O monarch, was stationed in the midst of his forces. And the king was surrounded by the mighty car-warriors, Karna, Duhsasana, and Kripa, and had a white umbrella held over his head. And fanned with yak tails, he looked resplendent like the chief of the celestials. And at the head of that army was the commander Drona looking like the rising sun. 1 And there stood the ruler of the Sindhus, of great beauty of person, and immovable like the cliff of Meru. Standing by the side of the ruler of the Sindhus and headed by Aswatthaman, were, O king, thy thirty sons, resembling the very gods. There also on Jayadratha's flank, were those mighty car-warriors, viz., the ruler of Gandhara, i.e., the gamester (Sakuni), and Salya, and Bhurisrava. Then commenced, the battle, fierce, and making the hairs stand on their ends, between thy warriors and those of the foe. And both sides fought, making death itself the goal.'"

79:1 The first half of the first line of 21 seems to be grammatically connected with 20.

7.34.1

संजय उवाच
तदनीकमनाधृष्यं भारद्वाजेन रक्षितम्
पार्थाः समभ्यवर्तन्त भीमसेनपुरोगमाः

7.34.2

सात्यकिश्चेकितानश्च धृष्टद्युम्नश्च पार्षतः
कुन्तिभोजश्च विक्रान्तो द्रुपदश्च महारथः

7.34.3

आर्जुनिः क्षत्रधर्मा च बृहत्क्षत्रश्च वीर्यवान्
चेदिपो धृष्टकेतुश्च माद्रीपुत्रौ घटोत्कचः

7.34.4

युधामन्युश्च विक्रान्तः शिखण्डी चापराजितः
उत्तमौजाश्च दुर्धर्षो विराटश्च महारथः

7.34.5

द्रौपदेयाश्च संरब्धाः शैशुपालिश्च वीर्यवान्
केकयाश्च महावीर्याः सृञ्जयाश्च सहस्रशः

7.34.6

एते चान्ये च सगणाः कृतास्त्रा युद्धदुर्मदाः
समभ्यधावन्सहसा भारद्वाजं युयुत्सवः

7.34.7

समवेतांस्तु तान्सर्वान्भारद्वाजोऽपि वीर्यवान्
असंभ्रान्तः शरौघेण महता समवारयत्

7.34.8

महौघाः सलिलस्येव गिरिमासाद्य दुर्भिदम्
द्रोणं ते नाभ्यवर्तन्त वेलामिव जलाशयाः

7.34.9

पीड्यमानाः शरै राजन्द्रोणचापविनिःसृतैः
न शेकुः प्रमुखे स्थातुं भारद्वाजस्य पाण्डवाः

7.34.10

तदद्भुतमपश्याम द्रोणस्य भुजयोर्बलम्
यदेनं नाभ्यवर्तन्त पाञ्चालाः सृञ्जयैः सह

7.34.11

तमायान्तमभिक्रुद्धं द्रोणं दृष्ट्वा युधिष्ठिरः
बहुधा चिन्तयामास द्रोणस्य प्रतिवारणम्

7.34.12

अशक्यं तु तमन्येन द्रोणं मत्वा युधिष्ठिरः
अविषह्यं गुरुं भारं सौभद्रे समवासृजत्

7.34.13

वासुदेवादनवरं फल्गुनाच्चामितौजसम्
अब्रवीत्परवीरघ्नमभिमन्युमिदं वचः

7.34.14

एत्य नो नार्जुनो गर्हेद्यथा तात तथा कुरु
चक्रव्यूहस्य न वयं विद्म भेदं कथंचन

7.34.15

त्वं वार्जुनो वा कृष्णो वा भिन्द्यात्प्रद्युम्न एव वा
चक्रव्यूहं महाबाहो पञ्चमोऽन्यो न विद्यते

7.34.16

अभिमन्यो वरं तात याचतां दातुमर्हसि
पितॄणां मातुलानां च सैन्यानां चैव सर्वशः

7.34.17

धनंजयो हि नस्तात गर्हयेदेत्य संयुगात्
क्षिप्रमस्त्रं समादाय द्रोणानीकं विशातय

7.34.18

अभिमन्युरुवाच
द्रोणस्य दृढमव्यग्रमनीकप्रवरं युधि
पितॄणां जयमाकाङ्क्षन्नवगाहे भिनद्मि च

7.34.19

उपदिष्टो हि मे पित्रा योगोऽनीकस्य भेदने
नोत्सहे तु विनिर्गन्तुमहं कस्यांचिदापदि

7.34.20

युधिष्ठिर उवाच
भिन्ध्यनीकं युधा श्रेष्ठ द्वारं संजनयस्व नः
वयं त्वानुगमिष्यामो येन त्वं तात यास्यसि

7.34.21

धनंजयसमं युद्धे त्वां वयं तात संयुगे
प्रणिधायानुयास्यामो रक्षन्तः सर्वतोमुखाः

7.34.22

भीम उवाच
अहं त्वानुगमिष्यामि धृष्टद्युम्नोऽथ सात्यकिः
पाञ्चालाः केकया मत्स्यास्तथा सर्वे प्रभद्रकाः

7.34.23

सकृद्भिन्नं त्वया व्यूहं तत्र तत्र पुनः पुनः
वयं प्रध्वंसयिष्यामो निघ्नमाना वरान्वरान्

7.34.24

अभिमन्युरुवाच
अहमेतत्प्रवेक्ष्यामि द्रोणानीकं दुरासदम्
पतंग इव संक्रुद्धो ज्वलितं जातवेदसम्

7.34.25

तत्कर्माद्य करिष्यामि हितं यद्वंशयोर्द्वयोः
मातुलस्य च या प्रीतिर्भविष्यति पितुश्च मे

7.34.26

शिशुनैकेन संग्रामे काल्यमानानि संघशः
अद्य द्रक्ष्यन्ति भूतानि द्विषत्सैन्यानि वै मया

7.34.27

युधिष्ठिर उवाच
एवं ते भाषमाणस्य बलं सौभद्र वर्धताम्
यस्त्वमुत्सहसे भेत्तुं द्रोणानीकं सुदुर्भिदम्

7.34.28

रक्षितं पुरुषव्याघ्रैर्महेष्वासैः प्रहारिभिः
साध्यरुद्रमरुत्कल्पैर्वस्वग्न्यादित्यविक्रमैः

7.34.29

संजय उवाच
तस्य तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा स यन्तारमचोदयत्
सुमित्राश्वान्रणे क्षिप्रं द्रोणानीकाय चोदय

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'The Parthas then, headed by Bhimasena, approached that invincible array protected by Bharadwaja's son. And Satyaki, and Chekitana, and Dhrishtadyumna. the son of Prishata, and Kuntibhoja of great prowess, and the mighty car-warrior Drupada. and Arjuna's son (Abhimanyu), and Kshatradharman, and the valiant Vrihatkshatra, and Dhrishtaketu, the ruler of the Chedis, and the twin sons of Madri, (viz., Nakula and Sahadeva), and Ghatotkacha, and the powerful Yudhamanyu and the unvanquished Sikhandin, and the irresistible Uttamaujas and the mighty car-warrior Virata, and the five sons of Draupadi,--these all excited with wrath, and the valiant son of Sisupala, and the Kaikeyas of mighty energy, and the Srinjayas by thousands,--these and others, accomplished in weapons and difficult of being resisted in battle, suddenly rushed, at the head of their respective followers, against Bharadwaja's son, from a desire

of battle. The valiant son of Bharadwaja, however, fearlessly checked all those warriors, as soon as they came near, with a thick shower of arrows. Like a mighty wave of waters coming against an impenetrable hill, or the surging sea itself approaching its bank, those warriors were pushed back by Drona. And the Pandavas, O king, afflicted by the shafts shot from Drona's bow, were unable to stay before him. And the strength of Drona's arms that we saw was wonderful in the extreme, inasmuch as the Panchalas and the Srinjayas failed to approach him. Beholding Drona advancing in rage. Yudhishthira thought of diverse means for checking his progress. At last, regarding Drona incapable of being resisted by any one else, Yudhishthira placed that heavy and unbearable burden on the son of Subhadra. Addressing Abhimanyu, that slayer of hostile heroes, who was not inferior to Vasudeva himself and whose energy was superior to that of Arjuna, the king said, 'O child, act in such a way that Arjuna, returning (from the Samsaptakas), may not reprove us. We do not know how to break the circular array. Thyself, or Arjuna or Krishna, or Pradyumna, can pierce that array. O mighty-armed one, no fifth person can be found (to achieve that teat). O child, it behoveth thee, O Abhimanyu, to grant the boon that thy sires, thy maternal uncles, and all these troops ask of thee. Taking up thy arms quickly, destroy this array of Drona, else Arjuna, returning from the fight, will reprove us all.'

"Abhimanyu said, 'Desiring victory to my sires, soon shall I in battle penetrate into that firm, fierce and foremost of arrays formed by Drona. I have been taught by my father the method of (penetrating and) smiting this kind of array. I shall not be able, however, to come out if any kind of danger overtakes me.'

"Yudhishthira said, 'Break this array once, O foremost of warriors, and make a passage for us. All of us will follow thee in the track by which thou wilt go. In battle, thou art equal to Dhananjaya himself. Seeing thee enter, we shall follow thee, protecting thee on all sides.'

"Bhima said, 'I myself will follow thee, and Dhrishtadyumna and Satyaki, and the Panchalas, and the Prabhadrakas. After the array once is broken by thee, will enter it repeatedly and slay the foremost warriors within it.'

"Abhimanyu said, 'I will penetrate into this invincible array of Drona, like an insect filled with rage entering a blazing fire. Today, I will do that which will be beneficial to both races (viz., my sire's and my mother's). I will do that which will please my maternal uncle as also my mother. Today all creatures will behold large bodies of hostile soldiers continually slaughtered by myself, an unaided child. If anybody, encountering me, escapes today with life, I shall not then regard myself begotten by Partha and born of Subhadra. If on a single car I cannot in battle cut off the whole Kshatriya race into eight fragments, I will not regard myself the son of Arjuna.' 1

"Yudhishthira said, 'Since protected by these tigers among men, these great bowmen endued with fierce might, these warriors that resemble the Sadhyas, the Rudras, or the Maruts, or are like the Vasus, or Agni or Aditya himself in prowess, thou venturest to pierce the invincible array of Drona, and since thou speakest so, let thy strength, O son of Subhadra be increased.'

"Sanjaya continued, 'Hearing these words of Yudhishthira, Abhimanyu ordered his charioteer, Sumitra, saying, Quickly urge the steeds towards Drona's army.'"

80:1 The last half of the second line of 4 is vicious as occuring in the Bengal texts. The correct reading is ayuduha-viarada.

7.35.1

संजय उवाच
सौभद्रस्तु वचः श्रुत्वा धर्मराजस्य धीमतः
अचोदयत यन्तारं द्रोणानीकाय भारत

7.35.2

तेन संचोद्यमानस्तु याहि याहीति सारथिः
प्रत्युवाच ततो राजन्नभिमन्युमिदं वचः

7.35.3

अतिभारोऽयमायुष्मन्नाहितस्त्वयि पाण्डवैः
संप्रधार्य क्षमं बुद्ध्या ततस्त्वं योद्धुमर्हसि

7.35.4

आचार्यो हि कृती द्रोणः परमास्त्रे कृतश्रमः
अत्यन्तसुखसंवृद्धस्त्वं च युद्धविशारदः

7.35.5

ततोऽभिमन्युः प्रहसन्सारथिं वाक्यमब्रवीत्
सारथे को न्वयं द्रोणः समग्रं क्षत्रमेव वा

7.35.6

ऐरावतगतं शक्रं सहामरगणैरहम्
योधयेयं रणमुखे न मे क्षत्रेऽद्य विस्मयः
न ममैतद्द्विषत्सैन्यं कलामर्हति षोडशीम्

7.35.7

अपि विश्वजितं विष्णुं मातुलं प्राप्य सूतज
पितरं चार्जुनं संख्ये न भीर्मामुपयास्यति

7.35.8

ततोऽभिमन्युस्तां वाचं कदर्थीकृत्य सारथेः
याहीत्येवाब्रवीदेनं द्रोणानीकाय माचिरम्

7.35.9

ततः संचोदयामास हयानस्य त्रिहायनान्
नातिहृष्टमनाः सूतो हेमभाण्डपरिच्छदान्

7.35.10

ते प्रेषिताः सुमित्रेण द्रोणानीकाय वाजिनः
द्रोणमभ्यद्रवन्राजन्महावेगपराक्रमाः

7.35.11

तमुदीक्ष्य तथायान्तं सर्वे द्रोणपुरोगमाः
अभ्यवर्तन्त कौरव्याः पाण्डवाश्च तमन्वयुः

7.35.12

स कर्णिकारप्रवरोच्छ्रितध्वजः; सुवर्णवर्मार्जुनिरर्जुनाद्वरः
युयुत्सया द्रोणमुखान्महारथा;न्समासदत्सिंहशिशुर्यथा गजान्

7.35.13

ते विंशतिपदे यत्ताः संप्रहारं प्रचक्रिरे
आसीद्गाङ्ग इवावर्तो मुहूर्तमुदधेरिव

7.35.14

शूराणां युध्यमानानां निघ्नतामितरेतरम्
संग्रामस्तुमुलो राजन्प्रावर्तत सुदारुणः

7.35.15

प्रवर्तमाने संग्रामे तस्मिन्नतिभयंकरे
द्रोणस्य मिषतो व्यूहं भित्त्वा प्राविशदार्जुनिः

7.35.16

तं प्रविष्टं परान्घ्नन्तं शत्रुमध्ये महाबलम्
हस्त्यश्वरथपत्त्यौघाः परिवव्रुरुदायुधाः

7.35.17

नानावादित्रनिनदैः क्ष्वेडितोत्क्रुष्टगर्जितैः
हुंकारैः सिंहनादैश्च तिष्ठ तिष्ठेति निस्वनैः

7.35.18

घोरैर्हलहलाशब्दैर्मा गास्तिष्ठैहि मामिति
असावहममुत्रेति प्रवदन्तो मुहुर्मुहुः

7.35.19

बृंहितैः शिञ्जितैर्हासैः खुरनेमिस्वनैरपि
संनादयन्तो वसुधामभिदुद्रुवुरार्जुनिम्

7.35.20

तेषामापततां वीरः पूर्वं शीघ्रमथो दृढम्
क्षिप्रास्त्रो न्यवधीद्व्रातान्मर्मज्ञो मर्मभेदिभिः

7.35.21

ते हन्यमानाश्च तथा नानालिङ्गैः शितैः शरैः
अभिपेतुस्तमेवाजौ शलभा इव पावकम्

7.35.22

ततस्तेषां शरीरैश्च शरीरावयवैश्च सः
संतस्तार क्षितिं क्षिप्रं कुशैर्वेदिमिवाध्वरे

7.35.23

बद्धगोधाङ्गुलित्राणान्सशरावरकार्मुकान्
सासिचर्माङ्कुशाभीशून्सतोमरपरश्वधान्

7.35.24

सगुडायोमुखप्रासान्सर्ष्टितोमरपट्टिशान्
सभिण्डिपालपरिघान्सशक्तिवरकम्पनान्

7.35.25

सप्रतोदमहाशङ्खान्सकुन्तान्सकचग्रहान्
समुद्गरक्षेपणीयान्सपाशपरिघोपलान्

7.35.26

सकेयूराङ्गदान्बाहून्हृद्यगन्धानुलेपनान्
संचिच्छेदार्जुनिर्वृत्तांस्त्वदीयानां सहस्रशः

7.35.27

तैः स्फुरद्भिर्महाराज शुशुभे लोहितोक्षितैः
पञ्चास्यैः पन्नगैश्छिन्नैर्गरुडेनेव मारिष

7.35.28

सुनासाननकेशान्तैरव्रणैश्चारुकुण्डलैः
संदष्टौष्ठपुटैः क्रोधात्क्षरद्भिः शोणितं बहु

7.35.29

चारुस्रङ्मुकुटोष्णीषैर्मणिरत्नविराजितैः
विनालनलिनाकारैर्दिवाकरशशिप्रभैः

7.35.30

हितप्रियंवदैः काले बहुभिः पुण्यगन्धिभिः
द्विषच्छिरोभिः पृथिवीमवतस्तार फाल्गुणिः

7.35.31

गन्धर्वनगराकारान्विधिवत्कल्पितान्रथान्
वीषामुखान्वित्रिवेणून्व्यस्तदण्डकबन्धुरान्

7.35.32

विजङ्घकूबराक्षांश्च विनेमीननरानपि
विचक्रोपस्करोपस्थान्भग्नोपकरणानपि

7.35.33

प्रशातितोपकरणान्हतयोधान्सहस्रशः
शरैर्विशकलीकुर्वन्दिक्षु सर्वास्वदृश्यत

7.35.34

पुनर्द्विपान्द्विपारोहान्वैजयन्त्यङ्कुशध्वजान्
तूणान्वर्माण्यथो कक्ष्या ग्रैवेयानथ कम्बलान्

7.35.35

घण्टाः शुण्डान्विषाणाग्रान्क्षुरपालान्पदानुगान्
शरैर्निशितधाराग्रैः शात्रवाणामशातयत्

7.35.36

वनायुजान्पार्वतीयान्काम्बोजारट्टबाह्लिकान्
स्थिरवालधिकर्णाक्षाञ्जवनान्साधुवाहिनः

7.35.37

स्वारूढाञ्शिक्षितैर्योधैः शक्त्यृष्टिप्रासयोधिभिः
विध्वस्तचामरकुथान्विप्रकीर्णप्रकीर्णकान्

7.35.38

निरस्तजिह्वानयनान्निष्कीर्णान्त्रयकृद्घनान्
हतारोहान्भिन्नभाण्डान्क्रव्यादगणमोदनान्

7.35.39

निकृत्तवर्मकवचाञ्शकृन्मूत्रासृगाप्लुतान्
निपातयन्नश्ववरांस्तावकान्सोऽभ्यरोचत

7.35.40

एको विष्णुरिवाचिन्त्यः कृत्वा प्राक्कर्म दुष्करम्
तथा विमथितं तेन त्र्यङ्गं तव बलं महत्
व्यहनत्स पदात्योघांस्त्वदीयानेव भारत

7.35.41

एवमेकेन तां सेनां सौभद्रेण शितैः शरैः
भृशं विप्रहतां दृष्ट्वा स्कन्देनेवासुरीं चमूम्

7.35.42

त्वदीयास्तव पुत्राश्च वीक्षमाणा दिशो दश
संशुष्कास्याश्चलन्नेत्राः प्रस्विन्ना लोमहर्षणाः

7.35.43

पलायनकृतोत्साहा निरुत्साहा द्विषज्जये
गोत्रनामभिरन्योन्यं क्रन्दन्तो जीवितैषिणः

7.35.44

हतान्पुत्रांस्तथा पितॄन्सुहृत्संबन्धिबान्धवान्
प्रातिष्ठन्त समुत्सृज्य त्वरयन्तो हयद्विपान्

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Hearing these words of the intelligent Yudhishthira, the son of Subhadra, O Bharata, urged his charioteer towards Drona's array. The charioteer, urged by him with the words, 'Proceed, Proceed,' replied unto Abhimanyu, O king, in these words, 'O thou that art blest with length of days, heavy is the burthen that hath been placed upon thee by the Pandavas! Ascertaining by thy judgment as to whether thou art able to bear it or not, thou shouldst then engage in battle. The preceptor Drona is a master of superior weapons and accomplished (in battle). Thou, however, hast been brought up in great luxury and art unused to battle.'

