13. Book 07 · Droṇa Parva — The Book of Droṇa (part 2 of 3)

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Narada said, 'Vena's son, king Prithu, O Srinjaya, we hear, fell a prey to death, In the Rajasuya sacrifice he performed, the great Rishis installed

him as Emperor (of the world). He vanquished all, and his achievements, became known (all over the world). For this he came to be called Prithu (the celebrated). And because he protected all people from wounds and injuries, for this he became a true Kshatriya. 1 Beholding Vena's son, Prithu, all his subjects said, We are highly pleased with him. In consequence of this affection that he enjoyed of his subjects he came to be called a Raja. 2 During the time of Prithu, the earth, without being cultivated, yielded crops in sufficiency. All the kine, again, yielded milk whenever they were touched. Every lotus was full of honey. The Kusa blades were all of gold, agreeable to the touch, and otherwise delightful. And the subjects of Prithu made clothes of these blades and the beds also on which they lay. All the fruits were soft and sweet and like unto Amrita (in taste). And these constituted the food of his subjects, none amongst whom had ever to starve. And all men in Prithu's time were hale and hearty. And all their wishes were crowned with fruition. They had nothing to fear. On trees, or in caves, they dwelt as they liked. His dominions were not distributed into provinces and towns. The people lived happily and in joy as each desired. When king Prithu went to the sea, the waves became solid. The very mountains used to yield him openings that he might pass through them. The standard of his car never broke (obstructed by anything). Once on a time, the tall trees of the forest, the mountains, the gods, the Asuras, men, the snakes, the seven Rishis, the Apsaras, and the Pitris, all came to Prithu, seated at his ease, and addressing him, said, 'Thou art our Emperor. Thou art our king. Thou art our protector and Father. Thou art our Lord. Therefore, O great king, give us boons after our own hearts, through which we may, for ever, obtain gratification and joy.' Unto them Prithu, the son of Vena, said, So be it. Then taking up his Ajagava bow 3 and some terrible arrows the like of which existed not, he reflected for a moment. He then addressed the Earth, saying, 'Coming quickly, O Earth! Yield to these the milk they desire. From that, blessed be thou, I will give them the food they solicit.' Thus addressed by him, the Earth said, 'It behoveth thee, O hero, to regard me as thy daughter.' Prithu answered, So be it!--And then that great ascetic, his passions under control, made all arrangements (for milking the Earth. Then the entire assemblage of creatures began to milk the Earth). And first of all, the tall trees of the forest rose for milking her, The Earth then, full of affection, stood there desiring a calf, a milker, and vessels (wherein to hold the milk). Then the blossoming Sala became the calf, the Banian became the milker, torn buds became the milk, and the auspicious fig tree became the vessel. (Next, the mountains milked her). The Eastern hill, whereon the Sun rises, became the calf; the prince of mountains, viz., Meru, became the milker; the diverse gems and deciduous herbs became the milk; and the

stones became the vessels (for holding that milk). Next, one of the gods became the milker, and all things capable of bestowing energy and strength became the coveted milk. The Asuras then milked the Earth, having wine for their milk, and using an unbaked pot for their vessel. In that act, Dwimurddhan became the milker, and Virochana, the calf. The human beings milked the Earth for cultivation and crops. The self-created Manu became their calf, and Prithu himself the milker. Next, the Snakes milked the Earth, getting poison as the milk, and using a vessel made of a gourd, Dhritarashtra became the milker, and Takshaka the calf. The seven Rishis, capable of producing everything by their fiat, 1 then milked the Earth, getting the Vedas as their milk. Vrihaspati became the milker, the Chhandas were the vessel, and the excellent Soma, the calf. The Yakshas, milking the Earth, got the power of disappearance at will as the milk in an unbaked pot. Vaisravana (Kuvera) became their milker, and Vrishadhvaja their calf. The Gandharvas and the Apsaras milked all fragrant perfumes in a vessel made of a lotus-leaf. Chitraratha became their calf, and the puissant Viswaruchi their milker. The Pitris milked the Earth, getting Swaha as their milk in a vessel of silver. Yama, the son of Vivaswat, became their calf, and (the Destroyer Antaka) their milker. Even thus was the Earth milked by that assemblage of creatures who all got for milk what they each desired. The very calves and vessels employed by them are existing to this day and may always be seen. The powerful Prithu, the son of Vena, performing various sacrifices, gratified all creatures in respect of all their desires by gifts of articles agreeable to their hearts. And he caused golden images to be made of every article on earth, and bestowed them all on the Brahmanas as his great Horse-sacrifice, 2 The king caused six and sixty thousand elephants to be made of gold, and all those he gave away unto the Brahmanas. And this whole earth also the king caused to be decked with jewels and gems and gold, and gave her away unto the Brahmanas. When he died, O Srinjaya, who was superior to thee as regards the four cardinal virtues and who, superior to thee, was, therefore, much superior to thy son thou shouldst not, saying 'Oh, Swaitya, Oh, Swaitya,' grieve for the latter who performed no sacrifice and made no sacrificial present.'"

132:1 Literally, a Kshatriya is one that rescues another from wounds and injuries.

132:2 A raja is one who enjoys the affection of his people, and with whom they are delighted.

132:3 The bow of Siva, otherwise called Pinaka.

133:1 Aklishtakarman, literally, one who is never fatigued with work; hence one capable of obtaining the results of action by a mere fiat of the will. It may also mean, of unspotted acts.

133:2 Parthivas, i.e., relating to the earth.

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Narada said, 'Even the great ascetic Rama, the hero worshipped by all heroes, that son of Jamadagni, of great fame, will die, without being

contented (with the period of his life). Rooting out all evils from the earth, he caused the primeval Yuga to set in. Having obtained unrivalled prosperity, no fault could be seen in him. 1 His father having been slain and his calf having been stolen by the Kshatriyas, he without any boast, slew Kartavirya who had never been vanquished before by foes. With his bow he slew four and sixty times ten thousand Kshatriyas already within the jaws of death. In that slaughter were included fourteen thousand Brahmana-hating Kshatriyas of the Dantakura country, all of whom he slew. Of the Haihayas, he slew a thousand with his short club, a thousand with his sword, and a thousand by hanging. 2 Heroic warriors, with their cars, steeds, and elephants, lay dead on the field, slain by the wise son of Jamadagni, enraged at the slaughter of his father. And Rama, on that occasion, slew ten thousand Kshatriyas with his axe. He could not quietly bear the furious speeches uttered by those (foes of his). And when many foremost of Brahmans uttered exclamations, mentioning the name of Rama of Bhrigu's race, 3 then the valiant son of Jamadagni, proceeding against the Kashmiras, the Daradas, the Kuntis, the Kshudrakas, the Malavas, the Angas, the Vangas, the Kalingas, the Videhas, the Tamraliptakas, the Rakshovahas, the Vitahotras, the Trigartas, the Martikavatas, counting by thousand, slew them all by means of his whetted shafts. Proceeding from province to province, fie thus slew thousands of crores of Kshatriyas. Creating a deluge of blood and filling many lakes also with blood as red as Indrajopakas or the wild fruit called Vandujiva, and bringing all the eighteen islands (of which the earth is composed) under his subjection, that son of Bhrigu's race performed a hundred sacrifices of great merit, all of which he completed and in all of which the presents he made unto the Brahmanas were profuse. The sacrificial altar, eighteen nalas high made entirely of gold, and constructed according to the ordinance, full of diverse kinds of jewels and gems, and decked with hundreds of standards, and this earth abounding in domestic and wild animals, were accepted by Kasyapa as sacrificial present made unto him by Rama, the son of Jamadagni. And Rama also gave him many thousand prodigious elephants, all adorned with gold. Indeed, freeing the earth from all robbers, and making her teem with honest and graceful inhabitants, Rama gave her away to Kasyapa at his great Horse-sacrifice. Having divested the earth of Kshatriyas for one and twenty times, and having performed hundreds of sacrifices, the puissant hero gave away the earth to the Brahmanas. And it was Marichi (Kasyapa) who accepted from him the earth with her seven islands. Then Kasyapa said unto Rama, 'Go out of the earth, at my command.' At the word of Kasyapa, the foremost of warriors, desirous of obeying the Brahmana's behest, caused by his arrows the

very ocean to stand aside, and repairing to that best of mountains called Mahendra, continued to live there. Even that enhancer of the fame of the Bhrigus, possessed of such numberless virtues, that famous son of Jamadagni, of great splendour, will die. Superior to thy son, (even he will die). Do not, therefore, grieve for thy son who performed no sacrifice and made no sacrificial present. All these, superior to thee as regards the four cardinal virtues and as regards also a hundred other merits, all these foremost of men, have died, O Srinjaya, and they that are like them will also die.'"

134:1 The first line of the verse, I think, has been correctly explained by Nilakantha. The paraphrase is ya imam bhumim sukham kurvan adyam i.e. adyam yugam anuparyeti sma.

134:2 The Bombay text adds some verses here which do not occur in the Bengal texts.

134:3 K. P. Sinha makes a ludicrous blunder in reading this line.

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Vyasa said, 'Hearing this sacred history of sixteen kings, capable of enhancing the period of life (of the listener), king Srinjaya remained silent without saying anything. The illustrious Rishi Narada then said unto him thus sitting silent, 'O thou of great splendour, hast thou heard those histories recited by me, and hast thou caught their purport? Or, are all these lost like Sraddha as performed by a person of regenerate classes having a Sudra wife?' Thus addressed, Srinjaya then replied with joined hands, 'O thou that hast wealth of asceticism, having listened to these excellent and praiseworthy histories of ancient royal sages, all of whom had performed great sacrifices with profuse presents unto the Brahmanas, my grief hath all been dispelled by wonder, like the darkness that is dispelled by the rays of the sun. I have now been cleansed of my sins, and I do not feel any pain now. Tell me, what shall I do now?'

"Narada said, 'By good luck it is that thy grief hath been dispelled. Solicit thou the boon that thou desirest. Thou wilt obtain all thou mayst ask. We never say what is not true.'

"Srinjaya said, 'I am happy with even this, viz., that thou, O holy one, art gratified with me. He with whom thou, O holy one, art gratified, hath nothing unobtainable here.'

"Narada said, 'I will once more give thee thy son who was fruitlessly slain by the robbers, like an animal, slaughtered in sacrifice, taking him out of terrible hell.'

"Vyasa said, 'Then the son of Srinjaya, of wonderful splendour, appeared, that child resembling the son of Kuvera himself, bestowed by the gratified Rishi (on the bereaved father). And king Srinjaya, once more meeting with his son, became highly delighted. And he performed many meritorious sacrifices, giving away profuse sacrificial presents upon completion. Srinjaya's son had not fulfilled the purposes of his being. He had performed no sacrifice and had no children. Destitute of bravery, he

had perished miserably and not in battle. It was for this reason that he could be brought back into life. 1 As regards Abhimanyu, he was brave and heroic. He hath fulfilled the purposes of life, for the brave son of Subhadra, having blasted his foes by thousands, hath left the world, falling in the field of battle. Those inaccessible regions that are attainable by Brahmacharya, by knowledge, by acquaintance with the scriptures, by foremost of sacrifices, even, these have been obtained by thy son. Men of knowledge always desire heaven by their righteous deeds. They that are living in heaven never prefer this world to heaven. Therefore, it is not easy for any desirable thing that might have been unattained by him to bring back into the world Arjuna's son slain in battle and now residing in heaven. Thy son has attained to that eternal goal which is attained by yogins with eyes shut in contemplation or by performers of great sacrifices, or people possessed of great ascetic merit. After death, attaining a new body that hero is shining like a king in his own immortal rays. Indeed, Abhimanyu has once more got his own body of lunar essence that is desirable by all regenerate persons. He deserveth not thy grief. 2 Knowing this, be quiet, and slay thy foes. Let fortitude be thine. O sinless one, it is the living that stand in need of our grief, and not they that have attained to heaven. His sins increase, O king, for whom, the living grieve. Therefore, he that is wise, abandoning grief, should strive for (the) benefit (of the dead). The living man should think of the joy, the glory, and the happiness (of the dead). Knowing this, the wise never indulge in grief, for grief is painful. Know this to be true. Rise up! Strive (to achieve thy purpose). Do not grieve. Thou hast heard of the origin of Death, and her unexampled penances, as also the impartiality of her behaviour towards all creatures. Thou hast heard that prosperity is unstable. Thou hast heard how the dead son of Srinjaya was revived. O learned king, do not grieve. Peace be to thee, I go!'--Having said this, the holy Vyasa disappeared then and there. Upon the departure of that master of speech, that foremost of intelligent persons, viz., the holy Vyasa, whose colour was like that of the clouded sky, Yudhishthira, having derived consolation in consequence of what he had heard about the sacrificial merit and prosperity of these great monarchs of olden times, possessed of energy equal to that of the great Indra himself and all of whom had acquired wealth by righteous means, mentally applauded those illustrious persons and became freed from grief. Once more, however, with a melancholy heart he asked himself, saying, 'What shall we say unto Dhananjaya?'"

136:1 Sannahikas, i.e., clad in mail.

136:2 The Bengal reading Dwijaidhitam is certainly better than the Bombay reading Dwijochitam although Nilakantha explains uchitam as abhimatam.

7.50.1

संजय उवाच
तस्मिन्नहनि निर्वृत्ते घोरे प्राणभृतां क्षये
आदित्येऽस्तंगते श्रीमान्संध्याकाल उपस्थिते

7.50.2

व्यपयातेषु सैन्येषु वासाय भरतर्षभ
हत्वा संशप्तकव्रातान्दिव्यैरस्त्रैः कपिध्वजः

7.50.3

प्रायात्स्वशिबिरं जिष्णुर्जैत्रमास्थाय तं रथम्
गच्छन्नेव च गोविन्दं सन्नकण्ठोऽभ्यभाषत

7.50.4

किं नु मे हृदयं त्रस्तं वाक्यं सज्जति केशव
स्पन्दन्ति चाप्यनिष्टानि गात्रं सीदति चाच्युत

7.50.5

अनिष्टं चैव मे श्लिष्टं हृदयान्नापसर्पति
भुवि यद्दिक्षु चाप्युग्रा उत्पातास्त्रासयन्ति माम्

7.50.6

बहुप्रकारा दृश्यन्ते सर्व एवाघशंसिनः
अपि स्वस्ति भवेद्राज्ञः सामात्यस्य गुरोर्मम

7.50.7

वासुदेव उवाच
व्यक्तं शिवं तव भ्रातुः सामात्यस्य भविष्यति
मा शुचः किंचिदेवान्यत्तत्रानिष्टं भविष्यति

7.50.8

संजय उवाच
ततः संध्यामुपास्यैव वीरौ वीरावसादने
कथयन्तौ रणे वृत्तं प्रयातौ रथमास्थितौ

7.50.9

ततः स्वशिबिरं प्राप्तौ हतानन्दं हतत्विषम्
वासुदेवोऽर्जुनश्चैव कृत्वा कर्म सुदुष्करम्

7.50.10

ध्वस्ताकारं समालक्ष्य शिबिरं परवीरहा
बीभत्सुरब्रवीत्कृष्णमस्वस्थहृदयस्ततः

7.50.11

नाद्य नन्दन्ति तूर्याणि मङ्गल्यानि जनार्दन
मिश्रा दुन्दुभिनिर्घोषैः शङ्खाश्चाडम्बरैः सह
वीणा वा नाद्य वाद्यन्ते शम्यातालस्वनैः सह

7.50.12

मङ्गल्यानि च गीतानि न गायन्ति पठन्ति च
स्तुतियुक्तानि रम्याणि ममानीकेषु बन्दिनः

7.50.13

योधाश्चापि हि मां दृष्ट्वा निवर्तन्ते ह्यधोमुखाः
कर्माणि च यथापूर्वं कृत्वा नाभिवदन्ति माम्

7.50.14

अपि स्वस्ति भवेदद्य भ्रातृभ्यो मम माधव
न हि शुध्यति मे भावो दृष्ट्वा स्वजनमाकुलम्

7.50.15

अपि पाञ्चालराजस्य विराटस्य च मानद
सर्वेषां चैव योधानां सामग्र्यं स्यान्ममाच्युत

7.50.16

न च मामद्य सौभद्रः प्रहृष्टो भ्रातृभिः सह
रणादायान्तमुचितं प्रत्युद्याति हसन्निव

7.50.17

एवं संकथयन्तौ तौ प्रविष्टौ शिबिरं स्वकम्
ददृशाते भृशास्वस्थान्पाण्डवान्नष्टचेतसः

7.50.18

दृष्ट्वा भ्रातॄंश्च पुत्रांश्च विमना वानरध्वजः
अपश्यंश्चैव सौभद्रमिदं वचनमब्रवीत्

7.50.19

मुखवर्णोऽप्रसन्नो वः सर्वेषामेव लक्ष्यते
न चाभिमन्युं पश्यामि न च मां प्रतिनन्दथ

7.50.20

मया श्रुतश्च द्रोणेन चक्रव्यूहो विनिर्मितः
न च वस्तस्य भेत्तास्ति ऋते सौभद्रमाहवे

7.50.21

न चोपदिष्टस्तस्यासीन्मयानीकविनिर्गमः
कच्चिन्न बालो युष्माभिः परानीकं प्रवेशितः

7.50.22

भित्त्वानीकं महेष्वासः परेषां बहुशो युधि
कच्चिन्न निहतः शेते सौभद्रः परवीरहा

7.50.23

लोहिताक्षं महाबाहुं जातं सिंहमिवाद्रिषु
उपेन्द्रसदृशं ब्रूत कथमायोधने हतः

7.50.24

सुकुमारं महेष्वासं वासवस्यात्मजात्मजम्
सदा मम प्रियं ब्रूत कथमायोधने हतः

7.50.25

वार्ष्णेयीदयितं शूरं मया सततलालितम्
अम्बायाश्च प्रियं नित्यं कोऽवधीत्कालचोदितः

7.50.26

सदृशो वृष्णिसिंहस्य केशवस्य महात्मनः
विक्रमश्रुतमाहात्म्यैः कथमायोधने हतः

7.50.27

सुभद्रायाः प्रियं नित्यं द्रौपद्याः केशवस्य च
यदि पुत्रं न पश्यामि यास्यामि यमसादनम्

7.50.28

मृदुकुञ्चितकेशान्तं बालं बालमृगेक्षणम्
मत्तद्विरदविक्रान्तं शालपोतमिवोद्गतम्

7.50.29

स्मिताभिभाषिणं दान्तं गुरुवाक्यकरं सदा
बाल्येऽप्यबालकर्माणं प्रियवाक्यममत्सरम्

7.50.30

महोत्साहं महाबाहुं दीर्घराजीवलोचनम्
भक्तानुकम्पिनं दान्तं न च नीचानुसारिणम्

7.50.31

कृतज्ञं ज्ञानसंपन्नं कृतास्त्रमनिवर्तिनम्
युद्धाभिनन्दिनं नित्यं द्विषतामघवर्धनम्

7.50.32

स्वेषां प्रियहिते युक्तं पितॄणां जयगृद्धिनम्
न च पूर्वप्रहर्तारं संग्रामे नष्टसंभ्रमम्
यदि पुत्रं न पश्यामि यास्यामि यमसादनम्

7.50.33

सुललाटं सुकेशान्तं सुभ्र्वक्षिदशनच्छदम्
अपश्यतस्तद्वदनं का शान्तिर्हृदयस्य मे

7.50.34

तन्त्रीस्वनसुखं रम्यं पुंस्कोकिलसमध्वनिम्
अशृण्वतः स्वनं तस्य का शान्तिर्हृदयस्य मे

7.50.35

रूपं चाप्रतिरूपं तत्त्रिदशेष्वपि दुर्लभम्
अपश्यतोऽद्य वीरस्य का शान्तिर्हृदयस्य मे

7.50.36

अभिवादनदक्षं तं पितॄणां वचने रतम्
नाद्याहं यदि पश्यामि का शान्तिर्हृदयस्य मे

7.50.37

सुकुमारः सदा वीरो महार्हशयनोचितः
भूमावनाथवच्छेते नूनं नाथवतां वरः

7.50.38

शयानं समुपासन्ति यं पुरा परमस्त्रियः
तमद्य विप्रविद्धाङ्गमुपासन्त्यशिवाः शिवाः

7.50.39

यः पुरा बोध्यते सुप्तः सूतमागधबन्दिभिः
बोधयन्त्यद्य तं नूनं श्वापदा विकृतैः स्वरैः

7.50.40

छत्रच्छायासमुचितं तस्य तद्वदनं शुभम्
नूनमद्य रजोध्वस्तं रणे रेणुः करिष्यति

7.50.41

हा पुत्रकावितृप्तस्य सततं पुत्रदर्शने
भाग्यहीनस्य कालेन यथा मे नीयसे बलात्

7.50.42

साद्य संयमनी नूनं सदा सुकृतिनां गतिः
स्वभाभिर्भासिता रम्या त्वयात्यर्थं विराजते

7.50.43

नूनं वैवस्वतश्च त्वा वरुणश्च प्रियातिथिः
शतक्रतुर्धनेशश्च प्राप्तमर्चन्त्यभीरुकम्

7.50.44

एवं विलप्य बहुधा भिन्नपोतो वणिग्यथा
दुःखेन महताविष्टो युधिष्ठिरमपृच्छत

7.50.45

कच्चित्स कदनं कृत्वा परेषां पाण्डुनन्दन
स्वर्गतोऽभिमुखः संख्ये युध्यमानो नरर्षभः

7.50.46

स नूनं बहुभिर्यत्तैर्युध्यमानो नरर्षभैः
असहायः सहायार्थी मामनुध्यातवान्ध्रुवम्

7.50.47

पीड्यमानः शरैर्बालस्तात साध्वभिधाव माम्
इति विप्रलपन्मन्ये नृशंसैर्बहुभिर्हतः

7.50.48

अथ वा मत्प्रसूतश्च स्वस्रीयो माधवस्य च
सुभद्रायां च संभूतो नैवं वक्तुमिहार्हति

7.50.49

वज्रसारमयं नूनं हृदयं सुदृढं मम
अपश्यतो दीर्घबाहुं रक्ताक्षं यन्न दीर्यते

7.50.50

कथं बाले महेष्वासे नृशंसा मर्मभेदिनः
स्वस्रीये वासुदेवस्य मम पुत्रेऽक्षिपञ्शरान्

7.50.51

यो मां नित्यमदीनात्मा प्रत्युद्गम्याभिनन्दति
उपयान्तं रिपून्हत्वा सोऽद्य मां किं न पश्यति

7.50.52

नूनं स पतितः शेते धरण्यां रुधिरोक्षितः
शोभयन्मेदिनीं गात्रैरादित्य इव पातितः

7.50.53

रणे विनिहतं श्रुत्वा शोकार्ता वै विनंक्ष्यति
सुभद्रा वक्ष्यते किं मामभिमन्युमपश्यती
द्रौपदी चैव दुःखार्ते ते च वक्ष्यामि किं न्वहम्

7.50.54

वज्रसारमयं नूनं हृदयं यन्न यास्यति
सहस्रधा वधूं दृष्ट्वा रुदतीं शोककर्शिताम्

7.50.55

हृष्टानां धार्तराष्ट्राणां सिंहनादो मया श्रुतः
युयुत्सुश्चापि कृष्णेन श्रुतो वीरानुपालभन्

7.50.56

अशक्नुवन्तो बीभत्सुं बालं हत्वा महारथाः
किं नदध्वमधर्मज्ञाः पार्थे वै दृश्यतां बलम्

7.50.57

किं तयोर्विप्रियं कृत्वा केशवार्जुनयोर्मृधे
सिंहवन्नदत प्रीताः शोककाल उपस्थिते

7.50.58

आगमिष्यति वः क्षिप्रं फलं पापस्य कर्मणः
अधर्मो हि कृतस्तीव्रः कथं स्यादफलश्चिरम्

7.50.59

इति तान्प्रति भाषन्वै वैश्यापुत्रो महामतिः
अपायाच्छस्त्रमुत्सृज्य कोपदुःखसमन्वितः

7.50.60

किमर्थमेतन्नाख्यातं त्वया कृष्ण रणे मम
अधक्ष्यं तानहं सर्वांस्तदा क्रूरान्महारथान्

7.50.61

निगृह्य वासुदेवस्तं पुत्राधिभिरभिप्लुतम्
मैवमित्यब्रवीत्कृष्णस्तीव्रशोकसमन्वितम्

7.50.62

सर्वेषामेष वै पन्थाः शूराणामनिवर्तिनाम्
क्षत्रियाणां विशेषेण येषां युद्धेन जीविका

7.50.63

एषा वै युध्यमानानां शूराणामनिवर्तिनाम्
विहिता धर्मशास्त्रज्ञैर्गतिर्गतिमतां वर

7.50.64

ध्रुवं युद्धे हि मरणं शूराणामनिवर्तिनाम्
गतः पुण्यकृतां लोकानभिमन्युर्न संशयः

7.50.65

एतच्च सर्ववीराणां काङ्क्षितं भरतर्षभ
संग्रामेऽभिमुखा मृत्युं प्राप्नुयामेति मानद

7.50.66

स च वीरान्रणे हत्वा राजपुत्रान्महाबलान्
वीरैराकाङ्क्षितं मृत्युं संप्राप्तोऽभिमुखो रणे

7.50.67

मा शुचः पुरुषव्याघ्र पूर्वैरेष सनातनः
धर्मकृद्भिः कृतो धर्मः क्षत्रियाणां रणे क्षयः

7.50.68

इमे ते भ्रातरः सर्वे दीना भरतसत्तम
त्वयि शोकसमाविष्टे नृपाश्च सुहृदस्तव

7.50.69

एतांस्त्वं वचसा साम्ना समाश्वासय मानद
विदितं वेदितव्यं ते न शोकं कर्तुमर्हसि

7.50.70

एवमाश्वासितः पार्थः कृष्णेनाद्भुतकर्मणा
ततोऽब्रवीत्तदा भ्रातॄन्सर्वान्पार्थः सगद्गदान्

7.50.71

स दीर्घबाहुः पृथ्वंसो दीर्घराजीवलोचनः
अभिमन्युर्यथा वृत्तः श्रोतुमिच्छाम्यहं तथा

7.50.72

सनागस्यन्दनहयान्द्रक्ष्यध्वं निहतान्मया
संग्रामे सानुबन्धांस्तान्मम पुत्रस्य वैरिणः

7.50.73

कथं च वः कृतास्त्राणां सर्वेषां शस्त्रपाणिनाम्
सौभद्रो निधनं गच्छेद्वज्रिणापि समागतः

7.50.74

यद्येवमहमज्ञास्यमशक्तान्रक्षणे मम
पुत्रस्य पाण्डुपाञ्चालान्मया गुप्तो भवेत्ततः

7.50.75

कथं च वो रथस्थानां शरवर्षाणि मुञ्चताम्
नीतोऽभिमन्युर्निधनं कदर्थीकृत्य वः परैः

7.50.76

अहो वः पौरुषं नास्ति न च वोऽस्ति पराक्रमः
यत्राभिमन्युः समरे पश्यतां वो निपातितः

7.50.77

आत्मानमेव गर्हेयं यदहं वः सुदुर्बलान्
युष्मानाज्ञाय निर्यातो भीरूनकृतनिश्रमान्

7.50.78

आहोस्विद्भूषणार्थाय वर्मशस्त्रायुधानि वः
वाचश्च वक्तुं संसत्सु मम पुत्रमरक्षताम्

7.50.79

एवमुक्त्वा ततो वाक्यं तिष्ठंश्चापवरासिमान्
न स्माशक्यत बीभत्सुः केनचित्प्रसमीक्षितुम्

7.50.80

तमन्तकमिव क्रुद्धं निःश्वसन्तं मुहुर्मुहुः
पुत्रशोकाभिसंतप्तमश्रुपूर्णमुखं तदा

7.50.81

नाभिभाष्टुं शक्नुवन्ति द्रष्टुं वा सुहृदोऽर्जुनम्
अन्यत्र वासुदेवाद्वा ज्येष्टाद्वा पाण्डुनन्दनात्

7.50.82

सर्वास्ववस्थासु हितावर्जुनस्य मनोनुगौ
बहुमानात्प्रियत्वाच्च तावेनं वक्तुमर्हतः

7.50.83

ततस्तं पुत्रशोकेन भृशं पीडितमानसम्
राजीवलोचनं क्रुद्धं राजा वचनमब्रवीत्

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'When that terrible day, so fraught with the slaughter of creatures, departed, and when the sun set, the beautiful twilight of the evening spread itself. The troops, O bull of Bharata's race, of both parties, had retired to their tents. Then the ape-bannered Jishnu, having slain a large number of Samsaptakas by means of his celestial weapons, proceeded towards his tent, mounted on that victorious car of his. And as he was proceeding, he asked Govinda, with voice choked with tears, 'Why is my heart afraid, O Kesava, and why both my speech falter? Evil omens encounter me, and my limbs are weak. Thoughts of disaster possess my mind without living it. On earth, on all sides, various omens strike me with fear. Of many kinds are those omens and indications, and seen everywhere, foreboding dire calamity. Is it all right with my venerable superior, viz., the king with all his friends?'

"Vasudeva said, 'It is evident that everything is right with thy brother and his friends. Do not grieve, some trifling evil in another direction will happen.'

"Sanjaya continued, 'Then those two heroes (viz., Krishna and Arjuna), having adored the Twilight, 1 mounted on their car and proceeded, talking of the day's battle so destructive of heroes. Having achieved feats exceedingly difficult of accomplishment, Vasudeva and Arjuna, at last, reached the (Pandava) encampment. Then that slayer of hostile heroes, viz., Vibhatsu, beholding the camp joyless and melancholy and everything to be in confusion, addressed Krishna with an agonised heart, and said, 'O Janardana, no auspicious trumpet blows today, its blasts mingled with the beat of drums and the loud blare of conchs. The sweet Vina also is nowhere played upon in accompaniment with slapping of palms. 2 Auspicious and delightful songs fraught with praise are nowhere recited or sung by our bards amongst the troops. The warriors also, all recede hanging down their heads. They do not tell me beholding me, as before, of the feats achieved by them. O Madhava, is it all right with my brothers today? Beholding our own men plunged in grief, I know no peace. Is it all right, O giver of honours, with the ruler of the Panchalas, or Virata, or all our warriors, O thou of unfading glory? Alas, Subhadra's son, ever cheerful, doth not today, with his brothers, come out with smiles to receive me returning from battle.'

"Sanjaya said, 'Thus conversing, those two, (viz., Krishna and Arjuna), entered their own camp. And they saw that the Pandavas, all cheerless, were sitting, plunged in great grief. Beholding his brothers and sons, the ape-bannered Arjuna became very cheerless. Not seeing the son of Subhadra there, Arjuna said, 'Pale is the colour I behold of the faces of

you all. I do not, again, see Abhimanyu. Nor doth he come to congratulate me. I heard that Drona had today formed the circular array. None amongst you, save the boy Abhimanyu, could break that array. I, however, did not teach him how to come out of that array, after having pierced it. Did you cause the boy to enter that array? Hath that slayer of heroes, viz., the son of Subhadra, that mighty bowman, having pierced that array, through numberless warriors of the enemy in battle, fallen, at last in the fight? Oh, tell me, how that hero of mighty arms and red eyes, born (in our line) like a lion on the mountain breast, and equal unto the younger brother of Indra himself, hath fallen on the field of battle? What warrior, deprived on his senses by Death ventured to slay that dear son of Subhadra, that favourite of Draupadi and Kesava, that child ever loved by Kunti? Equal unto the high-souled Vrishni hero, Kesava, himself in prowess and learning and dignity, how hath he been slain on the field of battle? The favourite son of that daughter of the Vrishni race, always cherished by me, alas, if I do not see him I will repair to the abode of Yama. With locks ending in soft curls, of tender years, with eyes like those of a young gazelle, with tread like that of an infuriated elephant, tall like a Sala offshoot, of sweet speech accompanied with smiles, quiet, ever obedient to the behest of his superiors, acting like one of mature years though tender in age, of agreeable speech, reft of vanity, of great courage and great energy, of large eyes resembling lotus-petals, kind to those devoted to him, self-restrained, following nothing mean, grateful, possessed of knowledge, accomplished in weapons, unretreating from battle, always delighting in fight, and enhancing the fears of foes, engaged in the welfare of kinsmen, desirous of victory into sires, never striking first, perfectly fearless in battle, alas, if I do not behold that son, I will repair to the abode of Yama. In the counting of car-warriors always reckoned as a Maharatha, superior to me one and a half times, of tender years, of mighty arms, even dear to Pradyumna and Kesava and myself, alas, if I do not behold that son I will repair to the abode of Yama. Of beautiful nose, of beautiful forehead, of fair eyes and eyebrows and lips, if I do not behold that face, what peace can my heart have? Melodious as the voice of the male Kokila, delightful, and sweet as the warblings of the Vina, without listening to his voice, what peace can my heart have? His beauty was unrivalled, rare even among the celestials. Without casting my eyes on that form, what peace can my heart have? Accomplished in saluting (his superiors) with reverence, and always obedient to the behests of his sires, alas, if I do not behold him, what peace can my heart have? Brave in battle, accustomed to every luxury, deserving of the softest bed, alas, he sleepeth today on the bare earth, as if there is none to take care of him, although he is foremost of those that have protectors to look after them. He on whom, while on his bed, the foremost of beautiful women used to attend, alas, he mangled with shafts, will have inauspicious jackals, prowling over the field, to attend upon him today. He who was formerly roused from his slumbers by singers and bards and panegyrists, alas, he

will today be surely awakened by discordant beasts of prey. That beautiful face of his eminently deserved to be shaded by the umbrella, alas, the dust of battle-field will surely befoul today. O child, unfortunate that I am, death forcibly takes thee away from me, who was never satiated with looking at thee. Without doubt, that abode of Yama, which is always the goal of persons of righteous deeds, that delightful mansion, illuminated today by thy own splendours, is rendered exceedingly beautiful by thee. Without doubt, Yama and Varuna and Satakratu and Kuvera, obtaining thee as a favourite guest, are making much of thy heroic self. Thus indulging in diverse lamentations, like a merchant whose vessel has been sunken. Arjuna, afflicted with great grief, asked Yudhishthira, saying, 'O, thou of Kuru's race, hath he ascended to heaven, having caused a great slaughter among the enemy and contended with the foremost warriors in the face of battle? Without doubt, while contending single-handed with foremost of warriors, countless in number, and fighting with vigour and resolution, his heart turned towards me from a desire of help. While afflicted by Karna and Drona and Kripa and others with sharp shafts of diverse kinds and bright points, my sons of little strength, must have repeatedly thought, 'My father will in this press be my rescuer.' I think, while indulging in such lamentations, he was felled on the ground by cruel warriors. Or, perhaps, when he was begotten by me, when he was the nephew of Madhva, when he was born in Subhadra he could not have uttered such lamentations. Without doubt, my heart, hard as it is, is made of the essence of the thunder, since it breaketh not, even though I do not behold that mighty-armed hero of red eyes. How could those mighty bowmen of cruel hearts shoot their deep-piercing shafts upon that child of tender years, who, again, Was my son and the nephew of Vasudeva? That noble-hearted youth who, coming forward every day, used to congratulate me, alas, why doth he not present himself today to me when I come back having slain the foe? Without doubt, overthrown, he lieth today on the bare earth bathed in blood. Beautifying the earth by his body, he lieth like the sun fallen (from the firmament). I grieve for Subhadra, who, hearing of the death in battle of her unretreating son, will, afflicted with sorrow, cast away her life. What will Subhadra missing Abhimanyu, say unto me? What also will Draupadi say unto me? Afflicted with grief as they are, what also shall I say unto them? Without doubt, my heart is made of the essence of the thunder, since it breaketh not in a thousand fragments at the sight of my weeping daughter-in-law, pierced with grief. The leonine shouts of the Dhritarashtras swelling with pride did, indeed, enter my ears. Krishna also heard Yuyutsu, censuring the heroes (of the Dhritarashtra army in these words): 'Ye mighty car-warriors, having been unable to vanquish Vibhatsu, and having slain only a child, why do ye rejoice? Why, having done what is disagreeable to those two, viz., Kesava and Arjuna, in battle, why do you in joy roar like lions, when truly the hour for sorrow is come? The fruits of this sinful deed of Yours will soon overtake you. Heinous is the crime perpetrated

by you. How long will it not bear its fruits?' Rebuking them in these words, the high-souled son of Dhritarashtra by his Vaisya wife, went away, casting off his weapons afflicted with rage and grief. O Krishna, why did you not tell me all this during the battle? I would then have consumed all those car-warriors of cruel hearts.'