"Hearing these words, Abhimanyu replied unto his charioteer, saying with a laugh, 'O charioteer, who is this Drona? What, again, is this vast assemblage of Kshatriyas? Sakra himself on his Airavata and aided by all the celestials, I would encounter in battle. I do not feel the slightest anxiety about all these Kshatriyas today. This hostile army doth not come up to even a sixteen part of myself. O son of a Suta, getting my maternal uncle Vishnu himself, the conqueror of the universe or my sire, Arjuna, as an antagonist in battle, fear would not enter my heart.' Abhimanyu then, thus disregarding those words of the charioteer, urged the latter, saying, 'Go with speed towards the army of Drona.' Thus commanded, the charioteer, with a heart scarcely cheerful, urged Abhimanyu's three-year old steeds, decked with golden trappings. Those coursers, urged by Sumitra towards Drona's army, rushed towards Drona himself, O king, with great speed and prowess. Beholding him coming (towards them) in that way, al! the Kauravas, headed by Drona, advanced against him, as, indeed, the Pandavas followed him behind. Then Arjuna's son, superior to Arjuna's self eased in golden mail and owning an excellent standard that bore the device of a Karnikara tree, fearlessly encountered, from desire of battle, warriors headed by Drona, like a lion-cub assailing a herd of elephants. Those warriors then, filled with joy,

began to strike Abhimanyu while he endeavoured to pierce their array. And for a moment an agitation took place there, like to the eddy that is seen in the ocean where the current of the Ganga mingles with it. The battle, O king, that commenced there, between those struggling heroes striking one another, became fierce and terrible. And during the progress of that awful battle, Arjuna's son, in the very sight of Drona, breaking that array, penetrated into it. Then large bodies of elephants and steeds and cars and infantry, filled with joy, encompassed that mighty warrior after he had thus penetrated into the midst of the foe, and commenced to smite him. [Causing the earth to resound] with noise of diverse musical instruments, with shouts and slaps of arm-pits and roars, with yells and leonine shouts, with exclamations of 'Wait, Wait,' with fierce confused voices with cries of, 'Do not go, Wait, Come to me', with repeated exclamations of, 'This one, It is I, The foe,' with grunt of elephants, with the tinkling of bells and ornaments, with bursts of laughter, and the clatter of horse-hoofs and car-wheels, the (Kaurava) warriors rushed at the son of Arjuna. That mighty hero, however, endued with great lightness of hands and having a knowledge of the vital parts of the body, quickly shooting weapons capable of penetrating into the very vitals, stew those advancing warriors. Slaughtered by means of sharp shafts of diverse kinds, those warriors became perfectly helpless, and like insects falling upon a blazing fire, they continued to fall upon Abhimanyu on the field of battle. And Abhimanyu strewed the earth with their bodies and diverse limbs of their bodies like priests strewing the altar at a sacrifice with blades of Kusa grass. And Arjuna's son cut off by thousands the arms of those warriors. And some of these were eased in corslets made of iguana skin and some held bows and shafts, and some held swords or shields or iron hooks and reins; and some, lances of battle axes. And some held maces or iron balls or spears and some, rapiers and crow-bars and axes. And some grasped short arrows, or spiked maces, or darts, or Kampanas. And some had goads and prodigious conchs; and some bearded darts and Kachagrahas. And some had mallets and some other kinds of missiles. And some had nooses, and some heavy clubs, and some brickbats. And all those arms were decked with armlets and laved with delightful perfumes and unguents. And with those arms dyed with gore and looking bright the field of battle became beautiful, as if strewn, O sire, with five-headed snakes slain by Garuda. And Phalguni's son also scattered over the field of battle countless heads of foes, heads graced with beautiful noses and faces and locks, without pimples, and adorned with ear-rings. Blood flowed from those heads copiously, and the nether-lips in all were bit with wrath. Adorned with beautiful garlands and crowns and turbans and pearls and gems, and possessed of splendour equal to that of the sun or the moon, they seemed to be like lotuses severed from their stalks. Fragrant with many perfumes, while life was in them, they could speak words both agreeable and beneficial. Diverse cars,

well-equipped, and looking like the vapoury edifices in the welkin, with shafts in front and excellent bamboo poles and looking beautiful with the standards set up on them, were deprived of their Janghas, and Kuvaras, and Nemis, and Dasanas, and wheels, and standards and terraces. And the utensils of war in them were all broken. 1 And the rich clothes with which they were overlaid, were blown away, and the warriors on them were slain by thousands. Mangling everything before him with his shafts, Abhimanyu was seen coursing on all sides. With his keen-edged weapons, he cut into pieces elephant-warriors, and elephants with standards and hooks and banners, and quivers and coats of mail, and girths and neck-ropes and blankets, and bells and trunks and tusks as also the foot-soldiers that protected those elephants from behind. And many steeds of the Vanayu, the hilly, the Kamvoja, and the Valhika breeds, with tails and ears and eyes motionless and fixed, possessed of great speed, well-trained, and ridden by accomplished warriors armed with swords and lances, were seen to be deprived of the excellent ornaments on their beautiful tails. And many lay with tongues lolling out and eyes detached from their sockets, and entrails and livers drawn out. And the riders on their backs lay lifeless by their sides. And the rows of bells that adorned them were all torn. Strewn over the field thus, they caused great delight to Rakshasas and beasts of prey. With coats of mail and other leathern armour (casing their limbs) cut open, they weltered in excreta ejected by themselves. Thus slaying many foremost of steeds of thy army, Abhimanyu looked resplendent. Alone achieving the most difficult feat, like the inconceivable Vibhu himself in days of old, Abhimanyu crushed thy vast host of three kinds of forces (cars, elephants, and steeds), like the three-eyed (Mahadeva) of immeasurable energy crushing the terrible Asura host. Indeed, Arjuna's son, having achieved in battle feats incapable of being borne by his foes, everywhere mangled large divisions of foot-soldiers belonging to thy army. Beholding then thy host extensively slaughtered by Subhadra's son single-handed with his whetted shafts like the Asura host by Skanda (the celestial generalissimo), thy warriors and thy sons cast vacant looks on all sides. Their mouths became dry; their eyes became restless; their bodies were covered with sweat; and their hairs stood on their ends. Hopeless of vanquishing their foe, they set their hearts on flying away from the field. Desirous of saving their lives, called one another by their names and the names of their families, and abandoning their wounded sons and sires and brothers and kinsmen and relatives by marriage lying around on the field, they endeavoured to fly away, urging their steeds and elephants (to their utmost speed).'"

83:1 Janghas, etc., are diverse limbs of cars used in battle.

7.36.1

संजय उवाच
तां प्रभग्नां चमूं दृष्ट्वा सौभद्रेणामितौजसा
दुर्योधनो भृशं क्रुद्धः स्वयं सौभद्रमभ्ययात्

7.36.2

ततो राजानमावृत्तं सौभद्रं प्रति संयुगे
दृष्ट्वा द्रोणोऽब्रवीद्योधान्पर्याप्नुत नराधिपम्

7.36.3

पुराभिमन्युर्लक्ष्यं नः पश्यतां हन्ति वीर्यवान्
तमाद्रवत मा भैष्ट क्षिप्रं रक्षत कौरवम्

7.36.4

ततः कृतज्ञा बलिनः सुहृदो जितकाशिनः
त्रास्यमाना भयाद्वीरं परिवव्रुस्तवात्मजम्

7.36.5

द्रोणो द्रौणिः कृपः कर्णः कृतवर्मा च सौबलः
बृहद्बलो मद्रराजो भूरिर्भूरिश्रवाः शलः

7.36.6

पौरवो वृषसेनश्च विसृजन्तः शिताञ्शरान्
सौभद्रं शरवर्षेण महता समवाकिरन्

7.36.7

संमोहयित्वा तमथ दुर्योधनममोचयन्
आस्याद्ग्रासमिवाक्षिप्तं ममृषे नार्जुनात्मजः

7.36.8

ताञ्शरौघेण महता साश्वसूतान्महारथान्
विमुखीकृत्य सौभद्रः सिंहनादमथानदत्

7.36.9

तस्य नादं ततः श्रुत्वा सिंहस्येवामिषैषिणः
नामृष्यन्त सुसंरब्धाः पुनर्द्रोणमुखा रथाः

7.36.10

त एनं कोष्ठकीकृत्य रथवंशेन मारिष
व्यसृजन्निषुजालानि नानालिङ्गानि संघशः

7.36.11

तान्यन्तरिक्षे चिच्छेद पौत्रस्तव शितैः शरैः
तांश्चैव प्रतिविव्याध तदद्भुतमिवाभवत्

7.36.12

ततस्ते कोपितास्तेन शरैराशीविषोपमैः
परिवव्रुर्जिघांसन्तः सौभद्रमपलायिनम्

7.36.13

समुद्रमिव पर्यस्तं त्वदीयं तद्बलार्णवम्
अभिमन्युर्दधारैको वेलेव मकरालयम्

7.36.14

शूराणां युध्यमानानां निघ्नतामितरेतरम्
अभिमन्योः परेषां च नासीत्कश्चित्पराङ्मुखः

7.36.15

तस्मिंस्तु घोरे संग्रामे वर्तमाने भयंकरे
दुःसहो नवभिर्बाणैरभिमन्युमविध्यत

7.36.16

दुःशासनो द्वादशभिः कृपः शारद्वतस्त्रिभिः
द्रोणस्तु सप्तदशभिः शरैराशीविषोपमैः

7.36.17

विविंशतिस्तु विंशत्या कृतवर्मा च सप्तभिः
बृहद्बलस्तथाष्टाभिरश्वत्थामा च सप्तभिः

7.36.18

भूरिश्रवास्त्रिभिर्बाणैर्मद्रेशः षड्भिराशुगैः
द्वाभ्यां शराभ्यां शकुनिस्त्रिभिर्दुर्योधनो नृपः

7.36.19

स तु तान्प्रतिविव्याध त्रिभिस्त्रिभिरजिह्मगैः
नृत्यन्निव महाराज चापहस्तः प्रतापवान्

7.36.20

ततोऽभिमन्युः संक्रुद्धस्ताप्यमानस्तवात्मजैः
विदर्शयन्वै सुमहच्छिक्षौरसकृतं बलम्

7.36.21

गरुडानिलरंहोभिर्यन्तुर्वाक्यकरैर्हयैः
दान्तैरश्मकदायादं त्वरमाणोऽभ्यहारयत्
विव्याध चैनं दशभिर्बाणैस्तिष्ठेति चाब्रवीत्

7.36.22

तस्याभिमन्युर्दशभिर्बाणैः सूतं हयान्ध्वजम्
बाहू धनुः शिरश्चोर्व्यां स्मयमानोऽभ्यपातयत्

7.36.23

ततस्तस्मिन्हते वीरे सौभद्रेणाश्मकेश्वरे
संचचाल बलं सर्वं पलायनपरायणम्

7.36.24

ततः कर्णः कृपो द्रोणो द्रौणिर्गान्धारराट्शलः
शल्यो भूरिश्रवाः क्राथः सोमदत्तो विविंशतिः

7.36.25

वृषसेनः सुषेणश्च कुण्डभेदी प्रतर्दनः
वृन्दारको ललित्थश्च प्रबाहुर्दीर्घलोचनः
दुर्योधनश्च संक्रुद्धः शरवर्षैरवाकिरन्

7.36.26

सोऽतिक्रुद्धो महेष्वासैरभिमन्युरजिह्मगैः
शरमादत्त कर्णाय परकायावभेदनम्

7.36.27

तस्य भित्त्वा तनुत्राणं देहं निर्भिद्य चाशुगः
प्राविशद्धरणीं राजन्वल्मीकमिव पन्नगः

7.36.28

स तेनातिप्रहारेण व्यथितो विह्वलन्निव
संचचाल रणे कर्णः क्षितिकम्पे यथाचलः

7.36.29

अथान्यैर्निशितैर्बाणैः सुषेणं दीर्घलोचनम्
कुण्डभेदिं च संक्रुद्धस्त्रिभिस्त्रीनवधीद्बली

7.36.30

कर्णस्तं पञ्चविंशत्या नाराचानां समर्पयत्
अश्वत्थामा च विंशत्या कृतवर्मा च सप्तभिः

7.36.31

स शरार्दितसर्वाङ्गः क्रुद्धः शक्रात्मजात्मजः
विचरन्दृश्यते सैन्ये पाशहस्त इवान्तकः

7.36.32

शल्यं च बाणवर्षेण समीपस्थमवाकिरत्
उदक्रोशन्महाबाहुस्तव सैन्यानि भीषयन्

7.36.33

ततः स विद्धोऽस्त्रविदा मर्मभिद्भिरजिह्मगैः
शल्यो राजन्रथोपस्थे निषसाद मुमोह च

7.36.34

तं हि विद्धं तथा दृष्ट्वा सौभद्रेण यशस्विना
संप्राद्रवच्चमूः सर्वा भारद्वाजस्य पश्यतः

7.36.35

प्रेक्षन्तस्तं महाबाहुं रुक्मपुङ्खैः समावृतम्
त्वदीयाश्च पलायन्ते मृगाः सिंहार्दिता इव

7.36.36

स तु रणयशसाभिपूज्यमानः; पितृसुरचारणसिद्धयक्षसंघैः
अवनितलगतैश्च भूतसंघै;रतिविबभौ हुतभुग्यथाज्यसिक्तः

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Beholding his army routed by Subhadra's son of immeasurable energy, Duryodhana, filled with rage, himself proceeded against the former. Seeing the king turn back towards Subhadra's son in battle, Drona, addressing all the (Kaurava) warriors, said, 'Rescue the king. 1 Before us, in our very sight, the valiant Abhimanyu is slaying all he aims at. Rush ye, therefore, speedily against him, without fear and protect the Kuru king.' Then many grateful and mighty warriors, having Duryodhana's good at heart, and always graced with victory, inspired with fear, surrounded thy son. And Drona, and Drona's son, and Kripa and Karna and Kritavarman and Suvala's son, Vrihadvala, and the ruler of the Madras, and Bhuri, and Bhurisravas, and Sala, and Paurava and Vrishasena, shooting sharp shafts, checked Subhadra's son by means of those arrowy showers. Confounding him with those showers of shafts, they rescued Duryodhana. The son of Arjuna, however, brooked not that act of snatching a morsel from his mouth. Covering those mighty car-warriors, their charioteers, and steeds with thick showers of arrows and causing them to turn back, the son of Subhadra uttered a leonine roar. Hearing that roar of his, resembling that of a lion hungering after prey, these angry car-warriors, headed by Drona, brooked it not. Encompassing him on all sides, O sire, with a large body of cars they shot at him showers of diverse kinds of arrows. The grandson, however, cut them off in the welkin (before any of them could reach him) by means of sharp shafts, and then pierced all of them with his shafts. That feat of his seemed exceedingly wonderful. Provoked by him thus by means of those shafts of his that resembled snakes of virulent poison, they surrounded that unretreating son of Subhadra, desirous of slaying him. That sea of (Kaurava) troops, however, O bull of Bharata's race, the son of Arjuna singly held in check by means of his shafts, like the continent resisting the surging ocean. And among those heroes thus fighting with and striking one another, viz., Abhimanyu and his man on one side and all those warriors together on the other, none turned back from the field. In that dreadful and fierce battle, Duhsaha pierced Abhimanyu with nine shafts. And Duhsasana pierced him with a dozen; and Saradwata's son Kripa, with three. And Drona pierced him with seventeen shafts, each resembling a snake of virulent poison. And Vivinsati, pierced him with seventy shafts, and Kritavarman with seven. And Vrihadvala pierced him with eight, and Aswatthaman with seven shafts. And Bhurisrava pierced him with three shafts and the ruler of the Madras with six. And Sakuni pierced him with two, and king Duryodhana with three shafts. The valiant Abhimanyu, however, O king, seemingly dancing on his car, pierced each of those warriors in return with three shafts. Then Abhimanyu, filled with rage in consequence

of thy sons' endeavouring to frighten him thus, displayed the wonderful strength he had acquired from culture and practice. Borne by his well-broken steeds, endued with the speed of Garuda or the Wind, and thoroughly obedient to the behests of him who held their reins, he quickly checked the heir of Asmaka. Staying before him, the handsome son of Asmaka, endued with great might, pierced him with ten shafts and addressing him, said, 'Wait, Wait.' Abhimanyu then, with ten shafts, cut off the former's steeds and charioteer and standard and two arms and bow and head, and caused them to fall down on the earth, smiling the while. After the heroic ruler of the Asmakas had thus been slain by the son of Subhadra, the whole of his force wavered and began to fly away from the field. Then Karna and Kripa, and Drona and Drona's son, and the ruler of the Gandharas, and Sala and Salya, and Bhurisravas and Kratha, and Somadatta, and Vivinsati, and Vrishasena, and Sushena, and Kundavedhin, and Pratardana, and Vrindaraka and Lalithya, and Pravahu, and Drighalochana, and angry Duryodhana, showered their arrows upon him. Then Abhimanyu, excessively pierced by those great bowmen with their straight shafts, shot shafts at Karna which was capable of piercing through every armour and body. That shaft, piercing through Karna's coat of mail and then his body, entered the earth like a snake piercing through an anthill. Deeply pierced, Karna felt great pain and became perfectly helpless. Indeed, Karna began to tremble in that battle like a hill during an earthquake. Then with three other shafts of great sharpness, the mighty son of Arjuna, excited with rage, slew those three warriors, viz., Sushena, Drighalochana, and Kundavedhin. Meanwhile, Karna (recovering from the shock) pierced Abhimanyu with five and twenty shafts. And Aswatthaman struck him with twenty, and Kritavarman with seven. Covered all over with arrows, that son of Sakra's son, filled with rage, careered over the field. And he was regarded by all the troops as Yama's self armed with the noose. He then scattered over Salya, who happened to be near him thick showers of arrows. That mighty-armed warrior then uttered loud shouts, frightening thy troops therewith. Meanwhile, Salya, pierced by Abhimanyu accomplished in weapons, with straight shafts penetrating into his very vitals, sat down on the terrace of his car and fainted away. Beholding Salya thus pierced by the celebrated son of Subhadra, all the troops fled away in the very sight of Bharadwaja's son. Seeing that mighty-armed warrior, viz., Salya, thus covered with shafts of golden wings, thy army fled away like a head of deer attacked by a lion. And Abhimanyu glorified by the Pitris, the gods, and Charanas, and Siddhas, as also by diverse classes of creatures on the earth, with praises about (his heroism and skill in) battle, looked resplendent like a sacrificial fire fed with clarified butter.'"

84:1 'The second half of the second line of 2 is vicious in the Bengal texts.

7.37.1

धृतराष्ट्र उवाच
तथा प्रमथमानं तं महेष्वासमजिह्मगैः
आर्जुनिं मामकाः सर्वे के त्वेनं समवाकिरन्

7.37.2

संजय उवाच
शृणु राजन्कुमारस्य रणे विक्रीडितं महत्
बिभित्सतो रथानीकं भारद्वाजेन रक्षितम्

7.37.3

मद्रेशं सादितं दृष्ट्वा सौभाद्रेणाशुगै रणे
शल्यादवरजः क्रुद्धः किरन्बाणान्समभ्ययात्

7.37.4

स विद्ध्वा दशभिर्बाणैः साश्वयन्तारमार्जुनिम्
उदक्रोशन्महाशब्दं तिष्ठ तिष्ठेति चाब्रवीत्

7.37.5

तस्यार्जुनिः शिरोग्रीवं पाणिपादं धनुर्हयान्
छत्रं ध्वजं नियन्तारं त्रिवेणुं शम्युपस्करम्

7.37.6

चक्रे युगेषां तूणीराननुकर्षं च सायकैः
पताकां चक्रगोप्तारौ सर्वोपकरणानि च
व्यधमल्लाघवात्तच्च ददृशे नास्य कश्चन

7.37.7

स पपात क्षितौ क्षीणः प्रविद्धाभरणाम्बरः
वायुनेव महाचैत्यः संभग्नोऽमिततेजसा
अनुगाश्चास्य वित्रस्ताः प्राद्रवन्सर्वतोदिशम्

7.37.8

आर्जुनेः कर्म तद्दृष्ट्व प्रणेदुश्च समन्ततः
नादेन सर्वभूतानि साधु साध्विति भारत

7.37.9

शल्यभ्रातर्यथारुग्णे बहुशस्तस्य सैनिकाः
कुलाधिवासनामानि श्रावयन्तोऽर्जुनात्मजम्

7.37.10

अभ्यवर्तन्त संक्रुद्धा विविधायुधपाणयः
रथैरश्वैर्गजैश्चान्ये पादातैश्च बलोत्कटाः

7.37.11

बाणशब्देन महता खुरनेमिस्वनेन च
हुंकारैः क्ष्वेडितोत्क्रुष्टैः सिंहनादैः सगर्जितैः

7.37.12

ज्यातलत्रस्वनैरन्ये गर्जन्तोऽर्जुननन्दनम्
ब्रुवन्तश्च न नो जीवन्मोक्ष्यसे जीवतामिति

7.37.13

तांस्तथा ब्रुवतो दृष्ट्वा सौभद्रः प्रहसन्निव
यो यः स्म प्राहरत्पूर्वं तं तं विव्याध पत्रिभिः

7.37.14

संदर्शयिष्यन्नस्त्राणि चित्राणि च लघूनि च
आर्जुनिः समरे शूरो मृदुपूर्वमयुध्यत

7.37.15

वासुदेवादुपात्तं यद्यदस्त्रं च धनंजयात्
अदर्शयत तत्कार्ष्णिः कृष्णाभ्यामविशेषयन्

7.37.16

दूरमस्यन्गुरुं भारं साधयंश्च पुनः पुनः
संदधद्विसृजंश्चेषून्निर्विशेषमदृश्यत

7.37.17

चापमण्डलमेवास्य विस्फुरद्दिक्ष्वदृश्यत
तमो घ्नतः सुदीप्तस्य सवितुर्मण्डलं यथा

7.37.18

ज्याशब्दः शुश्रुवे तस्य तलशब्दश्च दारुणः
महाशनिमुचः काले पयोदस्येव निस्वनः

7.37.19

ह्रीमानमर्षी सौभद्रो मानकृत्प्रियदर्शनः
संमिमानयिषुर्वीरानिष्वासांश्चाप्ययुध्यत

7.37.20

मृदुर्भूत्वा महाराज दारुणः समपद्यत
वर्षाभ्यतीतो भगवाञ्शरदीव दिवाकरः

7.37.21

शरान्विचित्रान्महतो रुक्मपुङ्खाञ्शिलाशितान्
मुमोच शतशः क्रुद्धो गभस्तीनिव भास्करः

7.37.22

क्षुरप्रैर्वत्सदन्तैश्च विपाठैश्च महायशाः
नाराचैरर्धनाराचैर्भल्लैरज्ञलिकैरपि

7.37.23

अवाकिरद्रथानीकं भारद्वाजस्य पश्यतः
ततस्तत्सैन्यमभवद्विमुखं शरपीडितम्

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Dhritarashtra said, 'While Arjuna's son was thus grinding, by means of his straight arrows, our foremost bowmen, what warriors of my army endeavoured to check him?'

"Sanjaya said, 'Hear, O king, of the splendid prowess in battle of youthful Abhimanyu while engaged in breaking the car-ranks (of the Kauravas), protected by the son of Bharadwaja himself.'

"Beholding the ruler of the Madras disabled in battle by Subhadra's son with his shafts, the younger brother of Salya, filled with wrath, advanced against Abhimanyu, scattering his shafts. Arjuna's son however. endued with great lightness of hand, cut off his antagonist's head and charioteer, his triple bamboo-pole, his bed (on the car), his car-wheels, his yoke, and shafts and quiver, and car-bottom, by means of his arrows, as also his banner and every other implements of battle with which his car was equipped. So quick were his movements that none could obtain a sight of his person. Deprived of life, that foremost and chief of all ornaments of battle fell down on the earth, like a huge hill uprooted by a mighty tempest. His followers then, struck with fear, fled away in all directions. Beholding that feat of the son of Arjuna, all creatures were highly gratified, and cheered him, O Bharata, with loud shouts of 'Excellent, Excellent!'

"After Salya's brother had thus been slain, many followers of his, loudly proclaiming their families, places of residence, and names, rushed against Arjuna's son, filled with rage and armed With diverse weapons. Some of them were on cars, some on steeds and some on elephants; and others advanced on foot. And all of them were endued with fierce might. And they rushed frightening the son of Arjuna with the loud whiz of their arrows, the deep roar of their car-wheels, their fierce whoops and shouts and cries, their leonine roars, the loud twang of their bow-string, and the slaps of their palms. And they said, 'Thou shalt not escape us with life today!' Hearing them say so, the son of Subhadra, smiling the while, pierced with his shafts those amongst them that had pierced him first. Displaying diverse weapons of beautiful look and of great celerity, the heroic son of Arjuna battled mildly with them. Those weapons that he had received from Vasudeva and those that he had received from Dhananjaya, Abhimanyu displayed in the very same way as Vasudeva and Dhananjaya. Disregarding the heavy burthen he had taken upon himself and casting off all fear, he repeatedly shot his arrows. No interval, again, could be noticed between his aiming and letting off an arrow. Only his trembling bow drawn to a circle could be seen on every side, looking like the blazing disc of the autumnal sun. And the twang of his bow, and the slap of his palms, O Bharata, were heard to resound like the roaring of clouds charged with thunder. Modest, wrathful, reverential to superiors, and exceedingly handsome, the son of Subhadra, out of regard for the

hostile heroes, fought with them mildly. Commencing gently, O king, he gradually became fierce, like the illustrious maker of the day when autumn comes after the season of the rains is over. Like the Sun himself shedding his rays, Abhimanyu, filled with wrath, shot hundreds and thousands of whetted arrows, furnished with golden wings. In the very sight of Bharadwaja's son, that celebrated warrior covered the car-division of the Kaurava army with diverse kinds of arrows. 1 Thereupon, that army thus afflicted by Abhimanyu with his shafts, turned its back on the field.'"

87:1 I omit the names as they occur in the text. These are: (1) Kshurupras, i.e., arrows sharp as razors, (2) Vatsadantas, i.e., arrows having heads like the calf-tooth, (3) Vipathas, i.e., long arrows having stout bodies, (4) Narachas, long arrows; Ardhachandrabhais, i.e., looking like shafts furnished with heads of the form of the half-moon; it is an adjective qualifying Narachis, (5) Anjalikas were broad-headed shafts.

7.38.1

धृतराष्ट्र उवाच
द्वैधीभवति मे चित्तं ह्रिया तुष्ट्या च संजय
मम पुत्रस्य यत्सैन्यं सौभद्रः समवारयत्

7.38.2

विस्तरेणैव मे शंस सर्वं गावल्गणे पुनः
विक्रीडितं कुमारस्य स्कन्दस्येवासुरैः सह

7.38.3

संजय उवाच
हन्त ते संप्रवक्ष्यामि विमर्दमतिदारुणम्
एकस्य च बहूनां च यथासीत्तुमुलो रणः

7.38.4

अभिमन्युः कृतोत्साहः कृतोत्साहानरिंदमान्
रथस्थो रथिनः सर्वांस्तावकानप्यहर्षयत्

7.38.5

द्रोणं कर्णं कृपं शल्यं द्रौणिं भोजं बृहद्बलम्
दुर्योधनं सौमदत्तिं शकुनिं च महाबलम्

7.38.6

नानानृपान्नृपसुतान्सैन्यानि विविधानि च
अलातचक्रवत्सर्वांश्चरन्बाणैः समभ्ययात्

7.38.7

निघ्नन्नमित्रान्सौभद्रः परमास्त्रः प्रतापवान्
अदर्शयत तेजस्वी दिक्षु सर्वासु भारत

7.38.8

तद्दृष्ट्वा चरितं तस्य सौभद्रस्यामितौजसः
समकम्पन्त सैन्यानि त्वदीयानि पुनः पुनः

7.38.9

अथाब्रवीन्महाप्राज्ञो भारद्वाजः प्रतापवान्
हर्षेणोत्फुल्लनयनः कृपमाभाष्य सत्वरम्

7.38.10

घट्टयन्निव मर्माणि तव पुत्रस्य मारिष
अभिमन्युं रणे दृष्ट्वा तदा रणविशारदम्

7.38.11

एष गच्छति सौभद्रः पार्थानामग्रतो युवा
नन्दयन्सुहृदः सर्वान्राजानं च युधिष्ठिरम्

7.38.12

नकुलं सहदेवं च भीमसेनं च पाण्डवम्
बन्धून्संबन्धिनश्चान्यान्मध्यस्थान्सुहृदस्तथा

7.38.13

नास्य युद्धे समं मन्ये कंचिदन्यं धनुर्धरम्
इच्छन्हन्यादिमां सेनां किमर्थमपि नेच्छति

7.38.14

द्रोणस्य प्रीतिसंयुक्तं श्रुत्वा वाक्यं तवात्मजः
आर्जुनिं प्रति संक्रुद्धो द्रोणं दृष्ट्वा स्मयन्निव

7.38.15

अथ दुर्योधनः कर्णमब्रवीद्बाह्लिकं कृपम्
दुःसासनं मद्रराजं तांस्तांश्चान्यान्महारथान्

7.38.16

सर्वमूर्धावसिक्तानामाचार्यो ब्रह्मवित्तमः
अर्जुनस्य सुतं मूढं नाभिहन्तुमिहेच्छति

7.38.17

न ह्यस्य समरे मुच्येदन्तकोऽप्याततायिनः
किमङ्ग पुनरेवान्यो मर्त्यः सत्यं ब्रवीमि वः

7.38.18

अर्जुनस्य सुतं त्वेष शिष्यत्वादभिरक्षति
पुत्राः शिष्याश्च दयितास्तदपत्यं च धर्मिणाम्

7.38.19

संरक्ष्यमाणो द्रोणेन मन्यते वीर्यमात्मनः
आत्मसंभावितो मूढस्तं प्रमथ्नीत माचिरम्

7.38.20

एवमुक्तास्तु ते राज्ञा सात्वतीपुत्रमभ्ययुः
संरब्धास्तं जिघांसन्तो भारद्वाजस्य पश्यतः

7.38.21

दुःशासनस्तु तच्छ्रुत्वा दुर्योधनवचस्तदा
अब्रवीत्कुरुशार्दूलो दुर्योधनमिदं वचः

7.38.22

अहमेनं हनिष्यामि महाराज ब्रवीमि ते
मिषतां पाण्डुपुत्राणां पाञ्चालानां च पश्यताम्
ग्रसिष्याम्यद्य सौभद्रं यथा राहुर्दिवाकरम्

7.38.23

उत्क्रुश्य चाब्रवीद्वाक्यं कुरुराजमिदं पुनः
श्रुत्वा कृष्णौ मया ग्रस्तं सौभद्रमतिमानिनौ
गमिष्यतः प्रेतलोकं जीवलोकान्न संशयः

7.38.24

तौ च श्रुत्वा मृतौ व्यक्तं पाण्डोः क्षेत्रोद्भवाः सुताः
एकाह्ना ससुहृद्वर्गाः क्लैब्याद्धास्यन्ति जीवितम्

7.38.25

तस्मादस्मिन्हते शत्रौ हताः सर्वेऽहितास्तव
शिवेन ध्याहि मा राजन्नेष हन्मि रिपुं तव

7.38.26

एवमुक्त्वा नदन्राजन्पुत्रो दुःशासनस्तव
सौभद्रमभ्ययात्क्रुद्धः शरवर्षैरवाकिरन्

7.38.27

तमभिक्रुद्धमायान्तं तव पुत्रमरिंदमः
अभिमन्युः शरैस्तीक्ष्णैः षड्विंशत्या समर्पयत्

7.38.28

दुःशासनस्तु संक्रुद्धः प्रभिन्न इव कुञ्जरः
अयोधयत सौभद्रमभिमन्युश्च तं रणे

7.38.29

तौ मण्डलानि चित्राणि रथाभ्यां सव्यदक्षिणम्
चरमाणावयुध्येतां रथशिक्षाविशारदौ

7.38.30

अथ पणवमृदङ्गदुन्दुभीनां; कृकरमहानकभेरिझर्झराणाम्
निनदमतिभृशं नराः प्रचक्रु;र्लवणजलोद्भवसिंहनादमिश्रम्

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Dhritarashtra said, 'My heart, O Sanjaya, is agitated with different emotions, viz., shame and gratification, upon hearing that Subhadra's son singly held in cheek the whole army of my son. O son of Gavalgana, ten me everything once more in detail about the encounter of youthful Abhimanyu, which seems to have been pretty like Skanda's encounter with the Asura host.'

"Sanjaya said, 'I will relate to thee that fearful encounter that fierce battle, as it took place between one and the many. Mounted upon his car, Abhimanyu, with great daring, showered his arrows on the warriors of thy army mounted on their cars, all of whom were chastisers of foes, endued with great courage. Careering with great speed like a circle of fire, he pierced Drona and Karna, and Kripa, and Salya and Drona's son, and Kritavarman of the Bhoja race, and Vrihadvala, and Duryodhana, and Somadatta, and mighty Sakuni, and diverse kings and diverse princes and diverse bodies of troops. While engaged in slaying his foes by means of superior weapons, the valiant son of Subhadra, endued with mighty energy, seemed, O Bharata, to be present everywhere. Beholding that conduct of Subhadra's son of immeasurable energy, thy troops trembled repeatedly. Seeing that warrior of great proficiency in battle, Bharadwaja's son of great wisdom, with eyes expanded in joy, quickly came towards Kripa, and addressing him said, as if crushing (by that speech of his) the very vitals of thy son, O Bharata, the following words, 'Yonder cometh the youthful son of Subhadra at the head of the Parthas, delighting all his friends, and king Yudhishthira, and Nakula, and Sahadeva, and Bhimasena, the son of Pandu, and all his kinsmen, and relatives by marriage, and all who are watching the battle as spectators

without taking any part in it. I do not regard any bowman to be his equal in battle. If only he entertains the wish, he can slay this vast host. It seems, that for some reason or other, he doth not entertain that wish.' Hearing these words of Drona, so expressive of the gratification he felt, thy son, enraged with Abhimanyu, looked at Drona, faintly smiling the while. Indeed, Duryodhana said unto Karna and king Valhika and Duhsasana and the ruler of the Madras and the many other mighty car-warriors of his army, these words, 'The preceptor of the entire order of the Kshatriyas,--he that is the foremost of all conversant with Brahma, doth not, from stupefaction, wish to slay this son of Arjuna. None can, in battle, escape the preceptor with life, not even the Destroyer himself, if the latter advanceth against the preceptor as a foe. What, O friend, shall we say then of any mortal? I say this truly. This one is the son of Arjuna, and Arjuna is the preceptor's disciple. It is for this that the preceptor protecteth this youth. Disciples and sons and their sons are always dear to the virtuous people. Protected by Drona, the youthful son of Arjuna regardeth himself valourous. He is only a fool entertaining a high opinion of himself. Crush him, therefore, without delay.' Thus addressed by the Kuru king, those warriors, O monarch, excited with rage and desirous of slaying their foe, rushed, in the very sight of Drona at the son of Subhadra that daughter of the Satwata race. Duhsasana, in particular, that tiger among the Kurus, hearing those words of Duryodhana, answered the latter, saying, 'O monarch, I tell thee that even I will slay this one in the very sight of the Pandavas and before the eyes of the Panchalas. I shall certainly devour the son of Subhadra today, like Rahu swallowing Surya (sun).' And once more addressing the Kuru king loudly, Duhsasana said, 'Hearing that Subhadra's son hath been slain by me, the two Krishnas, who are exceedingly vain, will without doubt, go to the region of the departed spirits, leaving this world of men. Hearing then of the death of the two Krishnas, it is evident that the other sons born of Pandu's wives, with all their friends, will, in course of a single day, cast away their lives from despair. It is evident, therefore, that this one foe of thine being slain, all thy foes will be slain. Wish me well, O king, even I will slay this foe of thine.' Having said these words, O king, thy son Duhsasana, filled with rage and uttering a loud roar, rushed against the son of Subhadra and covered him with showers of arrows. Abhimanyu then, O chastiser of foes, received that son of thine thus advancing upon him wrathfully, with six and twenty arrows of sharp points. Duhsasana, however, filled with rage, and looking like an infuriated elephant, fought desperately with Abhimanyu, the son of Subhadra in that battle. Both of them masters in car-fight, they fought on describing beautiful circles with their cars, one of them to the left and other to the right. The warriors then, with their Panavas and Mridangas and Dundubhis and Krakachas and great Anakas and Bheris and Jharjaras, caused a deafening noise mingled with leonine roars, such as arise from the great receptacle of salt waters!"