"Sanjaya continued, 'Then Vasudeva, consoling Partha who was afflicted with grief on account of his son, who was exceedingly anxious, whose eyes were bathed in tears, and who was, in fact, overwhelmed with this sorrow caused by the slaughter of his child, said unto him, 'Do not yield so to grief. This is the way of all brave, unretreating heroes, especially of Kshatriyas, whose profession is battle. O foremost of intelligent men, even this is the goal ordained by the authors of our scriptures for unretreating heroes engaged in battle. Death is certain for heroes that do not retreat. There is no doubt that Abhimanyu hath ascended to those regions that are reserved for persons of righteous acts. O bull of Bharata's race, even this is coveted by all that are brave, viz., that they may die in battle, facing their foes. As regards Abhimanyu, he having slain in battle many heroic and mighty princes, hath met with that death in the face of battle which is coveted by heroes. Do not grieve, O tiger among men I The legislators of old have declared this to be the eternal merit of the Kshatriyas, viz., their death in battle. O best of the Bharatas, these brothers of thine are all exceedingly cheerless, as also the king, and these thy friends, seeing thee plunged in grief. O giver of honours, comfort them in consoling words. That which should be is known to thee. It behoveth thee not to grieve.' Thus comforted by Krishna of wonderful deeds, Partha then said these words unto all his brothers, with voice choked with sorrow: 'O lord of the earth, I desire to hear how the mighty-armed Abhimanyu, how that hero of large eyes, resembling lotus-petals, fought. Ye will see that I will exterminate the foe with his elephants and cars and steeds, I will exterminate in battle those slayers of my son with all their followers and kinsmen. Ye all are accomplished in arms. Ye all were armed with weapons, how then could Subhadra's son be slain, even if it were the wielder of the thunder-bolt himself with whom he fought? Alas, if I had known that Pandavas and the Panchalas would be able to protect my son in battle, I myself would have then protected him. Ye were then on your cars, ye were shooting your shafts. Alas, how then could Abhimanyu be slain by the foe, causing a great carnage in your ranks? Alas, ye have no manliness, nor have ye any prowess, since in the very sight of you all was Abhimanyu slain. Or, I should chide my own self, since knowing that ye all are weak, cowardly, and irresolute, I went away! Alas, are your coats of mail and weapons of all kinds only ornaments for decking your persons, and were words given to you only for speaking in assemblies, that ye failed to protect my son (even though ye were clad in mail, armed from head to foot, and even though you had assured me in words of your competence)?--Having said these words, Partha sat down, holding bow and his excellent sword. Indeed, none could, at that time, even look at Vibhatsu who then

resembled the Destroyer himself in wrath, repeatedly drawing deep breaths. None of his friends or kinsmen could venture to look at or speak unto Arjuna, as he sat there exceedingly afflicted with grief on account of his son, and with face bathed in tears. None! Indeed could address him, save Vasudeva or Yudhishthira. These two, under all circumstances, were acceptable to Arjuna. And because they were highly reverenced and dearly loved, therefore, could they alone address him at such times. Then king Yudhishthira addressing Partha, of eyes like lotus-petals, who was then filled with rage and exceedingly afflicted with grief on account of the death of his son, said these words.

137:1 Twilight is herself the goddess who is supposed to be adored by certain prayers and on the occasion.

137:2 These slaps mark the cadences.

7.51.1

युधिष्ठिर उवाच
त्वयि याते महाबाहो संशप्तकबलं प्रति
प्रयत्नमकरोत्तीव्रमाचार्यो ग्रहणे मम

7.51.2

व्यूढानीकं वयं द्रोणं वरयामः स्म सर्वशः
प्रतिव्यूह्य रथानीकं यतमानं तथा रणे

7.51.3

स वार्यमाणो रथिभी रक्षितेन मया तथा
अस्मानपि जघानाशु पीडयन्निशितैः शरैः

7.51.4

ते पीड्यमाना द्रोणेन द्रोणानीकं न शक्नुमः
प्रतिवीक्षितुमप्याजौ भेत्तुं तत्कुत एव तु

7.51.5

वयं त्वप्रतिमं वीर्ये सर्वे सौभद्रमात्मजम्
उक्तवन्तः स्म ते तात भिन्ध्यनीकमिति प्रभो

7.51.6

स तथा चोदितोऽस्माभिः सदश्व इव वीर्यवान्
असह्यमपि तं भारं वोढुमेवोपचक्रमे

7.51.7

स तवास्त्रोपदेशेन वीर्येण च समन्वितः
प्राविशत्तद्बलं बालः सुपर्ण इव सागरम्

7.51.8

तेऽनुयाता वयं वीरं सात्वतीपुत्रमाहवे
प्रवेष्टुकामास्तेनैव येन स प्राविशच्चमूम्

7.51.9

ततः सैन्धवको राजा क्षुद्रस्तात जयद्रथः
वरदानेन रुद्रस्य सर्वान्नः समवारयत्

7.51.10

ततो द्रोणः कृपः कर्णो द्रौणिश्च स बृहद्बलः
कृतवर्मा च सौभद्रं षड्रथाः पर्यवारयन्

7.51.11

परिवार्य तु तैः सर्वैर्युधि बालो महारथैः
यतमानः परं शक्त्या बहुभिर्विरथीकृतः

7.51.12

ततो दौःशासनिः क्षिप्रं तथा तैर्विरथीकृतम्
संशयं परमं प्राप्य दिष्टान्तेनाभ्ययोजयत्

7.51.13

स तु हत्वा सहस्राणि द्विपाश्वरथसादिनाम्
राजपुत्रशतं चाग्र्यं वीरांश्चालक्षितान्बहून्

7.51.14

बृहद्बलं च राजानं स्वर्गेणाजौ प्रयोज्य ह
ततः परमधर्मात्मा दिष्टान्तमुपजग्मिवान्

7.51.15

एतावदेव निर्वृत्तमस्माकं शोकवर्धनम्
स चैवं पुरुषव्याघ्रः स्वर्गलोकमवाप्तवान्

7.51.16

संजय उवाच
ततोऽर्जुनो वचः श्रुत्वा धर्मराजेन भाषितम्
हा पुत्र इति निःश्वस्य व्यथितो न्यपतद्भुवि

7.51.17

विषण्णवदनाः सर्वे परिगृह्य धनंजयम्
नेत्रैरनिमिषैर्दीनाः प्रत्यवेक्षन्परस्परम्

7.51.18

प्रतिलभ्य ततः संज्ञां वासविः क्रोधमूर्छितः
कम्पमानो ज्वरेणेव निःश्वसंश्च मुहुर्मुहुः

7.51.19

पाणिं पाणौ विनिष्पिष्य श्वसमानोऽश्रुनेत्रवान्
उन्मत्त इव विप्रेक्षन्निदं वचनमब्रवीत्

7.51.20

सत्यं वः प्रतिजानामि श्वोऽस्मि हन्ता जयद्रथम्
न चेद्वधभयाद्भीतो धार्तराष्ट्रान्प्रहास्यति

7.51.21

न चास्माञ्शरणं गच्छेत्कृष्णं वा पुरुषोत्तमम्
भवन्तं वा महाराज श्वोऽस्मि हन्ता जयद्रथम्

7.51.22

धार्तराष्ट्रप्रियकरं मयि विस्मृतसौहृदम्
पापं बालवधे हेतुं श्वोऽस्मि हन्ता जयद्रथम्

7.51.23

रक्षमाणाश्च तं संख्ये ये मां योत्स्यन्ति केचन
अपि द्रोणकृपौ वीरौ छादयिष्यामि ताञ्शरैः

7.51.24

यद्येतदेवं संग्रामे न कुर्यां पुरुषर्षभाः
मा स्म पुण्यकृतां लोकान्प्राप्नुयां शूरसंमतान्

7.51.25

ये लोका मातृहन्तॄणां ये चापि पितृघातिनाम्
गुरुदारगामिनां ये च पिशुनानां च ये तथा

7.51.26

साधूनसूयतां ये च ये चापि परिवादिनाम्
ये च निक्षेपहर्तॄणां ये च विश्वासघातिनाम्

7.51.27

भुक्तपूर्वां स्त्रियं ये च निन्दतामघशंसिनाम्
ब्रह्मघ्नानां च ये लोका ये च गोघातिनामपि

7.51.28

पायसं वा यवान्नं वा शाकं कृसरमेव वा
संयावापूपमांसानि ये च लोका वृथाश्नताम्
तानह्नैवाधिगच्छेयं न चेद्धन्यां जयद्रथम्

7.51.29

वेदाध्यायिनमत्यर्थं संशितं वा द्विजोत्तमम्
अवमन्यमानो यान्याति वृद्धान्साधूंस्तथा गुरून्

7.51.30

स्पृशतां ब्राह्मणं गां च पादेनाग्निं च यां लभेत्
याप्सु श्लेष्म पुरीषं वा मूत्रं वा मुञ्चतां गतिः
तां गच्छेयं गतिं घोरां न चेद्धन्यां जयद्रथम्

7.51.31

नग्नस्य स्नायमानस्य या च वन्ध्यातिथेर्गतिः
उत्कोचिनां मृषोक्तीनां वञ्चकानां च या गतिः
आत्मापहारिणां या च या च मिथ्याभिशंसिनाम्

7.51.32

भृत्यैः संदृश्यमानानां पुत्रदाराश्रितैस्तथा
असंविभज्य क्षुद्राणां या गतिर्मृष्टमश्नताम्
तां गच्छेयं गतिं घोरां न चेद्धन्यां जयद्रथम्

7.51.33

संश्रितं वापि यस्त्यक्त्वा साधुं तद्वचने रतम्
न बिभर्ति नृशंसात्मा निन्दते चोपकारिणम्

7.51.34

अर्हते प्रातिवेश्याय श्राद्धं यो न ददाति च
अनर्हते च यो दद्याद्वृषलीपत्युरेव च

7.51.35

मद्यपो भिन्नमर्यादः कृतघ्नो भ्रातृनिन्दकः
तेषां गतिमियां क्षिप्रं न चेद्धन्यां जयद्रथम्

7.51.36

धर्मादपेता ये चान्ये मया नात्रानुकीर्तिताः
ये चानुकीर्तिताः क्षिप्रं तेषां गतिमवाप्नुयाम्
यदि व्युष्टामिमां रात्रिं श्वो न हन्यां जयद्रथम्

7.51.37

इमां चाप्यपरां भूयः प्रतिज्ञां मे निबोधत
यद्यस्मिन्नहते पापे सूर्योऽस्तमुपयास्यति
इहैव संप्रवेष्टाहं ज्वलितं जातवेदसम्

7.51.38

असुरसुरमनुष्याः पक्षिणो वोरगा वा; पितृरजनिचरा वा ब्रह्मदेवर्षयो वा
चरमचरमपीदं यत्परं चापि तस्मा;त्तदपि मम रिपुं तं रक्षितुं नैव शक्ताः

7.51.39

यदि विशति रसातलं तदग्र्यं; वियदपि देवपुरं दितेः पुरं वा
तदपि शरशतैरहं प्रभाते; भृशमभिपत्य रिपोः शिरोऽभिहर्ता

7.51.40

एवमुक्त्वा विचिक्षेप गाण्डीवं सव्यदक्षिणम्
तस्य शब्दमतिक्रम्य धनुःशब्दोऽस्पृशद्दिवम्

7.51.41

अर्जुनेन प्रतिज्ञाते पाञ्चजन्यं जनार्दनः
प्रदध्मौ तत्र संक्रुद्धो देवदत्तं धनंजयः

7.51.42

स पाञ्चजन्योऽच्युतवक्त्रवायुना; भृशं सुपूर्णोदरनिःसृतध्वनिः
जगत्सपातालवियद्दिगीश्वरं; प्रकम्पयामास युगात्यये यथा

7.51.43

ततो वादित्रघोषाश्च प्रादुरासन्समन्ततः
सिंहनादाश्च पाण्डूनां प्रतिज्ञाते महात्मना

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Yudhishthira said,--O mighty-armed one, after thou hadst gone towards the army of the Samsaptakas, the preceptor Drona made fierce endeavours for seizing me. We succeeded, however, in resisting Drona at the head of the array at all points, having in that battle, disposed our vigorously contending car-divisions in counter-array. Held in check by a large number of warriors, and myself also having been well protected, Drona began to smite us with great activity, afflicting us with his whetted shafts. Thus afflicted by him, we could not then even gaze at his army, far less face it in battle. All of us then, addressing thy son by Subhadra, who was equal to thyself, O lord, in prowess said unto him, [O son, pierce this array of Drona!]--That valorous hero thus urged by us, then sought, like a good horse, to take that burden on himself, however unbearable it might have been for him. Endued as he was with thy energy, aided by that knowledge of weapons which he derived from thee, that child then penetrated unto that array, like Garuda penetrating into the ocean. As regards ourselves, we followed that hero, that son of Subhadra, desirous in that battle, of penetrating (into the Dhritarashtra army) by the same path by which Abhimanyu had entered it. Then, O sire, the wretched king of the Sindhus, viz., Jayadratha, in consequence of the boon granted to him by Rudra, checked all of us! Then Drona, Kripa and Karna and Drona's son, and the king of the Kosalas, and Kritavarman, these six car-warriors surrounded the son of Subhadra. Having surrounded that child all those great car-warriors--too many for him although he was contending to the utmost of his power, deprived him of his car. After he had been deprived of his car, Dussasana's son, though he himself had a hair-breadth escape, succeeded, as chance would have it, in making Abhimanyu, meet with his end. As regards Abhimanyu, he, having slain many thousands of men and steeds and elephants, and eight thousand cars, and once more nine hundred elephants, two thousand princes, and

a large number of heroic warriors unknown to fame, and despatching in that battle king Vrihadvala also to heaven, at last, through ill luck, met with his own death. Thus hath occurred this event that so enhances our grief! That tiger among men hath even thus ascended to heaven! Hearing these words uttered by king Yudhishthira, Arjuna, saying--Oh son!--and breathing a deep sigh, fell down on the earth in great pain. Then all the warriors of the Pandavas, surrounding Dhananjaya with cheerless faces began, filled with grief, to look at one another with winkless eyes. Recovering consciousness then, Vasava's son became furious with rage. He seemed to be in a feverish tremor, and sighed frequently. Squeezing his hands, drawing deep breaths, with eyes bathed in tears, and casting his glances like a mad man, he said these words.'

"Arjuna said,---'Truly do I swear that tomorrow I will slay Jayadratha! If from fear of death, he doth not forsake the Dhritarashtras, or implore our protection, or the protection of Krishna that foremost of men or of thine, O king, I shall assuredly slay him tomorrow! Forgetting his friendship for me, engaged in doing what is agreeable to Dhritarashtra's son, that wretch is the cause of the child's slaughter! Tomorrow I will slay him! Whoever they may be that will encounter me in battle tomorrow for protecting him, be it Drona, or Kripa, O king, I will cover them all with my arrow! Ye bulls among men, if I do not achieve even this in (tomorrow's) battle, let me not attain the region., reserved for the righteous, ye foremost of heroes! Those regions that are for them that slay their mothers, or for them that slay their fathers, or them that violate their preceptor's beds, or them that are vile and wicked, or them that cherish envy against the righteous, or them that speak ill of others or them that appropriate the wealth confidingly deposited with them by others, or them that are betrayers of trusts, or them that speak ill of wives enjoyed by them before, or them that have slain Brahmanas, or them that have killed kine, or them that eat sugared milk and rice, or food prepared of barley, or pot-herbs, or dishes prepared of milk, sesamum, and rice, or thin cakes of powdered barley fried in clarified butter or other kinds of cakes, or meat, without having dedicated the same to the gods,--even those regions shall speedily be mine if I do not slay Jayadratha!--Those regions to which they go that offer insults to Brahmanas devoted to the study of the Vedas, or otherwise worthy of respect, or to those that are their preceptors, (those regions shall speedily be mine if I do not slay Jayadratha!) That end which becomes theirs who touch Brahmanas or fire with the feet, that end which becomes theirs who throw phlegm and excreta and eject urine into water, even that miserable end shall be mine, if I do not slay Jayadratha! That end which is his who bathes (in water) in a state of nudity, or his who does not hospitably entertain a guest, that end which is theirs who receive bribes, speak falsehood, and deceive and cheat others, that end which is theirs who offend against their own souls, or who falsely utter praises (of others), or of those low wretches who eat sweetmeats in the sight of servants and sons and wives and

dependents without sharing the same with those, that awful end shall be mine if I do not slay Jayadratha! That end which overtakes the wretch of ruthless soul who without supporting a righteous and obedient protégé casts him off, or him who, without giving unto a deserving neighbour the offerings in Sraddhas, giveth them away unto those that deserve them not, that end which is his who drinks wine, or his who insults those that are worthy of respect, or his who is ungrateful, or his who speaketh ill of his brothers, that end shall soon be mine if I do not stay Jayadratha! The end of all those sinful persons whom I have not mentioned, as also of those whom I have mentioned, shall soon be attained by me, if after this night passes away, I do not slay Jayadratha tomorrow:

"--Listen now to another oath of mine! If tomorrow's sun set without my slaying that wretch, then even here I shall enter the blazing fire! Ye Asuras and gods and men. Ye birds and snakes, ye Pitris and all wanderers of the night, ye regenerate Rishis and celestial Rishis, ye mobile and immobile creatures, ye all that I have not mentioned, ye will not succeed in protecting my foe from me! If he enters the abode of the nether region, or ascends the firmament, or repairs to the celestials, or the realms of the Daityas, I shall still, with a hundred arrows, assuredly cut off, on the expiration of this night, the head of Abhimanyu's foe!--'

"Sanjaya continued,--'Having uttered these words, Arjuna began to stretch Gandiva with both his arms. Transcending Arjuna's voice the sound of that bow rose and touched the very heavens. After Arjuna had taken that oath, Janarddana, filled with wrath, blew his conch, Panchajanya. And Phalguna blew Devadatta. The great conch Panchajanya, well filled with the wind from Krishna's mouth, produced a loud blare. And that blare made the regents of the cardinal and the subsidiary points, the nether regions, and the whole universe, to shake, as it happens at the end of the Yuga. Indeed after the high-souled Arjuna had taken the oath, the sound of thousands of musical instruments and loud leonine roars arose from the Pandava camp.

7.52.1

संजय उवाच
श्रुत्वा तु तं महाशब्दं पाण्डूनां पुत्रगृद्धिनाम्
चारैः प्रवेदिते तत्र समुत्थाय जयद्रथः

7.52.2

शोकसंमूढहृदयो दुःखेनाभिहतो भृशम्
मज्जमान इवागाधे विपुले शोकसागरे

7.52.3

जगाम समितिं राज्ञां सैन्धवो विमृशन्बहु
स तेषां नरदेवानां सकाशे परिदेवयन्

7.52.4

अभिमन्योः पितुर्भीतः सव्रीडो वाक्यमब्रवीत्
योऽसौ पाण्डोः किल क्षेत्रे जातः शक्रेण कामिना

7.52.5

स निनीषति दुर्बुद्धिर्मां किलैकं यमक्षयम्
तत्स्वस्ति वोऽस्तु यास्यामि स्वगृहं जीवितेप्सया

7.52.6

अथ वा स्थ प्रतिबलास्त्रातुं मां क्षत्रियर्षभाः
पार्थेन प्रार्थितं वीरास्ते ददन्तु ममाभयम्

7.52.7

द्रोणदुर्योधनकृपाः कर्णमद्रेशबाह्लिकाः
दुःशासनादयः शक्तास्त्रातुमप्यन्तकार्दितम्

7.52.8

किमङ्ग पुनरेकेन फल्गुनेन जिघांसता
न त्रायेयुर्भवन्तो मां समस्ताः पतयः क्षितेः

7.52.9

प्रहर्षं पाण्डवेयानां श्रुत्वा मम महद्भयम्
सीदन्तीव च मेऽङ्गानि मुमूर्षोरिव पार्थिवाः

7.52.10

वधो नूनं प्रतिज्ञातो मम गाण्डीवधन्वना
तथा हि हृष्टाः क्रोशन्ति शोककालेऽपि पाण्डवाः

7.52.11

न देवा न च गन्धर्वा नासुरोरगराक्षसाः
उत्सहन्तेऽन्यथा कर्तुं कुत एव नराधिपाः

7.52.12

तस्मान्मामनुजानीत भद्रं वोऽस्तु नरर्षभाः
अदर्शनं गमिष्यामि न मां द्रक्ष्यन्ति पाण्डवाः

7.52.13

एवं विलपमानं तं भयाद्व्याकुलचेतसम्
आत्मकार्यगरीयस्त्वाद्राजा दुर्योधनोऽब्रवीत्

7.52.14

न भेतव्यं नरव्याघ्र को हि त्वा पुरुषर्षभ
मध्ये क्षत्रियवीराणां तिष्ठन्तं प्रार्थयेद्युधि

7.52.15

अहं वैकर्तनः कर्णश्चित्रसेनो विविंशतिः
भूरिश्रवाः शलः शल्यो वृषसेनो दुरासदः

7.52.16

पुरुमित्रो जयो भोजः काम्बोजश्च सुदक्षिणः
सत्यव्रतो महाबाहुर्विकर्णो दुर्मुखः सहः

7.52.17

दुःशासनः सुबाहुश्च कलिङ्गश्चाप्युदायुधः
विन्दानुविन्दावावन्त्यौ द्रोणो द्रौणिः ससौबलः

7.52.18

त्वं चापि रथिनां श्रेष्ठः स्वयं शूरोऽमितद्युतिः
स कथं पाण्डवेयेभ्यो भयं पश्यसि सैन्धव

7.52.19

अक्षौहिण्यो दशैका च मदीयास्तव रक्षणे
यत्ता योत्स्यन्ति मा भैस्त्वं सैन्धव व्येतु ते भयम्

7.52.20

एवमाश्वासितो राजन्पुत्रेण तव सैन्धवः
दुर्योधनेन सहितो द्रोणं रात्रावुपागमत्

7.52.21

उपसंग्रहणं कृत्वा द्रोणाय स विशां पते
उपोपविश्य प्रणतः पर्यपृच्छदिदं तदा

7.52.22

निमित्ते दूरपातित्वे लघुत्वे दृढवेधने
मम ब्रवीतु भगवान्विशेषं फल्गुनस्य च

7.52.23

विद्याविशेषमिच्छामि ज्ञातुमाचार्य तत्त्वतः
ममार्जुनस्य च विभो यथातत्त्वं प्रचक्ष्व मे

7.52.24

द्रोण उवाच
सममाचार्यकं तात तव चैवार्जुनस्य च
योगाद्दुःखोचितत्वाच्च तस्मात्त्वत्तोऽधिकोऽर्जुनः

7.52.25

न तु ते युधि संत्रासः कार्यः पार्थात्कथंचन
अहं हि रक्षिता तात भयात्त्वां नात्र संशयः

7.52.26

न हि मद्बाहुगुप्तस्य प्रभवन्त्यमरा अपि
व्यूहिष्यामि च तं व्यूहं यं पार्थो न तरिष्यति

7.52.27

तस्माद्युध्यस्व मा भैस्त्वं स्वधर्ममनुपालय
पितृपैतामहं मार्गमनुयाहि नराधिप

7.52.28

अधीत्य विधिवद्वेदानग्नयः सुहुतास्त्वया
इष्टं च बहुभिर्यज्ञैर्न ते मृत्युभयाद्भयम्

7.52.29

दुर्लभं मानुषैर्मन्दैर्महाभाग्यमवाप्य तु
भुजवीर्यार्जिताँल्लोकान्दिव्यान्प्राप्स्यस्यनुत्तमान्

7.52.30

कुरवः पाण्डवाश्चैव वृष्णयोऽन्ये च मानवाः
अहं च सह पुत्रेण अध्रुवा इति चिन्त्यताम्

7.52.31

पर्यायेण वयं सर्वे कालेन बलिना हताः
परलोकं गमिष्यामः स्वैः स्वैः कर्मभिरन्विताः

7.52.32

तपस्तप्त्वा तु याँल्लोकान्प्राप्नुवन्ति तपस्विनः
क्षत्रधर्माश्रिताः शूराः क्षत्रियाः प्राप्नुवन्ति तान्

7.52.33

संजय उवाच
एवमाश्वासितो राजन्भारद्वाजेन सैन्धवः
अपानुदद्भयं पार्थाद्युद्धाय च मनो दधे

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'When the spies (of Duryodhana), having heard that loud uproar made by the Pandavas desirous of victory, informed (their masters of the cause), Jayadratha, overwhelmed with sorrow, and with heart stupefied with grief, and like one sinking in a fathomless ocean of distress, slowly rose up and having reflected for a long while, proceeded to the assembly of the kings. Reflecting for a while in the presence of those gods among men, Jayadratha, in fear of Abhimanyu's father and covered with shame, said these words--He who in Pandu's soil was begotten by

[paragraph continues] Indra under the influence of desire, that wicked wretch is thinking of despatching me to the abode of Yama! Blessed be ye, I shall, therefore go back to my home from desire of life! Or, ye bulls among Kshatriyas, protect me by the force of your weapons! Partha seeks to slay me, ye heroes, render me fearless! Drona and Duryodhana and Kripa, and Karna, and the ruler of the Madras, and Valhika, and Dussasana and others, are capable of protecting a person who is afflicted by Yama himself. When however, I am threatened by Phalguna alone, will not all these the lords of earth, will not all of you, joined together, be able to protect me? Having heard the shouts of joy of the Pandavas, great hath been my fear. My limbs, ye lords of earth, have become powerless like those of a person on the point of death? Without doubt, the wielder of Gandiva hath sworn for my death! It is for this that the Pandavas are shouting in joy at a time when they should weep! Let alone the rulers of men, the very gods and Gandharvas, the Asuras, the Uragas, and the Rakshasas, cannot venture to baffle a vow of Arjuna. Therefore, ye bulls among men, blessed be ye, give me permission (to leave the Kuru camp). I want to make myself scarce. The Pandavas will no longer be able to find me! While indulging in such lamentations, with heart agitated by fear, king Duryodhana, always looking upon the accomplishment of his own business to be preferable to everything else, said unto him these words-Do not fear, O tiger among men! O bull among men, who will seek to encounter thee in battle when thou will remain in the midst of these Kshatriya heroes! Myself, Vikartana's son, Karna, Chitrasena, Vivinsati, Bhurisravas, Sala, Salya, the invincible Vrishasena, Purumitra, Jaya, Bhoja, Sudakshina the ruler of the Kamvojas, Satyavrata, the mighty-armed, Vikarna, Durmukha, Dussasana, Subahu, the ruler of the Kalingas, with his weapons upraised, Vinda and Anuvinda of Avanti, Drona, Drona's son, and Suvala's son (Sakuni),--these and numerous other kings will, with their forces, face the battle surrounding thee on all sides! Let the fever of thy heart, therefore, be dispelled! Thou art thyself one of the foremost of car-warriors! O thou of immeasurable splendour, thou thyself art a hero! Being what thou art how canst thou then see any cause of fear, O king of the Sindhus! The eleven Akshauhinis of troops I own will carefully fight for protecting thee! Therefore, do not fear, O king of the Sindhus! Let thy fears be dispelled!'

'Sanjaya continued, 'Thus comforted, O monarch, by thy son, the king of the Sindhus then, accompanied by Duryodhana, repaired that very night to Drona (the generalissimo of the Kuru army). Then, O king, having touched Drona's feet with reverence, and taken his seat with humility, he asked the preceptor these words--In hitting the aim, in hitting it from it distance, in tightness of hand, and in the force of the stroke, O illustrious one, tell the difference between myself and Phalguna! O preceptor, I wish to know accurately the difference as regards proficiency (in the science of arms) between myself and Arjuna! Say it unto me truly'

"Drona said, 'Of tutorial instruction, both of you, i.e., thyself and

[paragraph continues] Arjuna, have had the same measure, O son! In consequence, however, of yoga and the hard life led by Arjuna, he is superior to thee! Thou shouldst not, however, for any reason, cherish fear of Partha! Without doubt, I will, O son, protect thee from this fear! The very gods, cannot prevail over him who is protected by my arms! I will form an array which Partha will not succeed in piercing! 1 Therefore contained thou in battle, do not fear, observing the duties of thy own order! O mighty car-warrior, tread in the track of thy sires and grandsires! Having duly studied the Vedas, thou hast poured libations, according to the ordinance, into fire! Thou hast also performed many sacrifices: Death cannot, therefore, be an object of terror to thee! (For if thou diest), attaining then to that great good fortune which is unattainable by vile men, thou will acquire all those excellent regions in heaven that are attainable by the might of one's arms! The Kaurvas, the Pandavas, the Vrishnis, and other men, as also myself with my son, are all mortal and short-lived! Think of this. One after another, all of us, slain by Time which is all powerful, shall go to the other world, carrying with us only our respective deeds I Those regions that ascetics acquire by undergoing severe penances, those regions are acquired by heroic Kshatriyas that are observant of the duties of their order. Even thus was the ruler of the Sindhus consoled by Bharadwaja's son. Banishing his fear of Partha, he set his heart on battle. Then, O king thy troops also felt great delight, and the loud sounds of musical instruments were heard, mingled with leonine shouts.'"

145:1 Literally, 'in crossing.'

7.53.1

संजय उवाच
प्रतिज्ञाते तु पार्थेन सिन्धुराजवधे तदा
वासुदेवो महाबाहुर्धनंजयमभाषत

7.53.2

भ्रातॄणां मतमाज्ञाय त्वया वाचा प्रतिश्रुतम्
सैन्धवं श्वोऽस्मि हन्तेति तत्साहसतमं कृतम्

7.53.3

असंमन्त्र्य मया सार्धमतिभारोऽयमुद्यतः
कथं नु सर्वलोकस्य नावहास्या भवेमहि

7.53.4

धार्तराष्ट्रस्य शिबिरे मया प्रणिहिताश्चराः
त इमे शीघ्रमागम्य प्रवृत्तिं वेदयन्ति नः

7.53.5

त्वया वै संप्रतिज्ञाते सिन्धुराजवधे तदा
सिंहनादः सवादित्रः सुमहानिह तैः श्रुतः

7.53.6

तेन शब्देन वित्रस्ता धार्तराष्ट्राः ससैन्धवाः
नाकस्मात्सिंहनादोऽयमिति मत्वा व्यवस्थिताः

7.53.7

सुमहाञ्शब्दसंपातः कौरवाणां महाभुज
आसीन्नागाश्वपत्तीनां रथघोषश्च भैरवः

7.53.8

अभिमन्युवधं श्रुत्वा ध्रुवमार्तो धनंजयः
रात्रौ निर्यास्यति क्रोधादिति मत्वा व्यवस्थिताः

7.53.9

तैर्यतद्भिरियं सत्या श्रुता सत्यवतस्तव
प्रतिज्ञा सिन्धुराजस्य वधे राजीवलोचन

7.53.10

ततो विमनसः सर्वे त्रस्ताः क्षुद्रमृगा इव
आसन्सुयोधनामात्याः स च राजा जयद्रथः

7.53.11

अथोत्थाय सहामात्यैर्दीनः शिबिरमात्मनः
आयात्सौवीरसिन्धूनामीश्वरो भृशदुःखितः

7.53.12

स मन्त्रकाले संमन्त्र्य सर्वा नैःश्रेयसीः क्रियाः
सुयोधनमिदं वाक्यमब्रवीद्राजसंसदि

7.53.13

मामसौ पुत्रहन्तेति श्वोऽभियाता धनंजयः
प्रतिज्ञातो हि सेनाया मध्ये तेन वधो मम

7.53.14

तां न देवा न गन्धर्वा नासुरोरगराक्षसाः
उत्सहन्तेऽन्यथा कर्तुं प्रतिज्ञां सव्यसाचिनः

7.53.15

ते मां रक्षत संग्रामे मा वो मूर्ध्नि धनंजयः
पदं कृत्वाप्नुयाल्लक्ष्यं तस्मादत्र विधीयताम्

7.53.16

अथ रक्षा न मे संख्ये क्रियते कुरुनन्दन
अनुजानीहि मां राजन्गमिष्यामि गृहान्प्रति

7.53.17

एवमुक्तस्त्ववाक्शीर्षो विमनाः स सुयोधनः
श्रुत्वाभिशप्तवन्तं त्वां ध्यानमेवान्वपद्यत

7.53.18

तमार्तमभिसंप्रेक्ष्य राजा किल स सैन्धवः
मृदु चात्महितं चैव सापेक्षमिदमुक्तवान्

7.53.19

नाहं पश्यामि भवतां तथावीर्यं धनुर्धरम्
योऽर्जुनस्यास्त्रमस्त्रेण प्रतिहन्यान्महाहवे

7.53.20

वासुदेवसहायस्य गाण्डीवं धुन्वतो धनुः
कोऽर्जुनस्याग्रतस्तिष्ठेत्साक्षादपि शतक्रतुः

7.53.21

महेश्वरोऽपि पार्थेन श्रूयते योधितः पुरा
पदातिना महातेजा गिरौ हिमवति प्रभुः

7.53.22

दानवानां सहस्राणि हिरण्यपुरवासिनाम्
जघानैकरथेनैव देवराजप्रचोदितः

7.53.23

समायुक्तो हि कौन्तेयो वासुदेवेन धीमता
सामरानपि लोकांस्त्रीन्निहन्यादिति मे मतिः

7.53.24

सोऽहमिच्छाम्यनुज्ञातुं रक्षितुं वा महात्मना
द्रोणेन सहपुत्रेण वीरेण यदि मन्यसे

7.53.25

स राज्ञा स्वयमाचार्यो भृशमाक्रन्दितोऽर्जुन
संविधानं च विहितं रथाश्च किल सज्जिताः

7.53.26

कर्णो भूरिश्रवा द्रौणिर्वृषसेनश्च दुर्जयः
कृपश्च मद्रराजश्च षडेतेऽस्य पुरोगमाः

7.53.27

शकटः पद्मपश्चार्धो व्यूहो द्रोणेन कल्पितः
पद्मकर्णिकमध्यस्थः सूचीपाशे जयद्रथः
स्थास्यते रक्षितो वीरैः सिन्धुराड्युद्धदुर्मदैः

7.53.28

धनुष्यस्त्रे च वीर्ये च प्राणे चैव तथोरसि
अविषह्यतमा ह्येते निश्चिताः पार्थ षड्रथाः
एतानजित्वा सगणान्नैव प्राप्यो जयद्रथः

7.53.29

तेषामेकैकशो वीर्यं षण्णां त्वमनुचिन्तय
सहिता हि नरव्याघ्रा न शक्या जेतुमञ्जसा

7.53.30

भूयश्च चिन्तयिष्यामि नीतिमात्महिताय वै
मन्त्रज्ञैः सचिवैः सार्धं सुहृद्भिः कार्यसिद्धये

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'After Partha had vowed the death of the ruler of the Sindhus, the mighty-armed Vasudeva addressed Dhananjaya and said,--With the consent of thy brothers (alone, but without consulting me), thou hast sworn, saying--I will slay the ruler of the Sindhus! This hath been an act of great rashness (on thy part)! Without consulting me, thou hast taken up a great weight (upon thy shoulders)! Alas, how shall we escape the ridicule of all men? I had sent some spies into the camp of Dhritarashtra's son. Those spies, quickly coming unto me, gave me this information, viz., that after thou, O lord, hadst vowed to slay the ruler of the Sindhus, loud leonine shouts, mingled with the sounds of (our) musical instruments, were heard by the Dhritarashtras. In consequence of that uproar, the Dhritarashtras, with their well-wishers, became terrified,--These leonine shouts are not, causeless!--thought they, and waited (for what would ensue). O thou of mighty arms, an uproarious din

then arose amongst the Kauravas, of their elephants and steeds and infantry. And a terrible rattle was also heard of their cars.--Having heard of the death of Abhimanyu, Dhananjaya, deeply afflicted will in wrath come out in the night for battle!--Than king even thus, they waited (ready for battle). While preparing themselves. O thou of eyes like lotus-petals, they then learnt truly the vow about the slaughter of the ruler of the Sindhus, made by thee that art wedded to truth. 1 Then all the counsellors of Suyodhana became heartless and frightened like little animals. As regards king Jayadratha, that ruler of the Sindhus and the Sauviras, overwhelmed with grief and becoming thoroughly cheerless he stood up and entered his own tent with all his counsellors. Having consulted (with them) about every remedy that could benefit him at a time when he stood in need of consultation, he proceeded to the assembly of the (allied) kings and there said these words unto Suyodhana--Dhananjaya thinking me to be the slayer of his son, will tomorrow encounter me in battle! He hath, in the midst of his army, vowed to stay me! That vow of Savyasachin the very gods and Gandharvas and Asuras and Uragas and Rakshasas cannot venture to frustrate! Protect me, therefore, ye all in battle! Let not Dhananjaya, placing his foot on your head, succeed in hitting the mark! Let proper arrangements be made in respect of this matter! Or, if, O delighter of the Kurus, you think that you will not succeed in protecting me in battle, grant me permission then, O king, so that I may return home! Thus addressed (by Jayadratha), Suyodhana became cheerless and sat, hanging down his head. Ascertaining that Jayadratha was in a great fright, Suyodhana began to reflect in silence. Beholding the Kuru king to be greatly afflicted, king Jayadratha, the ruler of the Sindhus, slowly said these words having a beneficial reference to himself--I do not behold here that bowman of superior energy who can baffle with his arms the weapons of Arjuna in great battle! Who, even if it be Satakratu himself, will stay in front of Arjuna having Vasudeva for his ally, while wielding the bow Gandiva? It is heard that lord Maheswara himself of supreme energy had been encountered, before this, by Partha on foot, on the mountains of Himvat! Urged by the chief of the celestials, he slew on a single car, a thousand Danavas dwelling in Hiranyapura! That son of Kunti is now allied with Vasudeva of great intelligence. I think that he is competent to destroy the three worlds including the very gods. I wish that you will either grant me permission (to leave the field for my home) or that the high-souled and heroic Drona with his son will protect me! Or, I would await thy pleasure!--O Arjuna, (thus addressed by Jayadratha) king Suyodhana humbly beseeched the preceptor in this matter. 2 All remedial measures have been adopted. Cars and steeds have been arranged. Karna and Bhurisravas, and Drona's son, and the invincible Vrishasena,

and Kripa, and the ruler of the Madras, these six will be in (Jayadratha's) van. Drona will form an array half of which will be a Sakata 1 and half a lotus. In the middle of the leaves of that lotus will be a needle-mouthed array. Jayadratha, that ruler of the Sindhus, difficult of being conquered in battle, will take his stand, by it, protected by heroes! In (the use of) the bow, in weapons, in prowess, in strength, and also in lineage, those six car-warriors, O Partha are without doubt, exceedingly difficult of being borne. Without first vanquishing those six car-warriors, access to Jayadratha will not to be had. Think, O Arjuna, of the prowess of each of those six, O tiger among men, when united together, they are not capable of being easily vanquished! We should, therefore, once again, take counsel with well-wishing counsellors, conversant with policy, for our benefit and for the success of our object!'"

146:1 The Bengal reading Satyavrataiv in the first line of 9 is vicious. I adopt the Bombay reading Satyaratas, qualifying tara. To suppose that Krishna paid such a complement to the Kauravas as is implied by the Bengal reading is an absurdity.

146:2 i.e. added his voice to that of Jayadratha, requesting Drona to protect the latter.

147:1 A kind of car or vehicle.

7.53.31

अर्जुन उवाच
षड्रथान्धार्तराष्ट्रस्य मन्यसे यान्बलाधिकान्
तेषां वीर्यं ममार्धेन न तुल्यमिति लक्षये

7.53.32

अस्त्रमस्त्रेण सर्वेषामेतेषां मधुसूदन
मया द्रक्ष्यसि निर्भिन्नं जयद्रथवधैषिणा

7.53.33

द्रोणस्य मिषतः सोऽहं सगणस्य विलप्यतः
मूर्धानं सिन्धुराजस्य पातयिष्यामि भूतले

7.53.34

यदि साध्याश्च रुद्राश्च वसवश्च सहाश्विनः
मरुतश्च सहेन्द्रेण विश्वेदेवास्तथासुराः

7.53.35

पितरः सहगन्धर्वाः सुपर्णाः सागराद्रयः
द्यौर्वियत्पृथिवी चेयं दिशश्च सदिगीश्वराः

7.53.36

ग्राम्यारण्यानि भूतानि स्थावराणि चराणि च
त्रातारः सिन्धुराजस्य भवन्ति मधुसूदन

7.53.37

तथापि बाणैर्निहतं श्वो द्रष्टासि रणे मया
सत्येन ते शपे कृष्ण तथैवायुधमालभे

7.53.38

यश्च गोप्ता महेष्वासस्तस्य पापस्य दुर्मतेः
तमेव प्रथमं द्रोणमभियास्यामि केशव

7.53.39

तस्मिन्द्यूतमिदं बद्धं मन्यते स्म सुयोधनः
तस्मात्तस्यैव सेनाग्रं भित्त्वा यास्यामि सैन्धवम्

7.53.40

द्रष्टासि श्वो महेष्वासान्नाराचैस्तिग्मतेजनैः
शृङ्गाणीव गिरेर्वज्रैर्दार्यमाणान्मया युधि

7.53.41

नरनागाश्वदेहेभ्यो विस्रविष्यति शोणितम्
पतद्भ्यः पतितेभ्यश्च विभिन्नेभ्यः शितैः शरैः

7.53.42

गाण्डीवप्रेषिता बाणा मनोनिलसमा जवे
नृनागाश्वान्विदेहासून्कर्तारश्च सहस्रशः

7.53.43

यमात्कुबेराद्वरुणाद्रुद्रादिन्द्राच्च यन्मया
उपात्तमस्त्रं घोरं वै तद्द्रष्टारो नरा युधि

7.53.44

ब्राह्मेणास्त्रेण चास्त्राणि हन्यमानानि संयुगे
मया द्रष्टासि सर्वेषां सैन्धवस्याभिरक्षिणाम्

7.53.45

शरवेगसमुत्कृत्तै राज्ञां केशव मूर्धभिः
आस्तीर्यमाणां पृथिवीं द्रष्टासि श्वो मया युधि

7.53.46

क्रव्यादांस्तर्पयिष्यामि द्रावयिष्यामि शात्रवान्
सुहृदो नन्दयिष्यामि पातयिष्यामि सैन्धवम्

7.53.47

बह्वागस्कृत्कुसंबन्धी पापदेशसमुद्भवः
मया सैन्धवको राजा हतः स्वाञ्शोचयिष्यति

7.53.48

सर्वक्षीरान्नभोक्तारः पापाचारा रणाजिरे
मया सराजका बाणैर्नुन्ना नंक्ष्यन्ति सैन्धवाः

7.53.49

तथा प्रभाते कर्तास्मि यथा कृष्ण सुयोधनः
नान्यं धनुर्धरं लोके मंस्यते मत्समं युधि

7.53.50

गाण्डीवं च धनुर्दिव्यं योद्धा चाहं नरर्षभ
त्वं च यन्ता हृषीकेश किं नु स्यादजितं मया

7.53.51

यथा हि लक्ष्म चन्द्रे वै समुद्रे च यथा जलम्
एवमेतां प्रतिज्ञां मे सत्यां विद्धि जनार्दन

7.53.52

मावमंस्था ममास्त्राणि मावमंस्था धनुर्दृढम्
मावमंस्था बलं बाह्वोर्मावमंस्था धनंजयम्

7.53.53

यथा हि यात्वा संग्रामे न जीये विजयामि च
तेन सत्येन संग्रामे हतं विद्धि जयद्रथम्

7.53.54

ध्रुवं वै ब्राह्मणे सत्यं ध्रुवा साधुषु संनतिः
श्रीर्ध्रुवा चापि दक्षेषु ध्रुवो नारायणे जयः

7.53.55

संजय उवाच
एवमुक्त्वा हृषीकेशं स्वयमात्मानमात्मना
संदिदेशार्जुनो नर्दन्वासविः केशवं प्रभुम्

7.53.56

यथा प्रभातां रजनीं कल्पितः स्याद्रथो मम
तथा कार्यं त्वया कृष्ण कार्यं हि महदुद्यतम्

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Arjuna said, 'These six car-warriors of the Dhritarashtra army whom thou regardest to be so strong their (united) energy, I think is not equal to even half of mine! Thou shalt see, O slayer of Madhu, the weapons of all these cut off and baffled by me when I go against them for slaying Jayadratha! In the very sight of Drona and all his men, I will fell the head of the ruler of the Sindhus, on the earth, beholding which they will indulge in lamentations. If the Siddhas, the Rudras, the Vasus, with the Aswins, the Maruts with Indra: (at their head) the Viswadevas with other gods, the Pitris, the Gandharvas, Garuda, the Ocean, the mountains, the firmament, Heaven, Earth, the point of the compass (cardinal and subsidiary), and the regents of those points, all the creatures that are domestic and all that are wild, in fact if all the mobile and the immobile beings together, become the protectors of the ruler of the Sindhus, yet, O slayer of Madhu, shalt thou behold Jayadratha slain by me tomorrow in battle with my arrows! O Krishna, I swear by Truth, I touch my weapons (and swear by them), that I shall, O Kesava, at the very outset, encounter that Drona, that mighty bowman, who hath become the protector of that sinful wretch Jayadratha! Suyodhana thinks that this game (of battle) resteth on Drona! Therefore, piercing through the very van commanded by Drona himself, I shall get at Jayadratha! Thou shalt tomorrow behold the mightiest of bowmen riven by me in battle by means of my shafts endued with fierce energy, like summits of a hill riven by the thunder, Blood shall flow (in torrents) from the breasts of fallen men and elephants and steeds, split open by whetted shafts failing fast upon them! The shafts shot from

[paragraph continues] Gandiva, fleet as the mind or the wind, will deprive thousands of men and elephants and steeds of life! Men will behold in tomorrow's battle those weapons which I have obtained from Yama and Kaurva and Varuna and Indra and Rudra! Thou shalt behold in tomorrow's battle the weapons of all those who come to protect the ruler of the Sindhus, baffled by me with my Brahma weapon! Thou shalt in tomorrow's battle, O Kesava, behold the earth strewn by me with the heads of kings cut off by the force, of my shafts! (Tomorrow) I shall gratify all cannibals, rout the foe, gladden my friends, and crush the ruler of the Sindhus! A great offender, one who hath not acted like a relative, born in a sinful country, the ruler of the Sindhu, slain by me, will sadden his own. Thou shalt behold that ruler of the Sindhus, of sinful behaviour, and brought up in every luxury, pierced by me with my shafts! On the morrow, O Krishana, I shall do that which shall make Suyodhana think that there is no other bowman in the world who is equal to me! My Gandiva is a celestial bow! I myself am the warrior. O bull among men! Thou, O Hrishikesa, art the charioteer! What is that I will not be able to vanquish? Through thy grace, O holy one, what is there unattainable by me in battle? Knowing my prowess to be incapable of being resisted, why, O Hrishikesa, dost thou, yet rebuke me? As Lakshmi is ever present in Soma, as water is ever present in the Ocean, know this, O Janarddana, that even so is my vow ever accomplished! Do not think lightly of my weapons! Do not think lightly of my tough bow! Do not think lightly of the might of my arms! Do not think lightly of Dhananjaya! I shall go to battle in such a way that I shall truly win and not lose! When I have vowed it, know that Jayadratha hath already been slain in battle! Verily, in the Brahmana is truth; verily, in the righteous is humility; verily, in sacrifice is prosperity; verily, in Narayana is victory!

"Sanjaya continued,--'Having said these words unto Hrishikesa, the son of Vasudeva, having himself said so unto his own self, Arjuna in a deep voice, once more addressed lord Kesava, saying--Thou shouldst O Krishna, so act that my car may be well equipt as soon as this night dawns, since grave is the task that is at hand!'"

7.54.1

संजय उवाच
तां निशां दुःखशोकार्तौ श्वसन्ताविव चोरगौ
निद्रां नैवोपलेभाते वासुदेवधनंजयौ

7.54.2

नरनारायणौ क्रुद्धौ ज्ञात्वा देवाः सवासवाः
व्यथिताश्चिन्तयामासुः किं स्विदेतद्भविष्यति

7.54.3

ववुश्च दारुणा वाता रूक्षा घोराभिशंसिनः
सकबन्धस्तथादित्ये परिघः समदृश्यत

7.54.4

शुष्काशन्यश्च निष्पेतुः सनिर्घाताः सविद्युतः
चचाल चापि पृथिवी सशैलवनकानना

7.54.5

चुक्षुभुश्च महाराज सागरा मकरालयाः
प्रतिस्रोतः प्रवृत्ताश्च तथा गन्तुं समुद्रगाः

7.54.6

रथाश्वनरनागानां प्रवृत्तमधरोत्तरम्
क्रव्यादानां प्रमोदार्थं यमराष्ट्रविवृद्धये

7.54.7

वाहनानि शकृन्मूत्रे मुमुचू रुरुदुश्च ह
तान्दृष्ट्वा दारुणान्सर्वानुत्पाताँल्लोमहर्षणान्

7.54.8

सर्वे ते व्यथिताः सैन्यास्त्वदीया भरतर्षभ
श्रुत्वा महाबलस्योग्रां प्रतिज्ञां सव्यसाचिनः

7.54.9

अथ कृष्णं महाबाहुरब्रवीत्पाकशासनिः
आश्वासय सुभद्रां त्वं भगिनीं स्नुषया सह

7.54.10

स्नुषा श्वश्र्वानघायस्ते विशोके कुरु माधव
साम्ना सत्येन युक्तेन वचसाश्वासय प्रभो

7.54.11

ततोऽर्जुनगृहं गत्वा वासुदेवः सुदुर्मनाः
भगिनीं पुत्रशोकार्तामाश्वासयत दुःखिताम्

7.54.12

मा शोकं कुरु वार्ष्णेयि कुमारं प्रति सस्नुषा
सर्वेषां प्राणिनां भीरु निष्ठैषा कालनिर्मिता

7.54.13

कुले जतस्य वीरस्य क्षत्रियस्य विशेषतः
सदृशं मरणं ह्येतत्तव पुत्रस्य मा शुचः

7.54.14

दिष्ट्या महारथो वीरः पितुस्तुल्यपराक्रमः
क्षात्रेण विधिना प्राप्तो वीराभिलषितां गतिम्

7.54.15

जित्वा सुबहुशः शत्रून्प्रेषयित्वा च मृत्यवे
गतः पुण्यकृतां लोकान्सर्वकामदुहोऽक्षयान्

7.54.16

तपसा ब्रह्मचर्येण श्रुतेन प्रज्ञयापि च
सन्तो यां गतिमिच्छन्ति प्राप्तस्तां तव पुत्रकः

7.54.17

वीरसूर्वीरपत्नी त्वं वीरश्वशुरबान्धवा
मा शुचस्तनयं भद्रे गतः स परमां गतिम्

7.54.18

प्राप्स्यते चाप्यसौ क्षुद्रः सैन्धवो बालघातकः
अस्यावलेपस्य फलं ससुहृद्गणबान्धवः

7.54.19

व्युष्टायां तु वरारोहे रजन्यां पापकर्मकृत्
न हि मोक्ष्यति पार्थात्स प्रविष्टोऽप्यमरावतीम्

7.54.20

श्वः शिरः श्रोष्यसे तस्य सैन्धवस्य रणे हृतम्
समन्तपञ्चकाद्बाह्यं विशोका भव मा रुदः

7.54.21

क्षत्रधर्मं पुरस्कृत्य गतः शूरः सतां गतिम्
यां वयं प्राप्नुयामेह ये चान्ये शस्त्रजीविनः

7.54.22

व्यूढोरस्को महाबाहुरनिवर्ती वरप्रणुत्
गतस्तव वरारोहे पुत्रः स्वर्गं ज्वरं जहि

7.54.23

अनु जातश्च पितरं मातृपक्षं च वीर्यवान्
सहस्रशो रिपून्हत्वा हतः शूरो महारथः

7.54.24

आश्वासय स्नुषां राज्ञि मा शुचः क्षत्रिये भृशम्
श्वः प्रियं सुमहच्छ्रुत्वा विशोका भव नन्दिनि

7.54.25

यत्पार्थेन प्रतिज्ञातं तत्तथा न तदन्यथा
चिकीर्षितं हि ते भर्तुर्न भवेज्जातु निष्फलम्

7.54.26

यदि च मनुजपन्नगाः पिशाचा; रजनिचराः पतगाः सुरासुराश्च
रणगतमभियान्ति सिन्धुराजं; न स भविता सह तैरपि प्रभाते

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Both Vasudeva and Dhananjaya, afflicted with sorrow and grief and frequently sighing like two snakes, got no sleep that night. Understanding that both Nara and Narayana were in rage, the gods with Vasava became very anxious thinking, 'What will come of it?' Fierce winds, that were again dry and foreboded danger, began to blow. And a headless trunk and a mace appeared on the disc of the sun. And although it was

cloudless, frequent thunders were heard, of loud report, mixed with flashes of lightning. The earth with her mountains and waters and forests, shook. The seas, those habitation of Makaras, swelled O king, in agitation. The rivers ran in directions opposite to their usual course. The nether and upper lips of car-warriors and steeds and men and elephants began to tremble. And as if for gladdening the cannibals, on that occasion foreboding a great accession of population to the domain of Yama, the animals (on the field) began to eject urine and excreta, and utter loud cries of woe. Beholding these fierce omens that made the hair stand on end, and hearing also of the fierce vow of the mighty Arjuna, all thy warriors, O bull of Bharata's race became exceedingly agitated. Then the mighty-armed son of Pakasasana said unto Krishna. 'Go, and comfort thy sister Subhadra with her daughter-in-law. And, O Madhava, let also that daughter-in-law, and her companions, be comforted by thee; O lord, comfort them with soothing words that are again fraught with truth.' Thus addressed, Vasudeva, with a cheerless heart, wending to Arjuna's abode, began to comfort his sorrowing sister afflicted with grief on account of the death of her son.'

"Vasudeva said, 'O lady of Vrishni's race, do not grieve, with thy daughter-in-law, for thy son. G timid one, all creatures have but one end ordained by Time. The end thy son hath met with-that becometh a hero of proud lineage, especially who is a Kshatriya. Do not, therefore, grieve. By good luck it is that mighty car-warrior of great wisdom, of prowess equal to that of his father, hath, after the Kshatriya custom, met with an end that is coveted by heroes. Having vanquished numberless foes and despatched them unto Yama's presence, he hath himself repaired to those eternal regions, that grant the fruition of every wish, and that are for the righteous. Thy son hath attained that end which the righteous attain by penance, by Brahmacharya, by knowledge of the scriptures, and by wisdom. The mother of a hero, the wife of a hero, the daughter of a hero, and a kinsman of heroes, O amiable one, grieve not thou for thy son who hath obtained the supreme end. The wretched ruler of the Sindhus, O beautiful lady, that murderer of a child, that perpetrator of a sinful act, shall, with his friends and kinsmen, obtain the fruit of this arrogance of his on the expiry of this night. Even if he enters the abode of Indra himself he will not escape from the hands of Partha. Tomorrow thou shalt hear that the head of the Sindhus hath, in battle, been cut off from his trunk to roll on the outskirts of Samantapanchaka! Dispel thy sorrow, and do not grieve. Keeping the duties of a Kshatriya before him, thy brave son hath attained the end of the righteous, that end, viz., which we here expect to obtain as also others that bear arms as a profession. Of broad chest, mighty arms, unreturning, a crusher of car-warriors, thy son, O beautiful lady, hath gone to heaven. Drive away this fever (of thy heart). Obedient to his sires and maternal relations, that heroic and mighty car-warriors of great prowess hath fallen a prey to death, after having slain thousands of foes comfort thy-daughter-in-law, O queen! Do not grieve too much, O Kshatriya lady!

[paragraph continues] Drive away thy grief, O daughter, as thou shalt hear such agreeable news on the morrow. That which Partha hath vowed must be accomplished. It cannot be otherwise. That which is sought to be done by thy husband can never remain unaccomplished. Even if all human beings and snakes and Pisachas and all the wanderers of the night and birds, and all the gods and the Asuras, help the ruler of the Sindhus on the field of battle; he shall still, with them, cease to exist tomorrow.'"

7.55.1

संजय उवाच
एतच्छ्रुत्वा वचस्तस्य केशवस्य महात्मनः
सुभद्रा पुत्रशोकार्ता विललाप सुदुःखिता

7.55.2

हा पुत्र मम मन्दायाः कथं संयुगमेत्य ह
निधनं प्राप्तवांस्तात पितृतुल्यपराक्रमः

7.55.3

कथमिन्दीवरश्यामं सुदंष्ट्रं चारुलोचनम्
मुखं ते दृश्यते वत्स गुण्ठितं रणरेणुना

7.55.4

नूनं शूरं निपतितं त्वां पश्यन्त्यनिवर्तिनम्
सुशिरोग्रीवबाह्वंसं व्यूढोरस्कं निरूदरम्

7.55.5

चारूपचितसर्वाङ्गं स्वक्षं शस्त्रक्षताचितम्
भूतानि त्वा निरीक्षन्ते नूनं चन्द्रमिवोदितम्

7.55.6

शयनीयं पुरा यस्य स्पर्ध्यास्तरणसंवृतम्
भूमावद्य कथं शेषे विप्रविद्धः सुखोचितः

7.55.7

योऽन्वास्यत पुरा वीरो वरस्त्रीभिर्महाभुजः
कथमन्वास्यते सोऽद्य शिवाभिः पतितो मृधे

7.55.8

योऽस्तूयत पुरा हृष्टैः सूतमागधबन्दिभिः
सोऽद्य क्रव्याद्गणैर्घोरैर्विनदद्भिरुपास्यते

7.55.9

पाण्डवेषु च नाथेषु वृष्णिवीरेषु चाभिभो
पाञ्चालेषु च वीरेषु हतः केनास्यनाथवत्

7.55.10

अतृप्तदर्शना पुत्र दर्शनस्य तवानघ
मन्दभाग्या गमिष्यामि व्यक्तमद्य यमक्षयम्

7.55.11

विशालाक्षं सुकेशान्तं चारुवाक्यं सुगन्धि च
तव पुत्र कदा भूयो मुखं द्रक्ष्यामि निर्व्रणम्

7.55.12

धिग्बलं भीमसेनस्य धिक्पार्थस्य धनुष्मताम्
धिग्वीर्यं वृष्णिवीराणां पाञ्चालानां च धिग्बलम्

7.55.13

धिक्केकयांस्तथा चेदीन्मत्स्यांश्चैवाथ सृञ्जयान्
ये त्वा रणे गतं वीरं न जानन्ति निपातितम्

7.55.14

अद्य पश्यामि पृथिवीं शून्यामिव हतत्विषम्
अभिमन्युमपश्यन्ती शोकव्याकुललोचना

7.55.15

स्वस्रीयं वासुदेवस्य पुत्रं गाण्डीवधन्वनः
कथं त्वा विरथं वीरं द्रक्ष्याम्यन्यैर्निपातितम्

7.55.16

हा वीर दृष्टो नष्टश्च धनं स्वप्न इवासि मे
अहो ह्यनित्यं मानुष्यं जलबुद्बुदचञ्चलम्

7.55.17

इमां ते तरुणीं भार्यां त्वदाधिभिरभिप्लुताम्
कथं संधारयिष्यामि विवत्सामिव धेनुकाम्

7.55.18

अहो ह्यकाले प्रस्थानं कृतवानसि पुत्रक
विहाय फलकाले मां सुगृद्धां तव दर्शने

7.55.19

नूनं गतिः कृतान्तस्य प्राज्ञैरपि सुदुर्विदा
यत्र त्वं केशवे नाथे संग्रामेऽनाथवद्धतः

7.55.20

यज्वनां दानशीलानां ब्राह्मणानां कृतात्मनाम्
चरितब्रह्मचर्याणां पुण्यतीर्थावगाहिनाम्

7.55.21

कृतज्ञानां वदान्यानां गुरुशुश्रूषिणामपि
सहस्रदक्षिणानां च या गतिस्तामवाप्नुहि

7.55.22

या गतिर्युध्यमानानां शूराणामनिवर्तिनाम्
हत्वारीन्निहतानां च संग्रामे तां गतिं व्रज

7.55.23

गोसहस्रप्रदातॄणां क्रतुदानां च या गतिः
नैवेशिकं चाभिमतं ददतां या गतिः शुभा

7.55.24

ब्रह्मचर्येण यां यान्ति मुनयः संशितव्रताः
एकपत्न्यश्च यां यान्ति तां गतिं व्रज पुत्रक

7.55.25

राज्ञां सुचरितैर्या च गतिर्भवति शाश्वती
चतुराश्रमिणां पुण्यैः पावितानां सुरक्षितैः

7.55.26

दीनानुकम्पिनां या च सततं संविभागिनाम्
पैशुन्याच्च निवृत्तानां तां गतिं व्रज पुत्रक

7.55.27

व्रतिनां धर्मशीलानां गुरुशुश्रूषिणामपि
अमोघातिथिनां या च तां गतिं व्रज पुत्रक

7.55.28

ऋतुकाले स्वकां पत्नीं गच्छतां या मनस्विनाम्
न चान्यदारसेवीनां तां गतिं व्रज पुत्रक

7.55.29

साम्ना ये सर्वभूतानि गच्छन्ति गतमत्सराः
नारुंतुदानां क्षमिणां या गतिस्तामवाप्नुहि

7.55.30

मधुमांसनिवृत्तानां मदाद्दम्भात्तथानृतात्
परोपतापत्यक्तानां तां गतिं व्रज पुत्रक

7.55.31

ह्रीमन्तः सर्वशास्त्रज्ञा ज्ञानतृप्ता जितेन्द्रियाः
यां गतिं साधवो यान्ति तां गतिं व्रज पुत्रक

7.55.32

एवं विलपतीं दीनां सुभद्रां शोककर्शिताम्
अभ्यपद्यत पाञ्चाली वैराटीसहिता तदा

7.55.33

ताः प्रकामं रुदित्वा च विलप्य च सुदुःखिताः
उन्मत्तवत्तदा राजन्विसंज्ञा न्यपतन्क्षितौ

7.55.34

सोपचारस्तु कृष्णस्तां दुःखितां भृशदुःखितः
सिक्त्वाम्भसा समाश्वास्य तत्तदुक्त्वा हितं वचः

7.55.35

विसंज्ञकल्पां रुदतीमपविद्धां प्रवेपतीम्
भगिनीं पुण्डरीकाक्ष इदं वचनमब्रवीत्

7.55.36

सुभद्रे मा शुचः पुत्रं पाञ्चाल्याश्वासयोत्तराम्
गतोऽभिमन्युः प्रथितां गतिं क्षत्रियपुंगवः

7.55.37

ये चान्येऽपि कुले सन्ति पुरुषा नो वरानने
सर्वे ते वै गतिं यान्तु अभिमन्योर्यशस्विनः

7.55.38

कुर्याम तद्वयं कर्म क्रियासुः सुहृदश्च नः
कृतवान्यादृगद्यैकस्तव पुत्रो महारथः

7.55.39

एवमाश्वास्य भगिनीं द्रौपदीमपि चोत्तराम्
पार्थस्यैव महाबाहुः पार्श्वमागादरिंदमः

7.55.40

ततोऽभ्यनुज्ञाय नृपान्कृष्णो बन्धूंस्तथाभिभूः
विवेशान्तःपुरं राजंस्तेऽन्ये जग्मुर्यथालयम्

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Hearing these words of the high-souled Kesava, Subhadra, afflicted with grief on account of the death of her son, began to indulge in these piteous lamentations: 'Oh, son of my wretched self, O thou that wast in prowess equal to thy father, O child, how couldst thou perish, going to battle! Alas, how doth that face of thine which resembleth the blue lotus and is graced with beautiful teeth and excellent eyes, now seem, now that, O child, it is covered with battle's dust! Without doubt, thee so brave and unreturning, thee fallen on the field, with beautiful head and neck and arms, with broad chest, low belly, thy limbs decked with ornaments, thee that art endued with beautiful eyes, thee that art mangled with weapon wounds, thee all creatures are, without doubt, beholding as the rising moon! Alas, thou whose bed used to be overlaid with the whitest and costliest sheets, alas, deserving as thou art of every luxury, how dost thou sleep today on the bare earth, thy body pierced with arrows? That hero of mighty arms who used of old to be waited upon by the foremost of beautiful women, alas, how can he, fallen on the field of battle, pass his time now in the company of jackals! He who of old was praised with hymns by singers and bards and panegyrists, alas, he is today greeted by fierce and yelling cannibals and beasts of prey. By whom, alas, hast thou been helplessly slain when thou hadst the Pandavas, O lord, and all the Panchalas, for thy protectors? Oh son, O sinless one, I am not yet gratified with looking at thee. Wretched as I am, it is evident that I shall have to go to Yama's abode. When again shall I cast my eyes on that face of thine, adorned, with large eyes and beautiful locks that smooth face without pimples, from which sweet words and exquisite fragrance constantly issued? Fie on the strength of Bhimasena, on the bowmanship of Partha, on the prowess of the Vrishni heroes, and the might of the Panchalas! Fie on the Kaikeyas, the Chedis, the Matsyas, and the Srinjayas, they that could not protect thee, O hero, while engaged in battle! I behold the earth today to be vacant and cheerless. Without seeing my Abhimanyu, my eyes are troubled with affliction. Thou wast the sister's son of Vasudeva, the son of the wielder of Gandiva, and thyself, a hero and an Atiratha. Alas, how shall I behold

the slain! Alas, O hero, thou hast been to me like a treasure in a dream that is seen and lost. Oh, every thing human is as transitory as a bubble of water. This thy young wife is overwhelmed with grief on account of the evil that hath befallen thee. Alas, how shall I comfort her who is even like a cow without her calf! Alas, O son, thou hast prematurely fled from me at a time when thou wast about to bear fruit of greatness, although I am longing for a sight of thee. Without, doubt, the conduct of the Destroyer cannot be understood even by the wise, since although thou hast Kesava for thy protector, thou wast yet slain, as if thou wast perfectly helpless. O son, let that end be thine which is theirs that perform sacrifices and theirs that are Brahmanas of purified soul, and theirs that have practised Brahmacharya, and theirs that have bathed in sacred waters, and theirs that are grateful and charitable and devoted to the service of their preceptors, and theirs that have made sacrificial presents in profusion. That end which is theirs that are brave and unretreating while engaged in battle, or theirs that have fallen in battle, having slain their foes, let that end be thine. That auspicious end which is theirs that have given away a thousand kine, or theirs that have given away in sacrifices, or theirs that give away houses and mansions agreeable to the recipients, that end which is theirs that give away gems and jewels to deserving Brahmanas, or theirs that are punishers of crime, O, let that end be thine. That end which is attained by Munis of rigid vows by Brahmacharya, or that which is attained by those women that adhere to but one husband, O son, let that end be thine. That eternal end which is attained by kings by means of good behaviour, or by those persons that have cleansed themselves by leading, one after another, all the four modes of life, and through due observance of their duties, that end which is theirs that are compassionate to the poor and the distressed, or theirs that equitably divide sweets amongst themselves and their dependants, or theirs that are never addicted to deceit and wickedness, O son, let that end be thine! That end which is theirs that are observant of vows, or theirs that are virtuous, or theirs that are devoted to the service of preceptors, or theirs that have never sent away a guest unentertained, O son, let that end be thine. That end which is theirs that succeed in distress and the most difficult straits in preserving the equanimity of their souls, however much scorched they might be by the fire of grief, O son, let that end be thine. O son, let that end be thine which is theirs that are always devoted to the service of their fathers and mothers, or theirs that are devoted to their own wives only. O son, let that end be thine which is attained by those wise men who, restraining themselves from the wives of others, seek the companionship of only their own wives in season. O son, let that end be thine which is theirs that look upon all creatures with an eye of peace, or theirs that never give pain to others, or theirs that always forgive. O son, let that end be thine which is theirs that abstain from honey, meat, wine, pride and untruth, or theirs that have refrained from giving pain to others. Let that goal be thine which they

attain that are modest, acquainted with all the scriptures, content with knowledge, and have their passions under control.'