"Sanjaya said, 'Then the intelligent Abhimanyu, with limbs mangled with arrows, smilingly addressed his foe, Duhsasana, stationed before him saying, 'By good luck it is that I behold in battle that vain hero arrived before me, who is cruel, who hath cast away all righteousness, and who brawleth out lustily his own praises. In the assembly (for the Kurus) and in the hearing of king Dhritarashtra, thou hadst, with thy harsh speeches, angered king Yudhishthira. Relying on the deception of the dice and the skill (therein) of Suvala's son, thou hadst also maddened by success, addressed many delirious speech to Bhima! 1 In consequence of the anger of those illustrious persons, thou art, at last, about to obtain the fruit of that conduct of thine! 2. O thou of wicked understanding, obtain thou without delay the fruit 3 of the robbery of other people's possessions, wrathfulness, of thy hatred of peace, of avarice, of ignorance, of hostilities (with kinsmen), of injustice and persecution, of depriving my sires--those fierce bowmen--of their kingdom, and of thy own fierce temper. I shall today chastise thee with my arrows in the sight of the whole army. Today, I shall in battle disburden myself of that wrath which I cherish against thee. I shall today free myself of the debt I owe to angry Krishna and to my sire who always craveth for an opportunity to chastise thee. O Kaurava, today I shall free myself of the debt I owe to Bhima. With life thou shalt not escape me, if indeed, thou dost not abandon the battle.' Having said these words, that mighty-armed warrior, that slayer of hostile heroes, aimed a shaft endued with the splendour of Yama or of Agni or of the Wind-god, capable of despatching Duhsasana to the other world. Quickly approaching Duhsasana's bosom, that shaft fell upon his shoulder-joint and penetrated into his body up to the very wings, like a snake into an ant-hill. And soon Abhimanyu once more struck him with five and twenty arrows whose touch resembled that of fire, and which were sped from his bow drawn to its fullest stretch, Deeply pierced and greatly pained, Duhsasana, sat down on the terrace of his car and was, O king, overtaken by a swoon. Afflicted thus by the arrows of Subhadra's son and deprived of his senses, Duhsasana. was speedily borne away from the midst of the fight by his charioteer. Beholding this, the Pandavas, the five sons of Draupadi, Virata, the Panchalas, and the Kekayas, uttered leonine shouts. And the troops of the Pandavas, filled with joy, caused diverse kinds of musical instruments to be beat and blown. Beholding that feat of Subhadra's son they laughed with joy. Seeing that implacable and proud foe of theirs thus vanquished,

those mighty car-warriors, viz., the (five) sons of Draupadi, who had on their banners the images of Yama and Maruta and Sakra and the twin Aswins, and Satyaki, and Chekitana, and Dhrishtadyumna, and Sikhandin, and the Kekayas, and Dhrishtaketu, and the Matsyas, Panchalas, and the Srinjayas, and the Pandavas headed by Yudhishthira, were filled with joy. And all of them rushed with speed, desirous of piercing Drona's array. Then a dreadful battle took place between the warriors and those of the foe, All of them were unretreating heroes, and inspired by desire of victory. During the progress of that dreadful encounter, Duryodhana, O monarch, addressing the son of Radha, said, 'Behold, the heroic Duhsasana, who resembleth the scorching sun who was hitherto slaying the foe in battle, hath at last himself succumbed to Abhimanyu. The Pandavas also, filled with rage and looking fierce like mighty lions, are rushing towards us, desirous of rescuing the son of Subhadra.' Thus addressed, Karna with rage and desirous of doing good to thy son, rained showers of sharp arrows on the invincible Abhimanyu. And the heroic Karna, as if in contempt of his antagonist, also pierced the latter's followers on the field of battle, with many excellent shafts of great sharpness. The high-souled Abhimanyu, however, O king, desirous of proceeding against Drona, quickly pierced Radha's son with three and seventy shafts. No car-warrior of thy army succeeded at that time in obstructing the progress towards Drona, of Abhimanyu, who was the son of Indra's son and who was afflicting all the foremost car-warriors of the Kaurava host. Then Karna, the most honoured of all bowmen, desirous of obtaining victory, pierced the son of Subhadra with hundreds of arrows, displacing his best weapons. That foremost of all persons conversant with weapons, that valiant disciple of Rama, by means of his weapons, thus afflicted Abhimanyu who was incapable of being defeated by foes. Though afflicted in battle by Radha's son with showers of weapons, still Subhadra's son who resembled a very celestial (for prowess) felt no pain. With his shafts whetted on stone and furnished with sharp points, the son of Arjuna, cutting off the bows of many heroic warriors, began to afflict Karna in return. With shafts resembling snakes of virulent poison and shot from his bow drawn to a circle, Abhimanyu quickly cut off the umbrella, standard, the charioteer, and the steeds of Karna, smiling the while. Karna then shot five straight arrows at Abhimanyu. The son of Phalguna, however, received them fearlessly. Endued with great valour and courage, the latter then, in a moment, with only a single arrow, cut off Karna's bow and standard and caused them to drop down on the ground. Beholding Karna in such distress, his younger brother, drawing the bow with great force, speedily proceeded against the son of Subhadra. The Parthas then, and their followers uttered loud shouts and beat their musical instruments and applauded the son of Subhadra [for his heroism].'"

89:1 There are the names of diverse kinds of drums small and large.

89:2 I adopt the Bombay reading of the 1st line of 4.

89:3 The fruit being the present encounter with Abhimanyu in which Duhsasana, according to Abhimanyu, shall have to lay down his life.

7.39.1

संजय उवाच
शरविक्षतगात्रस्तु प्रत्यमित्रमवस्थितम्
अभिमन्युः स्मयन्धीमान्दुःशासनमथाब्रवीत्

7.39.2

दिष्ट्या पश्यामि संग्रामे मानिनं शत्रुमागतम्
निष्ठुरं त्यक्तधर्माणमाक्रोशनपरायणम्

7.39.3

यत्सभायां त्वया राज्ञो धृतराष्ट्रस्य शृण्वतः
कोपितः परुषैर्वाक्यैर्धर्मराजो युधिष्ठिरः
जयोन्मत्तेन भीमश्च बह्वबद्धं प्रभाषता

7.39.4

परवित्तापहारस्य क्रोधस्याप्रशमस्य च
लोभस्य ज्ञाननाशस्य द्रोहस्यात्याहितस्य च

7.39.5

पितॄणां मम राज्यस्य हरणस्योग्रधन्विनाम्
तत्त्वामिदमनुप्राप्तं तत्कोपाद्वै महात्मनाम्

7.39.6

सद्यश्चोग्रमधर्मस्य फलं प्राप्नुहि दुर्मते
शासितास्म्यद्य ते बाणैः सर्वसैन्यस्य पश्यतः

7.39.7

अद्याहमनृणस्तस्य कोपस्य भविता रणे
अमर्षितायाः कृष्णायाः काङ्क्षितस्य च मे पितुः

7.39.8

अद्य कौरव्य भीमस्य भवितास्म्यनृणो युधि
न हि मे मोक्ष्यसे जीवन्यदि नोत्सृजसे रणम्

7.39.9

एवमुक्त्वा महाबाहुर्बाणं दुःशासनान्तकम्
संदधे परवीरघ्नः कालाग्न्यनिलवर्चसम्

7.39.10

तस्योरस्तूर्णमासाद्य जत्रुदेशे विभिद्य तम्
अथैनं पञ्चविंशत्या पुनश्चैव समर्पयत्

7.39.11

स गाढविद्धो व्यथितो रथोपस्थ उपाविशत्
दुःशासनो महाराज कश्मलं चाविशन्महत्

7.39.12

सारथिस्त्वरमाणस्तु दुःशासनमचेतसम्
रणमध्यादपोवाह सौभद्रशरपीडितम्

7.39.13

पाण्डवा द्रौपदेयाश्च विराटश्च समीक्ष्य तम्
पाञ्चालाः केकयाश्चैव सिंहनादमथानदन्

7.39.14

वादित्राणि च सर्वाणि नानालिङ्गानि सर्वशः
प्रावादयन्त संहृष्टाः पाण्डूनां तत्र सैनिकाः

7.39.15

पश्यन्तः स्मयमानाश्च सौभद्रस्य विचेष्टितम्
अत्यन्तवैरिणं दृप्तं दृष्ट्वा शत्रुं पराजितम्

7.39.16

धर्ममारुतशक्राणामाश्विनोः प्रतिमास्तथा
धारयन्तो ध्वजाग्रेषु द्रौपदेया महारथाः

7.39.17

सात्यकिश्चेकितानश्च धृष्टद्युम्नशिखण्डिनौ
केकया धृष्टकेतुश्च मत्स्यपाञ्चालसृंजयाः

7.39.18

पाण्डवाश्च मुदा युक्ता युधिष्ठिरपुरोगमाः
अभ्यवर्तन्त सहिता द्रोणानीकं बिभित्सवः

7.39.19

ततोऽभवन्महद्युद्धं त्वदीयानां परैः सह
जयमाकाङ्क्षमाणानां शूराणामनिवर्तिनाम्

7.39.20

दुर्योधनो महाराज राधेयमिदमब्रवीत्
पश्य दुःशासनं वीरमभिमन्युवशं गतम्

7.39.21

प्रतपन्तमिवादित्यं निघ्नन्तं शात्रवान्रणे
सौभद्रमुद्यतास्त्रातुमभिधावन्ति पाण्डवाः

7.39.22

ततः कर्णः शरैस्तीक्ष्णैरभिमन्युं दुरासदम्
अभ्यवर्षत संक्रुद्धः पुत्रस्य हितकृत्तव

7.39.23

तस्य चानुचरांस्तीक्ष्णैर्विव्याध परमेषुभिः
अवज्ञापूर्वकं वीरः सौभद्रस्य रणाजिरे

7.39.24

अभिमन्युस्तु राधेयं त्रिसप्तत्या शिलीमुखैः
अविध्यत्त्वरितो राजन्द्रोणं प्रेप्सुर्महामनाः

7.39.25

तं तदा नाशकत्कश्चिद्द्रोणाद्वारयितुं रणे
आरुजन्तं रथश्रेष्ठान्वज्रहस्तमिवासुरान्

7.39.26

ततः कर्णो जयप्रेप्सुर्मानी सर्वधनुर्भृताम्
सौभद्रं शतशोऽविध्यदुत्तमास्त्राणि दर्शयन्

7.39.27

सोऽस्त्रैरस्त्रविदां श्रेष्ठो रामशिष्यः प्रतापवान्
समरे शत्रुदुर्धर्षमभिमन्युमपीडयत्

7.39.28

स तथा पीड्यमानस्तु राधेयेनास्त्रवृष्टिभिः
समरेऽमरसंकाशः सौभद्रो न व्यषीदत

7.39.29

ततः शिलाशितैस्तीक्ष्णैर्भल्लैः संनतपर्वभिः
छित्त्वा धनूंषि शूराणामार्जुनिः कर्णमार्दयत्
स ध्वजं कार्मुकं चास्य छित्त्वा भूमौ न्यपातयत्

7.39.30

ततः कृच्छ्रगतं कर्णं दृष्ट्वा कर्णादनन्तरः
सौभद्रमभ्ययात्तूर्णं दृढमुद्यम्य कार्मुकम्

7.39.31

तत उच्चुक्रुशुः पार्थास्तेषां चानुचरा जनाः
वादित्राणि च संजघ्नुः सौभद्रं चापि तुष्टुवुः

7.40.1

संजय उवाच
सोऽभिगर्जन्धनुष्पाणिर्ज्यां विकर्षन्पुनः पुनः
तयोर्महात्मनोस्तूर्णं रथान्तरमवापतत्

7.40.2

सोऽविध्यद्दशभिर्बाणैरभिमन्युं दुरासदम्
सच्छत्रध्वजयन्तारं साश्वमाशु स्मयन्निव

7.40.3

पितृपैतामहं कर्म कुर्वाणमतिमानुषम्
दृष्ट्वार्दितं शरैः कार्ष्णिं त्वदीया हृषिताभवन्

7.40.4

तस्याभिमन्युरायम्य स्मयन्नेकेन पत्रिणा
शिरः प्रच्यावयामास स रथात्प्रापतद्भुवि

7.40.5

कर्णिकारमिवोद्धूतं वातेन मथितं नगात्
भ्रातरं निहतं दृष्ट्वा राजन्कर्णो व्यथां ययौ

7.40.6

विमुखीकृत्य कर्णं तु सौभद्रः कङ्कपत्रिभिः
अन्यानपि महेष्वासांस्तूर्णमेवाभिदुद्रुवे

7.40.7

ततस्तद्विततं जालं हस्त्यश्वरथपत्तिमत्
झषः क्रुद्ध इवाभिन्ददभिमन्युर्महायशाः

7.40.8

कर्णस्तु बहुभिर्बाणैरर्द्यमानोऽभिमन्युना
अपायाज्जवनैरश्वैस्ततोऽनीकमभिद्यत

7.40.9

शलभैरिव चाकाशे धाराभिरिव चावृते
अभिमन्योः शरै राजन्न प्राज्ञायत किंचन

7.40.10

तावकानां तु योधानां वध्यतां निशितैः शरैः
अन्यत्र सैन्धवाद्राजन्न स्म कश्चिदतिष्ठत

7.40.11

सौभद्रस्तु ततः शङ्खं प्रध्माप्य पुरुषर्षभः
शीघ्रमभ्यपतत्सेनां भारतीं भरतर्षभ

7.40.12

स कक्षेऽग्निरिवोत्सृष्टो निर्दहंस्तरसा रिपून्
मध्ये भारतसैन्यानामार्जुनिः पर्यवर्तत

7.40.13

रथनागाश्वमनुजानर्दयन्निशितैः शरैः
स प्रविश्याकरोद्भूमिं कबन्धगणसंकुलाम्

7.40.14

सौभद्रचापप्रभवैर्निकृत्ताः परमेषुभिः
स्वानेवाभिमुखान्घ्नन्तः प्राद्रवञ्जीवितार्थिनः

7.40.15

ते घोरा रौद्रकर्माणो विपाठाः पृथवः शिताः
निघ्नन्तो रथनागाश्वाञ्जग्मुराशु वसुंधराम्

7.40.16

सायुधाः साङ्गुलित्राणाः सखड्गाः साङ्गदा रणे
दृश्यन्ते बाहवश्छिन्ना हेमाभरणभूषिताः

7.40.17

शराश्चापानि खड्गाश्च शरीराणि शिरांसि च
सकुण्डलानि स्रग्वीणि भूमावासन्सहस्रशः

7.40.18

अपस्करैरधिष्ठानैरीषादण्डकबन्धुरैः
अक्षैर्विमथितैश्चक्रैर्भग्नैश्च बहुधा रथैः
शक्तिचापायुधैश्चापि पतितैश्च महाध्वजैः

7.40.19

निहतैः क्षत्रियैरश्वैर्वारणैश्च विशां पते
अगम्यकल्पा पृथिवी क्षणेनासीत्सुदारुणा

7.40.20

वध्यतां राजपुत्राणां क्रन्दतामितरेतरम्
प्रादुरासीन्महाशब्दो भीरूणां भयवर्धनः
स शब्दो भरतश्रेष्ठ दिशः सर्वा व्यनादयत्

7.40.21

सौभद्रश्चाद्रवत्सेनां निघ्नन्नश्वरथद्विपान्
व्यचरत्स दिशः सर्वाः प्रदिशश्चाहितान्रुजन्

7.40.22

तं तदा नानुपश्याम सैन्येन रजसावृतम्
आददानं गजाश्वानां नृणां चायूंषि भारत

7.40.23

क्षणेन भूयोऽपश्याम सूर्यं मध्यंदिने यथा
अभिमन्युं महाराज प्रतपन्तं द्विषद्गणान्

7.40.24

स वासवसमः संख्ये वासवस्यात्मजात्मजः
अभिमन्युर्महाराज सैन्यमध्ये व्यरोचत

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Then the younger brother of Karna, uttering loud roars, bow in hand, and repeatedly stretching the bow-string, quickly placed himself between those two illustrious warriors. And Karna's brother, with ten shafts, pierced invincible Abhimanyu and his umbrella and standard and charioteer and steeds, smiling the while. Beholding Abhimanyu thus afflicted with those arrows, although he had achieved those superhuman feats in the manner of his sire and grandsire, the warriors of thy army were filled with delight. Then Abhimanyu, forcibly bending the bow and smiling the while, with one winged arrow cut off his antagonist's head. That head, severed from the trunk, fell down on the earth. Beholding his brother slain and overthrown, like a Karnikara tree shaken and thrown down by the wind from the mountain top, Karna, O monarch, was filled with pain. Meanwhile, the son of Subhadra, causing Karna by means of his arrows to turn away from the field, quickly rushed against the other great bowmen. Then Abhimanyu of fierce energy and great fame, filled with wrath, broke that host of diverse forces abounding with elephants and steeds and cars and infantry. As regards Karna, afflicted by Abhimanyu with countless shafts, he fled away from the field borne by swift steeds. The Kaurava array then broke. When the welkin was covered with Abhimanyu's shafts, like flights of locusts or thick showers of rain, nothing, O monarch, could be distinguished. Amongst thy warriors thus slaughtered by Abhimanyu with sharp shafts, none, O monarch, stayed any longer on the field of battle except the ruler of the Sindhus. Then that bull among men, viz., the son of Subhadra, blowing his conch, speedily, fell upon the Bharata host, O bull of Bharata's race! Like a burning brand thrown into the midst of dry grass, Arjuna's son began to consume his foes, quickly careering through the Kaurava army. Having pierced through their array, he mangled cars and elephants and steeds and human beings by means of his sharp shafts and caused the field of battle teem with headless trunks. Cut off by means of excellent arrows shot from the bow of Subhadra's son, the Kaurava warriors fled away, slaying, as they fled, their own comrades before them. Those fierce arrows, of terrible effect whetted on stone and, countless in number, slaying car-warriors and elephants, steeds, fell fast on the field. Arms, decked with Angadas and other ornaments of gold, cut off and hands cased in leathern covers, and arrows, and bows, and bodies and heads decked with car-rings and floral wreaths, lay in thousands on the field. Obstructed with Upashkaras and Adhishthanas and long poles also with crushed Akshas and broken wheels and yokes, numbering thousands, With darts and bows and swords and fallen standards, and with shields and bows lying all about, with the bodies, O monarch, of slain Kshatriyas and steeds and elephants, the field of battle, looking exceedingly fierce, soon became impassable. The noise made by the princes, as they called upon One another while slaughtered by Abhimanyu, became deafening and

enhanced the fears of the timid. That noise, O chief of the Bharatas, filled all the points of the compass. The son of Subhadra, rushed against the (Kaurava) troops, slaying foremost of car-warriors and steeds and elephants, Quickly consuming his foes, like a fire playing in the midst of a heap of dry grass, the son of Arjuna was seen careering through the midst of the Bharata army. Encompassed as he was by our troops and covered with dust, none of us could obtain a sight of that warrior when, O Bharata, he was careening over the field in all directions, cardinal and subsidiary. And he took the lives of steeds and elephants and human warriors, O Bharata, almost incessantly. And soon after we saw him (come out of the press). Indeed, O monarch, we beheld him then scorching his foes like the meridian sun (scorching everything with his rays). Equal to Vasava himself in battle, that son of Vasava's son viz., Abhimanyu, looked resplendent in the midst of the (hostile) army.'"