"And while cheerless Subhadra, afflicted with grief, was indulging in such lamentations, the princess of Panchala (Draupadi), accompanied by Virata's daughter (Uttara), came to her. All of them, in great grief, wept copiously and indulged in heart-rending lamentations. And like persons reft of reason by sorrow, they fainted away and fell down on the earth. Then Krishna, who stood, ready with water, deeply afflicted, sprinkled it over his weeping, unconscious and trembling sister, pierced in her very heart, and comforting her, said what should be said on such an occasion. And the lotus-eyed one said, 'Grieve not, O Subhadra! O Panchali, console Uttara! Abhimanyu, that bull among Kshatriyas, hath obtained the most laudable goal. O thou of beautiful face, let all the other men yet alive in our race obtain that goal which Abhimanyu of great fame hath obtained. Ourselves with all our friends, wish to achieve, in this battle, that feat, the like of which, O lady, thy son, that mighty car-warrior, hath achieved without any assistance.' Having consoled his sister and Draupadi and Uttara thus, that chastiser of foes, viz., the mighty-armed (Krishna), returned to Partha's side. Then Krishna, saluting the kings, friends and Arjuna, entered the inner apartments of the (latter's) tent while those kings also repaired to respective abodes.'"

7.56.1

संजय उवाच
ततोऽर्जुनस्य भवनं प्रविश्याप्रतिमं विभुः
स्पृष्ट्वाम्भः पुण्डरीकाक्षः स्थण्डिले शुभलक्षणे
संतस्तार शुभां शय्यां दर्भैर्वैडूर्यसंनिभैः

7.56.2

ततो माल्येन विधिवल्लाजैर्गन्धैः सुमङ्गलैः
अलंचकार तां शय्यां परिवार्यायुधोत्तमैः

7.56.3

ततः स्पृष्टोदकं पार्थं विनीताः परिचारकाः
दर्शयां नैत्यकं चक्रुर्नैशं त्रैयम्बकं बलिम्

7.56.4

ततः प्रीतमनाः पार्थो गन्धैर्माल्यैश्च माधवम्
अलंकृत्योपहारं तं नैशमस्मै न्यवेदयत्

7.56.5

स्मयमानस्तु गोविन्दः फल्गुनं प्रत्यभाषत
सुप्यतां पार्थ भद्रं ते कल्याणाय व्रजाम्यहम्

7.56.6

स्थापयित्वा ततो द्वाःस्थान्गोप्तॄंश्चात्तायुधान्नरान्
दारुकानुगतः श्रीमान्विवेश शिबिरं स्वकम्
शिश्ये च शयने शुभ्रे बहुकृत्यं विचिन्तयन्

7.56.7

न पाण्डवानां शिबिरे कश्चित्सुष्वाप तां निशाम्
प्रजागरः सर्वजनमाविवेश विशां पते

7.56.8

पुत्रशोकाभिभूतेन प्रतिज्ञातो महात्मना
सहसा सिन्धुराजस्य वधो गाण्डीवधन्वना

7.56.9

तत्कथं नु महाबाहुर्वासविः परवीरहा
प्रतिज्ञां सफलां कुर्यादिति ते समचिन्तयन्

7.56.10

कष्टं हीदं व्यवसितं पाण्डवेन महात्मना
पुत्रशोकाभितप्तेन प्रतिज्ञा महती कृता

7.56.11

भ्रातरश्चापि विक्रान्ता बहुलानि बलानि च
धृतराष्ट्रस्य पुत्रेण सर्वं तस्मै निवेदितम्

7.56.12

स हत्वा सैन्धवं संख्ये पुनरेतु धनंजयः
जित्वा रिपुगणांश्चैव पारयत्वर्जुनो व्रतम्

7.56.13

अहत्वा सिन्धुराजं हि धूमकेतुं प्रवेक्ष्यति
न ह्येतदनृतं कर्तुमर्हः पार्थो धनंजयः

7.56.14

धर्मपुत्रः कथं राजा भविष्यति मृतेऽर्जुने
तस्मिन्हि विजयः कृत्स्नः पाण्डवेन समाहितः

7.56.15

यदि नः सुकृतं किंचिद्यदि दत्तं हुतं यदि
फलेन तस्य सर्वस्य सव्यसाची जयत्वरीन्

7.56.16

एवं कथयतां तेषां जयमाशंसतां प्रभो
कृच्छ्रेण महता राजन्रजनी व्यत्यवर्तत

7.56.17

तस्यां रजन्यां मध्ये तु प्रतिबुद्धो जनार्दनः
स्मृत्वा प्रतिज्ञां पार्थस्य दारुकं प्रत्यभाषत

7.56.18

अर्जुनेन प्रतिज्ञातमार्तेन हतबन्धुना
जयद्रथं हनिष्यामि श्वोभूत इति दारुक

7.56.19

तत्तु दुर्योधनः श्रुत्वा मन्त्रिभिर्मन्त्रयिष्यति
यथा जयद्रथं पार्थो न हन्यादिति संयुगे

7.56.20

अक्षौहिण्यो हि ताः सर्वा रक्षिष्यन्ति जयद्रथम्
द्रोणश्च सह पुत्रेण सर्वास्त्रविधिपारगः

7.56.21

एको वीरः सहस्राक्षो दैत्यदानवमर्दिता
सोऽपि तं नोत्सहेताजौ हन्तुं द्रोणेन रक्षितम्

7.56.22

सोऽहं श्वस्तत्करिष्यामि यथा कुन्तीसुतोऽर्जुनः
अप्राप्तेऽस्तं दिनकरे हनिष्यति जयद्रथम्

7.56.23

न हि दारा न मित्राणि ज्ञातयो न च बान्धवाः
कश्चिन्नान्यः प्रियतरः कुन्तीपुत्रान्ममार्जुनात्

7.56.24

अनर्जुनमिमं लोकं मुहूर्तमपि दारुक
उदीक्षितुं न शक्तोऽहं भविता न च तत्तथा

7.56.25

अहं ध्वजिन्यः शत्रूणां सहयाः सरथद्विपाः
अर्जुनार्थे हनिष्यामि सकर्णाः ससुयोधनाः

7.56.26

श्वो निरीक्षन्तु मे वीर्यं त्रयो लोका महाहवे
धनंजयार्थं समरे पराक्रान्तस्य दारुक

7.56.27

श्वो नरेन्द्रसहस्राणि राजपुत्रशतानि च
साश्वद्विपरथान्याजौ विद्रविष्यन्ति दारुक

7.56.28

श्वस्तां चक्रप्रमथितां द्रक्ष्यसे नृपवाहिनीम्
मया क्रुद्धेन समरे पाण्डवार्थे निपातिताम्

7.56.29

श्वः सदेवाः सगन्धर्वाः पिशाचोरगराक्षसाः
ज्ञास्यन्ति लोकाः सर्वे मां सुहृदं सव्यसाचिनः

7.56.30

यस्तं द्वेष्टि स मां द्वेष्टि यस्तमनु स मामनु
इति संकल्प्यतां बुद्ध्या शरीरार्धं ममार्जुनः

7.56.31

यथा त्वमप्रभातायामस्यां निशि रथोत्तमम्
कल्पयित्वा यथाशास्त्रमादाय व्रतसंयतः

7.56.32

गदां कौमोदकीं दिव्यां शक्तिं चक्रं धनुः शरान्
आरोप्य वै रथे सूत सर्वोपकरणानि च

7.56.33

स्थानं हि कल्पयित्वा च रथोपस्थे ध्वजस्य मे
वैनतेयस्य वीरस्य समरे रथशोभिनः

7.56.34

छत्रं जाम्बूनदैर्जालैरर्कज्वलनसंनिभैः
विश्वकर्मकृतैर्दिव्यैरश्वानपि च भूषितान्

7.56.35

बलाहकं मेघपुष्पं सैन्यं सुग्रीवमेव च
युक्त्वा वाजिवरान्यत्तः कवची तिष्ठ दारुक

7.56.36

पाञ्चजन्यस्य निर्घोषमार्षभेणैव पूरितम्
श्रुत्वा तु भैरवं नादमुपयाया जवेन माम्

7.56.37

एकाह्नाहममर्षं च सर्वदुःखानि चैव ह
भ्रातुः पितृष्वसेयस्य व्यपनेष्यामि दारुक

7.56.38

सर्वोपायैर्यतिष्यामि यथा बीभत्सुराहवे
पश्यतां धार्तराष्ट्राणां हनिष्यति जयद्रथम्

7.56.39

यस्य यस्य च बीभत्सुर्वधे यत्नं करिष्यति
आशंसे सारथे तत्र भवितास्य ध्रुवो जयः

7.56.40

दारुक उवाच
जय एव ध्रुवस्तस्य कुत एव पराजयः
यस्य त्वं पुरुषव्याघ्र सारथ्यमुपजग्मिवान्

7.56.41

एवं चैतत्करिष्यामि यथा मामनुशाससि
सुप्रभातामिमां रात्रिं जयाय विजयस्य हि

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Then lord Kesava, of eyes like lotus-petals, having entered the unrivalled mansion of Arjuna, touched water, and spread (for Arjuna) on the auspicious and even floor an excellent bed of Kusa blades that were of the hue of the lapis lazuli. And keeping excellent weapons around that bed, he adorned it duly with garlands of flowers and fried paddy, perfumes and other auspicious articles. And after Partha (also) had touched water, meek and submissive attendants brought the usual nightly sacrifice to the Three-eyed (Mahadeva). Then Partha, with a cheerful soul, having smeared Madhava with perfumes and adorned with floral garlands, presented unto Mahadeva the nightly offering. 1 Then Govinda, with a faint smile, addressed Partha, saying, 'Blessed be thou, O Partha, lay thyself down, I leave thee.' Placing door-keepers then, and also sentinels well-armed, blessed Kesava, followed by (his charioteer) Daruka, repaired to his own tent. He then laid himself down on his white bed, and thought of diverse measures to be adopted. And the illustrious one (Kesava) of eyes like lotus petals, began for Partha's sake, to think of various means that

would dispel (Partha's) grief and anxiety and enhance his prowess and splendour. Of soul wrapt in yoga, that Supreme Lord of all, viz., Vishnu of wide-spread fame, who always did what was agreeable to Jishnu, desirous of benefiting (Arjuna), lapsed into yoga, and meditation. There was none in the Pandava camp who slept that night. Wakefulness possessed every one, O monarch. And everybody (in the Pandava camp) thought of this, viz.,--The high-souled wielder of Gandiva, burning with grief for the death of his son, hath suddenly vowed the slaughter of the Sindhus. How, indeed, will that slayer of hostile heroes, that son of Vasava, that mighty-armed warrior, accomplish his vow? The high-souled son of Pandu hath, indeed made a most difficult resolve. King Jayadratha is endued with mighty energy. Oh, let Arjuna succeed in fulfilling his vow. Difficult is that vow which he, afflicted with grief on account of his son, hath made. Duryodhana's brothers are all possessed of great prowess. His forces also are countless. The son of Dhritarashtra hath assigned all these to Jayadratha (as his protectors). Oh, let Dhananjaya come back (to the camp), having slain the ruler of the Sindhus in battle. Vanquishing his foes, let Arjuna accomplish his vow. If he fails to slay the ruler of the Sindhus tomorrow, he will certainly enter into blazing fire. Dhananjaya, the son of Pritha, will not falsify his oath. If Arjuna dies, how will the son of Dharma succeed in recovering his kingdom? Indeed, (Yudhishthira) the son of Pandu hath reposed (all his hopes of) victory of Arjuna. If we have achieved any (religious) merit, if we have ever poured libations of clarified butter into fire, let Savyasachin, aided by the fruits thereof, vanquish all his foes.' Thus talking, O lord, with one another about the victory (of the morrow), that long night, O king, of theirs, at last, passed away. In the middle of the night, Janardana, having awaked, remembered Partha's vow, and addressing (his charioteer) Daruka, said, 'Arjuna, in grief for the death of his son, hath vowed. O Daruka, that before tomorrow's sun goes down he will slay Jayadratha. Hearing of this, Duryodhana will assuredly take counsel with his counsellors, about how Partha may fail to achieve his object. His several Akshauhinis of troops will protect Jayadratha. Fully conversant with the ways of applying all weapons, Drona also, with his son, will protect him. That matchless hero, the Thousand-eyed (Indra himself), that crusher of the pride of Daityas and Danavas cannot venture to slay him in battle who is protected by Drona. I, therefore, will do that tomorrow by which Arjuna, the son of Kunti, may slay Jayadratha before the sun sets. My wives, my kinsmen, my relatives, non amongst these is dearer to me than Arjuna. O Daruka, I shall not be able to cast my eyes, even for a single moment, on the earth bereft of Arjuna. I tell thee, the earth shall not be reft to Arjuna. Myself vanquishing them all with their steeds and elephants by putting forth my strength for the sake of Arjuna, I will slay them with Karna and Suyodhana. Let the three worlds tomorrow behold my prowess in great battle, when I put forth my valour, O Daruka, for Dhananjaya's sake. Tomorrow thousands of kings and hundreds of princes, with their steeds and cars and elephants, will,

[paragraph continues] O Daruka, fly away from battle. Thou shalt tomorrow, O Daruka, behold that army of kings overthrown and crushed with my discus, by myself in wrath for the sake of the son of Pandu. Tomorrow the (three) worlds with the gods, the Gandharvas, the Pisachas, the Snakes, and the Rakshasas, will know me as a (true) friend of Savyasachin. He that hateth him, hateth me. He that followeth him, followeth me. Thou hast intelligence. Know that Arjuna is half of myself. When morning comes after the expiry of this night, thou, O Daruka, equipping my excellent car according to the rules of military science, must bring it and follow me with it carefully, placing on it my celestial mace called Kaumodaki, my dart and discus, bow and arrows, and every other thing necessary. O Suta, making room on the terrace of my car for my standard and for the heroic Garuda thereon, that adorns my umbrella, and yoking thereto my foremost of steeds named Valahaka and Meghapushpa and Saivya and Sugriva, having cased them in golden mail of the splendour of the sun and fire, and thyself putting on thy armour, stay on it carefully. Upon hearing the loud and terrible blast of my conch Panchajanya emitting the shrill Rishava note, 1 thou wilt come quickly to me. In course of a single day, O Daruka, I shall dispel the wrath and the diverse woes of my cousin, the son of my paternal aunt. By every means shall I strive so that Vibhatsu in battle may slay Jayadratha in the very sight of the Dhartarashtras. O charioteer, I tell thee that Vibhatsu will certainly succeed in slaying all these for whose slaughter he will strive.'

"Daruka said, 'He is certain to have victory whose charioteership, O tiger among men, hath been taken by thee. Whence, indeed, can defeat come to him? As regards myself, I will do that which thou hast commanded me to do. This night will bring (on its train) the auspicious morn for Arjuna's victory.'"

152:1 Nilakantha supposes that tasmai here refers to the Three-eyed and not to Krishna. This seems to be right.

154:1 The second note of the Hindu gamut.

7.57.1

संजय उवाच
कुन्तीपुत्रस्तु तं मन्त्रं स्मरन्नेव धनंजयः
प्रतिज्ञामात्मनो रक्षन्मुमोहाचिन्त्यविक्रमः

7.57.2

तं तु शोकेन संतप्तं स्वप्ने कपिवरध्वजम्
आससाद महातेजा ध्यायन्तं गरुडध्वजः

7.57.3

प्रत्युत्थानं तु कृष्णस्य सर्वावस्थं धनंजयः
नालोपयत धर्मात्मा भक्त्या प्रेम्णा च सर्वदा

7.57.4

प्रत्युत्थाय च गोविन्दं स तस्मायासनं ददौ
न चासने स्वयं बुद्धिं बीभत्सुर्व्यदधात्तदा

7.57.5

ततः कृष्णो महातेजा जानन्पार्थस्य निश्चयम्
कुन्तीपुत्रमिदं वाक्यमासीनः स्थितमब्रवीत्

7.57.6

मा विषादे मनः पार्थ कृथाः कालो हि दुर्जयः
कालः सर्वाणि भूतानि नियच्छति परे विधौ

7.57.7

किमर्थं च विषादस्ते तद्ब्रूहि वदतां वर
न शोचितव्यं विदुषा शोकः कार्यविनाशनः

7.57.8

शोचन्नन्दयते शत्रून्कर्शयत्यपि बान्धवान्
क्षीयते च नरस्तस्मान्न त्वं शोचितुमर्हसि

7.57.9

इत्युक्तो वासुदेवेन बीभत्सुरपराजितः
आबभाषे तदा विद्वानिदं वचनमर्थवत्

7.57.10

मया प्रतिज्ञा महती जयद्रथवधे कृता
श्वोऽस्मि हन्ता दुरात्मानं पुत्रघ्नमिति केशव

7.57.11

मत्प्रतिज्ञाविघातार्थं धार्तराष्ट्रैः किलाच्युत
पृष्ठतः सैन्धवः कार्यः सर्वैर्गुप्तो महारथैः

7.57.12

दश चैका च ताः कृष्ण अक्षौहिण्यः सुदुर्जयाः
प्रतिज्ञायां च हीनायां कथं जीवेत मद्विधः

7.57.13

दुःखोपायस्य मे वीर विकाङ्क्षा परिवर्तते
द्रुतं च याति सविता तत एतद्ब्रवीम्यहम्

7.57.14

शोकस्थानं तु तच्छ्रुत्वा पार्थस्य द्विजकेतनः
संस्पृश्याम्भस्ततः कृष्णः प्राङ्मुखः समवस्थितः

7.57.15

इदं वाक्यं महातेजा बभाषे पुष्करेक्षणः
हितार्थं पाण्डुपुत्रस्य सैन्धवस्य वधे वृतः

7.57.16

पार्थ पाशुपतं नाम परमास्त्रं सनातनम्
येन सर्वान्मृधे दैत्याञ्जघ्ने देवो महेश्वरः

7.57.17

यदि तद्विदितं तेऽद्य श्वो हन्तासि जयद्रथम्
अथ ज्ञातुं प्रपद्यस्व मनसा वृषभध्वजम्

7.57.18

तं देवं मनसा ध्यायञ्जोषमास्स्व धनंजय
ततस्तस्य प्रसादात्त्वं भक्तः प्राप्स्यसि तन्महत्

7.57.19

ततः कृष्णवचः श्रुत्वा संस्पृश्याम्भो धनंजयः
भूमावासीन एकाग्रो जगाम मनसा भवम्

7.57.20

ततः प्रणिहिते ब्राह्मे मुहूर्ते शुभलक्षणे
आत्मानमर्जुनोऽपश्यद्गगने सहकेशवम्

7.57.21

ज्योतिर्भिश्च समाकीर्णं सिद्धचारणसेवितम्
वायुवेगगतिः पार्थः खं भेजे सहकेशवः

7.57.22

केशवेन गृहीतः स दक्षिणे विभुना भुजे
प्रेक्षमाणो बहून्भावाञ्जगामाद्भुतदर्शनान्

7.57.23

उदीच्यां दिशि धर्मात्मा सोऽपश्यच्छ्वेतपर्वतम्
कुबेरस्य विहारे च नलिनीं पद्मभूषिताम्

7.57.24

सरिच्छ्रेष्ठां च तां गङ्गां वीक्षमाणो बहूदकाम्
सदापुष्पफलैर्वृक्षैरुपेतां स्फटिकोपलाम्

7.57.25

सिंहव्याघ्रसमाकीर्णां नानामृगगणाकुलाम्
पुण्याश्रमवतीं रम्यां मनोज्ञाण्डजसेविताम्

7.57.26

मन्दरस्य प्रदेशांश्च किंनरोद्गीतनादितान्
हेमरूप्यमयैः शृङ्गैर्नानौषधिविदीपितान्
तथा मन्दारवृक्षैश्च पुष्पितैरुपशोभितान्

7.57.27

स्निग्धाञ्जनचयाकारं संप्राप्तः कालपर्वतम्
पुण्यं हिमवतः पादं मणिमन्तं च पर्वतम्
ब्रह्मतुङ्गं नदीश्चान्यास्तथा जनपदानपि

7.57.28

सुशृङ्गं शतशृङ्गं च शर्यातिवनमेव च
पुण्यमश्वशिरःस्थानं स्थानमाथर्वणस्य च

7.57.29

वृषदंशं च शैलेन्द्रं महामन्दरमेव च
अप्सरोभिः समाकीर्णं किंनरैश्चोपशोभितम्

7.57.30

तांश्च शैलान्व्रजन्पार्थः प्रेक्षते सहकेशवः
शुभैः प्रस्रवणैर्जुष्टान्हेमधातुविभूषितान्

7.57.31

चन्द्ररश्मिप्रकाशाङ्गीं पृथिवीं पुरमालिनीम्
समुद्रांश्चाद्भुताकारानपश्यद्बहुलाकरान्

7.57.32

वियद्द्यां पृथिवीं चैव पश्यन्विष्णुपदे व्रजन्
विस्मितः सह कृष्णेन क्षिप्तो बाण इवात्यगात्

7.57.33

ग्रहनक्षत्रसोमानां सूर्याग्न्योश्च समत्विषम्
अपश्यत तदा पार्थो ज्वलन्तमिव पर्वतम्

7.57.34

समासाद्य तु तं शैलं शैलाग्रे समवस्थितम्
तपोनित्यं महात्मानमपश्यद्वृषभध्वजम्

7.57.35

सहस्रमिव सूर्याणां दीप्यमानं स्वतेजसा
शूलिनं जटिलं गौरं वल्कलाजिनवाससम्

7.57.36

नयनानां सहस्रैश्च विचित्राङ्गं महौजसम्
पार्वत्या सहितं देवं भूतसंघैश्च भास्वरैः

7.57.37

गीतवादित्रसंह्रादैस्ताललास्यसमन्वितम्
वल्गितास्फोटितोत्क्रुष्टैः पुण्यगन्धैश्च सेवितम्

7.57.38

स्तूयमानं स्तवैर्दिव्यैर्मुनिभिर्ब्रह्मवादिभिः
गोप्तारं सर्वभूतानामिष्वासधरमच्युतम्

7.57.39

वासुदेवस्तु तं दृष्ट्वा जगाम शिरसा क्षितिम्
पार्थेन सह धर्मात्मा गृणन्ब्रह्म सनातनम्

7.57.40

लोकादिं विश्वकर्माणमजमीशानमव्ययम्
मनसः परमां योनिं खं वायुं ज्योतिषां निधिम्

7.57.41

स्रष्टारं वारिधाराणां भुवश्च प्रकृतिं पराम्
देवदानवयक्षाणां मानवानां च साधनम्

7.57.42

योगिनां परमं ब्रह्म व्यक्तं ब्रह्मविदां निधिम्
चराचरस्य स्रष्टारं प्रतिहर्तारमेव च

7.57.43

कालकोपं महात्मानं शक्रसूर्यगुणोदयम्
अवन्दत तदा कृष्णो वाङ्मनोबुद्धिकर्मभिः

7.57.44

यं प्रपश्यन्ति विद्वांसः सूक्ष्माध्यात्मपदैषिणः
तमजं कारणात्मानं जग्मतुः शरणं भवम्

7.57.45

अर्जुनश्चापि तं देवं भूयो भूयोऽभ्यवन्दत
ज्ञात्वैकं भूतभव्यादिं सर्वभूतभवोद्भवम्

7.57.46

ततस्तावागतौ शर्वः प्रोवाच प्रहसन्निव
स्वागतं वां नरश्रेष्ठावुत्तिष्ठेतां गतक्लमौ
किं च वामीप्सितं वीरौ मनसः क्षिप्रमुच्यताम्

7.57.47

येन कार्येण संप्राप्तौ युवां तत्साधयामि वाम्
व्रियतामात्मनः श्रेयस्तत्सर्वं प्रददानि वाम्

7.57.48

ततस्तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा प्रत्युत्थाय कृताञ्जली
वासुदेवार्जुनौ शर्वं तुष्टुवाते महामती

7.57.49

नमो भवाय शर्वाय रुद्राय वरदाय च
पशूनां पतये नित्यमुग्राय च कपर्दिने

7.57.50

महादेवाय भीमाय त्र्यम्बकाय च शंभवे
ईशानाय भगघ्नाय नमोऽस्त्वन्धकघातिने

7.57.51

कुमारगुरवे नित्यं नीलग्रीवाय वेधसे
विलोहिताय धूम्राय व्याधायानपराजिते

7.57.52

नित्यं नीलशिखण्डाय शूलिने दिव्यचक्षुषे
हन्त्रे गोप्त्रे त्रिनेत्राय व्याधाय वसुरेतसे

7.57.53

अचिन्त्यायाम्बिकाभर्त्रे सर्वदेवस्तुताय च
वृषध्वजाय पिङ्गाय जटिने ब्रह्मचारिणे

7.57.54

तप्यमानाय सलिले ब्रह्मण्यायाजिताय च
विश्वात्मने विश्वसृजे विश्वमावृत्य तिष्ठते

7.57.55

नमो नमस्ते सेव्याय भूतानां प्रभवे सदा
ब्रह्मवक्त्राय शर्वाय शंकराय शिवाय च

7.57.56

नमोऽस्तु वाचस्पतये प्रजानां पतये नमः
नमो विश्वस्य पतये महतां पतये नमः

7.57.57

नमः सहस्रशिरसे सहस्रभुजमन्यवे
सहस्रनेत्रपादाय नमोऽसंख्येयकर्मणे

7.57.58

नमो हिरण्यवर्णाय हिरण्यकवचाय च
भक्तानुकम्पिने नित्यं सिध्यतां नौ वरः प्रभो

7.57.59

एवं स्तुत्वा महादेवं वासुदेवः सहार्जुनः
प्रसादयामास भवं तदा ह्यस्त्रोपलब्धये

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Kunti's son, Dhananjaya, of inconceivable prowess thinking of how to accomplish his vow, recollected the mantras (given to him by Vyasa). And soon he was lulled in the arms of sleep. Unto that ape-bannered hero, burning with grief and immersed in thought Kesava, having Garuda on his banner, appeared in a dream. Dhananjaya of righteous soul, inconsequence of his love and veneration for Kesava, never omitted under any circumstances to stand up and advance a few steps for receiving Krishna. Rising up, therefore, now (in his dream), he gave unto Govinda a seat. He himself, however, at that time, did not set his heart

upon taking his seat. Then Krishna, of mighty energy, knowing the resolution of Partha, said, while seated, unto the son of Kunti, these words while the latter was standing: 'Do not set thy heart, O Partha, on grief. Time is unconquerable. Time forceth all creatures into the inevitable course. O foremost of men what for is this grief of thine? Grief should not be indulged in, O foremost of learned persons! Grief is an impediment to action. Accomplish that act which should be accomplished. The grief that maketh a person forgo all efforts is, indeed, O Dhananjaya, an enemy of that person. A person, by indulging in grief, gladdens his foes and saddens his friends, while the person is himself weakened. Therefore, it behoveth thee not to grieve.' Thus addressed by Vasudeva, the unvanquished Vibhatsu of great learning then said these words of grave import: 'Grave is the vow that I have made about the slaughter of Jayadratha. Even tomorrow I shall slay that wicked wretch, that slayer of my son. Even this hath been my vow, O Kesava! For frustrating my vow, Jayadratha, protected by all the mighty car-warriors, will be kept in their rear by the Dhartarashtras. Their force, number, consists, O Madhava, of remnant, after slaughter, of eleven Akshauhinis of troops, difficult of being vanquished. Surrounded in battle as he will be by all of them and by all the great car-warriors, how shall he obtain a sight, O Krishna, of the wicked rule of the Sindhus? My vow will not be accomplished, O Kesava! How can a person like me live, having failed to accomplish his vow? O hero, the non-accomplishment is evident of this (my vow which to me is a) source of great grief. (At this season of the year), I tell thee that the sun setteth quickly.' The bird-bannered Krishna hearing this cause of Partha's grief, touched water and sat with face turned to the east. And then that hero, of eyes like lotus leaves, and possessed of great energy, said these words for the benefit of Pandu's son who had resolved upon the slaughter of the ruler of the Sindhus, 'O Partha, there is an indestructible, supreme weapon of the name of Pasupata. With it the god Maheswara slew in battle all the Daityas! If thou rememberest it now, thou shalt then be able to slay Jayadratha tomorrow. If it is unknown to thee (now), adore within thy heart the god having the bull for his mark. Thinking of that god in thy mind, remember him, O Dhananjaya! Thou art his devotee. Through his grace thou shalt obtain that rich possession.' Hearing these words of Krishna, Dhananjaya, having touched water, sat on the earth with concentrated mind and thought of the god Bhava. After he had thus sat with rapt mind at that hour called Brahma of auspicious indications, Arjuna saw himself journeying through the sky with Kesava. And Partha, possessed of the speed of the mind, seemed to reach, with Kesava, the sacred foot of Himavat and the Manimat mountain abounding in many brilliant gems and frequented by Siddhas and Charanas. And the lord Kesava seemed to have caught hold of his left arm. And he seemed to see many wonderful sights as he reached (those place). And Arjuna of righteous soul then seemed to arrive at the White mountain on the north. And then he beheld, in the pleasure-gardens of Kuvera the beautiful

lake decked with lotuses. And he also saw that foremost of rivers, viz., the Ganga full of water. And then he arrived at the regions about the Mandara mountains. Those regions were covered with trees that always bore blossoms and fruits. And they abounded with stones lying scattered about, that were all transparent crystal. And they were inhabited by lions and tigers and abounded with animals of diverse kinds. And they were adorned with many beautiful retreats of ascetics, echoing with the sweet notes of delightful warblers. And they resounded also with the songs of Kinnaras. Graced with many golden and silver peaks, they were illumined with diverse herbs and plants. And many Mandara trees with their pretty loads of flowers, adorned them. And then Arjuna reached the mountains called Kala that looked like a mound of antimony. And then he reached the summit called Brahmatunga, and then many rivers, and then many inhabited provinces. And he arrived at Satasinga, and the woods known by the name of Sharyati. And then he beheld the sacred spot known as the Horse-head, and then the region of Atharvana. And then he beheld that prince of mountains called Vrishadansa, and the great Mandara, abounding in Apsaras, and graced with the presence of the Kinnaras. And roaming on that mountain, Partha, with Krishna, beheld a spot of earth adorned with excellent fountains, decked with golden mineral, and possessed of the splendour of the lunar rays, and having many cities and towns. And he also beheld many seas of wonderful forms and diverse mines of wealth. And thus going through the sky and firmament and the earth, he reached the spot called Vishnupada. And wandering, with Krishna in his company, he came down with great velocity, like a shaft shot (from a bow). And soon Partha beheld a blazing mountain whose splendour equalled that of the planets, the constellations, or fire. And arrived at that mountain, he beheld on its top, the high-souled god having the bull for his mark, and ever engaged in ascetic penances, like a thousand suns collected together, and blazing with his own effulgence. Trident in hand, matted locks on the head, of snow-white colour, he was robed in bark and skin. Endued with great energy, his body seemed to be flaming with a thousand eyes. And he was seated with Parvati and many creatures of brilliant forms (around him). And his attendants were engaged in singing and playing upon musical instruments, in laughing and dancing, in moving and stretching their hands, and In uttering loud shouts. And the place was perfumed with fragrant odours, and Rishis that worshipped Brahma adored with excellent hymns of unfading glory, that God who was the protector of all creatures, and wielded the (great) bow (called Pinaka). Beholding him, Vasudeva of righteous soul, with Partha, touched the earth with his head, uttering the eternal words of the Veda. And Krishna adored, with speech, mind, understanding, and acts, that God who is the first source of the universe, himself uncreate, the supreme lord of unfading glory: who is the highest cause of the mind, who is space and the wind, who is the cause of all the luminous bodies (in the firmament), who is the creator of the rain, and

the supreme, primordial substance of the earth, who is the object of adoration, with the gods, the Danavas, the Yakshas, and human beings; who is the supreme Brahma that is seen by Yogins and the refuge of those acquainted with Shastras, who is the creator of all mobile and immobile creatures, and their destroyer also; who is the Wrath that burns everything at the end of the Yuga; who is the supreme soul; who is the Sakra and Surya, and the origin of all attributes. And Krishna sought the protection of that Bhava, whom men of knowledge, desirous of attaining to that which is called the subtle and the spiritual, behold; that uncreate one is the soul of all causes. And Arjuna repeatedly adored that Deity, knowing that he was the origin of all creatures and the cause of the past, the future, and the present. Beholding those two, viz., Nara and Narayana arrived, Bhava of cheerful soul, smilingly said unto them, 'Welcome are ye, ye foremost of men! Rise up and let the fatigue of your journey be over. What, O heroes, is the desire in your heart? Let it be uttered quickly. What is the business that has brought you hither? I will accomplish it and do what would benefit you. I will grant everything ye may desire., Hearing those words of the god, they both rose. And then with joined hands, the faultless Vasudeva and Arjuna, both of great wisdom, began to gratify that high-souled deity with an excellent hymn. And Krishna and Arjuna said, 'We bow to Bhava, to Sarva, to Rudra, to the boon-giving deity. We bow to the lord of all creatures endued with life, to the god who is always fierce, to him who is called Kapardin! We bow to Mahadeva, to Bhima, to the Three-eyed, to him who is peace and contentment. We bow to Isana, to him who is the destroyer of (Daksha's) sacrifice. Let salutations be to the slayer of Andhaka, to the father of Kumara, to him who is of blue throat, to him who is the creator.' Let salutation be to the wielder of Pinaka, to one worthy of the offer of libations of clarified butter, to him who is truth, to him who is all-pervading. To him who is unvanquished! To him who is always of blue locks, to him who is armed with the trident, to him who is of celestial vision! To him who is Hotri, to him who protects all, to, him who is of three eyes, to him who is disease, to him whose vital seed fell on fire! To him who is inconceivable, to him who is the lord of Amvika, to him who is adored by all the gods! To him who hath the bull for his mark, to him who is bold, to him who is of matted lock, to him who is a Brahmacharin! To him who standeth as an ascetic in the water, to him who is devoted to Brahma, to him who hath never been conquered! To him who is the soul of the universe, to him who is the creator of the universe, to him who liveth pervading the whole universe! We bow to thee that art, the object of the reverence of all, to thee that art the original cause of all creatures! To thee that art called Brahmachakra, to thee that art called Sarva, Sankara, and Siva! We bow to thee that art the lord of all great beings! We bow to thee that hast a thousand heads, to thee that hast a thousand arms, to thee that art called Death! To thee that hast a thousand eyes, a thousand legs? To thee whose acts are innumerable! We bow to thee

whose complexion is that of gold, to thee that art cased in golden mail, to thee that art ever compassionate to thy devotees! O lord, let our wish be accomplished.'

"Sanjaya continued, 'Having adored Mahadeva in these terms, Vasudeva with Arjuna then began to gratify him for obtaining (the great) weapon (called Pasupata).'"

7.57.60

ततोऽर्जुनः प्रीतमना ववन्दे वृषभध्वजम्
ददर्शोत्फुल्लनयनः समस्तं तेजसां निधिम्

7.57.61

तं चोपहारं स्वकृतं नैशं नैत्यकमात्मनः
ददर्श त्र्यम्बकाभ्याशे वासुदेवनिवेदितम्

7.57.62

ततोऽभिपूज्य मनसा शर्वं कृष्णं च पाण्डवः
इच्छाम्यहं दिव्यमस्त्रमित्यभाषत शंकरम्

7.57.63

ततः पार्थस्य विज्ञाय वरार्थे वचनं प्रभुः
वासुदेवार्जुनौ देवः स्मयमानोऽभ्यभाषत

7.57.64

सरोऽमृतमयं दिव्यमभ्याशे शत्रुसूदनौ
तत्र मे तद्धनुर्दिव्यं शरश्च निहितः पुरा

7.57.65

येन देवारयः सर्वे मया युधि निपातिताः
तत आनीयतां कृष्णौ सशरं धनुरुत्तमम्

7.57.66

तथेत्युक्त्वा तु तौ वीरौ तं शर्वं पार्षदैः सह
प्रस्थितौ तत्सरो दिव्यं दिव्याश्चर्यशतैर्वृतम्

7.57.67

निर्दिष्टं यद्वृषाङ्केन पुण्यं सर्वार्थसाधकम्
तज्जग्मतुरसंभ्रान्तौ नरनारायणावृषी

7.57.68

ततस्तु तत्सरो गत्वा सूर्यमण्डलसंनिभम्
नागमन्तर्जले घोरं ददृशातेऽर्जुनाच्युतौ

7.57.69

द्वितीयं चापरं नागं सहस्रशिरसं वरम्
वमन्तं विपुलां ज्वालां ददृशातेऽग्निवर्चसम्

7.57.70

ततः कृष्णश्च पार्थश्च संस्पृश्यापः कृताञ्जली
तौ नागावुपतस्थाते नमस्यन्तौ वृषध्वजम्

7.57.71

गृणन्तौ वेदविदुषौ तद्ब्रह्म शतरुद्रियम्
अप्रमेयं प्रणमन्तौ गत्वा सर्वात्मना भवम्

7.57.72

ततस्तौ रुद्रमाहात्म्याद्धित्वा रूपं महोरगौ
धनुर्बाणश्च शत्रुघ्नं तद्द्वंद्वं समपद्यत

7.57.73

ततो जगृहतुः प्रीतौ धनुर्बाणं च सुप्रभम्
आजह्रतुर्महात्मानौ ददतुश्च महात्मने

7.57.74

ततः पार्श्वाद्वृषाङ्कस्य ब्रह्मचारी न्यवर्तत
पिङ्गाक्षस्तपसः क्षेत्रं बलवान्नीललोहितः

7.57.75

स तद्गृह्य धनुःश्रेष्ठं तस्थौ स्थानं समाहितः
व्यकर्षच्चापि विधिवत्सशरं धनुरुत्तमम्

7.57.76

तस्य मौर्वीं च मुष्टिं च स्थानं चालक्ष्य पाण्डवः
श्रुत्वा मन्त्रं भवप्रोक्तं जग्राहाचिन्त्यविक्रमः

7.57.77

सरस्येव च तं बाणं मुमोचातिबलः प्रभुः
चकार च पुनर्वीरस्तस्मिन्सरसि तद्धनुः

7.57.78

ततः प्रीतं भवं ज्ञात्वा स्मृतिमानर्जुनस्तदा
वरमारण्यकं दत्तं दर्शनं शंकरस्य च
मनसा चिन्तयामास तन्मे संपद्यतामिति

7.57.79

तस्य तन्मतमाज्ञाय प्रीतः प्रादाद्वरं भवः
तच्च पाशुपतं घोरं प्रतिज्ञायाश्च पारणम्

7.57.80

संहृष्टरोमा दुर्धर्षः कृतं कार्यममन्यत
ववन्दतुश्च संहृष्टौ शिरोभ्यां तौ महेश्वरम्

7.57.81

अनुज्ञातौ क्षणे तस्मिन्भवेनार्जुनकेशवौ
प्राप्तौ स्वशिबिरं वीरौ मुदा परमया युतौ
इन्द्राविष्णू यथा प्रीतौ जम्भस्य वधकाङ्क्षिणौ

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Then Partha, with a cheerful soul and joined hands and eyes expanded (in wonder), gazed at the god having the bull for his mark and who was the receptacle of every energy. And he beheld the offerings he made every night to Vasudeva lying by the side of the Three-eyed deity. The son of Pandu then, mentally worshipping both Krishna and Sarva, said unto the latter, 'I desire (to obtain) the celestial weapon.' Hearing these words of Partha desiring the boon he sought, god Siva smilingly said unto Vasudeva and Arjuna, 'Welcome to you, ye foremost of men! I know the wish cherished by you, and the business for which you have come here. I will give you what you wish. There is a celestial lake full of Amrita, not far from this place, ye slayers of foes! There were kept some time back, that celestial bow and arrow of mine. With them I slew in battle all the enemies of the gods. Bring hither, ye Krishna, that excellent bow with arrow fixed on it.' Hearing these words of Siva, Vasudava with Arjuna answered, 'So be it.' And then accompanied by all the attendants of Siva, those two heroes set out for that celestial lake which possessed hundreds of heavenly wonders, that sacred lake, capable of granting every object, which the god, having the bull for his mark, had indicated to them, And unto that lake, the Rishis Nara and Narayana (viz., Arjuna and Vasudeva) went fearlessly. And having reached that lake, bright as the disc of the sun, Arjuna and Achyuta beheld within its waters a terrible snake. And they beheld there another foremost of snakes, that had a thousand heads. And possessed of the effulgence of fire, that snake was vomiting fierce flames. Then Krishna and Partha having touched water, joined their hands, and approached those snakes, having bowed unto the god having the bull for his mark. And as they approached the snakes, conversant as they were with the Vedas, they uttered the hundred stanzas of the Veda, to the praise of Rudra, bowing the while with their sincere souls unto Bhava of immeasurable power. Then those two terrible snakes, in consequence of the power of those adorations to Rudra, abandoned their snake-forms and assumed the forms of a foe-killing bow and arrow. Gratified (with what they saw), Krishna and Arjuna then seized that bow and arrow of great effulgence. And those

high-souled heroes then brought them away and gave them unto the illustrious Mahadeva. Then from one of the sides of Siva's body there came out a Brahmacharin of tawny eyes. And he seemed to be the refuge of asceticism. Of blue throat and red locks, he was endued with great might. Taking up that best of bows that Brahmacharin stood placing (both the bow and his feet properly). And fixing the arrow on the bowstring, he began to stretch the latter duly. Beholding the manner of his seizing the handle of the bow and drawing the string and placing of his feet, and hearing also the Mantras uttered by Bhava, the son of Pandu, of inconceivable prowess, learnt everything duly. The mighty and puissant Brahmacharin then sped that arrow to that same lake. And he once more threw that bow also in that self-same lake. Then Arjuna of good memory knowing that Bhava was gratified with him, and remembering also the boon the latter had given him in the forest, and the sight also he gave him of his person, mentally entertained the desire, 'Let all this become productive of fruit!' Understanding this to be his wish, Bhava, gratified with him, gave him the boon. And the god also granted him the terrible Pasupata weapon and the accomplishment of his vow. Then having thus once more obtained the Pasupata weapon from the supreme god, the invincible Arjuna, with hair standing on end, regarded his business to be already achieved. Then Arjuna and Krishna filled with joy, paid their adorations unto the great god by bowing their heads. And permitted by Bhava both Arjuna and Kesava, those two heroes, almost immediately came back to their own camp, filled with transports of delight. Indeed, their joy was as great as that of Indra and Vishnu when those two gods, desirous of slaying Jambha, obtained the permission of Bhava that slayer of great Asuras.'"

7.58.1

संजय उवाच
तयोः संवदतोरेव कृष्णदारुकयोस्तदा
सात्यगाद्रजनी राजन्नथ राजान्वबुध्यत

7.58.2

पठन्ति पाणिस्वनिका मागधा मधुपर्किकाः
वैतालिकाश्च सूताश्च तुष्टुवुः पुरुषर्षभम्

7.58.3

नर्तकाश्चाप्यनृत्यन्त जगुर्गीतानि गायकाः
कुरुवंशस्तवार्थानि मधुरं रक्तकण्ठिनः

7.58.4

मृदङ्गा झर्झरा भेर्यः पणवानकगोमुखाः
आडम्बराश्च शङ्खाश्च दुन्दुभ्यश्च महास्वनाः

7.58.5

एवमेतानि सर्वाणि तथान्यान्यपि भारत
वादयन्ति स्म संहृष्टाः कुशलाः साधुशिक्षिताः

7.58.6

स मेघसमनिर्घोषो महाञ्शब्दोऽस्पृशद्दिवम्
पार्थिवप्रवरं सुप्तं युधिष्ठिरमबोधयत्

7.58.7

प्रतिबुद्धः सुखं सुप्तो महार्हे शयनोत्तमे
उत्थायावश्यकार्यार्थं ययौ स्नानगृहं ततः

7.58.8

ततः शुक्लाम्बराः स्नातास्तरुणाष्टोत्तरं शतम्
स्नापकाः काञ्चनैः कुम्भैः पूर्णैः समुपतस्थिरे

7.58.9

भद्रासने सूपविष्टः परिधायाम्बरं लघु
सस्नौ चन्दनसंयुक्तैः पानीयैरभिमन्त्रितैः

7.58.10

उत्सादितः कषायेण बलवद्भिः सुशिक्षितैः
आप्लुतः साधिवासेन जलेन च सुगन्धिना

7.58.11

हरिणा चन्दनेनाङ्गमनुलिप्य महाभुजः
स्रग्वी चाक्लिष्टवसनः प्राङ्मुखः प्राञ्जलिः स्थितः

7.58.12

जजाप जप्यं कौन्तेयः सतां मार्गमनुष्ठितः
ततोऽग्निशरणं दीप्तं प्रविवेश विनीतवत्

7.58.13

समिद्धं स पवित्राभिरग्निमाहुतिभिस्तथा
मन्त्रपूताभिरर्चित्वा निश्चक्राम गृहात्ततः

7.58.14

द्वितीयां पुरुषव्याघ्रः कक्ष्यां निष्क्रम्य पार्थिवः
तत्र वेदविदो विप्रानपश्यद्ब्राह्मणर्षभान्

7.58.15

दान्तान्वेदव्रतस्नातान्स्नातानवभृथेषु च
सहस्रानुचरान्सौरानष्टौ दशशतानि च

7.58.16

अक्षतैः सुमनोभिश्च वाचयित्वा महाभुजः
तान्द्विजान्मधुसर्पिर्भ्यां फलैः श्रेष्ठैः सुमङ्गलैः

7.58.17

प्रादात्काञ्चनमेकैकं निष्कं विप्राय पाण्डवः
अलंकृतं चाश्वशतं वासांसीष्टाश्च दक्षिणाः

7.58.18

तथा गाः कपिला दोग्ध्रीः सर्षभाः पाण्डुनन्दनः
हेमशृङ्गी रूप्यखुरा दत्त्वा चक्रे प्रदक्षिणम्

7.58.19

स्वस्तिकान्वर्धमानांश्च नन्द्यावर्तांश्च काञ्चनान्
माल्यं च जलकुम्भांश्च ज्वलितं च हुताशनम्

7.58.20

पूर्णान्यक्षतपात्राणि रुचकान्रोचनांस्तथा
स्वलंकृताः शुभाः कन्या दधिसर्पिर्मधूदकम्

7.58.21

मङ्गल्यान्पक्षिणश्चैव यच्चान्यदपि पूजितम्
दृष्ट्वा स्पृष्ट्वा च कौन्तेयो बाह्यां कक्ष्यामगात्ततः

7.58.22

ततस्तस्य महाबाहोस्तिष्ठतः परिचारकाः
सौवर्णं सर्वतोभद्रं मुक्तावैडूर्यमण्डितम्

7.58.23

परार्ध्यास्तरणास्तीर्णं सोत्तरच्छदमृद्धिमत्
विश्वकर्मकृतं दिव्यमुपजह्रुर्वरासनम्

7.58.24

तत्र तस्योपविष्टस्य भूषणानि महात्मनः
उपजह्रुर्महार्हाणि प्रेष्याः शुभ्राणि सर्वशः

7.58.25

युक्ताभरणवेषस्य कौन्तेयस्य महात्मनः
रूपमासीन्महाराज द्विषतां शोकवर्धनम्

7.58.26

पाण्डरैश्चन्द्ररश्म्याभैर्हेमदण्डैश्च चामरैः
दोधूयमानः शुशुभे विद्युद्भिरिव तोयदः

7.58.27

संस्तूयमानः सूतैश्च वन्द्यमानश्च बन्दिभिः
उपगीयमानो गन्धर्वैरास्ते स्म कुरुनन्दनः

7.58.28

ततो मुहूर्तादासीत्तु बन्दिनां निस्वनो महान्
नेमिघोषश्च रथिनां खुरघोषश्च वाजिनाम्

7.58.29

ह्रादेन गजघण्टानां शङ्खानां निनदेन च
नराणां पदशब्दैश्च कम्पतीव स्म मेदिनी

7.58.30

ततः शुद्धान्तमासाद्य जानुभ्यां भूतले स्थितः
शिरसा वन्दनीयं तमभिवन्द्य जगत्पतिम्

7.58.31

कुण्डली बद्धनिस्त्रिंशः संनद्धकवचो युवा
अभिप्रणम्य शिरसा द्वाःस्थो धर्मात्मजाय वै
न्यवेदयद्धृषीकेशमुपयातं महात्मने

7.58.32

सोऽब्रवीत्पुरुषव्याघ्रः स्वागतेनैव माधवम्
अर्घ्यं चैवासनं चास्मै दीयतां परमार्चितम्

7.58.33

ततः प्रवेश्य वार्ष्णेयमुपवेश्य वरासने
सत्कृत्य सत्कृतस्तेन पर्यपृच्छद्युधिष्ठिरः

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'While Krishna and Daruka were thus conversing together, that night, O king, passed away. (When morning dawned), king Yudhishthira rose from his bed. Paniswanikas and Magadhas and Madhuparkikas and Sutas, gratified that bull among men (with songs and music). And dancers began their dance, and sweet-voiced singers sang their sweet songs fraught with the praises of the Kuru race. And skilled musicians, well-trained (in their respective instruments), played on Mridangas and Jharjharas and Bheris, and Panavas, and Anakas, and Gomukhas, and Adamvaras, and conchs, and Dundubhis of loud sound, and diverse other instruments. That loud noise, deep as the roar of the clouds, touched the very heavens. And it awoke that foremost of kings, viz., Yudhishthira, from his slumber. Having slept happily on his excellent and costly bed, the king awoke.

And the monarch, rising from his bed, proceeded to the bath-room for performing those acts that were absolutely necessary. Then a hundred and eight servants, attired in white, themselves washed, and all young, approached the king with many golden jars filled to the brim. Seated at his ease on a royal seat, attired in a thin cloth, the king bathed in several kinds of water fragrant with sandal-wood and purified with Mantras. His body was rubbed by strong and well-trained servants with water in which diverse kinds of medicinal herbs had been soaked. He then washed with adhivasha water rendered fragrant by various odoriferous substances. Obtaining then a long piece of cloth (for the head) that was as white as the feathers of the swan, and that had been kept loose before him, the king tied it round his head for drying the water. Smearing his body then with excellent sandal-paste, and wearing floral garlands, and addressing himself in clean robes, the mighty-armed monarch sat with face towards the cast, and his hands joined together. Following the path of the righteous, the son of Kunti then mentally said his prayers. And then with great humility he entered the chamber in which the blazing fire (for worship) was kept. And having worshipped the fire with faggots of sacred wood and with libations of clarified butter sanctified with Mantras, he came out of the chamber. Then that tiger among men, entering a second chamber, beheld there many bulls among Brahmanas well-acquainted with the Vedas. And they were all self-restrained, purified by the study of the Vedas and by vows. And all of them had undergone the bath on the completion of sacrifices performed by them. Worshippers of the Sun, they numbered a thousand. And, besides them, there were also eight thousand others of the same class. And the mighty-armed son of Pandu, having caused them to utter, in distinct voices, agreeable benedictions, by making presents to them of honey and clarified butter and auspicious fruits of the best kind, gave unto each of them a nishka of gold, a hundred steeds decked with ornaments, and costly robes and such other presents as were agreeable to them. And making unto them presents also of kine yielding milk whenever touched, with calves and having their horns decked with gold and their hoofs with silver, the son of Pandu circumambulated them. And then seeing and touching Swastikas fraught with increase of good fortune, and Nandyavartas made of gold, and floral garlands, water-pots and blazing fire, and vessels full of sun-dried rice and other auspicious articles, and the yellow pigment prepared from the urine of the cow, and auspicious and well-decked maidens, and curds and clarified butter and honey, and auspicious birds and diverse other things held sacred, the son of Kunti came into the outer chamber. Then, O mighty-armed one, the attendants waiting in that chamber brought an excellent and costly seat of gold that was of a circular shape. Decked with pearls and lapis lazuli, and overlaid with a very costly carpet over which was spread another cloth of fine texture, that scat was the handiwork of the artificer himself. After the high-souled monarch had taken his seat, the servants brought to him all his costly and bright ornaments. The high-souled son of Kunti put

on those begemmed ornaments, whereupon his beauty became such as to enhance the grief of his foes. And when the servants began to fan him with white yak-tails of the bright effulgence of the moon and all furnished with handles of gold, the king looked resplendent like a mass of clouds charged with lightning. And bards began to sing his praises, and panegyrists uttered his eulogies. And singers began to sing unto that delighter of Kuru's race, and in a moment the voices of the panegyrists swelled into a loud noise. And then was heard the clatter of car-wheels, and the tread of horse-hoofs. And in consequence of that noise mingling with the tinkle of elephants' bells and the blare of conchs and the tread of men, the very earth seemed to tremble. Then one of the orderlies in charge of the doors, cased in mail, youthful in years, decked with ear-rings, and his sword hanging by his side, entering the private apartment, knelt down on the ground, and saluting with (a bend of) his head the monarch who deserved every adoration, represented unto that high-souled and royal son of Dharma that Hrishikesa was waiting to be introduced. Then that tiger among men, having ordered his servants, 'Let an excellent seat and an Arghya be kept ready for him,' caused him of Vrishni's race to be introduced and seated on a costly seat. And addressing Madhava with the usual enquiries of welcome, king Yudhishthira the just duly worshipped Kesava.'

7.59.1

युधिष्ठिर उवाच
सुखेन रजनी व्युष्टा कच्चित्ते मधुसूदन
कच्चिज्ज्ञानानि सर्वाणि प्रसन्नानि तवाच्युत

7.59.2

संजय उवाच
वासुदेवोऽपि तद्युक्तं पर्यपृच्छद्युधिष्ठिरम्
ततः क्षत्ता प्रकृतयो न्यवेदयदुपस्थिताः

7.59.3

अनुज्ञातश्च राज्ञा स प्रावेशयत तं जनम्
विराटं भीमसेनं च धृष्टद्युम्नं च सात्यकिम्

7.59.4

शिखण्डिनं यमौ चैव चेकितानं च केकयान्
युयुत्सुं चैव कौरव्यं पाञ्चाल्यं चोत्तमौजसम्

7.59.5

एते चान्ये च बहवः क्षत्रियाः क्षत्रियर्षभम्
उपतस्थुर्महात्मानं विविशुश्चासनेषु ते

7.59.6

एकस्मिन्नासने वीरावुपविष्टौ महाबलौ
कृष्णश्च युयुधानश्च महात्मानौ महाद्युती

7.59.7

ततो युधिष्ठिरस्तेषां शृण्वतां मधुसूदनम्
अब्रवीत्पुण्डरीकाक्षमाभाष्य मधुरं वचः

7.59.8

एकं त्वां वयमाश्रित्य सहस्राक्षमिवामराः
प्रार्थयामो जयं युद्धे शाश्वतानि सुखानि च

7.59.9

त्वं हि राज्यविनाशं च द्विषद्भिश्च निराक्रियाम्
क्लेशांश्च विविधान्कृष्ण सर्वांस्तानपि वेत्थ नः

7.59.10

त्वयि सर्वेश सर्वेषामस्माकं भक्तवत्सल
सुखमायत्तमत्यर्थं यात्रा च मधुसूदन

7.59.11

स तथा कुरु वार्ष्णेय यथा त्वयि मनो मम
अर्जुनस्य यथा सत्या प्रतिज्ञा स्याच्चिकीर्षिता

7.59.12

स भवांस्तारयत्वस्माद्दुःखामर्षमहार्णवात्
पारं तितीर्षतामद्य प्लवो नो भव माधव

7.59.13

न हि तत्कुरुते संख्ये कार्तवीर्यसमस्त्वपि
रथी यत्कुरुते कृष्ण सारथिर्यत्नमास्थितः

7.59.14

वासुदेव उवाच
सामरेष्वपि लोकेषु सर्वेषु न तथाविधः
शरासनधरः कश्चिद्यथा पार्थो धनंजयः

7.59.15

वीर्यवानस्त्रसंपन्नः पराक्रान्तो महाबलः
युद्धशौण्डः सदामर्षी तेजसा परमो नृणाम्

7.59.16

स युवा वृषभस्कन्धो दीर्घबाहुर्महाबलः
सिंहर्षभगतिः श्रीमान्द्विषतस्ते हनिष्यति

7.59.17

अहं च तत्करिष्यामि यथा कुन्तीसुतोऽर्जुनः
धार्तराष्ट्रस्य सैन्यानि धक्ष्यत्यग्निरिवोत्थितः

7.59.18

अद्य तं पापकर्माणं क्षुद्रं सौभद्रघातिनम्
अपुनर्दर्शनं मार्गमिषुभिः क्षेप्स्यतेऽर्जुनः

7.59.19

तस्याद्य गृध्राः श्येनाश्च वडगोमायवस्तथा
भक्षयिष्यन्ति मांसानि ये चान्ये पुरुषादकाः

7.59.20

यद्यस्य देवा गोप्तारः सेन्द्राः सर्वे तथाप्यसौ
राजधानीं यमस्याद्य हतः प्राप्स्यति संकुले

7.59.21

निहत्य सैन्धवं जिष्णुरद्य त्वामुपयास्यति
विशोको विज्वरो राजन्भव भूतिपुरस्कृतः

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Then king Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, saluting Devaki's son Janardana, and cheerfully addressed him saying 'Hast thou passed the night happily, O slayer of Madhu? Are all thy perceptions clear, O thou of unfading glory? Vasudeva also made similar enquiries of Yudhishthira. Then the orderly came and represented that the other Kshatriya warriors were waiting to be introduced. Commanded by the king, the man introduced that concourse of heroes, consisting of Virata and Bhimasena and Dhrishtadyumna and Satyaki, and Dhrishtaketu, the ruler of the Chedis, and the mighty car-warriors, Drupada, and Sikhandin, and the twins (Nakula and Sahadeva), and Chekitana, and the ruler of the Kalikayas, and Yuyutsu, of Kuru's race, and Uttamaujas of the Panchalas, 'and Yudhamanyu, and Suvahu, and the (five) sons of Draupadi. These and many other Kshatriyas, approaching that high-souled bull among the Kshatriyas, sat down on excellent seats. Those mighty and high-souled heroes of great splendour viz., Krishna and Yuyudhana, both sat on the same seat. Then in the hearing of them all, Yudhishthira addressing the lotus-eyed slayer of Madhu, and said unto him these sweet words: 'Relying on thee alone, we, like the celestial one, the deity of a thousand eyes, seek,

victory in battle and eternal happiness. Thou art aware, O Krishna, of the deprivation of our kingdom, our exile at the hands of the foe, and all our diverse woes. O lord of all, O thou that art compassionate unto those that are devoted to thee, upon thee wholly rests the happiness of us all and our very existence, O slayer of Madhu! O thou of Vrishni's race, do that by which my heart may ever rest on thee! Do also that, O Lord, by which the proposed vow of Arjuna may be realised. O, rescue us today from this ocean of grief and rage. O Madhava, become thou today a boat unto us that are desirous of crossing (that ocean). The car-warriors desirous of slaying the foe cannot, in battle, do that (for the success of his object) which, O Krishna, the car-driver can do, if he exerts himself carefully. O Janardana, as thou always savest the Vrishnis in all calamities, even so it behoveth thee to save us from this distress, O mighty-armed one! O bearer of the conch, discus, and mace, rescue the sons of Pandu sunk in the fathomless and boatless Kuru-ocean, by becoming a boat unto them. I bow to thee, O God of the lord of the gods, O thou that art eternal, O supreme Destroyer, O Vishnu, O Jishnu, O Hari, O Krishna, O Vaikuntha, O best of mate beings! Narada described thee as that ancient and best of Rishis (called Narayana) that giveth boons, that beareth the bow Saranga, and that is the foremost of all. O Madhava, make those words true. Thus addressed in the midst of that assembly by king Yudhishthira the just, Kesava, that foremost of speakers, replied unto Yudhishthira in a voice deep as that of clouds charged with rain, saying, 'In all the worlds including that of the celestials, there is no bowman equal to Dhananjaya, the son of Pritha! Possessed of great energy. accomplished in weapons, of great prowess and great strength, celebrated in battle, ever wrathful, and of great energy, Arjuna is the foremost of men. Youthful in years bull-necked, and of long arms, he is endued with great strength. Treading like a lion or a bull, and exceedingly beautiful he will slay all thy foes. As regards myself, I will do that by which Arjuna, the son of Kunti, may be able to consume the troops of Dhritarashtra's son like a swelling conflagration. This very day, Arjuna will, by his arrows despatch that vile wretch of sinful deeds, that slayer of Subhadra's son, (viz., Jayadratha), to that road from which no traveller comes back. Today vultures and hawks and furious jackals and other carnivorous creatures will feed on his flesh. O Yudhishthira, if even all the gods with Indra become his protectors today, Jayadratha will still, slain in the thick of battle, repair to Yama's capital. Having slain the ruler of the Sindhus, Jishnu will come to thee (in the evening). Dispel thy grief and the fever (of thy heart), O king, and be thou graced with prosperity.'"

7.60.1

संजय उवाच
तथा संभाषतां तेषां प्रादुरासीद्धनंजयः
दिदृक्षुर्भरतश्रेष्ठं राजानं ससुहृद्गणम्

7.60.2

तं प्रविष्टं शुभां कक्ष्यामभिवाद्याग्रतः स्थितम्
समुत्थायार्जुनं प्रेम्णा सस्वजे पाण्डवर्षभः

7.60.3

मूर्ध्नि चैनमुपाघ्राय परिष्वज्य च बाहुना
आशिषः परमाः प्रोच्य स्मयमानोऽभ्यभाषत

7.60.4

व्यक्तमर्जुन संग्रामे ध्रुवस्ते विजयो महान्
यादृग्रूपा हि ते छाया प्रसन्नश्च जनार्दनः

7.60.5

तमब्रवीत्ततो जिष्णुर्महदाश्चर्यमुत्तमम्
दृष्टवानस्मि भद्रं ते केशवस्य प्रसादजम्

7.60.6

ततस्तत्कथयामास यथादृष्टं धनंजयः
आश्वासनार्थं सुहृदां त्र्यम्बकेन समागमम्

7.60.7

ततः शिरोभिरवनिं स्पृष्ट्वा सर्वे च विस्मिताः
नमस्कृत्य वृषाङ्काय साधु साध्वित्यथाब्रुवन्

7.60.8

अनुज्ञातास्ततः सर्वे सुहृदो धर्मसूनुना
त्वरमाणाः सुसंनद्धा हृष्टा युद्धाय निर्ययुः

7.60.9

अभिवाद्य तु राजानं युयुधानाच्युतार्जुनाः
हृष्टा विनिर्ययुस्ते वै युधिष्ठिरनिवेशनात्

7.60.10

रथेनैकेन दुर्धर्षौ युयुधानजनार्दनौ
जग्मतुः सहितौ वीरावर्जुनस्य निवेशनम्

7.60.11

तत्र गत्वा हृषीकेशः कल्पयामास सूतवत्
रथं रथवरस्याजौ वानरर्षभलक्षणम्

7.60.12

स मेघसमनिर्घोषस्तप्तकाञ्चनसप्रभः
बभौ रथवरः कॢप्तः शिशुर्दिवसकृद्यथा

7.60.13

ततः पुरुषशार्दूलः सज्जः सज्जं पुरःसरः
कृताह्निकाय पार्थाय न्यवेदयत तं रथम्

7.60.14

तं तु लोके वरः पुंसां किरीटी हेमवर्मभृत्
बाणबाणासनी वाहं प्रदक्षिणमवर्तत

7.60.15

ततो विद्यावयोवृद्धैः क्रियावद्भिर्जितेन्द्रियैः
स्तूयमानो जयाशीभिरारुरोह महारथम्

7.60.16

जैत्रैः सांग्रामिकैर्मन्त्रैः पूर्वमेव रथोत्तमम्
अभिमन्त्रितमर्चिष्मानुदयं भास्करो यथा

7.60.17

स रथे रथिनां श्रेष्ठः काञ्चने काञ्चनावृतः
विबभौ विमलोऽर्चिष्मान्मेराविव दिवाकरः

7.60.18

अन्वारुरोहतुः पार्थं युयुधानजनार्दनौ
शर्यातेर्यज्ञमायान्तं यथेन्द्रं देवमश्विनौ

7.60.19

अथ जग्राह गोविन्दो रश्मीन्रश्मिवतां वरः
मातलिर्वासवस्येव वृत्रं हन्तुं प्रयास्यतः

7.60.20

स ताभ्यां सहितः पार्थो रथप्रवरमास्थितः
सहितो बुधशुक्राभ्यां तमो निघ्नन्यथा शशी

7.60.21

सैन्धवस्य वधप्रेप्सुः प्रयातः शत्रुपूगहा
सहाम्बुपतिमित्राभ्यां यथेन्द्रस्तारकामये

7.60.22

ततो वादित्रनिर्घोषैर्मङ्गल्यैश्च स्तवैः शुभैः
प्रयान्तमर्जुनं सूता मागधाश्चैव तुष्टुवुः

7.60.23

सजयाशीः सपुण्याहः सूतमागधनिस्वनः
युक्तो वादित्रघोषेण तेषां रतिकरोऽभवत्

7.60.24

तमनुप्रयतो वायुः पुण्यगन्धवहः शुचिः
ववौ संहर्षयन्पार्थं द्विषतश्चापि शोषयन्

7.60.25

प्रादुरासन्निमित्तानि विजयाय बहूनि च
पाण्डवानां त्वदीयानां विपरीतानि मारिष

7.60.26

दृष्ट्वार्जुनो निमित्तानि विजयाय प्रदक्षिणम्
युयुधानं महेष्वासमिदं वचनमब्रवीत्

7.60.27

युयुधानाद्य युद्धे मे दृश्यते विजयो ध्रुवः
यथा हीमानि लिङ्गानि दृश्यन्ते शिनिपुंगव