7.41.1

धृतराष्ट्र उवाच
बालमत्यन्तसुखिनमवार्यबलदर्पितम्
युद्धेषु कुशलं वीरं कुलपुत्रं तनुत्यजम्

7.41.2

गाहमानमनीकानि सदश्वैस्तं त्रिहायनैः
अपि यौधिष्ठिरात्सैन्यात्कश्चिदन्वपतद्रथी

7.41.3

संजय उवाच
युधिष्ठिरो भीमसेनः शिखण्डी सात्यकिर्यमौ
धृष्टद्युम्नो विराटश्च द्रुपदश्च सकेकयः
धृष्टकेतुश्च संरब्धो मत्स्याश्चान्वपतन्रणे

7.41.4

अभ्यद्रवन्परीप्सन्तो व्यूढानीकाः प्रहारिणः
तान्दृष्ट्वा द्रवतः शूरांस्त्वदीया विमुखाभवन्

7.41.5

ततस्तद्विमुखं दृष्ट्वा तव सूनोर्महद्बलम्
जामाता तव तेजस्वी विष्टम्भयिषुराद्रवत्

7.41.6

सैन्धवस्य महाराज पुत्रो राजा जयद्रथः
स पुत्रगृद्धिनः पार्थान्सहसैन्यानवारयत्

7.41.7

उग्रधन्वा महेष्वासो दिव्यमस्त्रमुदीरयन्
वार्धक्षत्रिरुपासेधत्प्रवणादिव कुञ्जरान्

7.41.8

धृतराष्ट्र उवाच
अतिभारमहं मन्ये सैन्धवे संजयाहितम्
यदेकः पाण्डवान्क्रुद्धान्पुत्रगृद्धीनवारयत्

7.41.9

अत्यद्भुतमिदं मन्ये बलं शौर्यं च सैन्धवे
तदस्य ब्रूहि मे वीर्यं कर्म चाग्र्यं महात्मनः

7.41.10

किं दत्तं हुतमिष्टं वा सुतप्तमथ वा तपः
सिन्धुराजेन येनैकः क्रुद्धान्पार्थानवारयत्

7.41.11

संजय उवाच
द्रौपदीहरणे यत्तद्भीमसेनेन निर्जितः
मानात्स तप्तवान्राजा वरार्थी सुमहत्तपः

7.41.12

इन्द्रियाणीन्द्रियार्थेभ्यः प्रियेभ्यः संनिवर्त्य सः
क्षुत्पिपासातपसहः कृशो धमनिसंततः
देवमाराधयच्छर्वं गृणन्ब्रह्म सनातनम्

7.41.13

भक्तानुकम्पी भगवांस्तस्य चक्रे ततो दयाम्
स्वप्नान्तेऽप्यथ चैवाह हरः सिन्धुपतेः सुतम्
वरं वृणीष्व प्रीतोऽस्मि जयद्रथ किमिच्छसि

7.41.14

एवमुक्तस्तु शर्वेण सिन्धुराजो जयद्रथः
उवाच प्रणतो रुद्रं प्राञ्जलिर्नियतात्मवान्

7.41.15

पाण्डवेयानहं संख्ये भीमवीर्यपराक्रमान्
एको रणे धारयेयं समस्तानिति भारत

7.41.16

एवमुक्तस्तु देवेशो जयद्रथमथाब्रवीत्
ददामि ते वरं सौम्य विना पार्थं धनंजयम्

7.41.17

धारयिष्यसि संग्रामे चतुरः पाण्डुनन्दनान्
एवमस्त्विति देवेशमुक्त्वाबुध्यत पार्थिवः

7.41.18

स तेन वरदानेन दिव्येनास्त्रबलेन च
एकः संधारयामास पाण्डवानामनीकिनीम्

7.41.19

तस्य ज्यातलघोषेण क्षत्रियान्भयमाविशत्
परांस्तु तव सैन्यस्य हर्षः परमकोऽभवत्

7.41.20

दृष्ट्वा तु क्षत्रिया भारं सैन्धवे सर्वमर्पितम्
उत्क्रुश्याभ्यद्रवन्राजन्येन यौधिष्ठिरं बलम्

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Dhritarashtra said, A mere child in years, brought up in great luxury, proud of the strength of his arms, accomplished in battle, endued with great heroism, the perpetuator of his race, and prepared to lay down his life--when Abhimanyu penetrated into the Katirava army, borne on his three-years old steeds of spirited mettle, was there any of great warriors, in Yudhishthira's army, that followed the son of Arjuna?'

"Sanjaya said, 'Yudhishthira and Bhimasena, and Sikhandin and Satyaki, and the twins Nakula and Sahadeva, and Dhrishtadyumna and Virata, and Drupada, and Kekaya, and Dhristaketu, all filled with wrath, and the Matsya warrior, rushed to battle. Indeed, Abhimanyu's sires accompanied by his maternal uncles, those smiters of foes, arrayed in order of battle rushed along the self-same path that Abhimanyu had created, desirous of rescuing him.. Beholding those heroes rushing, thy troops turned away from the fight. Seeing then that vast army of thy son turning away from the fight, the son-in-law of great energy rushed to rally them. Indeed, king Jayadratha, the son of the ruler of the Sindhus, checked, with all their followers, the Parthas, desirous of rescuing their son. That fierce and great bowman, viz. the son of Vriddhakshatra, invoking into existence celestial weapons resisted the Pandavas, like an elephant sporting in a low land.' 1

"Dhritarashtra said, 'I think, Sanjaya, that heavy was the burthen thrown upon the ruler of the Sindhus, inasmuch as alone he had to resist the angry Pandavas desirous of rescuing their son. Exceedingly wonderful, I think, was the might and heroism of the ruler of the Sindhus. Tell me what the high-souled warrior's prowess was and how he accomplished that

foremost of feats. What gifts did he make, what libations had he poured, what sacrifices had he performed, what ascetic austerities had he well undergone, in consequence of which, single-handed, he succeeded in checking Parthas excited with wrath?'

"Sanjaya said, 'On the occasion of his insult to Draupadi, Jayadratha was vanquished by Bhimasena. From a keen sense of his humiliation, the king practised the severest of ascetic austerities, desirous of a boon. Restraining his senses from all objects dear to them, bearing hunger, thirst and heat, he reduced his body till his swollen veins became visible. Uttering the eternal words of the Veda, he paid his adoration to the god Mahadeva. That illustrious Deity, always inspired with compassion for his devotees, at last, became kind towards him. Indeed, Hara, appearing in a dream unto the ruler of the Sindhus, addressed him, saying 'Solicit the boon thou desirest. I am gratified with thee, O Jayadratha! What dost thou desire?' Thus addressed by Mahadeva, Jayadratha, the ruler of the Sindhus, bowed down unto him and said with joined palms and restrained soul, 'Alone, on a single car, I shall check in battle all the sons of Pandu, endued though they are with terrible energy and prowess.' Even this, O Bharata, was the boon he had solicited. Thus prayed to that foremost of the deities said unto Jayadratha, 'O amiable one, I grant thee the boon. Except Dhananjaya, the son of Pritha, thou shalt in battle check the four other sons of Pandu.' 'So be it,' said Jayadratha unto that Lord of the gods and then awoke, O monarch, from his slumber. In consequence of that boon which he had received and of the strength also of his celestial weapons, Jayadratha, single-handed, held in check the entire army of the Pandavas. The twang of his bow-string and the slaps of his palms inspired the hostile Kshatriyas with fear, filling thy troops, at the same time with delight. And the Kshatriyas (of the Kuru army), beholding that the burthen was taken up by the ruler of the Sindhus, rushed with loud shouts, O monarch, to that part of the field where Yudhishthira's army was.'"

92:1 Pravanddiva is explained by Nilakantha as nimnadeeam prapya. The meaning seems to be, as I have put it, "like an elephant in a low land, i.e., land covered with mud and water."

7.42.1

संजय उवाच
यन्मा पृच्छसि राजेन्द्र सिन्धुराजस्य विक्रमम्
शृणु तत्सर्वमाख्यास्ये यथा पाण्डूनयोधयत्

7.42.2

तमूहुः सारथेर्वश्याः सैन्धवाः साधुवाहिनः
विकुर्वाणा बृहन्तोऽश्वाः श्वसनोपमरंहसः

7.42.3

गन्धर्वनगराकारं विधिवत्कल्पितं रथम्
तस्याभ्यशोभयत्केतुर्वाराहो राजतो महान्

7.42.4

श्वेतच्छत्रपताकाभिश्चामरव्यजनेन च
स बभौ राजलिङ्गैस्तैस्तारापतिरिवाम्बरे

7.42.5

मुक्तावज्रमणिस्वर्णैर्भूषितं तदयस्मयम्
वरूथं विबभौ तस्य ज्योतिर्भिः खमिवावृतम्

7.42.6

स विस्फार्य महच्चापं किरन्निषुगणान्बहून्
तत्खण्डं पूरयामास यद्व्यदारयदार्जुनिः

7.42.7

स सात्यकिं त्रिभिर्बाणैरष्टभिश्च वृकोदरम्
धृष्टद्युम्नं तथा षष्ट्या विराटं दशभिः शरैः

7.42.8

द्रुपदं पञ्चभिस्तीक्ष्णैर्दशभिश्च शिखण्डिनम्
केकयान्पञ्चविंशत्या द्रौपदेयांस्त्रिभिस्त्रिभिः

7.42.9

युधिष्ठिरं च सप्तत्या ततः शेषानपानुदत्
इषुजालेन महता तदद्भुतमिवाभवत्

7.42.10

अथास्य शितपीतेन भल्लेनादिश्य कार्मुकम्
चिच्छेद प्रहसन्राजा धर्मपुत्रः प्रतापवान्

7.42.11

अक्ष्णोर्निमेषमात्रेण सोऽन्यदादाय कार्मुकम्
विव्याध दशभिः पार्थ तांश्चैवान्यांस्त्रिभिस्त्रिभिः

7.42.12

तस्य तल्लाघवं ज्ञात्वा भीमो भल्लैस्त्रिभिः पुनः
धनुर्ध्वजं च छत्रं च क्षितौ क्षिप्रमपातयत्

7.42.13

सोऽन्यदादाय बलवान्सज्यं कृत्वा च कार्मुकम्
भीमस्यापोथयत्केतुं धनुरश्वांश्च मारिष

7.42.14

स हताश्वादवप्लुत्य छिन्नधन्वा रथोत्तमात्
सात्यकेराप्लुतो यानं गिर्यग्रमिव केसरी

7.42.15

ततस्त्वदीयाः संहृष्टाः साधु साध्विति चुक्रुशुः
सिन्धुराजस्य तत्कर्म प्रेक्ष्याश्रद्धेयमुत्तमम्

7.42.16

संक्रुद्धान्पाण्डवानेको यद्दधारास्त्रतेजसा
तत्तस्य कर्म भूतानि सर्वाण्येवाभ्यपूजयन्

7.42.17

सौभद्रेण हतैः पूर्वं सोत्तरायुधिभिर्द्विपैः
पाण्डूनां दर्शितः पन्थाः सैन्धवेन निवारितः

7.42.18

यतमानास्तु ते वीरा मत्स्यपाञ्चालकेकयाः
पाण्डवाश्चान्वपद्यन्त प्रत्यैकश्येन सैन्धवम्

7.42.19

यो यो हि यतते भेत्तुं द्रोणानीकं तवाहितः
तं तं देववरप्राप्त्या सैन्धवः प्रत्यवारयत्

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Thou askest me, O monarch, about the prowess of the ruler of the Sindhus. Listen to me as I describe in detail how he fought with the Pandavas. Large steeds of the Sindhu breed, well-trained and

fleet as the wind, and obedient to the commands of the charioteer, bore him (on that occasion). His car, duly equipped, looked like a vapoury edifice in the welkin. His standard bearing the device of a large boar in silver, looked exceedingly beautiful. With his white umbrella and banners, and the yak-tails with which he was fanned--which are regal indications--he shone like the Moon himself in the firmament. His car-fence made of iron was decked with pearls and diamonds and gems and gold. And it looked resplendent like the firmament bespangled with luminous bodies. Drawing his large bow and scattering countless shafts, he once more filled up that array in those places where openings had been made by the son of Arjuna. And he pierced Satyaki with three arrows, and Vrikodara with eight; and having pierced Dhrishtadyumna. with sixty arrows, he pierced Drupada with five sharp ones, and Sikhandin with ten. Piercing then the Kaikeyas with five and twenty arrows, Jayadratha pierced each of the five sons of Draupadi with three arrows. And piercing Yudhishthira then with seventy arrows, the ruler of the Sindhus pierced the other heroes of the Pandava army with thick showers of shafts. And that feat of his seemed exceedingly wonderful. Then, O monarch, the valiant son of Dharma, aiming Jayadratha's bow, cut it off with a polished and well-tempered shaft, smiling the while. Within the twinkling, however, of the eye, the ruler of the Sindhus took up another bow and piercing Pratha (Yudhishthira) with ten arrows struck each of the others with three shafts. Marking that lightness of hands showed by Jayadratha, Bhima then with three broad-headed shafts, quickly felled on the earth his bow, standard and umbrella. The mighty Jayadratha then, taking up another bow, strung it and felled Bhima's standard and bow and steeds. O sire! His bow cut off, Bhimasena then jumping down from that excellent car whose steeds had been slain, mounted on the car of Satyaki, like a lion jumping to the top of a mountain. Seeing this, thy troops were filled with joy. And they loudly shouted, 'Excellent! Excellent!' And they repeatedly applauded that feat of the ruler of the Sindhus. Indeed, all creatures highly applauded that feat of his, which consisted in his resisting, single-handed, all the Pandavas together, excited with wrath. The path that the son of Subhadra had made for the Pandavas by the slaughter of numerous warriors and elephants was then filled up by the ruler of the Sindhus. Indeed, those heroes, viz., the Matsyas, the Panchalas, the Kaikeyas, and the Pandavas, exerting themselves vigorously, succeeded in approaching the presence of Jayadratha, but none of them could bear him. Everyone amongst thy enemies who endeavoured to pierce the array that had been formed by Drona, was checked by the ruler of the Sindhus in consequence of the boon he had got (from Mahadeva).'"

7.43.1

संजय उवाच
सैन्धवेन निरुद्धेषु जयगृद्धिषु पाण्डुषु
सुघोरमभवद्युद्धं त्वदीयानां परैः सह

7.43.2

प्रविश्य त्वार्जुनिः सेनां सत्यसंधो दुरासदाम्
व्यक्षोभयत तेजस्वी मकरः सागरं यथा

7.43.3

तं तथा शरवर्षेण क्षोभयन्तमरिंदमम्
यथाप्रधानाः सौभद्रमभ्ययुः कुरुसत्तमाः

7.43.4

तेषां तस्य च संमर्दो दारुणः समपद्यत
सृजतां शरवर्षाणि प्रसक्तममितौजसाम्

7.43.5

रथव्रजेन संरुद्धस्तैरमित्रैरथार्जुनिः
वृषसेनस्य यन्तारं हत्वा चिच्छेद कार्मुकम्

7.43.6

तस्य विव्याध बलवाञ्शरैरश्वानजिह्मगैः
वातायमानैरथ तैरश्वैरपहृतो रणात्

7.43.7

तेनान्तरेणाभिमन्योर्यन्तापासारयद्रथम्
रथव्रजास्ततो हृष्टाः साधु साध्विति चुक्रुशुः

7.43.8

तं सिंहमिव संक्रुद्धं प्रमथ्नन्तं शरैररीन्
आरादायान्तमभ्येत्य वसातीयोऽभ्ययाद्द्रुतम्

7.43.9

सोऽभिमन्युं शरैः षष्ट्या रुक्मपुङ्खैरवाकिरत्
अब्रवीच्च न मे जीवञ्जीवतो युधि मोक्ष्यसे

7.43.10

तमयस्मयवर्माणमिषुणा आशुपातिना
विव्याध हृदि सौभद्रः स पपात व्यसुः क्षितौ

7.43.11

वसात्यं निहतं दृष्ट्वा क्रुद्धाः क्षत्रियपुंगवाः
परिवव्रुस्तदा राजंस्तव पौत्रं जिघांसवः

7.43.12

विस्फारयन्तश्चापानि नानारूपाण्यनेकशः
तद्युद्धमभवद्रौद्रं सौभद्रस्यारिभिः सह

7.43.13

तेषां शरान्सेष्वसनाञ्शरीराणि शिरांसि च
सकुण्डलानि स्रग्वीणि क्रुद्धश्चिच्छेद फाल्गुनिः

7.43.14

सखड्गाः साङ्गुलित्राणाः सपट्टिशपरश्वधाः
अदृश्यन्त भुजाश्छिन्ना हेमाभरणभूषिताः

7.43.15

स्रग्भिराभरणैर्वस्त्रैः पतितैश्च महाध्वजैः
वर्मभिश्चर्मभिर्हारैर्मुकुटैश्छत्रचामरैः

7.43.16

अपस्करैरधिष्ठानैरीषादण्डकबन्धुरैः
अक्षैर्विमथितैश्चक्रैर्भग्नैश्च बहुधा युगैः

7.43.17

अनुकर्षैः पताकाभिस्तथा सारथिवाजिभिः
रथैश्च भग्नैर्नागैश्च हतैः कीर्णाभवन्मही

7.43.18

निहतैः क्षत्रियैः शूरैर्नानाजनपदेश्वरैः
जयगृद्धैर्वृता भूमिर्दारुणा समपद्यत

7.43.19

दिशो विचरतस्तस्य सर्वाश्च प्रदिशस्तथा
रणेऽभिमन्योः क्रुद्धस्य रूपमन्तरधीयत

7.43.20

काञ्चनं यद्यदस्यासीद्वर्म चाभरणानि च
धनुषश्च शराणां च तदपश्याम केवलम्

7.43.21

तं तदा नाशकत्कश्चिच्चक्षुर्भ्यामभिवीक्षितुम्
आददानं शरैर्योधान्मध्ये सूर्यमिव स्थितम्

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'When the ruler of the Sindhus checked the Pandavas, desirous of success, the battle that took place then between thy troops and the enemy became awful. The invincible son of Arjuna, of sure aim and mighty energy, having penetrated in the (Kaurava) array agitated it like a Makara agitating the ocean. Against that chastiser of foes then, viz., the son of Subhadra, who was thus agitating the hostile host with his arrowy showers, the principal warriors of the Kaurava army rushed, each according to his rank and precedence. The clash between them of immeasurable energy, scattering their arrowy showers with great force, on the one side and Abhimanyu alone on the other, became awful. The son, of Arjuna, encompassed on all sides by those enemies with crowds of cars, slew the charioteer of Vrishasena and also cut off his bow. And the mighty Abhimanyu then pierced Vrishasena's steeds with his straight shafts, upon which those coursers, with the speed of the wind, bore Vrishasena away from the battle. Utilizing that opportunity, Abhimanyu's charioteer freed his car from that press by taking it away to another part of the field. Those numerous car-warriors then, (beholding this feat) were filled with joy and exclaimed, 'Excellent! Excellent!' Seeing the lion-like Abhimanyu angrily slaying the foe with his shafts and advancing from a distance. Vasatiya, proceeding towards him quickly fell upon him with great force. The latter pierced Abhimanyu with sixty shafts of golden wings and addressing him, said, 'As long as I am alive, thou shalt not escape with life.' Cased though he was in an iron coat of mail, the son of Subhadra pierced him in the chest with a far-reaching shaft. Thereupon Vasatiya fell down on the earth, deprived of life. Beholding Vasatiya slain, many bulls among Kshatriyas became filled with wrath, and surrounded thy grandson, O king, from a desire of slaying him. They approached him, stretching their countless bows of diverse kinds, and the battle then that took place between the son of Subhadra and his foes was exceedingly fierce. Then the son of Phalguni, filled with wrath, cut off their arrows and bows, and diverse limbs of their bodies, and their heads decked with ear-rings and floral garlands. And arms were seen lopped off, that were adorned with various ornaments of gold, and that Still held scimitars and spiked maces and battle-axes and the fingers of which were still cased in leathern gloves. [And the earth became strewn] 1 with floral wreaths and ornaments and cloths, with fallen standards, with coats of mail and shields and golden chains and diadems and umbrellas and yak-tails; with Upashkaras and Adhishthanas, and Dandakas, and Vandhuras with crushed Akshas, broken wheels, and yokes, numbering thousands, 2 with Anukarashas, and banners, and

charioteers, and steeds; as also with broken cars, and elephants, and steeds. The field of battle, strewn with slain Kshatriyas endued (while living) with great heroism,--rulers of diverse realms, inspired with desire of victory,--presented a fearful sight. When Abhimanyu angrily careered over the field of battle in all directions, his very form became invisible. Only his coat of mail, decked with gold, his ornaments, and bow and shafts, could be seen. Indeed, while he slew the hostile warriors by means of his shafts, staying in their midst like the sun himself in his blazing effulgence, none could gaze at him with his eyes.'"