7.60.28

सोऽहं तत्र गमिष्यामि यत्र सैन्धवको नृपः
यियासुर्यमलोकाय मम वीर्यं प्रतीक्षते

7.60.29

यथा परमकं कृत्यं सैन्धवस्य वधे मम
तथैव सुमहत्कृत्यं धर्मराजस्य रक्षणे

7.60.30

स त्वमद्य महाबाहो राजानं परिपालय
यथैव हि मया गुप्तस्त्वया गुप्तो भवेत्तथा

7.60.31

त्वयि चाहं पराश्वस्य प्रद्युम्ने वा महारथे
शक्नुयां सैन्धवं हन्तुमनपेक्षो नरर्षभ

7.60.32

मय्यपेक्षा न कर्तव्या कथंचिदपि सात्वत
राजन्येव परा गुप्तिः कार्या सर्वात्मना त्वया

7.60.33

न हि यत्र महाबाहुर्वासुदेवो व्यवस्थितः
किंचिद्व्यापद्यते तत्र यत्राहमपि च ध्रुवम्

7.60.34

एवमुक्तस्तु पार्थेन सात्यकिः परवीरहा
तथेत्युक्त्वागमत्तत्र यत्र राजा युधिष्ठिरः

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'While Yudhishthira, Vasudeva, and others were thus conversing, Dhananjaya came there, desirous of beholding that foremost one of Bharata's race, viz., the king, as also his friends and well-wishers. After he had entered that auspicious chamber and having saluted him duly, had taken its stand before the king, that bull among the Pandavas, (viz., king Yudhishthira), rising up from his seat, embraced Arjuna with great affection. Smelling his head and embracing him with his arms, the king blessed him heartily. And addressing him smilingly, he said, 'It is evident, O Arjuna, that complete victory certainly awaits thee in battle, judging from thy countenance (bright and cheerful as it is), and by the fact that Janardana is well-pleased with thee. Then Jishnu related unto him that highly wonderful incident, saying, 'Blessed be thou, O monarch, I have, through Kesava's grace, beheld something exceedingly wonderful.' Then Dhananjaya related everything he had seen, about his meeting with the Three-eyed god, for assuring his friends. Then all the hearers, filled with wonder, bent their heads to the ground. And bowing unto the god having the bull for his mark, they said, 'Excellent, Excellent!' Then all the friends and well-wishers (of the Pandavas), commanded by the son of Dharma, quickly and carefully proceeded to battle, their hearts filled with rage (against the foe). Saluting the king, Yuyudhana and Kesava and Arjuna, cheerfully set out from Yudhishthira's abode. And those two invincible warriors, those two heroes, viz., Yuyudhana, and Janardana, together proceeded on the same car to Arjuna's pavilion. Arrived there, Hrishikesa, like a charioteer (by profession), began to equip that car bearing the mark of the prince of apes and belonging to that foremost of car-warriors (viz., Arjuna). And that foremost of cars, of the effulgence of heated gold, and of rattle resembling the deep roar of the clouds, equipped (by Krishna), shone brightly like the morning sun. Then that tiger among men, (viz., Vasudeva), clad in mail informed Partha, who had finished his morning prayers, of the fact that 'his car had been properly equipped. Then that foremost of men in this world, viz., the diadem-decked (Arjuna), clad in golden armour, with his bow and arrows in hand, circumambulated that car. And adored and blessed with benedictions about victory by Brahmanas, old in ascetic penances and knowledge and years, ever engaged in the performance of religious rites and sacrifices, and having their passions under control, Arjuna then ascended that great car, that excellent vehicle, which had previously been sanctified with mantras capable of giving victory in battle, like Surya of blazing rays ascending the eastern mountain. And that foremost of car-warriors decked with gold, in consequence or those golden ornaments of his, on his car like Surya of blazing splendour on the breast of Meru. After Partha, Yuyudhana. and Janardana mounted on that car, like the twin Aswins riding the same car with Indra while coming to the sacrifice

of Saryati. Then Govinda, that foremost of charioteers, took the reins (of the steeds), like Matali taking the reins of Indra's steeds, while the latter went to battle for slaying Vritra. 1 Mounted on that best of cars with those two friends, that slayer of large bodies of foes, viz., Partha, proceeded for achieving the slaughter of the ruler of the Sindhus, like Soma rising (in the firmament) with Budha and Sukra, for destroying the gloom of night, or like Indra proceeding with Varuna and Surya to the great battle (with the Asuras) occasioned by the abduction of Taraka (the wife of Vrihaspati). The bards and musicians gratified the heroic Arjuna, as he proceeded, with the sound of musical instruments and auspicious hymns of good omen. And the voices of the panegyrists and the bards uttering benedictions of victory and wishing good day, mingling with the sounds of musical instruments, became gratifying to those heroes. And an auspicious breeze, fraught with fragrance, blew from behind Partha, gladdening him and sucking up the energies of his foes. And at that hour, O king, many auspicious omens of various kinds appeared to view, indicating victory to the Pandavas and defeat to thy warriors, O sire! Beholding those indications of victory, Arjuna, addressing the great bowman Yuyudhana on his right, said these words: O Yuyudhana! in today's battle my victory seems to be certain, since O bull of Sini's race, all these (auspicious) omens are seen. I shall, therefore, go thither where the ruler of the Sindhus waiteth for (the display of) my energy and in expectation of repairing to the regions of Yama. Indeed, as the slaughter of the ruler of the Sindhus is one of my most imperative duties, even so is the protection of king Yudhishthira the just another of my most imperative obligations. O thou of mighty arms, be thou today the king's protector. Thou wilt protect him even as I myself protect him. I do not behold the person in the world who would be able to vanquish thee. Thou art, in battle, equal to Vasudeva himself. The chief of the celestials himself is unable to vanquish thee. Reposing this burden on thee, or on that mighty car-warrior Pradyumna, I can, O bull among men, without anxiety slay the ruler of the Sindhus. O thou of the Satwata race, no anxiety need be entertained on my account. With thy whole heart must thou protect the king. There where the mighty-armed Vasudeva stayeth, and where I myself stay, without doubt, the slightest danger to him or me can never befall.' Thus addressed by Partha, Satyaki, that slayer of hostile heroes, replied saying, 'So be it.' And then the latter proceeded to the spot where king Yudhishthira was.'

164:1 Vasavamiva is a mistake for Vasavasyeva.

7.61.1

धृतराष्ट्र उवाच
श्वोभूते किमकार्षुस्ते दुःखशोकसमन्विताः
अभिमन्यौ हते तत्र के वायुध्यन्त मामकाः

7.61.2

जानन्तस्तस्य कर्माणि कुरवः सव्यसाचिनः
कथं तत्किल्बिषं कृत्वा निर्भया ब्रूहि मामकाः

7.61.3

पुत्रशोकाभिसंतप्तं क्रुद्धं मृत्युमिवान्तकम्
आयान्तं पुरुषव्याघ्रं कथं ददृशुराहवे

7.61.4

कपिराजध्वजं संख्ये विधुन्वानं महद्धनुः
दृष्ट्वा पुत्रपरिद्यूनं किमकुर्वन्त मामकाः

7.61.5

किं नु संजय संग्रामे वृत्तं दुर्योधनं प्रति
परिदेवो महानत्र श्रुतो मे नाभिनन्दनम्

7.61.6

बभूवुर्ये मनोग्राह्याः शब्दाः श्रुतिसुखावहाः
न श्रूयन्तेऽद्य ते सर्वे सैन्धवस्य निवेशने

7.61.7

स्तुवतां नाद्य श्रूयन्ते पुत्राणां शिबिरे मम
सूतमागधसंघानां नर्तकानां च सर्वशः

7.61.8

शब्देन नादिताभीक्ष्णमभवद्यत्र मे श्रुतिः
दीनानामद्य तं शब्दं न शृणोमि समीरितम्

7.61.9

निवेशने सत्यधृतेः सोमदत्तस्य संजय
आसीनोऽहं पुरा तात शब्दमश्रौषमुत्तमम्

7.61.10

तदद्य हीनपुण्योऽहमार्तस्वरनिनादितम्
निवेशनं हतोत्साहं पुत्राणां मम लक्षये

7.61.11

विविंशतेर्दुर्मुखस्य चित्रसेनविकर्णयोः
अन्येषां च सुतानां मे न तथा श्रूयते ध्वनिः

7.61.12

ब्राह्मणाः क्षत्रिया वैश्या यं शिष्याः पर्युपासते
द्रोणपुत्रं महेष्वासं पुत्राणां मे परायणम्

7.61.13

वितण्डालापसंलापैर्हुतयाचितवन्दितैः
गीतैश्च विविधैरिष्टै रमते यो दिवानिशम्

7.61.14

उपास्यमानो बहुभिः कुरुपाण्डवसात्वतैः
सूत तस्य गृहे शब्दो नाद्य द्रौणेर्यथा पुरा

7.61.15

द्रोणपुत्रं महेष्वासं गायना नर्तकाश्च ये
अत्यर्थमुपतिष्ठन्ति तेषां न श्रूयते ध्वनिः

7.61.16

विन्दानुविन्दयोः सायं शिबिरे यो महाध्वनिः
श्रूयते सोऽद्य न तथा केकयानां च वेश्मसु

7.61.17

नित्यप्रमुदितानां च तालगीतस्वनो महान्
नृत्यतां श्रूयते तात गणानां सोऽद्य न ध्वनिः

7.61.18

सप्ततन्तून्वितन्वाना यमुपासन्ति याजकाः
सौमदत्तिं श्रुतनिधिं तेषां न श्रूयते ध्वनिः

7.61.19

ज्याघोषो ब्रह्मघोषश्च तोमरासिरथध्वनिः
द्रोणस्यासीदविरतो गृहे तन्न शृणोम्यहम्

7.61.20

नानादेशसमुत्थानां गीतानां योऽभवत्स्वनः
वादित्रनादितानां च सोऽद्य न श्रूयते महान्

7.61.21

यदा प्रभृत्युपप्लव्याच्छान्तिमिच्छञ्जनार्दनः
आगतः सर्वभूतानामनुकम्पार्थमच्युतः

7.61.22

ततोऽहमब्रुवं सूत मन्दं दुर्योधनं तदा
वासुदेवेन तीर्थेन पुत्र संशाम्य पाण्डवैः

7.61.23

कालप्राप्तमहं मन्ये मा त्वं दुर्योधनातिगाः
शमे चेद्याचमानं त्वं प्रत्याख्यास्यसि केशवम्
हितार्थमभिजल्पन्तं न तथास्त्यपराजयः

7.61.24

प्रत्याचष्ट स दाशार्हमृषभं सर्वधन्विनाम्
अनुनेयानि जल्पन्तमनयान्नान्वपद्यत

7.61.25

ततो दुःशासनस्यैव कर्णस्य च मतं द्वयोः
अन्ववर्तत हित्वा मां कृष्टः कालेन दुर्मतिः

7.61.26

न ह्यहं द्यूतमिच्छामि विदुरो न प्रशंसति
सैन्धवो नेच्छते द्यूतं भीष्मो न द्यूतमिच्छति

7.61.27

शल्यो भूरिश्रवाश्चैव पुरुमित्रो जयस्तथा
अश्वत्थामा कृपो द्रोणो द्यूतं नेच्छन्ति संजय

7.61.28

एतेषां मतमाज्ञाय यदि वर्तेत पुत्रकः
सज्ञातिमित्रः ससुहृच्चिरं जीवेदनामयः

7.61.29

श्लक्ष्णा मधुरसंभाषा ज्ञातिमध्ये प्रियंवदाः
कुलीनाः संमताः प्राज्ञाः सुखं प्राप्स्यन्ति पाण्डवाः

7.61.30

धर्मापेक्षो नरो नित्यं सर्वत्र लभते सुखम्
प्रेत्यभावे च कल्याणं प्रसादं प्रतिपद्यते

7.61.31

अर्हन्त्यर्धं पृथिव्यास्ते भोक्तुं सामर्थ्यसाधनाः
तेषामपि समुद्रान्ता पितृपैतामही मही

7.61.32

नियुज्यमानाः स्थास्यन्ति पाण्डवा धर्मवर्त्मनि
सन्ति नो ज्ञातयस्तात येषां श्रोष्यन्ति पाण्डवाः

7.61.33

शल्यस्य सोमदत्तस्य भीष्मस्य च महात्मनः
द्रोणस्याथ विकर्णस्य बाह्लिकस्य कृपस्य च

7.61.34

अन्येषां चैव वृद्धानां भरतानां महात्मनाम्
त्वदर्थं ब्रुवतां तात करिष्यन्ति वचो हितम्

7.61.35

कं वा त्वं मन्यसे तेषां यस्त्वा ब्रूयादतोऽन्यथा
कृष्णो न धर्मं संजह्यात्सर्वे ते च त्वदन्वयाः

7.61.36

मयापि चोक्तास्ते वीरा वचनं धर्मसंहितम्
नान्यथा प्रकरिष्यन्ति धर्मात्मानो हि पाण्डवाः

7.61.37

इत्यहं विलपन्सूत बहुशः पुत्रमुक्तवान्
न च मे श्रुतवान्मूढो मन्ये कालस्य पर्ययम्

7.61.38

वृकोदरार्जुनौ यत्र वृष्णिवीरश्च सात्यकिः
उत्तमौजाश्च पाञ्चाल्यो युधामन्युश्च दुर्जयः

7.61.39

धृष्टद्युम्नश्च दुर्धर्षः शिखण्डी चापराजितः
अश्मकाः केकयाश्चैव क्षत्रधर्मा च सौमकिः

7.61.40

चैद्यश्च चेकितानश्च पुत्रः काश्यस्य चाभिभुः
द्रौपदेया विराटश्च द्रुपदश्च महारथः
यमौ च पुरुषव्याघ्रौ मन्त्री च मधुसूदनः

7.61.41

क एताञ्जातु युध्येत लोकेऽस्मिन्वै जिजीविषुः
दिव्यमस्त्रं विकुर्वाणान्संहरेयुररिंदमाः

7.61.42

अन्यो दुर्योधनात्कर्णाच्छकुनेश्चापि सौबलात्
दुःशासनचतुर्थानां नान्यं पश्यामि पञ्चमम्

7.61.43

येषामभीशुहस्तः स्याद्विष्वक्सेनो रथे स्थितः
संनद्धश्चार्जुनो योद्धा तेषां नास्ति पराजयः

7.61.44

तेषां मम विलापानां न हि दुर्योधनः स्मरेत्
हतौ हि पुरुषव्याघ्रौ भीष्मद्रोणौ त्वमात्थ मे

7.61.45

तेषां विदुरवाक्यानामुक्तानां दीर्घदर्शिनाम्
दृष्ट्वेमां फलनिर्वृत्तिं मन्ये शोचन्ति पुत्रकाः

7.61.46

हिमात्यये यथा कक्षं शुष्कं वातेरितो महान्
अग्निर्दहेत्तथा सेनां मामिकां स धनंजयः

7.61.47

आचक्ष्व तद्धि नः सर्वं कुशलो ह्यसि संजय
यदुपायात्तु सायाह्ने कृत्वा पार्थस्य किल्बिषम्
अभिमन्यौ हते तात कथमासीन्मनो हि वः

7.61.48

न जातु तस्य कर्माणि युधि गाण्डीवधन्वनः
अपकृत्वा महत्तात सोढुं शक्ष्यन्ति मामकाः

7.61.49

किं नु दुर्योधनः कृत्यं कर्णः कृत्यं किमब्रवीत्
दुःशासनः सौबलश्च तेषामेवं गते अपि
सर्वेषां समवेतानां पुत्राणां मम संजय

7.61.50

यद्वृत्तं तात संग्रामे मन्दस्यापनयैर्भृशम्
लोभानुगतदुर्बुद्धेः क्रोधेन विकृतात्मनः

7.61.51

राज्यकामस्य मूढस्य रागोपहतचेतसः
दुर्नीतं वा सुनीतं वा तन्ममाचक्ष्व संजय

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

(Jayadratha-Vadha Parva)

"Dhritarashtra said, 'After Abhimanyu's slaughter when the next day came, what did the Pandavas, afflicted with grief and sorrow do? Who amongst my warriors fought with them? Knowing, as they did, the achievements of Savyasachin, O tell me, how the Kauravas, could, having perpetrated such a wrong, remain fearlessly. How could they in battle venture even to gaze at that tiger among men (viz., Arjuna), as he advanced like the all-destroying Death himself in fury, burning with grief on account of the slaughter of his son? Beholding that warrior having the prince of apes on his banner, that hero grieved on account of his son's death shaking his gigantic bow in battle, what did my warrior do? What, O Sanjaya, hath befallen unto Duryodhana? A great sorrow hath overtaken us today. I do not any longer hear the sounds of joy. Those charming sounds, highly agreeable to the ear, that were formerly heard in the abode of the Sindhu king, alas those sounds are no longer heard today. Alas, in the camp of my sons, the sounds of countless bards and panegyrists singing their praises, and of dances are no longer heard. Formerly, such sounds used to strike my ears incessantly. Alas, as they are plunged into grief I do not any longer hear those sounds uttered (in their camp). Formerly, O Sanjaya, while sitting in the abode of Somadatta who was devoted to truth, I used to hear such delightful sounds. Alas, how destitute of (religious) merit I am, for I observe the abode of my sons today to be echoing with sounds of grief and lamentations and destitute of every noise betokening life and energy. In the houses of Vivinsati, Durmukha, Chitrasena, Vikarna, and other sons of mine, I do not hear the sounds I used to hear formerly. That great bowman, viz., the son of Drona, who was the refuge of my sons, upon him Brahmanas and Kshatriyas and Vaisyas, and a large number of disciples used to wait, who took pleasure day and night in controversial disputations, in talk, in conversation, in the stirring music of diverse instruments, and in various kinds of delightful songs, who was worshipped by many persons among the Kurus, the Pandavas, and the Satwatas, alas, O Suta, in the abode of that son of Drona no sound can be heard as formerly. Singers and dancers used, in a large number, to wait closely upon that mighty bowman, viz., the son of Drona. Alas, their sounds can no longer be heard in his abode. That loud noise which rose in the camp of Vinda and Anuvinda every evening, alas, that noise is no longer heard there. Not in the camp of the Kaikeyas can that loud sound of song and slapping of palms be heard today which their soldiers, engaged in dance and revelry, used to make. Those priests competent in the performance of sacrifices who used to wait upon Somadatta's son, that refuge of scriptural rites, alas, their sounds can no longer be heard. The twang of the bowstring,

the sounds of Vedic recitation, the whiz of lances and swords, and rattle of car-wheels, used incessantly to be heard in the abode of Drona. Alas, those sounds can no longer be heard there. That swell of songs of diverse realms, that loud noise of musical instruments, which used to arise there, alas, those can no longer be heard today. When Janardana of unfading glory came from Upaplavya, desirous of peace, from compassion for every creature, I then, O Suta, said unto the wicked Duryodhana: Obtaining Vasudeva as the means, make peace with the Pandavas, O son! I think the time has come (for making peace). Do not, O Duryodhana, transgress my command. If thou settest Vasudeva aside, who now begs thee for peace and addresses thee for my good, victory thou wilt never have in battle. Duryodhana, however, did set aside him of Dasarha's race, that bull among all bowmen, who then spoke what was for Duryodhana's good. By this, he embraced what was calamitous to himself. Seized by Death himself, that wicked-souled son of mine, rejecting my counsels, adopted those of Duhsasana and Karna. I myself did not approve of the game of dice. Vidura did not approve of it. The ruler of the Sindhus did not, nor Bhishma; nor Salya; nor Bhurisravas; nor Purumitra; nor Jaya; nor Aswatthaman; nor Kripa; nor Drona, O Sanjaya! If my son had conducted himself according to the counsels of these persons, he would then, with his kinsmen and friends have lived for ever in happiness and peace. Of sweet and delightful speech ever saying what is agreeable amid their kinsmen, high-born, loved by all, and possessed of wisdom, the sons of Pandu are sure to obtain happiness. The man who casteth his eye on righteousness, always and everywhere obtaineth happiness. Such a man after death, winneth benefit and grace. Possessed of sufficient might, the Pandavas deserve to enjoy half the earth. The earth girt by the seas is as much their ancestral possession (as of the Kurus). Possessed of sovereignty, the Pandavas will never deviate from the track of righteousness. O child, I have kinsmen to whose voice the Pandavas will ever listen, such, for instance, as Salya, Somadatta, the high-souled Bhishma, Drona, Vikarna, Valhika, Kripa, and others among the Bharatas that are illustrious and reverend in years. If they speak unto them on thy behalf the Pandavas will certainly act according to those beneficial recommendations. Or, who amongst these, thinkest thou, belongs to their party that will speak to them otherwise? Krishna will never abandon the path of righteousness. The Pandavas are all obedient to him. Words of righteousness spoken by myself also, those heroes will never disobey, for the Pandavas are all of righteous soul.' Piteously lamenting, O Suta, I spoke these and many such words unto my son. Foolish as he is, he listened not to me! I think all this to be the mischievous influence of Time! There where Vrikodara and Arjuna are, and the Vrishni hero, Satyaki, and Uttamaujas of the Panchalas, and the invincible Yudhamanyu, and the irrepressible Dhrishtadyumna, and the unvanquished Sikhandin, the Asmakas, the Kekayas, and Kshatradharman of 'the Somakas, the ruler of the Chedis, and Chekitana, and Vibhu, the son of

the ruler of the Kasi, the sons of Draupadi, and Virata and the mighty car-warrior Drupada, and those tigers among men viz., the twins (Nakula and Sahadeva), and the stayer of Madhu to offer counsel, who is there in this world that would fight these, expecting to live? Who else, again, is there, save Duryodhana, and Karna, and Sakuni, the son of Suvala, and Duhsasana as their fourth, for I do not see the fifth that would venture to resist my foes while the latter display their celestial weapons? They who have Vishnu himself on their car, clad in mail and reins in hand, they who have Arjuna for their warrior, they can never have defeat! Doth not Duryodhana now recollect those lamentations of mine? The tiger among men, Bhishma, thou hast said, has been slain. I think, beholding the fruits of the words uttered by the far-seeing Vidura, my sons are now indulging in lamentations! I think, beholding his army overwhelmed by Sini's grandson and Arjuna, beholding the terraces of his cars empty, my sons are indulging in lamentations. As a swelling conflagration urged by the winds consumes a heap of dry grass at the close of winter, even so will Dhananjaya consume my troops. O Sanjaya, thou art accomplished in narration. Tell me everything that transpired after the doing of that great wrong to Partha in the evening. When Abhimanyu was slain, what became the state of your minds? Having, O son, greatly offended the wielder of Gandiva, my warriors are incapable of bearing in battle his achievements. What measures were resolved upon by Duryodhana and what by Karna? What also did Duhsasana and Suvala's son do? O Sanjaya, O son, that which has in battle befallen all my children assembled together, is certainly due to the evil acts of the wicked Duryodhana, who followeth in the path of avarice, who is of wicked understanding, whose judgment is perverted by wrath, who coveteth sovereignty, who is foolish, and who is deprived of reason by anger. Tell me, O Sanjaya, what measures were then adopted by Duryodhana? Were they ill-judged or well-judged?'"

7.62.1

संजय उवाच
हन्त ते संप्रवक्ष्यामि सर्वं प्रत्यक्षदर्शिवान्
शुश्रूषस्व स्थिरो भूत्वा तव ह्यपनयो महान्

7.62.2

गतोदके सेतुबन्धो यादृक्तादृगयं तव
विलापो निष्फलो राजन्मा शुचो भरतर्षभ

7.62.3

अनतिक्रमणीयोऽयं कृतान्तस्याद्भुतो विधिः
मा शुचो भरतश्रेष्ठ दिष्टमेतत्पुरातनम्

7.62.4

यदि हि त्वं पुरा द्यूतात्कुन्तीपुत्रं युधिष्ठिरम्
निवर्तयेथाः पुत्रांश्च न त्वां व्यसनमाव्रजेत्

7.62.5

युद्धकाले पुनः प्राप्ते तदैव भवता यदि
निवर्तिताः स्युः संरब्धा न त्वां व्यसनमाव्रजेत्

7.62.6

दुर्योधनं चाविधेयं बध्नीतेति पुरा यदि
कुरूनचोदयिष्यस्त्वं न त्वां व्यसनमाव्रजेत्

7.62.7

तत्ते बुद्धिव्यभीचारमुपलप्स्यन्ति पाण्डवाः
पाञ्चाला वृष्णयः सर्वे ये चान्येऽपि महाजनाः

7.62.8

स कृत्वा पितृकर्म त्वं पुत्रं संस्थाप्य सत्पथे
वर्तेथा यदि धर्मेण न त्वां व्यसनमाव्रजेत्

7.62.9

त्वं तु प्राज्ञतमो लोके हित्वा धर्मं सनातनम्
दुर्योधनस्य कर्णस्य शकुनेश्चान्वगा मतम्

7.62.10

तत्ते विलपितं सर्वं मया राजन्निशामितम्
अर्थे निविशमानस्य विषमिश्रं यथा मधु

7.62.11

न तथा मन्यते कृष्णो राजानं पाण्डवं पुरा
न भीष्मं नैव च द्रोणं यथा त्वां मन्यते नृप

7.62.12

व्यजानत यदा तु त्वां राजधर्मादधश्च्युतम्
तदा प्रभृति कृष्णस्त्वां न तथा बहु मन्यते

7.62.13

परुषाण्युच्यमानांश्च यथा पार्थानुपेक्षसे
तस्यानुबन्धः प्राप्तस्त्वां पुत्राणां राज्यकामुकम्

7.62.14

पितृपैतामहं राज्यमपवृत्तं तदानघ
अथ पार्थैर्जितां कृत्स्नां पृथिवीं प्रत्यपद्यथाः

7.62.15

पाण्डुनावर्जितं राज्यं कौरवाणां यशस्तथा
ततश्चाभ्यधिकं भूयः पाण्डवैर्धर्मचारिभिः

7.62.16

तेषां तत्तादृशं कर्म त्वामासाद्य सुनिष्फलम्
यत्पित्र्याद्भ्रंशिता राज्यात्त्वयेहामिषगृद्धिना

7.62.17

यत्पुनर्युद्धकाले त्वं पुत्रान्गर्हयसे नृप
बहुधा व्याहरन्दोषान्न तदद्योपपद्यते

7.62.18

न हि रक्षन्ति राजानो युध्यन्तो जीवितं रणे
चमूं विगाह्य पार्थानां युध्यन्ते क्षत्रियर्षभाः

7.62.19

यां तु कृष्णार्जुनौ सेनां यां सात्यकिवृकोदरौ
रक्षेरन्को नु तां युध्येच्चमूमन्यत्र कौरवैः

7.62.20

येषां योद्धा गुडाकेशो येषां मन्त्री जनार्दनः
येषां च सात्यकिर्गोप्ता येषां गोप्ता वृकोदरः

7.62.21

को हि तान्विषहेद्योद्धुं मर्त्यधर्मा धनुर्धरः
अन्यत्र कौरवेयेभ्यो ये वा तेषां पदानुगाः

7.62.22

यावत्तु शक्यते कर्तुमनुरक्तैर्जनाधिपैः
क्षत्रधर्मरतैः शूरैस्तावत्कुर्वन्ति कौरवाः

7.62.23

यथा तु पुरुषव्याघ्रैर्युद्धं परमसङ्कटम्
कुरूणां पाण्डवैः सार्धं तत्सर्वं शृणु तत्त्वतः

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'I will tell thee all, for everything hath been witnessed by me with my own eyes. Listen calmly. Great is thy fault. Even as an embankment is useless after the waters (of the field) have flowed away, even so, O king, are these lamentations of thine useless! O bull of Bharata's race, do not grieve. Wonderful as are the decrees of the Destroyer, they are incapable of being transgressed. Do not grieve, O bull of Bharata's race, for this is not new. If thou hadst formerly restrained Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, and thy sons also from the match at dice, this calamity then would never have overtaken thee. If, again, when time for battle came, hadst thou restrained both the parties inflamed by wrath, this

calamity then would never have overtaken thee. If, again, hadst thou formerly urged the Kurus to slay the disobedient Duryodhana, then this calamity would never have overtaken thee. (If thou hadst done any of these acts), the Pandavas, the Panchalas, the Vrishnis, and the other kings would then have never known thy wrong-headedness. If, again, doing, thy duty as a father, thou hadst, by placing Duryodhana in the path of righteousness, caused him to tread along it, then this calamity would never have overtaken thee. Thou art the wisest man on earth. Forsaking eternal virtue, how couldst thou follow the counsels of Duryodhana and Karna and Sakuni? These lamentations of thine, therefore, O king, that I hear,--of thine that art wedded to (worldly) wealth, seem to me to be honey mixed with poison. O monarch, formerly Krishna did not respect king Yudhishthira, the son of Pandu, or Drona, so much as he used to respect thee. When, however, he came to know thee as one fallen off from the duties of a king, since then Krishna hath ceased to regard thee with respect. Thy sons had addressed various harsh speeches towards the sons of Pritha. Thou wast indifferent to those speeches then, O thou that wieldest sovereignty, unto thy sons. The consequence of that indifference of thine hath now overtaken thee. O sinless one, the ancestral sovereignty is now in danger. (If it is not so), obtain now the whole earth subjugated by the sons of Pritha. 1 The kingdom that the Kurus enjoy, as also their fame had been acquired by the Pandus. The virtuous sons of Pandu added to that kingdom and that fame. Those achievements, however, of theirs became (to them) barren of fruit as they came in contact with thee, since they were deprived of even their ancestral kingdom by the covetous self. Now, O king, when the battle has begun, thou censurest thy sons indicating diverse faults of theirs. This is scarcely becoming. The Kshatriyas, while fighting, do not take care of their very lives. Indeed, those bulls among Kshatriyas fight, penetrating into the array of the Parthas. Who else, indeed, save the Kauravas, would venture to fight with that force which is protected by Krishna and Arjuna, by Satyaki and Vrikodara? Them that have Arjuna for their warrior, them that have Janardana for their counsellor, them that have Satyaki and Vrikodara for their protectors, what mortal bowman is there that would dare fight with, save the Kauravas and those that are following their lead? All that is capable of being achieved by friendly kings endued with heroism and observant of the duties of Kshatriyas, all that is being done by the warriors on the Kauravas side. Listen now, therefore, to everything that hath taken place in the terrible battle between those tigers among men viz., the Kurus and the Pandavas.'"

168:1 Apavrittam is explained by Nilakantha as endangered or made doubtful. What Sanjaya says is that if it is not so, thou shalt then have to undergo the bitterness of ruling over the whole world bestowed upon thee by the Pandavas. Either the Pandavas will snatch away thy kingdom or make thee ruler of the whole after slaying thy sons. Either of these alternatives would be bitter to thee.

7.63.1

संजय उवाच
तस्यां निशायां व्युष्टायां द्रोणः शस्त्रभृतां वरः
स्वान्यनीकानि सर्वाणि प्राक्रामद्व्यूहितुं ततः

7.63.2

शूराणां गर्जतां राजन्संक्रुद्धानाममर्षिणाम्
श्रूयन्ते स्म गिरश्चित्राः परस्परवधैषिणाम्

7.63.3

विस्फार्य च धनूंष्याजौ ज्याः करैः परिमृज्य च
विनिःश्वसन्तः प्राक्रोशन्क्वेदानीं स धनंजयः

7.63.4

विकोशान्सुत्सरूनन्ये कृतधारान्समाहितान्
पीतानाकाशसंकाशानसीन्केचिच्च चिक्षिपुः

7.63.5

चरन्तस्त्वसिमार्गांश्च धनुर्मार्गांश्च शिक्षया
संग्राममनसः शूरा दृश्यन्ते स्म सहस्रशः

7.63.6

सघण्टाश्चन्दनादिग्धाः स्वर्णवज्रविभूषिताः
समुत्क्षिप्य गदाश्चान्ये पर्यपृच्छन्त पाण्डवम्

7.63.7

अन्ये बलमदोन्मत्ताः परिघैर्बाहुशालिनः
चक्रुः संबाधमाकाशमुच्छ्रितेन्द्रध्वजोपमैः

7.63.8

नानाप्रहरणैश्चान्ये विचित्रस्रगलंकृताः
संग्राममनसः शूरास्तत्र तत्र व्यवस्थिताः

7.63.9

क्वार्जुनः क्व च गोविन्दः क्व च मानी वृकोदरः
क्व च ते सुहृदस्तेषामाह्वयन्तो रणे तदा

7.63.10

ततः शङ्खमुपाध्माय त्वरयन्वाजिनः स्वयम्
इतस्ततस्तान्रचयन्द्रोणश्चरति वेगितः

7.63.11

तेष्वनीकेषु सर्वेषु स्थितेष्वाहवनन्दिषु
भारद्वाजो महाराज जयद्रथमथाब्रवीत्

7.63.12

त्वं चैव सौमदत्तिश्च कर्णश्चैव महारथः
अश्वत्थामा च शल्यश्च वृषसेनः कृपस्तथा

7.63.13

शतं चाश्वसहस्राणां रथानामयुतानि षट्
द्विरदानां प्रभिन्नानां सहस्राणि चतुर्दश

7.63.14

पदातीनां सहस्राणि दंशितान्येकविंशतिः
गव्यूतिषु त्रिमात्रेषु मामनासाद्य तिष्ठत

7.63.15

तत्रस्थं त्वां न संसोढुं शक्ता देवाः सवासवाः
किं पुनः पाण्डवाः सर्वे समाश्वसिहि सैन्धव

7.63.16

एवमुक्तः समाश्वस्तः सिन्धुराजो जयद्रथः
संप्रायात्सह गान्धारैर्वृतस्तैश्च महारथैः
वर्मिभिः सादिभिर्यत्तैः प्रासपाणिभिरास्थितैः

7.63.17

चामरापीडिनः सर्वे जाम्बूनदविभूषिताः
जयद्रथस्य राजेन्द्र हयाः साधुप्रवाहिनः
ते चैव सप्तसाहस्रा द्विसाहस्राश्च सैन्धवाः

7.63.18

मत्तानामधिरूढानां हस्त्यारोहैर्विशारदैः
नागानां भीमरूपाणां वर्मिणां रौद्रकर्मिणाम्

7.63.19

अध्यर्धेन सहस्रेण पुत्रो दुर्मर्षणस्तव
अग्रतः सर्वसैन्यानां योत्स्यमानो व्यवस्थितः

7.63.20

ततो दुःशासनश्चैव विकर्णश्च तवात्मजौ
सिन्धुराजार्थसिद्ध्यर्थमग्रानीके व्यवस्थितौ

7.63.21

दीर्घो द्वादशगव्यूतिः पश्चार्धे पञ्च विस्तृतः
व्यूहः स चक्रशकटो भारद्वाजेन निर्मितः

7.63.22

नानानृपतिभिर्वीरैस्तत्र तत्र व्यवस्थितैः
रथाश्वगजपत्त्योघैर्द्रोणेन विहितः स्वयम्

7.63.23

पश्चार्धे तस्य पद्मस्तु गर्भव्यूहः सुदुर्भिदः
सूची पद्मस्य मध्यस्थो गूढो व्यूहः पुनः कृतः

7.63.24

एवमेतं महाव्यूहं व्यूह्य द्रोणो व्यवस्थितः
सूचीमुखे महेष्वासः कृतवर्मा व्यवस्थितः

7.63.25

अनन्तरं च काम्बोजो जलसंधश्च मारिष
दुर्योधनः सहामात्यस्तदनन्तरमेव च

7.63.26

ततः शतसहस्राणि योधानामनिवर्तिनाम्
व्यवस्थितानि सर्वाणि शकटे सूचिरक्षिणः

7.63.27

तेषां च पृष्ठतो राज बलेन महता वृतः
जयद्रथस्ततो राजन्सूचिपाशे व्यवस्थितः

7.63.28

शकटस्य तु राजेन्द्र भारद्वाजो मुखे स्थितः
अनु तस्याभवद्भोजो जुगोपैनं ततः स्वयम्

7.63.29

श्वेतवर्माम्बरोष्णीषो व्यूढोरस्को महाभुजः
धनुर्विस्फारयन्द्रोणस्तस्थौ क्रुद्ध इवान्तकः

7.63.30

पताकिनं शोणहयं वेदीकृष्णाजिनध्वजम्
द्रोणस्य रथमालोक्य प्रहृष्टाः कुरवोऽभवन्

7.63.31

सिद्धचारणसंघानां विस्मयः सुमहानभूत्
द्रोणेन विहितं दृष्ट्वा व्यूहं क्षुब्धार्णवोपमम्

7.63.32

सशैलसागरवनां नानाजनपदाकुलाम्
ग्रसेद्व्यूहः क्षितिं सर्वामिति भूतानि मेनिरे

7.63.33

बहुरथमनुजाश्वपत्तिनागं; प्रतिभयनिस्वनमद्भुताभरूपम्
अहितहृदयभेदनं महद्वै; शकटमवेक्ष्य कृतं ननन्द राजा

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'After that fight had passed away, Drona, that foremost of all wielders of weapons, began to array all his divisions for battle. Diverse sounds were heard, O monarch of angry heroes shouting in wrath and desirous of slaying one another. And some stretched their bows, and some rubbed with their hands their bow-strings. And drawing deep breaths, many of them shouted, saying, Where is that Dhananjaya? And some began to throw upwards (and again seize) their naked swords, unyielding, well-tempered, of the colour of the sky, possessed of great sharpness, and furnished with beautiful hilts. And brave warriors, desirous of battle, by thousands, were seen to perform the evolutions of swordmen and of bowmen, with skill acquired by practice. Some whirling their maces decked with bells, smeared with sandal paste, and adorned with gold and diamonds enquired after the sons of Pandu. Some intoxicated with the pride of strength, and possessed of massive arms, obstructed the welkin with their spiked clubs that resembled (a forest of flag) staff raised in honour of Indra. Others, brave warriors all, adorned with beautiful garlands of flowers, desirous of battle, occupied diverse portions of the field, armed with diverse weapons. 'Where is Arjuna? Where is that Govinda? Where is proud Bhima? Where also are those allies of their?' Even thus did they call upon them in battle. Then blowing his conch and himself urging the horses to great speed, Drona moved about with great celerity, arraying his troops. After all those divisions that delight in battle had taken up their stations, Bharadwaja's son, O king, said these words unto Jayadratha. 'Thyself, Somadatta's son, the mighty car-warrior Karna, Aswatthaman, Salya, Vrishasena and Kripa, with a hundred thousand horse, sixty thousand cars, four and ten thousand elephants with rent temples, one and twenty thousand foot-soldiers clad in mail take up your station behind me at the distance of twelve miles. There the very gods with Vasava at their head will not be able to attack thee, what need be said, therefore, of the Pandavas? Take comfort, O ruler of the Sindhus. Thus addressed (by Drona), Jayadratha, the ruler of the Sindhus, became comforted. And he proceeded to the spot indicated by Drona, accompanied by many Gandhara warriors, and surrounded by those great car-warriors, and with many foot-soldiers clad in mail, prepared to fight vigorously and armed with nooses. The steeds of Jayadratha, well-skilled in bearing of drawing were all, O monarch, decked with yalk-tails and ornaments of gold. And seven thousand such steeds, and three thousand other steeds of the Sindhu breed were with him.'

"Thy son Durmarshana, desirous of doing battle, stationed himself at the head of all the troops, accompanied by a thousand and five hundred infuriated elephants and awful size clad in mail and of fierce deeds, and all ridden by well-trained elephant-riders. Thy two other sons, viz., Duhsasana and Vikarna, took up their position amid the advance-divisions

of the army, for the accomplishment of the objects of Jayadratha. The array that Bharadwaja's son formed, part Sakata and part a circle, was full forty-eight miles long and the width of its rear measured twenty miles. Drona himself formed that array with countless brave kings, stationed with it, and countless cars and steeds and elephants and foot-soldiers. In the rear of that array was another impenetrable array of the form of lotus. And within that lotus was another dense array called the needle. Having formed his mighty array thus, Drona took up his station. At the mouth of that needle, the great bowman Kritavarman took up his stand. Next to Kritavarman, O sire, stood the ruler of the Kamvojas and Jalasandha. Next to these, stood Duryodhana and Karna. Behind them hundreds and thousands of unreturning heroes were stationed in that Sakata for protecting its head. Behind them all, O monarch, and surrounded by a vast force, was king Jayadratha stationed at one side of that needle-shaped array. At the entrance of the Sakata, O king, was Bharadwaja's son. Behind Drona was the chief of the Bhojas, who protected him. Clad in white armour, with excellent head-gear, of broad chest and mighty arms, Drona stood, stretching his large bow, like the Destroyer himself in wrath. Beholding Drona's car which was graced with a beautiful standard and had red sacrificial altar and a black deer-skin, the Kauravas were filled with delight. Seeing that array formed by Drona, which resembled the ocean itself in agitation, the Siddhas and the Charanas were filled with wonder. And all creatures thought that array would devour the whole earth with her mountains and seas and forests, and abounding with diverse things. And king Duryodhana, beholding that mighty array in the form of a Sakata, teeming with carts and men and steeds and elephants, roaring dreadful of wonderful form, and capable of riving the hearts of foes, began to rejoice.'"

7.64.1

संजय उवाच
ततो व्यूढेष्वनीकेषु समुत्क्रुष्टेषु मारिष
ताड्यमानासु भेरीषु मृदङ्गेषु नदत्सु च

7.64.2

अनीकानां च संह्रादे वादित्राणां च निस्वने
प्रध्मापितेषु शङ्खेषु संनादे लोमहर्षणे

7.64.3

अभिहारयत्सु शनकैर्भरतेषु युयुत्सुषु
रौद्रे मुहूर्ते संप्राप्ते सव्यसाची व्यदृश्यत

7.64.4

वडानां वायसानां च पुरस्तात्सव्यसाचिनः
बहुलानि सहस्राणि प्राक्रीडंस्तत्र भारत

7.64.5

मृगाश्च घोरसंनादाः शिवाश्चाशिवदर्शनाः
दक्षिणेन प्रयातानामस्माकं प्राणदंस्तथा

7.64.6

सनिर्घाता ज्वलन्त्यश्च पेतुरुल्काः समन्ततः
चचाल च मही कृत्स्ना भये घोरे समुत्थिते

7.64.7

विष्वग्वाताः सनिर्घाता रूक्षाः शर्करवर्षिणः
ववुरायाति कौन्तेये संग्रामे समुपस्थिते

7.64.8

नाकुलिस्तु शतानीको धृष्टद्युम्नश्च पार्षतः
पाण्डवानामनीकानि प्राज्ञौ तौ व्यूहतुस्तदा

7.64.9

ततो रथसहस्रेण द्विरदानां शतेन च
त्रिभिरश्वसहस्रैश्च पदातीनां शतैः शतैः

7.64.10

अध्यर्धमात्रे धनुषां सहस्रे तनयस्तव
अग्रतः सर्वसैन्यानां स्थित्वा दुर्मर्षणोऽब्रवीत्

7.64.11

अद्य गाण्डीवधन्वानं तपन्तं युद्धदुर्मदम्
अहमावारयिष्यामि वेलेव मकरालयम्

7.64.12

अद्य पश्यन्तु संग्रामे धनंजयममर्षणम्
विषक्तं मयि दुर्धर्षमश्मकूटमिवाश्मनि

7.64.13

एवं ब्रुवन्महाराज महात्मा स महामतिः
महेष्वासैर्वृतो राजन्महेष्वासो व्यवस्थितः

7.64.14

ततोऽन्तक इव क्रुद्धः सवज्र इव वासवः
दण्डपाणिरिवासह्यो मृत्युः कालेन चोदितः

7.64.15

शूलपाणिरिवाक्षोभ्यो वरुणः पाशवानिव
युगान्ताग्निरिवार्चिष्मान्प्रधक्ष्यन्वै पुनः प्रजाः

7.64.16

क्रोधामर्षबलोद्धूतो निवातकवचान्तकः
जयो जेता स्थितः सत्ये पारयिष्यन्महाव्रतम्

7.64.17

आमुक्तकवचः खड्गी जाम्बूनदकिरीटभृत्
शुभ्रवर्माम्बरधरः स्वङ्गदी चारुकुण्डली

7.64.18

रथप्रवरमास्थाय नरो नारायणानुगः
विधुन्वन्गाण्डिवं संख्ये बभौ सूर्य इवोदितः

7.64.19

सोऽग्रानीकस्य महत इषुपाते धनंजयः
व्यवस्थाप्य रथं सज्जं शङ्खं दध्मौ प्रतापवान्

7.64.20

अथ कृष्णोऽप्यसंभ्रान्तः पार्थेन सह मारिष
प्राध्मापयत्पाञ्चजन्यं शङ्खप्रवरमोजसा

7.64.21

तयोः शङ्खप्रणादेन तव सैन्ये विशां पते
आसन्संहृष्टरोमाणः कम्पिता गतचेतसः

7.64.22

यथा त्रसन्ति भूतानि सर्वाण्यशनिनिस्वनात्
तथा शङ्खप्रणादेन वित्रेसुस्तव सैनिकाः

7.64.23

प्रसुस्रुवुः शकृन्मूत्रं वाहनानि च सर्वशः
एवं सवाहनं सर्वमाविग्नमभवद्बलम्

7.64.24

व्यषीदन्त नरा राजञ्शङ्खशब्देन मारिष
विसंज्ञाश्चाभवन्केचित्केचिद्राजन्वितत्रसुः

7.64.25

ततः कपिर्महानादं सह भूतैर्ध्वजालयैः
अकरोद्व्यादितास्यश्च भीषयंस्तव सैनिकान्

7.64.26

ततः शङ्खाश्च भेर्यश्च मृदङ्गाश्चानकैः सह
पुनरेवाभ्यहन्यन्त तव सैन्यप्रहर्षणाः

7.64.27

नानावादित्रसंह्रादैः क्ष्वेडितास्फोटिताकुलैः
सिंहनादैः सवादित्रैः समाहूतैर्महारथैः

7.64.28

तस्मिन्सुतुमुले शब्दे भीरूणां भयवर्धने
अतीव हृष्टो दाशार्हमब्रवीत्पाकशासनिः

7.64.29

चोदयाश्वान्हृषीकेश यत्र दुर्मर्षणः स्थितः
एतद्भित्त्वा गजानीकं प्रवेक्ष्याम्यरिवाहिनीम्

7.64.30

एवमुक्तो महाबाहुः केशवः सव्यसाचिना
अचोदयद्धयांस्तत्र यत्र दुर्मर्षणः स्थितः

7.64.31

स संप्रहारस्तुमुलः संप्रवृत्तः सुदारुणः
एकस्य च बहूनां च रथनागनरक्षयः

7.64.32

ततः सायकवर्षेण पर्जन्य इव वृष्टिमान्
परानवाकिरत्पार्थः पर्वतानिव नीरदः

7.64.33

ते चापि रथिनः सर्वे त्वरिताः कृतहस्तवत्
अवाकिरन्बाणजालैस्ततः कृष्णधनंजयौ

7.64.34

ततः क्रुद्धो महाबाहुर्वार्यमाणः परैर्युधि
शिरांसि रथिनां पार्थः कायेभ्योऽपाहरच्छरैः

7.64.35

उद्भ्रान्तनयनैर्वक्त्रैः संदष्टोष्ठपुटैः शुभैः
सकुण्डलशिरस्त्राणैर्वसुधा समकीर्यत

7.64.36

पुण्डरीकवनानीव विध्वस्तानि समन्ततः
विनिकीर्णानि योधानां वदनानि चकाशिरे

7.64.37

तपनीयविचित्राणि सिक्तानि रुधिरेण च
अदृश्यन्त यथा राजन्मेघसंघाः सविद्युतः

7.64.38

शिरसां पततां राजञ्शब्दोऽभूत्पृथिवीतले
कालेन परिपक्वानां तालानां पततामिव

7.64.39

ततः कबन्धः कश्चित्तु धनुरालम्ब्य तिष्ठति
कश्चित्खड्गं विनिष्कृष्य भुजेनोद्यम्य तिष्ठति

7.64.40

नाजानन्त शिरांस्युर्व्यां पतितानि नरर्षभाः
अमृष्यमाणाः कौन्तेयं संग्रामे जयगृद्धिनः

7.64.41

हयानामुत्तमाङ्गैश्च हस्तिहस्तैश्च मेदिनी
बाहुभिश्च शिरोभिश्च वीराणां समकीर्यत

7.64.42

अयं पार्थः कुतः पार्थ एष पार्थ इति प्रभो
तव सैन्येषु योधानां पार्थभूतमिवाभवत्

7.64.43

अन्योन्यमपि चाजघ्नुरात्मानमपि चापरे
पार्थभूतममन्यन्त जगत्कालेन मोहिताः

7.64.44

निष्टनन्तः सरुधिरा विसंज्ञा गाढवेदनाः
शयाना बहवो वीराः कीर्तयन्तः सुहृज्जनम्

7.64.45

सभिण्डिपालाः सप्रासाः सशक्त्यृष्टिपरश्वधाः
सनिर्यूहाः सनिस्त्रिंशाः सशरासनतोमराः

7.64.46

सबाणवर्माभरणाः सगदाः साङ्गदा रणे
महाभुजगसंकाशा बाहवः परिघोपमाः

7.64.47

उद्वेष्टन्ति विचेष्टन्ति संवेष्टन्ति च सर्वशः
वेगं कुर्वन्ति संरब्धा निकृत्ताः परमेषुभिः

7.64.48

यो यः स्म समरे पार्थं प्रतिसंरभते नरः
तस्य तस्यान्तको बाणः शरीरमुपसर्पति

7.64.49

नृत्यतो रथमार्गेषु धनुर्व्यायच्छतस्तथा
न कश्चित्तत्र पार्थस्य ददर्शान्तरमण्वपि

7.64.50

यत्तस्य घटमानस्य क्षिप्रं विक्षिपतः शरान्
लाघवात्पाण्डुपुत्रस्य व्यस्मयन्त परे जनाः

7.64.51

हस्तिनं हस्तियन्तारमश्वमाश्विकमेव च
अभिनत्फल्गुनो बाणै रथिनं च ससारथिम्

7.64.52

आवर्तमानमावृत्तं युध्यमानं च पाण्डवः
प्रमुखे तिष्ठमानं च न कंचिन्न निहन्ति सः

7.64.53

यथोदयन्वै गगने सूर्यो हन्ति महत्तमः
तथार्जुनो गजानीकमवधीत्कङ्कपत्रिभिः

7.64.54

हस्तिभिः पतितैर्भिन्नैस्तव सैन्यमदृश्यत
अन्तकाले यथा भूमिर्विनिकीर्णैर्महीधरैः

7.64.55

यथा मध्यंदिने सूर्यो दुष्प्रेक्ष्यः प्राणिभिः सदा
तथा धनंजयः क्रुद्धो दुष्प्रेक्ष्यो युधि शत्रुभिः

7.64.56

तत्तथा तव पुत्रस्य सैन्यं युधि परंतप
प्रभग्नं द्रुतमाविग्नमतीव शरपीडितम्

7.64.57

मारुतेनेव महता मेघानीकं विधूयता
प्रकाल्यमानं तत्सैन्यं नाशकत्प्रतिवीक्षितुम्

7.64.58

प्रतोदैश्चापकोटीभिर्हुंकारैः साधुवाहितैः
कशापार्ष्ण्यभिघातैश्च वाग्भिरुग्राभिरेव च

7.64.59

चोदयन्तो हयांस्तूर्णं पलायन्ते स्म तावकाः
सादिनो रथिनश्चैव पत्तयश्चार्जुनार्दिताः

7.64.60

पार्ष्ण्यङ्गुष्ठाङ्कुशैर्नागांश्चोदयन्तस्तथापरे
शरैः संमोहिताश्चान्ये तमेवाभिमुखा ययौ
तव योधा हतोत्साहा विभ्रान्तमनसस्तदा

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'After the divisions of the Kuru army had been (thus) arrayed, and a loud uproar, O sire, had, arisen; after drums and Mridangas began to be beaten and played upon, after the din of the warriors and the noise of musical instruments had become audible; after conch began to be blown, and an awful roar had arisen, making the hair stand on end; after the field of battle had beer slowly covered by the Bharata heroes desirous of fight; and after the hour called Rudra had set in, Savyasachin made his appearance. Many thousands of ravens and crows, O Bharata, proceeded sporting on the front of Arjuna's car. Various animals of terrible cries, and jackals of inauspicious sight, began to yell and howl on our right as we proceeded to battle. Thousands of blazing meteors fell

with great noise. The whole earth trembled on that dreadful occasion. Dry winds blew in all directions, accompanied by thunder, and driving bard pebbles and gravel when Kunti's son came at the commencement of battle. Then Nakula's son, Satanika, and Dhrishtadyumna, the son of Pritha, those two warriors possessed of great wisdom, arrayed the several divisions of the Pandavas. Then thy son Durmarshana, accompanied by a thousand cars, a hundred elephants, three thousand heroes, and ten thousand foot-soldiers, and covering a piece of ground that measured the length of fifteen hundred bows, took up his position at the very van of all the troops, and said: 'Like the continent resisting the surging sea, even I will today resist the wielder of Gandiva, that scorcher of foes, that warrior who is irresistible in battle. Let people today behold the wrathful Dhananjaya collide with me, like a mass of stone against another stony mass. Ye car-warriors that are desirous of battle, stay ye (as witness). Alone I will fight with all the Pandavas assembled together, for enhancing my honour and fame. That high-souled and noble son of thine, that great bowman saying this, stood there surrounded by many great bowmen. Then, like the Destroyer himself in wrath, or Vasava himself armed with the thunder, or Death's irresistible self armed with his club and urged on by Time, or Mahadeva armed with the trident and incapable of being ruffled, or Varuna bearing his noise, or the blazing fire at the end of the Yuga risen for consuming the creation, the slayer of the Nivatakavachas inflamed with rage and swelling with might, the ever-victorious Jaya, devoted to truth and desirous of achieving his great vow, clad in mail and armed with sword, decked in golden diadem, adorned with garlands of swords of white flowers and attired in white robes, his arms decked with beautiful Angadas and ears with excellent ear-rings, mounted on his own foremost of cars, (the incarnate) Nara, accompanied by Narayana, shaking his Gandiva in battle, shone brilliantly like the risen sun. And Dhananjaya of great prowess, placing his car, O king, at the very van of his army, where densest showers of arrows would fall, blew his conch. Then Krishna also, O sire, fearlessly blew with great force his foremost of conchs called Panchajanya as Partha blew his. And in consequence of the blare of the conchs, all the warriors in thy army, O monarch, trembled and became lost heart. And their hair stood on end at that sound. As an creatures are oppressed with fright at the sound of the thunder, even so did all thy warriors took fright at the blare of those conchs. And all the animals ejected urine and excreta. Thy whole army with its animals became filled with anxiety, O king, and in consequence of the blare of those (two) conchs, all men, O sire, lost their strength. And some amongst them, O monarch, were inspired with dread, and some lost their senses. And the ape on Arjuna's banner, opening his mouth wide, made an awful noise with the other creatures on it, for terrifying thy troops. Then conchs and horns and cymbals and Anakas were once more blown and beat for cheering thy warriors. And that noise mingled with the noise of diverse (other) musical instruments, with the shouts of warriors and the slaps of their arm-pits,

and with their leonine roars uttered by great car-warriors in summoning and challenging (their antagonists). When that tumultuous uproar rose there, an uproar that enhanced the fear of the timid, the son of Pakasana, filled with great delight, addressing him of Dasarha's race, said (these words).'

"Arjuna said, 'Urge the steeds, O Hrishikesa, to where Durmarshana stayeth. Piercing through that elephant division I will penetrate into the hostile army.'

"Sanjaya continued, 'Thus addressed by Savyasachin, the mighty-armed Kesava urged the steeds to where Durmarshana was staying. Fierce and awful was the encounter that commenced there between one and the many, an encounter that proved very destructive of cars and elephants and men. Then Partha, resembling a pouring cloud, covered his foes with showers of shafts, like a mass of clouds pouring rain on the mountain breast. 1 The hostile of car-warriors also, displaying great lightness of hand, quickly covered both Krishna and Dhananjaya with clouds of arrows. The mighty-armed Partha, then, thus opposed in battle by his foes, became filled with wrath, and began to strike off with his arrows the heads of car-warriors from their trunks. And the earth became strewn with beautiful heads decked with ear-rings and turbans, the nether lips bit by the upper ones, and the faces adorned with eyes troubled with wrath. Indeed, the scattered heads of the warriors looked resplendent like an assemblage of plucked off and crushed lotuses lying strewn about the field. Golden coats of mail 2 dyed with gore (lying thick over the field), looked like masses of clouds charged with lightning. The sound, O king, of severed heads dropping on the earth, resembled that of falling palmyra fruits ripened in due time, headless trunks arose, some with bow in hand, and some with naked swords upraised in the act of striking. Those brave warriors incapable of brooking Arjuna's feats and desirous of vanquishing him, had no distinct perception as to when their heads were struck off by Arjuna. The earth became strewn with heads of horses, trunks of elephants, and the arms and legs of heroic warriors. 'This is one Partha', 'Where is Partha? Here is Partha!', 'Even thus, O king, the warriors, of thy army became filled with the idea of Partha only. Deprived of their senses by Time, they regarded the whole world to be full of Partha only, and therefore, many of them perished, striking one another, and some struck even their own selves. Uttering yells of woe, many heroes, covered with blood, deprived of their senses, and in great agony, laid themselves down, calling upon their friends and kinsmen. Arms, bearing short arrows, or lances, or darts, or swords, or battle-axes, or pointed stakes, or scimitars, or bows, or spears, or shafts, or maces, and cased in armour and decked with Angadas and other ornaments, and looking like large snakes, and resembling huge clubs, cut off (from trunks) with

mighty weapons, were seen to jump about, jerk about, and move about, with great force, as if in rage. Every one amongst those that wrathfully advanced against Partha in that battle, perished, pierced in his body with some fatal shafts of that hero. While dancing on his car as it moved, and drawing his bow, no one there could detect the minutest opportunity for striking him. The quickness with which he took his shafts, fixed them on the bow, and let them off, filled all his enemies with wonder. Indeed Phalguna, with his shafts, pierced elephants and elephant-riders, horses and horse-riders, car-warriors and drivers of cars. There was none amongst his enemies, whether staying before him or struggling in battle, or wheeling about, whom the son of Pandu did not slay. As the sun rising in the welkin destroyeth the thick gloom, even so did Arjuna destroy that elephant-force by means of his shafts winged with Kanka plumes. The field occupied by thy troops, in consequence of riven elephants fallen upon it, looked like the earth strewn with huge hills at the hour of universal dissolution. As the midday sun is incapable of being looked at by all creatures, even so was Dhananjaya, excited with wrath, incapable of being looked at, in battle, by his enemies. The troops of thy son, O chastiser of foes, afflicted (with the arrows of Dhananjaya), broke and fled in fear. Like a mass of clouds pierced and driven away by a mighty wind, that army was pierced and routed by Partha. None indeed could gaze at the hero while he was slaying the foe. Urging their heroes to great speed by spurs, by the horns of their bows, by deep growls, by encouraging behests, by whips, by cuts on their flanks, and by threatening speeches, thy men, viz., thy cavalry and thy car-warriors, as also thy foot-soldiers, struck by the shafts of Arjuna, fled away from the fields. Others (that rode on elephants), fled away, urging those huge beasts by pressing their flanks with their hooks and many warriors struck by Partha's arrows, in flying, ran against Partha himself. Indeed, thy warriors, then became all cheerless and their understandings were all confused.

172:1 The original is pleonastic.

172:2 This verse obviously needs correction. Instead of "golden coats of mail," I think some such correction is needed, viz. coats of mail, of black iron, decked with gold and dyed with blood, etc.

7.65.1

धृतराष्ट्र उवाच
तस्मिन्प्रभग्ने सैन्याग्रे वध्यमाने किरीटिना
के नु तत्र रणे वीराः प्रत्युदीयुर्धनंजयम्

7.65.2

आहोस्विच्छकटव्यूहं प्रविष्टा मोघनिश्चयाः
द्रोणमाश्रित्य तिष्ठन्तः प्राकारमकुतोभयाः

7.65.3

संजय उवाच
तथार्जुनेन संभग्ने तस्मिंस्तव बले तदा
हतवीरे हतोत्साहे पलायनकृतक्षणे

7.65.4

पाकशासनिनाभीक्ष्णं वध्यमाने शरोत्तमैः
न तत्र कश्चित्संग्रामे शशाकार्जुनमीक्षितुम्

7.65.5

ततस्तव सुतो राजन्दृष्ट्वा सैन्यं तथागतम्
दुःशासनो भृशं क्रुद्धो युद्धायार्जुनमभ्ययात्

7.65.6

स काञ्चनविचित्रेण कवचेन समावृतः
जाम्बूनदशिरस्त्राणः शूरस्तीव्रपराक्रमः

7.65.7

नागानीकेन महता ग्रसन्निव महीमिमाम्
दुःशासनो महाराज सव्यसाचिनमावृणोत्

7.65.8

ह्रादेन गजघण्टानां शङ्खानां निनदेन च
ज्याक्षेपनिनदैश्चैव विरावेण च दन्तिनाम्

7.65.9

भूर्दिशश्चान्तरिक्षं च शब्देनासीत्समावृतम्
स मुहूर्तं प्रतिभयो दारुणः समपद्यत

7.65.10

तान्दृष्ट्वा पततस्तूर्णमङ्कुशैरभिचोदितान्
व्यालम्बहस्तान्संरब्धान्सपक्षानिव पर्वतान्

7.65.11

सिंहनादेन महता नरसिंहो धनंजयः
गजानीकममित्राणामभितो व्यधमच्छरैः

7.65.12

महोर्मिणमिवोद्धूतं श्वसनेन महार्णवम्
किरीटी तद्गजानीकं प्राविशन्मकरो यथा

7.65.13

काष्ठातीत इवादित्यः प्रतपन्युगसंक्षये
ददृशे दिक्षु सर्वासु पार्थः परपुरंजयः

7.65.14

खुरशब्देन चाश्वानां नेमिघोषेण तेन च
तेन चोत्क्रुष्टशब्देन ज्यानिनादेन तेन च
देवदत्तस्य घोषेण गाण्डीवनिनदेन च

7.65.15

मन्दवेगतरा नागा बभूवुस्ते विचेतसः
शरैराशीविषस्पर्शैर्निर्भिन्नाः सव्यसाचिना

7.65.16

ते गजा विशिखैस्तीक्ष्णैर्युधि गाण्डीवचोदितैः
अनेकशतसाहस्रैः सर्वाङ्गेषु समर्पिताः

7.65.17

आरावं परमं कृत्वा वध्यमानाः किरीटिना
निपेतुरनिशं भूमौ छिन्नपक्षा इवाद्रयः

7.65.18

अपरे दन्तवेष्टेषु कुम्भेषु च कटेषु च
शरैः समर्पिता नागाः क्रौञ्चवद्व्यनदन्मुहुः

7.65.19

गजस्कन्धगतानां च पुरुषाणां किरीटिना
आच्छिद्यन्तोत्तमाङ्गानि भल्लैः संनतपर्वभिः

7.65.20

सकुण्डलानां पततां शिरसां धरणीतले
पद्मानामिव संघातैः पार्थश्चक्रे निवेदनम्

7.65.21

यन्त्रबद्धा विकवचा व्रणार्ता रुधिरोक्षिताः
भ्रमत्सु युधि नागेषु मनुष्या विललम्बिरे

7.65.22

केचिदेकेन बाणेन सुमुक्तेन पतत्रिणा
द्वौ त्रयश्च विनिर्भिन्ना निपेतुर्धरणीतले

7.65.23

मौर्वीं धनुर्ध्वजं चैव युगानीषास्तथैव च
रथिनां कुट्टयामास भल्लैः संनतपर्वभिः

7.65.24

न संदधन्न चाप्यस्यन्न विमुञ्चन्न चोद्धरन्
मण्डलेनैव धनुषा नृत्यन्पार्थः स्म दृश्यते

7.65.25

अतिविद्धाश्च नाराचैर्वमन्तो रुधिरं मुखैः
मुहूर्तान्निपतन्त्यन्ये वारणा वसुधातले

7.65.26

उत्थितान्यगणेयानि कबन्धानि समन्ततः
अदृश्यन्त महाराज तस्मिन्परमसंकुले

7.65.27

सचापाः साङ्गुलित्राणाः सखड्गाः साङ्गदा रणे
अदृश्यन्त भुजाश्छिन्ना हेमाभरणभूषिताः

7.65.28

सूपस्करैरधिष्ठानैरीषादण्डकबन्धुरैः
चक्रैर्विमथितैरक्षै भग्नैश्च बहुधा युगैः

7.65.29

वर्मचापशरैश्चैव व्यवकीर्णैस्ततस्ततः
स्रग्भिराभरणैर्वस्त्रैः पतितैश्च महाध्वजैः

7.65.30

निहतैर्वारणैरश्वैः क्षत्रियैश्च निपातितैः
अदृश्यत मही तत्र दारुणप्रतिदर्शना

7.65.31

एवं दुःशासनबलं वध्यमानं किरीटिना
संप्राद्रवन्महाराज व्यथितं वै सनायकम्

7.65.32

ततो दुःशासनस्त्रस्तः सहानीकः शरार्दितः
द्रोणं त्रातारमाकाङ्क्षञ्शकटव्यूहमभ्यगात्

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Dhritarashtra said, 'When the van of my army thus slaughtered by the diadem-decked (Arjuna) broke and fled, who were those heroes that advanced against Arjuna? (Did any of them actually fight with Arjuna, or) did all, abandoning their determination enter the Sakata array, getting behind the fearless Drona, resembling a solid wall?'

"Sanjaya said, 'When Indra's son Arjuna, O sinless one, began, with his excellent arrows, to break and incessantly slay that force of ours many heroes were either slain, or becoming dispirited, fled away. None in that battle, was capable of even looking at Arjuna. Then, thy son Duhsasana,

O king, beholding that state of the troops, became filled with wrath and rushed against Arjuna for battle. That hero of fierce prowess, cased in a beautiful coat of mail, made of gold, and his head covered with a turban decked with gold, caused Arjuna to be surrounded by a large elephant-force which seemed capable of devouring the whole earth. With sound of the elephants' bells, the blare of conchs, the twang of bow-strings, and the grunts of the tuskers, the earth, the points of compass, and the welkin, seemed to be entirely filled. That period of time became fierce and awful. Beholding those huge beasts with extended trunks filled with wrath and rushing quickly towards him, like winged mountains urged on with hooks, Dhananjaya, that lion among men, uttering a leonine shout, began to pierce and slay that elephant-force with his shafts. And like a Makara penetrating into the vast deep, surging into mountain waves when agitated by the tempest, the diadem-decked (Arjuna) penetrated into that elephant-host. Indeed, Partha, that subjugator of hostile cities, was then seen by all on every side to resemble the scorching sun that rises, transgressing the rule about direction and hour, on the day of the universal destruction. And in consequence of the sound of horses' hoofs, rattle of car-wheels, the shouts of combatants, the twang of bow-strings, the noise of diverse musical instruments, the blare of Panchajanya and Devadatta, and roar of Gandiva, men and elephants were dispirited and deprived of their senses. And men and elephants were riven by Savyasachin with his shafts whose touch resembled that of snakes of virulent poison. And those elephants, in that battle, were pierced all over their bodies with shafts, numbering thousands upon thousands shot from Gandiva. While thus mangled by the diadem-decked (Arjuna), they uttered loud noises and incessantly fell down on the earth like mountains shorn of their wings. Others struck at the jaw, or frontal globes, or temples with long shafts, uttered cries resembling those of cranes. The diadem-decked (Arjuna) began to cut off, with his straight arrows the heads of warriors standing on the necks of elephants. Those heads decked with ear-rings, constantly falling on the earth, resembled a multitude of lotuses that Partha was calling for an offer to his gods. And while the elephants wandered on the field, many warriors were seen to hang from their bodies, divested of armour, afflicted with wounds, covered with blood, and looking like painted pictures. In some instances, two or three warriors, pierced by one arrow winged with beautiful feathers and well-shot (from Gandiva), fell down on the earth. Many elephants deeply pierced with long shafts, fell down, vomiting blood from their mouths, with the riders on their backs, like hills overgrown with forests tumbling down through some convulsion of nature. Partha, by means of his straight shafts, cut into fragments the bow-strings, standards, bows, yokes, and shafts of the car-warriors opposed to him. None could notice when Arjuna took up his arrows, when he fixed them on the bow-string, when he drew the string, and when he let them off. All that could be seen was that Partha seemed to dance on his car with his bow incessantly drawn to a circle. Elephants, deeply pierced with long shafts and vomiting

blood from their mouths, fell down, as soon as they were struck, on the earth. And in the midst of that great carnage, O monarch, innumerable headless trunks were seen to stand up. Arms, with bows in grasp, or whose fingers were cased in leathern gloves, holding swords, or decked with Angadas and other ornaments of gold, cut off from trunks, were seen lying about. And the field of battle was strewn with innumerable Upashkaras and Adhishthanas, and shafts, and crowns, crushed car-wheels, and broken Akshas, and yokes, and warriors armed with shields and bows, and floral garlands, and ornaments and robes and fallen standards. And in consequence of those slain elephants and steeds, and the fallen bodies of Kshatriyas, the earth there assumed an awful aspect. Duhsasana's forces, thus slaughtered, O king, by the diadem-decked (Arjuna), fled away. Their leader himself was in great pain, for Duhsasana, greatly afflicted by those shafts, overcome by fear entered with his division the Sakata array, seeking Drona as his deliverer.'"