95:1 These words occur in 17 lower down.

95:2 'These are limbs of cars.

7.44.1

संजय उवाच
आददानस्तु शूराणामायूंष्यभवदार्जुनिः
अन्तकः सर्वभूतानां प्राणान्काल इवागते

7.44.2

स शक्र इव विक्रान्तः शक्रसूनोः सुतो बली
अभिमन्युस्तदानीकं लोडयन्बह्वशोभत

7.44.3

प्रविश्यैव तु राजेन्द्र क्षत्रियेन्द्रान्तकोपमः
सत्यश्रवसमादत्त व्याघ्रो मृगमिवोल्बणम्

7.44.4

सत्यश्रवसि चाक्षिप्ते त्वरमाणा महारथाः
प्रगृह्य विपुलं शस्त्रमभिमन्युमुपाद्रवन्

7.44.5

अहं पूर्वमहं पूर्वमिति क्षत्रियपुंगवाः
स्पर्धमानाः समाजग्मुर्जिघांसन्तोऽर्जुनात्मजम्

7.44.6

क्षत्रियाणामनीकानि प्रद्रुतान्यभिधावताम्
जग्रास तिमिरासाद्य क्षुद्रमत्स्यानिवार्णवे

7.44.7

ये केचन गतास्तस्य समीपमपलायिनः
न ते प्रतिन्यवर्तन्त समुद्रादिव सिन्धवः

7.44.8

महाग्राहगृहीतेव वातवेगभयार्दिता
समकम्पत सा सेना विभ्रष्टा नौरिवार्णवे

7.44.9

अथ रुक्मरथो नाम मद्रेश्वरसुतो बली
त्रस्तामाश्वासयन्सेनामत्रस्तो वाक्यमब्रवीत्

7.44.10

अलं त्रासेन वः शूरा नैष कश्चिन्मयि स्थिते
अहमेनं ग्रहीष्यामि जीवग्राहं न संशयः

7.44.11

एवमुक्त्वा तु सौभद्रमभिदुद्राव वीर्यवान्
सुकल्पितेनोह्यमानः स्यन्दनेन विराजता

7.44.12

सोऽभिमन्युं त्रिभिर्बाणैर्विद्ध्वा वक्षस्यथानदत्
त्रिभिश्च दक्षिणे बाहौ सव्ये च निशितैस्त्रिभिः

7.44.13

स तस्येष्वसनं छित्त्वा फाल्गुणिः सव्यदक्षिणौ
भुजौ शिरश्च स्वक्षिभ्रु क्षितौ क्षिप्रमपातयत्

7.44.14

दृष्ट्वा रुक्मरथं रुग्णं पुत्रं शल्यस्य मानिनम्
जीवग्राहं जिघृक्षन्तं सौभद्रेण यशस्विना

7.44.15

संग्रामदुर्मदा राजन्राजपुत्राः प्रहारिणः
वयस्याः शल्यपुत्रस्य सुवर्णविकृतध्वजाः

7.44.16

तालमात्राणि चापानि विकर्षन्तो महारथाः
आर्जुनिं शरवर्षेण समन्तात्पर्यवारयन्

7.44.17

शूरैः शिक्षाबलोपेतैस्तरुणैरत्यमर्षणैः
दृष्ट्वैकं समरे शूरं सौभद्रमपराजितम्

7.44.18

छाद्यमानं शरव्रातैर्हृष्टो दुर्योधनोऽभवत्
वैवस्वतस्य भवनं गतमेनममन्यत

7.44.19

सुवर्णपुङ्खैरिषुभिर्नानालिङ्गैस्त्रिभिस्त्रिभिः
अदृश्यमार्जुनिं चक्रुर्निमेषात्ते नृपात्मजाः

7.44.20

ससूताश्वध्वजं तस्य स्यन्दनं तं च मारिष
आचितं समपश्याम श्वाविधं शललैरिव

7.44.21

स गाढविद्धः क्रुद्धश्च तोत्त्रैर्गज इवार्दितः
गान्धर्वमस्त्रमायच्छद्रथमायां च योजयत्

7.44.22

अर्जुनेन तपस्तप्त्वा गन्धर्वेभ्यो यदाहृतम्
तुम्बुरुप्रमुखेभ्यो वै तेनामोहयताहितान्

7.44.23

एकः स शतधा राजन्दृश्यते स्म सहस्रधा
अलातचक्रवत्संख्ये क्षिप्रमस्त्राणि दर्शयन्

7.44.24

रथचर्यास्त्रमायाभिर्मोहयित्वा परंतपः
बिभेद शतधा राजञ्शरीराणि महीक्षिताम्

7.44.25

प्राणाः प्राणभृतां संख्ये प्रेषिता निशितैः शरैः
राजन्प्रापुरमुं लोकं शरीराण्यवनिं ययुः

7.44.26

धनूंष्यश्वान्नियन्तॄंश्च ध्वजान्बाहूंश्च साङ्गदान्
शिरांसि च शितैर्भल्लैस्तेषां चिच्छेद फाल्गुनिः

7.44.27

चूतारामो यथा भग्नः पञ्चवर्षफलोपगः
राजपुत्रशतं तद्वत्सौभद्रेणापतद्धतम्

7.44.28

क्रुद्धाशीविषसंकाशान्सुकुमारान्सुखोचितान्
एकेन निहतान्दृष्ट्वा भीतो दुर्योधनोऽभवत्

7.44.29

रथिनः कुञ्जरानश्वान्पदातींश्चावमर्दितान्
दृष्ट्वा दुर्योधनः क्षिप्रमुपायात्तममर्षितः

7.44.30

तयोः क्षणमिवापूर्णः संग्रामः समपद्यत
अथाभवत्ते विमुखः पुत्रः शरशतार्दितः

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Engaged in taking the lives of brave warriors, Arjuna's son then resembled the Destroyer himself, when the latter takes the lives of all creatures on the arrival of the Universal Dissolution. Possessed of prowess resembling that of Sakra himself, the mighty son of Sakra's son, viz., Abhimanyu, agitating the Katirava army looked exceedingly resplendent. Penetrating into the Katirava host, O king, that destroyer of foremost Kshatriyas resembling Yama himself, seized Satvasravas, like an infuriated tiger seizing a deer. Beholding Satyasrayas, seized by him, many mighty car-warriors, taking up diverse kinds of weapons, rushed upon him. Indeed, those bulls among Kshatriyas, from a spirit of rivalry, rushed at the son of Arjuna from desire of slaying him, all exclaiming, 'I shall go first, I shall go first!' As a whale in the sea obtaining a shoal of small fish seizes them with the greatest ease, even so did Abhimanyu receive that whole division of the rushing Kshatriyas. Like rivers that never go back when they approach the sea, none amongst those unretreating Kshatriyas turned back when they approached Abhimanyu. That army then reeled like a boat tossed on the ocean when overtaken by a mighty tempest, (with its crew) afflicted with panic caused by the violence of the wind. Then the mighty Rukmaratha, son of the ruler of the Madras, for assuring the frightened troops, fearlessly said, 'Ye heroes, ye need not fear! When I am here, what is Abhimanyu? Without doubt, I will seize this one a living captive'. Having said these words, the valiant prince, borne on his beautiful and well-equipped car, rushed at Abhimanyu. Piercing Abhimanyu with three shafts in the chest, three in the right arm, and three other sharp shafts in the left arm, he uttered a loud roar. Phalguni's son, however, cutting off his bow, his right and left arms, and his head adorned with beautiful eyes and eye-brows quickly felled them on the earth. Beholding Rukmaratha, the honoured son of Salya, slain by the illustrious son of Subhadra, that Rukmaratha viz., who had vowed to consume his foe or take him alive, many princely

friends of Salya's son, O king, accomplished in smiting and incapable of being easily defeated in battle, and owning standards decked with gold, (came up for the fight). Those mighty car-warriors, stretching their bows full six cubits long, surrounded the son of Arjuna, all pouring their arrowy showers upon him. Beholding the brave and invincible son of Subhadra singly encountered by all those wrathful princes endued with heroism and skill acquired by practice and strength and youth, and seeing him covered with showers of arrows, Duryodhana rejoiced greatly, and regarded Abhimanyu as one already made a guest of Yama's abode. Within the twinkling of an eye, those princes, by means of their shafts of golden wings, and of diverse forms and great impetuosity, made Arjuna's son invisible. Himself, his standard, and his car, O sire, were seen by us covered with shafts like (trees overwhelmed with) flights of locusts. Deeply pierced, he became filled with rage like an elephant struck with the hook. He then, O Bharata, applied the Gandharva weapon and the illusion consequent to it. 1 Practising ascetic penances, Arjuna had obtained that weapon from the Gandharva Tumvuru and others. With that weapon, Abhimanyu now confounded his foes. Quickly displaying his weapons, he careered in that battle like a circle of fire, and was, O king, seen sometimes as a single individual, sometimes as a hundred, and sometimes as a thousand ones. Confounding his foes by the skill with which his car was guided and by the illusion caused by his weapons, he cut in a hundred pieces, O monarch, the bodies of the kings (opposed to him). By means of his sharp shafts the lives of living creatures were despatched. These, O king attained to the other world while their bodies fell down on the earth. Their bows, and steeds and charioteers, and standards, and armies decked with Angadar, and heads, the son of Phalguni cut off with his sharp shafts. Those hundred princes were slain and felled by Subhadra's son like a tope of five-year old mango-trees just on the point of bearing fruit (laid low by a tempest). Beholding those youthful princes brought up in every luxury, and resembling angry snakes of virulent poison, all slain by the single-handed Abhimanyu, Duryodhana was filled with fear. Seeing (his) car-warriors and elephants and steeds and foot-soldiers crushed, the Kuru king quickly proceeded in wrath against Abhimanyu. Continued for only a short space of time, the unfinished battle between them became exceedingly fierce. Thy son then, afflicted with Abhimanyu's arrows, was obliged to turn back from the fight.'

97:1 The Bombay reading is slightly different.

7.45.1

धृतराष्ट्र उवाच
यथा वदसि मे सूत एकस्य बहुभिः सह
संग्रामं तुमुलं घोरं जयं चैव महात्मनः

7.45.2

अश्रद्धेयमिवाश्चर्यं सौभद्रस्याथ विक्रमम्
किं तु नात्यद्भुतं तेषां येषां धर्मो व्यपाश्रयः

7.45.3

दुर्योधनेऽथ विमुखे राजपुत्रशते हते
सौभद्रे प्रतिपत्तिं कां प्रत्यपद्यन्त मामकाः

7.45.4

संजय उवाच
संशुष्कास्याश्चलन्नेत्राः प्रस्विन्ना लोमहर्षिणः
पलायनकृतोत्साहा निरुत्साहा द्विषज्जये

7.45.5

हतान्भ्रातॄन्पितॄन्पुत्रान्सुहृत्संबन्धिबान्धवान्
उत्सृज्योत्सृज्य समियुस्त्वरयन्तो हयद्विपान्

7.45.6

तान्प्रभग्नांस्तथा दृष्ट्वा द्रोणो द्रौणिर्बृहद्बलः
कृपो दुर्योधनः कर्णः कृतवर्माथ सौबलः

7.45.7

अभिद्रुताः सुसंक्रुद्धाः सौभद्रमपराजितम्
तेऽपि पौत्रेण ते राजन्प्रायशो विमुखीकृताः

7.45.8

एकस्तु सुखसंवृद्धो बाल्याद्दर्पाच्च निर्भयः
इष्वस्त्रविन्महातेजा लक्ष्मणोऽऽर्जुनिमभ्ययात्

7.45.9

तमन्वगेवास्य पिता पुत्रगृद्धी न्यवर्तत
अनु दुर्योधनं चान्ये न्यवर्तन्त महारथाः

7.45.10

तं तेऽभिषिषिचुर्बाणैर्मेघा गिरिमिवाम्बुभिः
स च तान्प्रममाथैको विष्वग्वातो यथाम्बुदान्

7.45.11

पौत्रं तु तव दुर्धर्षं लक्ष्मणं प्रियदर्शनम्
पितुः समीपे तिष्ठन्तं शूरमुद्यतकार्मुकम्

7.45.12

अत्यन्तसुखसंवृद्धं धनेश्वरसुतोपमम्
आससाद रणे कार्ष्णिर्मत्तो मत्तमिव द्विपम्

7.45.13

लक्ष्मणेन तु संगम्य सौभद्रः परवीरहा
शरैः सुनिशितैस्तीक्ष्णैर्बाह्वोरुरसि चार्पितः

7.45.14

संक्रुद्धो वै महाबाहुर्दण्डाहत इवोरगः
पौत्रस्तव महाराज तव पौत्रमभाषत

7.45.15

सुदृष्टः क्रियतां लोको अमुं लोकं गमिष्यसि
पश्यतां बान्धवानां त्वां नयामि यमसादनम्

7.45.16

एवमुक्त्वा ततो भल्लं सौभद्रः परवीरहा
उद्बबर्ह महाबाहुर्निर्मुक्तोरगसंनिभम्

7.45.17

स तस्य भुजनिर्मुक्तो लक्ष्मणस्य सुदर्शनम्
सुनसं सुभ्रु केशान्तं शिरोऽहार्षीत्सकुण्डलम्
लक्ष्मणं निहतं दृष्ट्वा हा हेत्युच्चुक्रुशुर्जनाः

7.45.18

ततो दुर्योधनः क्रुद्धः प्रिये पुत्रे निपातिते
हतैनमिति चुक्रोश क्षत्रियान्क्षत्रियर्षभः

7.45.19

ततो द्रोणः कृपः कर्णो द्रोणपुत्रो बृहद्बलः
कृतवर्मा च हार्दिक्यः षड्रथाः पर्यवारयन्

7.45.20

स तान्विद्ध्वा शितैर्बाणैर्विमुखीकृत्य चार्जुनिः
वेगेनाभ्यपतत्क्रुद्धः सैन्धवस्य महद्बलम्

7.45.21

आवव्रुस्तस्य पन्थानं गजानीकेन दंशिताः
कलिङ्गाश्च निषादाश्च क्राथपुत्रश्च वीर्यवान्
तत्प्रसक्तमिवात्यर्थं युद्धमासीद्विशां पते

7.45.22

ततस्तत्कुञ्जरानीकं व्यधमद्धृष्टमार्जुनिः
यथा विवान्नित्यगतिर्जलदाञ्शतशोऽम्बरे

7.45.23

ततः क्राथः शरव्रातैरार्जुनिं समवाकिरत्
अथेतरे संनिवृत्ताः पुनर्द्रोणमुखा रथाः
परमास्त्राणि धुन्वानाः सौभद्रमभिदुद्रुवुः

7.45.24

तान्निवार्यार्जुनिर्बाणैः क्राथपुत्रमथार्दयत्
शरौघेणाप्रमेयेण त्वरमाणो जिघांसया

7.45.25

सधनुर्बाणकेयूरौ बाहू समुकुटं शिरः
छत्रं ध्वजं नियन्तारमश्वांश्चास्य न्यपातयत्

7.45.26

कुलशीलश्रुतबलैः कीर्त्या चास्त्रबलेन च
युक्ते तस्मिन्हते वीराः प्रायशो विमुखाभवन्

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Dhritarashtra said, 'That which thou tellest me, O Suta, about the battle, fierce and terrible, between the one and the many, and the victory of that illustrious one, that story of the prowess of Subhadra's son is highly wonderful and almost incredible. I do not, however, regard it as a marvel that is absolutely beyond belief in the case of those that have righteousness for their refuge. After Duryodhana was beaten back and a hundred princes slain, what course was pursued by the warriors of my army against the son of Subhadra?'

"Sanjaya said, 'Their mouths became dry, and eyes restless. Sweat covered their bodies, and their hairs stood on their ends. Despairing of vanquishing their foe, they became ready to leave the field. Abandoning their wounded brothers and sires and sons and friends and relatives by marriage and kinsmen they fled, urging their steeds and elephants to their utmost speed. Beholding them broken and routed, Drona and Drona's son, and Vrihadvala, and Kripa, and Duryodhana, and Karna, and Kritavarman, and Suvala's son (Sakuni), rushed in great wrath against the unvanquished son of Subhadra. Almost all these, O king, were beaten back by thy grandson. Only one warrior then, viz., Lakshmana, brought up in luxury, accomplished in arrows, endued with great energy, and fearless in consequence of inexperience and pride, proceeded against the son of Arjuna. Anxious about his son, his father (Duryodhana) turned back for following him. Other mighty car warriors, turned back for following Duryodhana. All of them then drenched Abhimanyu with showers of arrows, like clouds pouring rain on the mountain-breast. Abhimanyu, however, single-handed, began to crush them like the dry wind that blows in every direction destroying gathering masses of clouds. Like one infuriated elephant encountering another, Arjuna's son then encountered thy invincible grandson, Lakshmana, of great personal beauty, endued with great bravery, staying near his father with outstretched bow, brought up in every luxury, and resembling a second prince of the Yakshas 1. Encountering Lakshmana, that slayer of hostile heroes, viz., the son of Subhadra, had his two arms and chest struck with his sharp shafts. Thy grandson, the mighty-armed Abhimanyu then, filled with rage like a snake struck (with a rod), addressing, O king, thy (other) grandson, said, 'Look well on this world, for thou shalt (soon) have to go to the other. In the very sight of all thy kinsmen, I will despatch thee to Yama's abode.' Saying thus that slayer of hostile heroes, viz., the mighty-armed son of Subhadra, took out a broad-headed arrow that resembled a snake just emerged from its slough. That shaft, sped by Abhimanyu's arms, cut off the beautiful head, decked with ear-rings, of Lakshmana, that was graced with a

beautiful nose, beautiful eye-brows, and exceedingly good-looking curls. Beholding Lakshmana slain, thy troops uttered exclamations of Oh and, Alas. Upon the slaughter of his dear son, Duryodhana became filled with rage. That bull among Kshatriyas then loudly urged the Kshatriyas under him, saying, 'Slay this one!' Then Drona, and Kripa, and Karna, and Drona's son and Vrihadvala, and Kritavarman, the son of Hridika,--these six car-warriors,---encompassed Abhimanyu. Piercing them with sharp arrows and beating them off from him, the son of Arjuna fell with great speed and fury upon the vast forces of Jayadratha. Thereupon, the Kalingas, the Nishadas, and the valiant son of Kratha, all clad in mail, cut off his path by encompassing him with their elephant-division. The battle then that took place between Phalguni's son and those warriors was obstinate and fierce. Then the son of Arjuna began to destroy that elephant-division as the wind coursing in every direction destroys vast masses of gathering clouds in the welkin. Then Kratha covered the son of Arjuna with showers of arrows, while many other car-warriors headed by Drona, having returned to the field, rushed at him, scattering sharp and mighty weapons. Checking all those weapons by means of his own arrows, the son of Arjuna began to afflict the son of Kratha with ceaseless showers of shafts, with great despatch and inspired by the desire of slaying his antagonist. The latter's bow and shafts, and bracelets, and arms, and head decked with diadem, and umbrella, and standard, and charioteer, and steeds, were all cut off and felled by Abhimanyu. When Kratha's son, possessed of nobility of lineage, good behaviour, acquaintance with the scriptures, great strength, fame, and power of arms, was slain, the other heroic combatants almost all turned away from the fight.'" 1

98:1 Literally, "like another son of the Lord of Treasure".

99:1 I confess I do not understand what the meaning is of asiva vachvz Srijatam. The rendering I offer is tentative.

7.46.1

धृतराष्ट्र उवाच
तथा प्रविष्टं तरुणं सौभद्रमपराजितम्
कुलानुरूपं कुर्वाणं संग्रामेष्वपलायिनम्

7.46.2

आजानेयैः सुबलिभिर्युक्तमश्वैस्त्रिहायनैः
प्लवमानमिवाकाशे के शूराः समवारयन्

7.46.3

संजय उवाच
अभिमन्युः प्रविश्यैव तावकान्निशितैः शरैः
अकरोद्विमुखान्सर्वान्पार्थिवान्पाण्डुनन्दनः

7.46.4

तं तु द्रोणः कृपः कर्णो द्रौणिश्च सबृहद्बलः
कृतवर्मा च हार्दिक्यः षड्रथाः पर्यवारयन्

7.46.5

दृष्ट्वा तु सैन्धवे भारमतिमात्रं समाहितम्
सैन्यं तव महाराज युधिष्ठिरमुपाद्रवत्

7.46.6

सौभद्रमितरे वीरमभ्यवर्षञ्शराम्बुभिः
तालमात्राणि चापानि विकर्षन्तो महारथाः

7.46.7

तांस्तु सर्वान्महेष्वासान्सर्वविद्यासु निष्ठितान्
व्यष्टम्भयद्रणे बाणैः सौभद्रः परवीरहा

7.46.8

द्रोणं पञ्चाशता विद्ध्वा विंशत्या च बृहद्बलम्
अशीत्या कृतवर्माणं कृपं षष्ट्या शिलीमुखैः

7.46.9

रुक्मपुङ्खैर्महावेगैराकर्णसमचोदितैः
अविध्यद्दशभिर्बाणैरश्वत्थामानमार्जुनिः

7.46.10

स कर्णं कर्णिना कर्णे पीतेन निशितेन च
फाल्गुनिर्द्विषतां मध्ये विव्याध परमेषुणा

7.46.11

पातयित्वा कृपस्याश्वांस्तथोभौ पार्ष्णिसारथी
अथैनं दशभिर्बाणैः प्रत्यविध्यत्स्तनान्तरे

7.46.12

ततो वृन्दारकं वीरं कुरूणां कीर्तिवर्धनम्
पुत्राणां तव वीराणां पश्यतामवधीद्बली

7.46.13

तं द्रौणिः पञ्चविंशत्या क्षुद्रकाणां समर्पयत्
वरं वरममित्राणामारुजन्तमभीतवत्

7.46.14

स तु बाणैः शितैस्तूर्णं प्रत्यविध्यत मारिष
पश्यतां धार्तराष्ट्राणामश्वत्थामानमार्जुनिः

7.46.15

षष्ट्या शराणां तं द्रौणिस्तिग्मधारैः सुतेजनैः
उग्रैर्नाकम्पयद्विद्ध्वा मैनाकमिव पर्वतम्

7.46.16

स तु द्रौणिं त्रिसप्तत्या हेमपुङ्खैरजिह्मगैः
प्रत्यविध्यन्महातेजा बलवानपकारिणम्

7.46.17

तस्मिन्द्रोणो बाणशतं पुत्रगृद्धी न्यपातयत्
अश्वत्थामा तथाष्टौ च परीप्सन्पितरं रणे

7.46.18

कर्णो द्वाविंशतिं भल्लान्कृतवर्मा चतुर्दश
बृहद्बलस्तु पञ्चाशत्कृपः शारद्वतो दश

7.46.19

तांस्तु प्रत्यवधीत्सर्वान्दशभिर्दशभिः शरैः
तैरर्द्यमानः सौभद्रः सर्वतो निशितैः शरैः

7.46.20

तं कोसलानामधिपः कर्णिनाताडयद्धृदि
स तस्याश्वान्ध्वजं चापं सूतं चापातयत्क्षितौ

7.46.21

अथ कोसलराजस्तु विरथः खड्गचर्मधृत्
इयेष फाल्गुनेः कायाच्छिरो हर्तुं सकुण्डलम्

7.46.22

स कोसलानां भर्तारं राजपुत्रं बृहद्बलम्
हृदि विव्याध बाणेन स भिन्नहृदयोऽपतत्

7.46.23

बभञ्ज च सहस्राणि दश राजन्महात्मनाम्
सृजतामशिवा वाचः खड्गकार्मुकधारिणाम्

7.46.24

तथा बृहद्बलं हत्वा सौभद्रो व्यचरद्रणे
विष्टम्भयन्महेष्वासान्योधांस्तव शराम्बुभिः

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Dhritarashtra said, 'While the youthful and invincible son of Subhadra, never retreating from battle, was, after penetrating into our array, engaged in achieving feats worthy of his lineage, borne by his three-year old steeds of great might and of the best breed, and apparently trotting in the welkin, what heroes of my army encompassed him?'

"Sanjaya said, 'Having penetrated into our array, Abhimanyu of Pandu's race, by means of his sharp shafts, made all the kings turn away from the fight. Then Drona, and Kripa, and Karna, and Drona's son, and Vrihadvala and Kritavarman, the son of Hridika,--these six car-warriors,--encompassed him. As regards the other combatants of thy

army, beholding that Jayadratha had taken upon himself the heavy duty (of keeping off the Pandavas), they supported him, O king, by rushing against Yudhishthira. 1 Many amongst them, endued with great strength, drawing their bows full six cubits long, showered on the heroic son of Subhadra arrowy downpours like torrents of rain. Subhadra's son, however, that slayer of hostile heroes, paralysed by his shafts all those great bowmen, conversant with every branch of learning. And he pierced Drona with fifty arrows and Vrihadvala with twenty. And piercing Kritavarman with eighty shafts, he pierced Kripa with sixty. And the son of Arjuna pierced Aswatthaman with ten arrows equipped with golden wings, endued with great speed and shot from his bow drawn to its fullest stretch. And the son of Phalguni pierced Karna, in the midst of his foes, in one of his cars, with a bright, well-tempered, and bearded arrow of great force. Felling the steeds yoked to Kripa's car, as also both his Parshni charioteers, Abhimanyu pierced Kripa himself in the centre of the chest with ten arrows. The mighty Abhimanyu, then, in the very sight of thy heroic sons, slew the brave Vrindaraka, that enhancer of the fame of the Kurus. While Abhimanyu was thus engaged in fearlessly slaying one after another the foremost warriors among his enemies, Drona's son Aswatthaman pierced him with five and twenty small arrows. The son of Arjuna, however, in the very sight of all the Dhartarashtras quickly pierced Aswatthaman in return, O sire, with many whetted shafts. Drona's son, however, in return, piercing Abhimanyu. with sixty fierce arrows of great impetuosity and keen sharpness, failed to make him tremble, for the latter, pierced by Aswatthaman, stood immovable like the Mainaka mountain. Endued with great energy, the mighty Abhimanyu then pierced his antagonist with three and seventy straight arrows, equipped with wings of gold. Drona then, desirous of rescuing his son, pierced Abhimanyu with a hundred arrows. And Aswatthaman pierced him with sixty arrows, desirous of rescuing his father. And Karna struck him with two and twenty broad-headed arrows and Kritavarman struck him with four and ten. And Vrihadvala pierced him with fifty such shafts, and Saradwata's son, Kripa, with ten. Abhimanyu, however, pierced each of these in return with ten shafts. The ruler of the Kosala struck Abhimanyu, in the chest with a barbed arrow. Abhimanyu, however, quickly felled on the earth his antagonist's steeds and standard and bow and charioteer. The ruler of the Kosalas, then, thus deprived of his car, took up a sword and wished to sever from Abhimanyu's trunk his beautiful head, decked with ear-rings. Abhimanyu then pierced king Vrihadvala, the ruler of the Kosalas, in the chest, with a strong arrow. The latter then, with riven heart, fell down. Beholding this, ten thousand illustrious kings broke and fled. Those kings, armed with swords and bows, fled away, uttering words inimical (to king Duryodhana's Interest). Having slain 2 Vrihadvala

thus, the son of Subhadra careered it battle, paralysing thy warriors,---those great bowmen,--by means of arrowy downpours, thick as rain.'" 1

100:1 I follow the numbering of the Bengal texts. 23 consists of three lines.

100:2 I expand the 5th a little to make the sense clear.

101:1 I expand the 5th a little to make the sense clear.

7.47.1

संजय उवाच
स कर्णं कर्णिना कर्णे पुनर्विव्याध फाल्गुनिः
शरैः पञ्चाशता चैनमविध्यत्कोपयन्भृशम्

7.47.2

प्रतिविव्याध राधेयस्तावद्भिरथ तं पुनः
स तैराचितसर्वाङ्गो बह्वशोभत भारत

7.47.3

कर्णं चाप्यकरोत्क्रुद्धो रुधिरोत्पीडवाहिनम्
कर्णोऽपि विबभौ शूरः शरैश्चित्रोऽसृगाप्लुतः

7.47.4

तावुभौ शरचित्राङ्गौ रुधिरेण समुक्षितौ
बभूवतुर्महात्मानौ पुष्पिताविव किंशुकौ

7.47.5

अथ कर्णस्य सचिवान्षट्शूरांश्चित्रयोधिनः
साश्वसूतध्वजरथान्सौभद्रो निजघान ह

7.47.6

अथेतरान्महेष्वासान्दशभिर्दशभिः शरैः
प्रत्यविध्यदसंभ्रान्तस्तदद्भुतमिवाभवत्

7.47.7

मागधस्य पुनः पुत्रं हत्वा षड्भिरजिह्मगैः
साश्वं ससूतं तरुणमश्वकेतुमपातयत्

7.47.8

मार्तिकावतकं भोजं ततः कुञ्जरकेतनम्
क्षुरप्रेण समुन्मथ्य ननाद विसृजञ्शरान्

7.47.9

तस्य दौःशासनिर्विद्ध्वा चतुर्भिश्चतुरो हयान्
सूतमेकेन विव्याध दशभिश्चार्जुनात्मजम्

7.47.10

ततो दौःशासनिं कार्ष्णिर्विद्ध्वा सप्तभिराशुगैः
संरम्भाद्रक्तनयनो वाक्यमुच्चैरथाब्रवीत्

7.47.11

पिता तवाहवं त्यक्त्वा गतः कापुरुषो यथा
दिष्ट्या त्वमपि जानीषे योद्धुं न त्वद्य मोक्ष्यसे

7.47.12

एतावदुक्त्वा वचनं कर्मारपरिमार्जितम्
नाराचं विससर्जास्मै तं द्रौणिस्त्रिभिराच्छिनत्

7.47.13

तस्यार्जुनिर्ध्वजं छित्त्वा शल्यं त्रिभिरताडयत्
तं शल्यो नवभिर्बाणैर्गार्ध्रपत्रैरताडयत्

7.47.14

तस्यार्जुनिर्ध्वजं छित्त्वा उभौ च पार्ष्णिसारथी
तं विव्याधायसैः षड्भिः सोऽपक्रामद्रथान्तरम्

7.47.15

शत्रुंजयं चन्द्रकेतुं मेघवेगं सुवर्चसम्
सूर्यभासं च पञ्चैतान्हत्वा विव्याध सौबलम्

7.47.16

तं सौबलस्त्रिभिर्विद्ध्वा दुर्योधनमथाब्रवीत्
सर्व एनं प्रमथ्नीमः पुरैकैकं हिनस्ति नः

7.47.17

अथाब्रवीत्तदा द्रोणं कर्णो वैकर्तनो वृषा
पुरा सर्वान्प्रमथ्नाति ब्रूह्यस्य वधमाशु नः

7.47.18

ततो द्रोणो महेष्वासः सर्वांस्तान्प्रत्यभाषत
अस्ति वोऽस्यान्तरं कश्चित्कुमारस्य प्रपश्यति

7.47.19

अन्वस्य पितरं ह्यद्य चरतः सर्वतोदिशम्
शीघ्रतां नरसिंहस्य पाण्डवेयस्य पश्यत

7.47.20

धनुर्मण्डलमेवास्य रथमार्गेषु दृश्यते
संदधानस्य विशिखाञ्शीघ्रं चैव विमुञ्चतः

7.47.21

आरुजन्निव मे प्राणान्मोहयन्नपि सायकैः
प्रहर्षयति मा भूयः सौभद्रः परवीरहा

7.47.22

अति मा नन्दयत्येष सौभद्रो विचरन्रणे
अन्तरं यस्य संरब्धा न पश्यन्ति महारथाः

7.47.23

अस्यतो लघुहस्तस्य दिशः सर्वा महेषुभिः
न विशेषं प्रपश्यामि रणे गाण्डीवधन्वनः

7.47.24

अथ कर्णः पुनर्द्रोणमाहार्जुनिशरार्दितः
स्थातव्यमिति तिष्ठामि पीड्यमानोऽभिमन्युना

7.47.25

तेजस्विनः कुमारस्य शराः परमदारुणाः
क्षिण्वन्ति हृदयं मेऽद्य घोराः पावकतेजसः

7.47.26

तमाचार्योऽब्रवीत्कर्णं शनकैः प्रहसन्निव
अभेद्यमस्य कवचं युवा चाशुपराक्रमः

7.47.27

उपदिष्टा मया अस्य पितुः कवचधारणा
तामेष निखिलां वेत्ति ध्रुवं परपुरंजयः

7.47.28

शक्यं त्वस्य धनुश्छेत्तुं ज्यां च बाणैः समाहितैः
अभीशवो हयाश्चैव तथोभौ पार्ष्णिसारथी

7.47.29

एतत्कुरु महेष्वास राधेय यदि शक्यते
अथैनं विमुखीकृत्य पश्चात्प्रहरणं कुरु

7.47.30

सधनुष्को न शक्योऽयमपि जेतुं सुरासुरैः
विरथं विधनुष्कं च कुरुष्वैनं यदीच्छसि

7.47.31

तदाचार्यवचः श्रुत्वा कर्णो वैकर्तनस्त्वरन्
अस्यतो लघुहस्तस्य पृषत्कैर्धनुराच्छिनत्

7.47.32

अश्वानस्यावधीद्भोजो गौतमः पार्ष्णिसारथी
शेषास्तु छिन्नधन्वानं शरवर्षैरवाकिरन्

7.47.33

त्वरमाणास्त्वराकाले विरथं षण्महारथाः
शरवर्षैरकरुणा बालमेकमवाकिरन्

7.47.34

स छिन्नधन्वा विरथः स्वधर्ममनुपालयन्
खड्गचर्मधरः श्रीमानुत्पपात विहायसम्

7.47.35

मार्गैः स कैशिकाद्यैश्च लाघवेन बलेन च
आर्जुनिर्व्यचरद्व्योम्नि भृशं वै पक्षिराडिव

7.47.36

मय्येव निपतत्येष सासिरित्यूर्ध्वदृष्टयः
विव्यधुस्तं महेष्वासाः समरे छिद्रदर्शिनः

7.47.37

तस्य द्रोणोऽच्छिनन्मुष्टौ खड्गं मणिमयत्सरुम्
राधेयो निशितैर्बाणैर्व्यधमच्चर्म चोत्तमम्

7.47.38

व्यसिचर्मेषुपूर्णाङ्गः सोऽन्तरिक्षात्पुनः क्षितिम्
आस्थितश्चक्रमुद्यम्य द्रोणं क्रुद्धोऽभ्यधावत

7.47.39

स चक्ररेणूज्ज्वलशोभिताङ्गो; बभावतीवोन्नतचक्रपाणिः
रणेऽभिमन्युः क्षणदासुभद्रः; स वासुभद्रानुकृतिं प्रकुर्वन्

7.47.40

स्रुतरुधिरकृतैकरागवक्त्रो; भ्रुकुटिपुटाकुटिलोऽतिसिंहनादः
प्रभुरमितबलो रणेऽभिमन्यु;र्नृपवरमध्यगतो भृशं व्यराजत्

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Phalguni's son once more pierced Karna in the car with a barbed arrow, and for angering him still further, he pierced him with fifty other shafts. The son of Radha pierced Abhimanyu in return with as many shafts. Covered all over with arrows, Abhimanyu, then, O sire, looked exceedingly beautiful. Filled with rage, he caused Karna also to be bathed in blood. Mangled with arrows and covered with blood, the brave Karna also shone greatly. 2 Both of them pierced with arrows, both bathed in blood, those illustrious warriors then resembled a couple of flowering Kinsukas. The son of Subhadra then slew six of Karna's brave counsellors, conversant with all modes of warfare, with their steeds and charioteers and cars. As regards other great bowmen Abhimanyu fearlessly pierced each of them in return, with ten arrows. That feat of his seemed highly wonderful. Slaying next the son of the ruler of the Magadhas, Abhimanyu, with six straight shafts, slew the youthful Aswaketu with his four steeds and charioteer. Then slaying, with a sharp razor-headed arrow, the Bhoja prince of Martikavata, bearing the device of an elephant (on his banner), the son of Arjuna uttered a loud shout and began to scatter his shafts on all sides. Then the son of Duhsasana pierced the four steeds of Abhimanyu with four shafts, his charioteer with one and Abhimanyu himself with ten. The son of Arjuna, then, piercing Duhsasana's son with ten fleet shafts, addressed him in a loud tone and with eyes red in wrath, said, 'Abandoning the battle, thy sire hath fled like a coward. It is well thou knowest how to fight. Thou shalt not, however, escape today with life.' Saying these words unto him, Abhimanyu sped a long arrow, well polished by smith's hand, at his foe. The son of Drona cut that arrow with three shafts of his own. Leaving Aswatthaman alone, Arjuna's son struck Salya, in return, fearlessly pierced him in the chest with highly nine shafts, equipped with vulture's feathers. That feat seemed highly wonderful. The son of Arjuna then cut off Salya's bow and slew both his Parshni charioteers. Abhimanyu then pierced Salya himself with six shafts made wholly of iron. Thereupon, the latter, leaving that steedless car, mounted another. Abhimanyu then slew five warriors., named Satrunjaya, and Chandraketu, and Mahamegba, and

[paragraph continues] Suvarchas, and Suryabhasa. He then pierced Suvala's son. The latter piercing Abhimanyu with three arrows, said unto Duryodhana, 'Let us all together grind this one, else, fighting singly with us he will slay us all. O king, think of the means of slaying this one, taking counsel with Drona and Kripa and others.' The Karna, the son of Vikartana, said unto Drona, 'Abhimanyu grindeth us all. Tell us the means by which we may slay him.' Thus addressed, the mighty bowman, Drona, addressing them all, said, 'Observing him with vigilance, have any of you been able to detect any defeat in this youth? He is careening in all directions. Yet have any of you been able to detect today the least hole in him? Behold the lightness of hand and quickness of motion of this lion among men, this son of Arjuna. In the track of his car, only his bow drawn to a circle can be seen, so quickly is he aiming his shafts and so quickly is he letting them off. Indeed, this slayer of hostile heroes, viz., the son of Subhadra, gratifieth me although he afflicteth my vital breath and stupefieth me with shafts. Even the mightiest car-warriors, filled with wrath, are unable to detect any flaw in him. The son of Subhadra, therefore, careering on the field of battle, gratifieth me greatly. I do not see that in battle there is any difference between the wielder of Gandiva himself and this one of great lightness of hand, filling all the points of the horizon with his mighty shafts.' Hearing these words, Karna, afflicted with the shafts of Arjuna's son, once more said unto Drona, 'Exceedingly afflicted with the shafts of Abhimanyu, I am staying in battle, only because (as a warrior) I should stay here. Indeed, the arrows of this south of great energy are exceedingly fierce. Terrible as they are and possessed of the energy of fire, these arrows are weakening my heart.' The preceptor then, slowly and with a smile, said unto Karna, 'Abhimanyu is young, his prowess is great. His coat of mail is impenetrable. This one's father had been taught by me the method of wearing defensive armour. This subjugator of hostile towns assuredly knoweth the entire science (of wearing armour). With shafts well shot, you can, however, cut off his bow, bow-string, the reins of his steeds, the steeds themselves, and two Parshni charioteers. O mighty bowman, O son of Radha, if competent, do this. Making him turn back from the fight (by this means), strike him then. With his bow in hand he is incapable of being vanquished by the very gods and the Asuras together. If you wish, deprive him of his car, and divest him of his bow.'. Hearing these words of the preceptor, Vikartana's son Karna quickly cut off, by means of his shafts, the bow of Abhimanyu, as the latter was shooting with great activity. He, of Bhoja's race (viz., Kritavarman) then slew his steeds, and Kripa slew his two Parshni charioteers. The others covered him with showers of arrows after he had been divested of his bow. Those six great car-warriors, with great speed, when speed was so necessary, ruthlessly covered that carless youth, fighting single-handed with them, with showers of arrows. Bowless and carless, with an eye, however, to his duty (as a warrior), handsome Abhimanyu, taking up a sword and a shield, jumped into the sky. Displaying great strength and great activity,

and describing the tracks called Kausika and others, the son of Arjuna fiercely coursed through the sky, like the prince of winged creatures (viz., Garuda.). 'He may fall upon me sword in hand,' with such thoughts, those mighty bowmen, were on the lookout for the laches of Abhimanyu, and began to pierce him in that battle, with their gaze turned upwards. Then Drona of mighty energy, that conqueror of foes with a sharp arrow quickly cut off the hilt, decked with gems, of Abhimanyu's sword. Radha's son Karna, with sharp shafts, cut off his excellent shield. Deprived of his sword and shield thus, he came down, with sound limbs, from the welkin upon the earth. Then taking up a car-wheel, he rushed in wrath against Drona. His body bright with the dust of car-wheels, and himself holding the car-wheel in his upraised arms, Abhimanyu looked exceedingly beautiful, and imitating Vasudeva (with his discus), became awfully fierce for a while in that battle. His robes dyed with the blood flowing (from his wounds), his brow formidable with the wrinkles visible thereon, himself uttering loud leonine roars, lord Abhimanyu of immeasurable might, staying in the midst of those kings, looked exceedingly resplendent on the field of battle.'"

101:2 In the first fine of 3, the correct reading is Karnanchapy akarot kradha, etc., the reading in the Bengal text is vicious and unmeaning.

7.48.1

संजय उवाच
विष्णोः स्वसानन्दिकरः स विष्ण्वायुधभूषितः
रराजातिरथः संख्ये जनार्दन इवापरः

7.48.2

मारुतोद्धूतकेशान्तमुद्यतारिवरायुधम्
वपुः समीक्ष्य पृथ्वीशा दुःसमीक्ष्यं सुरैरपि

7.48.3

तच्चक्रं भृशमुद्विग्नाः संचिच्छिदुरनेकधा
महारथस्ततः कार्ष्णिः संजग्राह महागदाम्

7.48.4

विधनुःस्यन्दनासिस्तैर्विचक्रश्चारिभिः कृतः
अभिमन्युर्गदापाणिरश्वत्थामानमाद्रवत्

7.48.5

स गदामुद्यतां दृष्ट्वा ज्वलन्तीमशनीमिव
अपाक्रामद्रथोपस्थाद्विक्रमांस्त्रीन्नरर्षभः

7.48.6

तस्याश्वान्गदया हत्वा तथोभौ पार्ष्णिसारथी
शराचिताङ्गः सौभद्रः श्वाविद्वत्प्रत्यदृश्यत

7.48.7

ततः सुबलदायादं कालकेयमपोथयत्
जघान चास्यानुचरान्गान्धारान्सप्तसप्ततिम्

7.48.8

पुनर्ब्रह्मवसातीयाञ्जघान रथिनो दश
केकयानां रथान्सप्त हत्वा च दश कुञ्जरान्
दौःशासनिरथं साश्वं गदया समपोथयत्

7.48.9

ततो दौःशासनिः क्रुद्धो गदामुद्यम्य मारिष
अभिदुद्राव सौभद्रं तिष्ठ तिष्ठेति चाब्रवीत्

7.48.10

तावुद्यतगदौ वीरावन्योन्यवधकाङ्क्षिणौ
भ्रातृव्यौ संप्रजह्राते पुरेव त्र्यम्बकान्तकौ

7.48.11

तावन्योन्यं गदाग्राभ्यां संहत्य पतितौ क्षितौ
इन्द्रध्वजाविवोत्सृष्टौ रणमध्ये परंतपौ

7.48.12

दौःशासनिरथोत्थाय कुरूणां कीर्तिवर्धनः
प्रोत्तिष्ठमानं सौभद्रं गदया मूर्ध्न्यताडयत्

7.48.13

गदावेगेन महता व्यायामेन च मोहितः
विचेता न्यपतद्भूमौ सौभद्रः परवीरहा
एवं विनिहतो राजन्नेको बहुभिराहवे

7.48.14

क्षोभयित्वा चमूं सर्वां नलिनीमिव कुञ्जरः
अशोभत हतो वीरो व्याधैर्वनगजो यथा

7.48.15

तं तथा पतितं शूरं तावकाः पर्यवारयन्
दावं दग्ध्वा यथा शान्तं पावकं शिशिरात्यये

7.48.16

विमृद्य तरुशृङ्गाणि संनिवृत्तमिवानिलम्
अस्तं गतमिवादित्यं तप्त्वा भारतवाहिनीम्

7.48.17

उपप्लुतं यथा सोमं संशुष्कमिव सागरम्
पूर्णचन्द्राभवदनं काकपक्षवृताक्षकम्

7.48.18

तं भूमौ पतितं दृष्ट्वा तावकास्ते महारथाः
मुदा परमया युक्ताश्चुक्रुशुः सिंहवन्मुहुः

7.48.19

आसीत्परमको हर्षस्तावकानां विशां पते
इतरेषां तु वीराणां नेत्रेभ्यः प्रापतज्जलम्

7.48.20

अभिक्रोशन्ति भूतानि अन्तरिक्षे विशां पते
दृष्ट्वा निपतितं वीरं च्युतं चन्द्रमिवाम्बरात्

7.48.21

द्रोणकर्णमुखैः षड्भिर्धार्तराष्ट्रैर्महारथैः
एकोऽयं निहतः शेते नैष धर्मो मतो हि नः

7.48.22

तस्मिंस्तु निहते वीरे बह्वशोभत मेदिनी
द्यौर्यथा पूर्णचन्द्रेण नक्षत्रगणमालिनी

7.48.23

रुक्मपुङ्खैश्च संपूर्णा रुधिरौघपरिप्लुता
उत्तमाङ्गैश्च वीराणां भ्राजमानैः सकुण्डलैः

7.48.24

विचित्रैश्च परिस्तोमैः पताकाभिश्च संवृता
चामरैश्च कुथाभिश्च प्रविद्धैश्चाम्बरोत्तमैः

7.48.25

रथाश्वनरनागानामलंकारैश्च सुप्रभैः
खड्गैश्च निशितैः पीतैर्निर्मुक्तैर्भुजगैरिव

7.48.26

चापैश्च विशिखैश्छिन्नैः शक्त्यृष्टिप्रासकम्पनैः
विविधैरायुधैश्चान्यैः संवृता भूरशोभत

7.48.27

वाजिभिश्चापि निर्जीवैः स्वपद्भिः शोणितोक्षितैः
सारोहैर्विषमा भूमिः सौभद्रेण निपातितैः

7.48.28

साङ्कुशैः समहामात्रैः सवर्मायुधकेतुभिः
पर्वतैरिव विध्वस्तैर्विशिखोन्मथितैर्गजैः

7.48.29

पृथिव्यामनुकीर्णैश्च व्यश्वसारथियोधिभिः
ह्रदैरिव प्रक्षुभितैर्हतनागै रथोत्तमैः

7.48.30

पदातिसंघैश्च हतैर्विविधायुधभूषणैः
भीरूणां त्रासजननी घोररूपाभवन्मही

7.48.31

तं दृष्ट्वा पतितं भूमौ चन्द्रार्कसदृशद्युतिम्
तावकानां परा प्रीतिः पाण्डूनां चाभवद्व्यथा

7.48.32

अभिमन्यौ हते राजञ्शिशुकेऽप्राप्तयौवने
संप्राद्रवच्चमूः सर्वा धर्मराजस्य पश्यतः

7.48.33

दीर्यमाणं बलं दृष्ट्वा सौभद्रे विनिपातिते
अजातशत्रुः स्वान्वीरानिदं वचनमब्रवीत्

7.48.34

स्वर्गमेष गतः शूरो यो हतो नपराङ्मुखः
संस्तम्भयत मा भैष्ट विजेष्यामो रणे रिपून्

7.48.35

इत्येवं स महातेजा दुःखितेभ्यो महाद्युतिः
धर्मराजो युधां श्रेष्ठो ब्रुवन्दुःखमपानुदत्

7.48.36

युद्धे ह्याशीविषाकारान्राजपुत्रान्रणे बहून्
पूर्वं निहत्य संग्रामे पश्चादार्जुनिरन्वगात्

7.48.37

हत्वा दशसहस्राणि कौसल्यं च महारथम्
कृष्णार्जुनसमः कार्ष्णिः शक्रसद्म गतो ध्रुवम्

7.48.38

रथाश्वनरमातङ्गान्विनिहत्य सहस्रशः
अवितृप्तः स संग्रामादशोच्यः पुण्यकर्मकृत्

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'That joy of Vishnu's sister (viz., Abhimanyu), that Atiratha, decked with the weapons of Vishnu himself, looked exceedingly beautiful on the field of battle and looked like a second Janardana. With the end of his locks waving in the air, with that supreme weapon upraised in his hands, his body became incapable of being looked at by the very gods. The kings beholding it and the wheel in his hands, became filled with anxiety, and cut that off in a hundred fragments. Then that great car-warrior, the son of Arjuna, took up a mighty mace. Deprived by them of his bow and car and sword, and divested also of his wheel by his foes, the mighty-armed Abhimanyu (mace in hand) rushed against Aswatthaman. Beholding that mace upraised, which looked like the blazing thunderbolt, Aswatthaman, that tiger among men, rapidly alighted from his car and took three (long) leaps (for avoiding Abhimanyu). Slaying Aswatthaman's steeds and two Parshni charioteers with that mace of his, Subhadra's son, pierced all over with arrows, looked like a porcupine. Then that hero pressed Suvala's son, Kalikeya, down into the earth, and stew seven and seventy Gandhara followers of the latter. Next, he slew ten car-warriors of the Brahma-Vasatiya race, and then ten huge elephants. Proceeding next towards the car of Duhsasana's son, he crushed the latter's car and steeds, pressing them down into the earth. The invincible son of Duhsasan, then, O sire, taking up his mace, rushed at Abhimanyu. saying, 'Wait, Wait!' Then those cousins, those two heroes, with upraised maces, began to strike

each other, desirous of achieving each other's death, like three-eyed (Mahadeva) and (the Asura) Andhaka in the days of old. I ach of those chastisers of foes, struck with the other's mace-ends fell down on the earth, like two uprooted standards erected to the honour of Indra. Then Duhsasana's son, that enhancer of the fame of the Kurus, rising up first, struck Abhimanyu with the mace on the crown of his head, as the latter, was on the point of rising. Stupefied with the violence of that stroke as also with the fatigue he had undergone, that slayer of hostile hosts, viz., the son of Subhadra, fell on the earth, deprived of his senses. Thus, O king, was one slain by many in battle,--one who had ground the whole army, like an elephant grinding lotus-stalks in a lake. As he lay dead on the field, the heroic Abhimanyu looked like a wild elephant slain by the hunters, The fallen hero was then surrounded by thy troops. And he looked like an extinguished fire in the summer season after (as it lies) having consumed a whole forest, or like a tempest divested of its fury after having crushed mountain crests; 1 or like the sun arrived at the western hills after having blasted with his heat the Bharata host; or like Soma swallowed up by Rahu; or like the ocean reft of water. The mighty car-warriors of thy army beholding Abhimanyu whose face had the splendour of the full moon, and whose eyes were rendered beautiful in consequence of lashes black as the feathers of the raven, lying prostrate on the bare earth, were filled with great joy. And they repeatedly uttered leonine shouts. Indeed, O monarch, thy troops were in transports of joy, while tears fell fast from the eyes of the Pandava heroes. Beholding the heroic Abhimanyu lying on the field of battle, like the moon dropped from the firmament, diverse creatures, O king, in the welkin, said aloud, 'Alas, this one lieth on the field, slain, while fighting singly, by six mighty car-warriors of the Dhartarashtra army, headed by Drona and Karna. This act hath been, we hold, an unrighteous one.' Upon the slaughter of that hero, the earth looked exceedingly resplendent like the star-bespangled firmament with the moon. Indeed, the earth was strewn with shafts equipped with wings of gold, and covered with waves of blood. And strewn with the beautiful heads of heroes, decked with ear-rings and variegated turbans of great value, and banner and yak-tails and beautiful blankets, and begemmed weapons of great efficacy, and the bright ornaments of cars and steeds, and men and elephants, and sharp and well-tempered swords, looking like snakes freed from their sloughs, and bows, and broken shafts, and darts, and swords, and lances, and Kampanas, and diverse other kinds of weapons, she assumed a beautiful aspect. And in consequence of the steeds dead or dying, but all weltering in blood, with their riders (lying about them), felled by Subhadra's son, the earth in many places became impassable. And with iron hooks, and elephants--huge as hills--equipped with shields and weapons and standards, lying about, crushed with shafts, with excellent cars deprived of steeds and charioteers and car-warriors, lying scattered on

the earth, crushed by elephants and looking like agitated lakes, with large bodies of foot-soldiers decked with diverse weapons and lying dead on the ground, the field of battle, wearing a terrible aspect, inspired all timid hearts with terror.

"Beholding Abhimanyu, resplendent as the sun or the moon, lying on the ground, thy troops were in transport of joy, while Pandavas were filled with grief. When youthful Abhimanyu, yet in his minority, fell, the Pandava divisions, O king, fled away in the very sight of king Yudhishthira. Beholding his army breaking upon the fall of Subhadra's son, Yudhishthira addressed his brave warriors, slaying, 'The heroic Abhimanyu, who without retreating from battle hath been slain, hath certainly ascended to heaven. Stay then, and fear not, for we shall yet vanquish our foes.' Endued with great energy and great splendour, king Yudhishthira the just, that foremost of warriors, saying such words unto his soldiers inspired with grief, endeavoured to dispel their stupor. The king continued, 'Having in the first instance, slain in battle hostile princes, resembling snakes of virulent poison, the son of Arjuna hath then given up his life. Having slain ten thousand warriors, viz., the king of the Kosalas, Abhimanyu, who was even like Krishna or Arjuna himself, hath assuredly gone to the abode of Indra. Having destroyed cars and steeds and men and elephants by thousands, he was still not content with what he did. Performing as he did such meritorious feats, we should not certainly grieve for him, he hath gone to the bright regions of the righteous, regions that men acquire by meritorious deeds.'"

104:1 Bengal text read Taru-tringani i.e., tree-tops.