7.66.1

संजय उवाच
दुःशासनबलं हत्वा सव्यसाची धनंजयः
सिन्धुराजं परीप्सन्वै द्रोणानीकमुपाद्रवत्

7.66.2

स तु द्रोणं समासाद्य व्यूहस्य प्रमुखे स्थितम्
कृताञ्जलिरिदं वाक्यं कृष्णस्यानुमतेऽब्रवीत्

7.66.3

शिवेन ध्याहि मां ब्रह्मन्स्वस्ति चैव वदस्व मे
भवत्प्रसादादिच्छामि प्रवेष्टुं दुर्भिदां चमूम्

7.66.4

भवान्पितृसमो मह्यं धर्मराजसमोऽपि च
तथा कृष्णसमश्चैव सत्यमेतद्ब्रवीमि ते

7.66.5

अश्वत्थामा यथा तात रक्षणीयस्तवानघ
तथाहमपि ते रक्ष्यः सदैव द्विजसत्तम

7.66.6

तव प्रसादादिच्छामि सिन्धुराजानमाहवे
निहन्तुं द्विपदां श्रेष्ठ प्रतिज्ञां रक्ष मे विभो

7.66.7

एवमुक्तस्तदाचार्यः प्रत्युवाच स्मयन्निव
मामजित्वा न बीभत्सो शक्यो जेतुं जयद्रथः

7.66.8

एतावदुक्त्वा तं द्रोणः शरव्रातैरवाकिरत्
सरथाश्वध्वजं तीक्ष्णैः प्रहसन्वै ससारथिम्

7.66.9

ततोऽर्जुनः शरव्रातान्द्रोणस्यावार्य सायकैः
द्रोणमभ्यर्दयद्बाणैर्घोररूपैर्महत्तरैः

7.66.10

विव्याध च रणे द्रोणमनुमान्य विशां पते
क्षत्रधर्मं समास्थाय नवभिः सायकैः पुनः

7.66.11

तस्येषूनिषुभिश्छित्त्वा द्रोणो विव्याध तावुभौ
विषाग्निज्वलनप्रख्यैरिषुभिः कृष्णपाण्डवौ

7.66.12

इयेष पाण्डवस्तस्य बाणैश्छेत्तुं शरासनम्
तस्य चिन्तयतस्त्वेवं फल्गुनस्य महात्मनः
द्रोणः शरैरसंभ्रान्तो ज्यां चिच्छेदाशु वीर्यवान्

7.66.13

विव्याध च हयानस्य ध्वजं सारथिमेव च
अर्जुनं च शरैर्वीरं स्मयमानोऽभ्यवाकिरत्

7.66.14

एतस्मिन्नन्तरे पार्थः सज्जं कृत्वा महद्धनुः
विशेषयिष्यन्नाचार्यं सर्वास्त्रविदुषां वरम्
मुमोच षट्शतान्बाणान्गृहीत्वैकमिव द्रुतम्

7.66.15

पुनः सप्त शतानन्यान्सहस्रं चानिवर्तिनाम्
चिक्षेपायुतशश्चान्यांस्तेऽघ्नन्द्रोणस्य तां चमूम्

7.66.16

तैः सम्यगस्तैर्बलिना कृतिना चित्रयोधिना
मनुष्यवाजिमातङ्गा विद्धाः पेतुर्गतासवः

7.66.17

विद्रुताश्च रणे पेतुः संछिन्नायुधजीविताः
रथिनो रथमुख्येभ्यः सहयाः शरपीडिताः

7.66.18

चूर्णिताक्षिप्तदग्धानां वज्रानिलहुताशनैः
तुल्यरूपा गजाः पेतुर्गिर्यग्राम्बुदवेश्मनाम्

7.66.19

पेतुरश्वसहस्राणि प्रहतान्यर्जुनेषुभिः
हंसा हिमवतः पृष्ठे वारिविप्रहता इव

7.66.20

रथाश्वद्विपपत्त्योघाः सलिलौघा इवाद्भुताः
युगान्तादित्यरश्म्याभैः पाण्डवास्तशरैर्हताः

7.66.21

तं पाण्डवादित्यशरांशुजालं; कुरुप्रवीरान्युधि निष्टपन्तम्
स द्रोणमेघः शरवर्षवेगैः; प्राच्छादयन्मेघ इवार्करश्मीन्

7.66.22

अथात्यर्थविसृष्टेन द्विषतामसुभोजिना
आजघ्ने वक्षसि द्रोणो नाराचेन धनंजयम्

7.66.23

स विह्वलितसर्वाङ्गः क्षितिकम्पे यथाचलः
धैर्यमालम्ब्य बीभत्सुर्द्रोणं विव्याध पत्रिभिः

7.66.24

द्रोणस्तु पञ्चभिर्बाणैर्वासुदेवमताडयत्
अर्जुनं च त्रिसप्तत्या ध्वजं चास्य त्रिभिः शरैः

7.66.25

विशेषयिष्यञ्शिष्यं च द्रोणो राजन्पराक्रमी
अदृश्यमर्जुनं चक्रे निमेषाच्छरवृष्टिभिः

7.66.26

प्रसक्तान्पततोऽद्राक्ष्म भारद्वाजस्य सायकान्
मण्डलीकृतमेवास्य धनुश्चादृश्यताद्भुतम्

7.66.27

तेऽभ्ययुः समरे राजन्वासुदेवधनंजयौ
द्रोणसृष्टाः सुबहवः कङ्कपत्रपरिच्छदाः

7.66.28

तद्दृष्ट्वा तादृशं युद्धं द्रोणपाण्डवयोस्तदा
वासुदेवो महाबुद्धिः कार्यवत्तामचिन्तयत्

7.66.29

ततोऽब्रवीद्वासुदेवो धनंजयमिदं वचः
पार्थ पार्थ महाबाहो न नः कालात्ययो भवेत्

7.66.30

द्रोणमुत्सृज्य गच्छामः कृत्यमेतन्महत्तरम्
पार्थश्चाप्यब्रवीत्कृष्णं यथेष्टमिति केशव

7.66.31

ततः प्रदक्षिणं कृत्वा द्रोणं प्रायान्महाभुजः
परिवृत्तश्च बीभत्सुरगच्छद्विसृजञ्शरान्

7.66.32

ततोऽब्रवीत्स्मयन्द्रोणः क्वेदं पाण्डव गम्यते
ननु नाम रणे शत्रुमजित्वा न निवर्तसे

7.66.33

अर्जुन उवाच
गुरुर्भवान्न मे शत्रुः शिष्यः पुत्रसमोऽस्मि ते
न चास्ति स पुमाँल्लोके यस्त्वां युधि पराजयेत्

7.66.34

संजय उवाच
एवं ब्रुवाणो बीभत्सुर्जयद्रथवधोत्सुकः
त्वरायुक्तो महाबाहुस्तत्सैन्यं समुपाद्रवत्

7.66.35

तं चक्ररक्षौ पाञ्चाल्यौ युधामन्यूत्तमौजसौ
अन्वयातां महात्मानौ विशन्तं तावकं बलम्

7.66.36

ततो जयो महाराज कृतवर्मा च सात्त्वतः
काम्बोजश्च श्रुतायुश्च धनंजयमवारयन्

7.66.37

तेषां दशसहस्राणि रथानामनुयायिनाम्
अभीषाहाः शूरसेनाः शिबयोऽथ वसातयः

7.66.38

माचेल्लका ललित्थाश्च केकया मद्रकास्तथा
नारायणाश्च गोपालाः काम्बोजानां च ये गणाः

7.66.39

कर्णेन विजिताः पूर्वं संग्रामे शूरसंमताः
भारद्वाजं पुरस्कृत्य त्यक्तात्मानोऽर्जुनं प्रति

7.66.40

पुत्रशोकाभिसंतप्तं क्रुद्धं मृत्युमिवान्तकम्
त्यजन्तं तुमुले प्राणान्संनद्धं चित्रयोधिनम्

7.66.41

गाहमानमनीकानि मातङ्गमिव यूथपम्
महेष्वासं पराक्रान्तं नरव्याघ्रमवारयन्

7.66.42

ततः प्रववृते युद्धं तुमुलं लोमहर्षणम्
अन्योन्यं वै प्रार्थयतां योधानामर्जुनस्य च

7.66.43

जयद्रथवधप्रेप्सुमायान्तं पुरुषर्षभम्
न्यवारयन्त सहिताः क्रिया व्याधिमिवोत्थितम्

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Slaying the force of Duhsasana, the mighty car-warrior, Savyasachin, desirous of getting at the ruler of the Sindhus, proceeded against the division of Drona, Having approached Drona who was stationed at the entrance of the array, Partha, at Krishna's request joined his hands and said these words unto Drona: 'Wish me well, O Brahmana, and bless me, saying Swasti! Through thy grace, I wish to penetrate into this impenetrable array. Thou art to me even as my sire, or even as king Yudhishthira the just, or even as Krishna! I tell thee this truly. O sire, O sinless one! Even as Aswatthaman deserves to be protected by thee, I also deserve to be protected by thee, O foremost of regenerate ones! Through thy grace, O foremost of men, I desire to stay the ruler of the Sindhu in battle. O lord, see that my vow is accomplished.'

"Sanjaya continued, 'Thus addressed by him, the preceptor, smiling, replied unto him, saying, 'O Vibhatsu, without vanquishing me, thou shalt not be able to vanquish Jayadratha. Telling him this much, Drona, with a smile covered him with showers of sharp arrows, as also his car and steeds and standard and charioteer. Then, Arjuna baffling Drona's arrowy showers with his own arrows, rushed against Drona, shooting mightier and More awful shafts. Observant of Kshatriya duties, Arjuna then pierced Drona in that battle with nine arrows. Cutting the shafts of Arjuna by his own shafts, Drona then pierced both Krishna and Arjuna with many shafts that resembled poison or fire, Then, while Arjuna was thinking of cutting of Drona's bow with his arrows, the latter, endued with great valour, fearlessly and quickly cut off, with shafts the bow-string of the illustrious

[paragraph continues] Phalguna. And he also pierced Phalguna's steeds and standard and charioteer. And the heroic Drona covered Phalguna himself with many arrows, smiling the while. Meantime, stringing his large bow anew, Partha, that foremost of all persons conversant with arms, getting the better of his preceptor, quickly shot six hundred arrows as if he had taken and shot only one arrow. And once more he shot seven hundred other arrows, and then a thousand arrows incapable of being resisted, and ten thousand other arrows. All these slew many warriors of Drona's array. Deeply pierced with those weapons by the mighty and accomplished Partha, acquainted with all modes of warfare, many men and steeds and elephants fell down deprived of life. And car-warriors, afflicted by those shafts, fell down from their foremost of cars, deprived of horses and standards and destitute of weapons and life. And elephants fell down like summits of hills, or masses of clouds, or large houses, loosened, dispersed, or burnt down by the thunder, or by the wind, or fire. Struck with Arjuna's shafts, thousands of steeds fell down like swans on the breast of Himavat, struck down by the force of watery current. Like the Sun, that rises at the end of the Yuga, drying up with his rays, vast quantities of water, the son of Pandu, by his showers of weapons and arrows, slew a vast number of car-warriors and steeds and elephants and foot-soldiers. Then like the clouds covering the sun, the Drona-cloud, with its arrowy showers, covered the Pandava-sun, whose rays in the shape of thick showers of arrows were scorching in the battle the foremost ones among the Kurus. And then the preceptor struck Dhananjaya at the breast with a long shaft shot with great force and capable of drinking the life-blood of every foe. Then Arjuna, deprived of strength, shook in all his limbs, like a hill during an earthquake. Soon, however, regaining for fortitude, Vibhatsu pierced Drona with many winged arrows. Then Drona struck Vasudeva with five arrows. And he struck Arjuna with three and seventy arrows, and his standard with three. Then, O king, the valorous Drona getting the better of his disciple, within the twinkling of an eye made Arjuna invisible by means of his arrowy showers. We then beheld the shafts of Bharadwaja's son falling in continuous lines, and his bow also was seen to present the wonderful aspect of being incessantly drawn to a circle. And those shafts, countless in number, and winged with the Kanka feathers, shot by Drona in that battle, incessantly fell, O king, on Dhananjaya and Vasudeva. Beholding then that battle between Drona and the son of Pandu, Vasudeva of great intelligence began to reflect upon the accomplishment of the (important) task. Then Vasudeva, addressing Dhananjaya, said these words: 'O Partha, O thou of mighty arms, we should not waste time. We must go on, avoiding Drona, for a more important task awaits us. In reply Partha said unto Krishna, O Kesava, as thou pleasest! Then keeping the mighty-armed Drona to their right, Arjuna proceeded onwards. Turning his face round, Vibhatsu proceeded, shooting his shafts. Then Drona, addressing Arjuna, said, Whither dost thou proceed, O son of Pandu! Is it not true that thou ceasest not (to fight) till thou hast vanquished thy foe?'

"Arjuna answered, 'Thou art my preceptor and not my foe. I am thy disciple and, therefore, like to thy son. Nor is there the man in the whole world who can vanquish thee in battle.'

"Sanjaya continued, 'Saying these words, the mighty-armed Vibhatsu, desirous of slaying Jayadratha, quickly proceeded against the (Kaurava) troops. And while he penetrated into thy army, those high-souled princes of Panchala, viz., Yudhamanyu, and Uttamaujas, followed him as the protector of his wheels. Then, O King, Jaya, and Kritavarman of the Satwata race, and the ruler of the Kamvojas, and Srutayus, began to oppose the progress of Dhananjaya. And these had ten thousand car-warriors for their followers. The Abhishahas, the Surasenas, the Sivis, the Vasatis, the Mavellakas, the Lilithyas, the Kaikeyas, the Madrakas, the Narayana Gopalas, and the various tribes of the Kamvojas who had before been vanquished by Karna, all of whom were regarded as very brave, placing Bharadwaja's son at their head, and becoming regardless of their lives, rushed towards Arjuna, for resisting that angry hero, burning with grief on account of the death of his son, that warrior resembling all-destroying Death himself, clad in mail, conversant with all modes of warfare, prepared to throw away his life in thick of battle,--that mighty bowman of great prowess, that tiger among men,--who resembled an infuriate leader of elephantine herd, and who seemed ready to devour the whole hostile army. The battle then that commenced was exceedingly fierce and made the hair stand on end, between all those combatants on the one side and Arjuna on the other. And all of them, uniting together, began to resist that bull among men, advancing for the slaughter of Jayadratha, like medicines resisting a raging disease.'"

7.67.1

संजय उवाच
संनिरुद्धस्तु तैः पार्थो महाबलपराक्रमः
द्रुतं समनुयातश्च द्रोणेन रथिनां वरः

7.67.2

किरन्निषुगणांस्तीक्ष्णान्स्वरश्मीनिव भास्करः
तापयामास तत्सैन्यं देहं व्याधिगणो यथा

7.67.3

अश्वो विद्धो ध्वजश्छिन्नः सारोहः पतितो गजः
छत्राणि चापविद्धानि रथाश्चक्रैर्विना कृताः

7.67.4

विद्रुतानि च सैन्यानि शरार्तानि समन्ततः
इत्यासीत्तुमुलं युद्धं न प्राज्ञायत किंचन

7.67.5

तेषामायच्छतां संख्ये परस्परमजिह्मगैः
अर्जुनो ध्वजिनीं राजन्नभीक्ष्णं समकम्पयत्

7.67.6

सत्यां चिकीर्षमाणस्तु प्रतिज्ञां सत्यसंगरः
अभ्यद्रवद्रथश्रेष्ठं शोणाश्वं श्वेतवाहनः

7.67.7

तं द्रोणः पञ्चविंशत्या मर्मभिद्भिरजिह्मगैः
अन्तेवासिनमाचार्यो महेष्वासं समर्दयत्

7.67.8

तं तूर्णमिव बीभत्सुः सर्वशस्त्रभृतां वरः
अभ्यधावदिषूनस्यन्निषुवेगविघातकान्

7.67.9

तस्याशु क्षिपतो भल्लान्भल्लैः संनतपर्वभिः
प्रत्यविध्यदमेयात्मा ब्रह्मास्त्रं समुदीरयन्

7.67.10

तदद्भुतमपश्याम द्रोणस्याचार्यकं युधि
यतमानो युवा नैनं प्रत्यविध्यद्यदर्जुनः

7.67.11

क्षरन्निव महामेघो वारिधाराः सहस्रशः
द्रोणमेघः पार्थशैलं ववर्ष शरवृष्टिभिः

7.67.12

अर्जुनः शरवर्षं तद्ब्रह्मास्त्रेणैव मारिष
प्रतिजग्राह तेजस्वी बाणैर्बाणान्विशातयन्

7.67.13

द्रोणस्तु पञ्चविंशत्या श्वेतवाहनमार्दयत्
वासुदेवं च सप्तत्या बाह्वोरुरसि चाशुगैः

7.67.14

पार्थस्तु प्रहसन्धीमानाचार्यं स शरौघिणम्
विसृजन्तं शितान्बाणानवारयत तं युधि

7.67.15

अथ तौ वध्यमानौ तु द्रोणेन रथसत्तमौ
आवर्जयेतां दुर्धर्षं युगान्ताग्निमिवोत्थितम्

7.67.16

वर्जयन्निशितान्बाणान्द्रोणचापविनिःसृतान्
किरीटमाली कौन्तेयो भोजानीकं न्यपातयत्

7.67.17

सोऽन्तरा कृतवर्माणं काम्बोजं च सुदक्षिणम्
अभ्ययाद्वर्जयन्द्रोणं मैनाकमिव पर्वतम्

7.67.18

ततो भोजो नरव्याघ्रं दुःसहः कुरुसत्तम
अविध्यत्तूर्णमव्यग्रो दशभिः कङ्कपत्रिभिः

7.67.19

तमर्जुनः शितेनाजौ राजन्विव्याध पत्रिणा
पुनश्चान्यैस्त्रिभिर्बाणैर्मोहयन्निव सात्वतम्

7.67.20

भोजस्तु प्रहसन्पार्थं वासुदेवं च माधवम्
एकैकं पञ्चविंशत्या सायकानां समार्पयत्

7.67.21

तस्यार्जुनो धनुश्छित्त्वा विव्याधैनं त्रिसप्तभिः
शरैरग्निशिखाकारैः क्रुद्धाशीविषसंनिभैः

7.67.22

अथान्यद्धनुरादाय कृतवर्मा महारथः
पञ्चभिः सायकैस्तूर्णं विव्याधोरसि भारत

7.67.23

पुनश्च निशितैर्बाणैः पार्थं विव्याध पञ्चभिः
तं पार्थो नवभिर्बाणैराजघान स्तनान्तरे

7.67.24

विषक्तं दृश्य कौन्तेयं कृतवर्मरथं प्रति
चिन्तयामास वार्ष्णेयो न नः कालात्ययो भवेत्

7.67.25

ततः कृष्णोऽब्रवीत्पार्थं कृतवर्मणि मा दयाम्
कुरुसांबन्धिकं कृत्वा प्रमथ्यैनं विशातय

7.67.26

ततः स कृतवर्माणं मोहयित्वार्जुनः शरैः
अभ्यगाज्जवनैरश्वैः काम्बोजानामनीकिनीम्

7.67.27

अमर्षितस्तु हार्दिक्यः प्रविष्टे श्वेतवाहने
विधुन्वन्सशरं चापं पाञ्चाल्याभ्यां समागतः

7.67.28

चक्ररक्षौ तु पाञ्चाल्यावर्जुनस्य पदानुगौ
पर्यवारयदायान्तौ कृतवर्मा रथेषुभिः

7.67.29

तावविध्यत्ततो भोजः सर्वपारशवैः शरैः
त्रिभिरेव युधामन्युं चतुर्भिश्चोत्तमौजसम्

7.67.30

तावप्येनं विव्यधतुर्दशभिर्दशभिः शरैः
संचिच्छिदतुरप्यस्य ध्वजं कार्मुकमेव च

7.67.31

अथान्यद्धनुरादाय हार्दिक्यः क्रोधमूर्छितः
कृत्वा विधनुषौ वीरौ शरवर्षैरवाकिरत्

7.67.32

तावन्ये धनुषी सज्ये कृत्वा भोजं विजघ्नतुः
तेनान्तरेण बीभत्सुर्विवेशामित्रवाहिनीम्

7.67.33

न लेभाते तु तौ द्वारं वारितौ कृतवर्मणा
धार्तराष्ट्रेष्वनीकेषु यतमानौ नरर्षभौ

7.67.34

अनीकान्यर्दयन्युद्धे त्वरितः श्वेतवाहनः
नावधीत्कृतवर्माणं प्राप्तमप्यरिसूदनः

7.67.35

तं दृष्ट्वा तु तथायान्तं शूरो राजा श्रुतायुधः
अभ्यद्रवत्सुसंक्रुद्धो विधुन्वानो महद्धनुः

7.67.36

स पार्थं त्रिभिरानर्छत्सप्तत्या च जनार्दनम्
क्षुरप्रेण सुतीक्ष्णेन पार्थकेतुमताडयत्

7.67.37

तमर्जुनो नवत्या तु शराणां नतपर्वणाम्
आजघान भृशं क्रुद्धस्तोत्त्रैरिव महाद्विपम्

7.67.38

स तन्न ममृषे राजन्पाण्डवेयस्य विक्रमम्
अथैनं सप्तसप्तत्या नाराचानां समार्पयत्

7.67.39

तस्यार्जुनो धनुश्छित्त्वा शरावापं निकृत्य च
आजघानोरसि क्रुद्धः सप्तभिर्नतपर्वभिः

7.67.40

अथान्यद्धनुरादाय स राजा क्रोधमूर्छितः
वासविं नवभिर्बाणैर्बाह्वोरुरसि चार्पयत्

7.67.41

ततोऽर्जुनः स्मयन्नेव श्रुतायुधमरिंदमः
शरैरनेकसाहस्रैः पीडयामास भारत

7.67.42

अश्वांश्चास्यावधीत्तूर्णं सारथिं च महारथः
विव्याध चैनं सप्तत्या नाराचानां महाबलः

7.67.43

हताश्वं रथमुत्सृज्य स तु राजा श्रुतायुधः
अभ्यद्रवद्रणे पार्थं गदामुद्यम्य वीर्यवान्

7.67.44

वरुणस्यात्मजो वीरः स तु राजा श्रुतायुधः
पर्णाशा जननी यस्य शीततोया महानदी

7.67.45

तस्य माताब्रवीद्वाक्यं वरुणं पुत्रकारणात्
अवध्योऽयं भवेल्लोके शत्रूणां तनयो मम

7.67.46

वरुणस्त्वब्रवीत्प्रीतो ददाम्यस्मै वरं हितम्
दिव्यमस्त्रं सुतस्तेऽयं येनावध्यो भविष्यति

7.67.47

नास्ति चाप्यमरत्वं वै मनुष्यस्य कथंचन
सर्वेणावश्यमर्तव्यं जातेन सरितां वरे

7.67.48

दुर्धर्षस्त्वेष शत्रूणां रणेषु भविता सदा
अस्त्रस्यास्य प्रभावाद्वै व्येतु ते मानसो ज्वरः

7.67.49

इत्युक्त्वा वरुणः प्रादाद्गदां मन्त्रपुरस्कृताम्
यामासाद्य दुराधर्षः सर्वलोके श्रुतायुधः

7.67.50

उवाच चैनं भगवान्पुनरेव जलेश्वरः
अयुध्यति न मोक्तव्या सा त्वय्येव पतेदिति

7.67.51

स तया वीरघातिन्या जनार्दनमताडयत्
प्रतिजग्राह तां कृष्णः पीनेनांसेन वीर्यवान्

7.67.52

नाकम्पयत शौरिं सा विन्ध्यं गिरिमिवानिलः
प्रत्यभ्ययात्तं विप्रोढा कृत्येव दुरधिष्ठिता

7.67.53

जघान चास्थितं वीरं श्रुतायुधममर्षणम्
हत्वा श्रुतायुधं वीरं जगतीमन्वपद्यत

7.67.54

हाहाकारो महांस्तत्र सैन्यानां समजायत
स्वेनास्त्रेण हतं दृष्ट्वा श्रुतायुधमरिंदमम्

7.67.55

अयुध्यमानाय हि सा केशवाय नराधिप
क्षिप्ता श्रुतायुधेनाथ तस्मात्तमवधीद्गदा

7.67.56

यथोक्तं वरुणेनाजौ तथा स निधनं गतः
व्यसुश्चाप्यपतद्भूमौ प्रेक्षतां सर्वधन्विनाम्

7.67.57

पतमानस्तु स बभौ पर्णाशायाः प्रियः सुतः
संभग्न इव वातेन बहुशाखो वनस्पतिः

7.67.58

ततः सर्वाणि सैन्यानि सेनामुख्याश्च सर्वशः
प्राद्रवन्त हतं दृष्ट्वा श्रुतायुधमरिंदमम्

7.67.59

तथ काम्बोजराजस्य पुत्रः शूरः सुदक्षिणः
अभ्ययाज्जवनैरश्वैः फल्गुनं शत्रुसूदनम्

7.67.60

तस्य पार्थः शरान्सप्त प्रेषयामास भारत
ते तं शूरं विनिर्भिद्य प्राविशन्धरणीतलम्

7.67.61

सोऽतिविद्धः शरैस्तीक्ष्णैर्गाण्डीवप्रेषितैर्मृधे
अर्जुनं प्रतिविव्याध दशभिः कङ्कपत्रिभिः

7.67.62

वासुदेवं त्रिभिर्विद्ध्वा पुनः पार्थं च पञ्चभिः
तस्य पार्थो धनुश्छित्त्वा केतुं चिच्छेद मारिष

7.67.63

भल्लाभ्यां भृशतीक्ष्णाभ्यां तं च विव्याध पाण्डवः
स तु पार्थं त्रिभिर्विद्ध्वा सिंहनादमथानदत्

7.67.64

सर्वपारशवीं चैव शक्तिं शूरः सुदक्षिणः
सघण्टां प्राहिणोद्घोरां क्रुद्धो गाण्डीवधन्वने

7.67.65

सा ज्वलन्ती महोल्केव तमासाद्य महारथम्
सविस्फुलिङ्गा निर्भिद्य निपपात महीतले

7.67.66

तं चतुर्दशभिः पार्थो नाराचैः कङ्कपत्रिभिः
साश्वध्वजधनुःसूतं विव्याधाचिन्त्यविक्रमः
रथं चान्यैः सुबहुभिश्चक्रे विशकलं शरैः

7.67.67

सुदक्षिणं तु काम्बोजं मोघसंकल्पविक्रमम्
बिभेद हृदि बाणेन पृथुधारेण पाण्डवः

7.67.68

स भिन्नमर्मा स्रस्ताङ्गः प्रभ्रष्टमुकुटाङ्गदः
पपाताभिमुखः शूरो यन्त्रमुक्त इव ध्वजः

7.67.69

गिरेः शिखरजः श्रीमान्सुशाखः सुप्रतिष्ठितः
निर्भग्न इव वातेन कर्णिकारो हिमात्यये

7.67.70

शेते स्म निहतो भूमौ काम्बोजास्तरणोचितः
सुदर्शनीयस्ताम्राक्षः कर्णिना स सुदक्षिणः
पुत्रः काम्बोजराजस्य पार्थेन विनिपातितः

7.67.71

ततः सर्वाणि सैन्यानि व्यद्रवन्त सुतस्य ते
हतं श्रुतायुधं दृष्ट्वा काम्बोजं च सुदक्षिणम्

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Held in check by them, that foremost of car-warriors, viz., Partha of great might and prowess, was quickly pursued by Drona from behind. The son of Pandu, however, like diseases scorching the body, blasted that army, scattering his sharp shafts and resembling on that account the sun himself scattering his countless rays of light. And steeds were pierced, and cars with riders were broken and mangled, and elephants were overthrown. And umbrellas were cut off and displaced, and vehicles were deprived of their wheels. And the combatants fled on all sides, exceedingly afflicted with arrows. Even thus progressed that fierce battle between those warriors and Arjuna encountering each other. Nothing could be distinguished. With his straight shafts, Arjuna, O monarch, made the hostile army tremble incessantly. Firmly devoted to truth, Arjuna then, of white steeds desirous of accomplishing his vow rushed

against the foremost of car-warriors, viz., Drona of red steeds. Then the preceptor, Drona, struck his disciple, viz., the mighty bowman Arjuna, with five and twenty straight shafts capable of reaching the very vitals. Thereupon, Vibhatsu, that foremost of all wielders of weapons, quickly rushed against Drona, shooting arrows capable of baffling the force of counter arrows, shot at him. Invoking into existence then the Brahma weapon, Arjuna, of immeasurable soul, baffled with his straight shafts those shot so speedily at him by Drona. The skill we then beheld of Drona was exceedingly wonderful, since Arjuna, though young, and though struggling vigorously, could not pierce Drona with a single shaft. Like a mass of clouds pouring torrents of rain, the Drona cloud rained shower on the Partha-mountain. Possessed of great energy, Arjuna received that arrowy downpour, O king, by invoking the Brahma weapon, and cut off all those arrows by arrows of his own. Drona then afflicted Partha of white steeds with five and twenty arrows. And he struck Vasudeva with seventy arrows on the chest and arms. Partha then, of great intelligence, smiling the while resisted the preceptor in that battle who was incessantly shooting sharp arrows. Then those two foremost of car-warriors, while thus struck by Drona, avoided that invincible warrior, who resembled the raging Yuga fire. Avoiding those sharp shafts shot from Drona's bow, the diadem-decked son of Kunti, adorned with garlands of flowers, began to slaughter the host of the Bhojas. Indeed, avoiding the invincible Drona who stood immovable like the Mainaka mountain, Arjuna took up his position between Kritavarman and Sudakshina the ruler of the Kamvojas. Then that tiger among men, viz., the ruler of the Bhojas, coolly pierced that invincible and foremost descendant of Ruru with ten arrows winged with Kanka feathers. Then Arjuna pierced him, O monarch, in that battle with a hundred arrows. And once more he pierced him with three other arrows, stupefying that hero of the Satwata race. The ruler of the Bhojas then, laughing the while, pierced Partha and Vasudeva each with five and twenty arrows. Arjuna then, cutting off Kritavarman's bow, pierced him with one and twenty arrows resembling blazing flames of fire or angry snakes of virulent poison. Then Kritavarman, that mighty car-warrior, taking up another bow, pierced Arjuna in the chest, O Bharata, with five arrows. And once more he pierced Partha with five sharp arrows. Then Partha struck him in return in the centre of the chest with nine arrows. Beholding the son of Kunti obstructed before the car of Kritavarman, he of Vrishni's race thought that no time should be wasted. Then Krishna addressing Partha, said, Do not show any mercy to Kritavarman! Disregarding thy relationship (with him), crush and slay him!' Then Arjuna, stupefying Kritavarman with his arrows, proceeded, on his swift steeds, to the division of the Kamvojas. Seeing Arjuna of white steeds penetrate into the Kamvoja force, Kritavarman became filled with wrath. Taking his bow with arrows fixed thereon, he then encountered the two Panchala princes. Indeed, Kritavarman, with his arrows resisted those two Panchala princes as they advanced, following Arjuna for protecting his wheels. Then Kritavarman, the ruler of

the Bhojas, pierced them both with sharp shafts, striking Yudhamanyu with three, and Uttamaujas with four. Those two princes in return each pierced him with ten arrows. And once more, Yudhamanyu shooting three arrows and Uttamaujas shooting three cut off Kritavarman's standard and bow. Then the son of Hridika, taking up another bow, and becoming infuriated with rage, deprived both those warriors of their bows and covered them with arrows. Then those two warriors, taking up and stringing two other bows, began to pierce Kritavarman. Meanwhile Vibhatsu penetrated into the hostile army. But those two princes, resisted by Kritavarman, obtained no admittance into the Dhritarashtra host, although those bulls among men struggled vigorously. Then Arjuna of white steeds quickly afflicted in that battle the divisions opposed to him. That slayer of foes, however, slew not Kritavarman although he had got him within reach.. Beholding Partha thus proceeding, the brave king Srutayudha, filled with wrath, rushed at him, shaking his large bow. And he pierced Partha with three arrows, and Janardana with seventy. And he struck the standard of Partha with a very sharp arrow having a razor-like head. Then Arjuna, filled with wrath deeply pierced his antagonist with ninety straight shafts, like (a rider) striking a mighty elephant with the hook. Srutayudha, however, could not, O king, brook that act of prowess on the part of Pandu's son. He pierced Arjuna in return with seven and seventy shafts. Arjuna then cut off Srutayudha's bow and then his quiver, and angrily struck him on the chest with seven straight shafts. Then, king Srutayudha, deprived of his senses by wrath, took up another bow and struck the son of Vasava with nine arrows on the latter's arms and chest. Then Arjuna, that chastiser of foes laughing the while, O Bharata, afflicted Srutayudha with many thousands of arrows. And that mighty car-warrior quickly slew also the latter's steeds and charioteer. Endued with great strength the son of Pandu then pierced his foe with seventy arrows. Then the valiant king Srutayudha abandoning that steedless car, rushed in that encounter against Partha, uplifting his mace. The heroic king Srutayudha was the son of Varuna, having for his mother that mighty river of cool water called Parnasa. His mother, O king, had for the sake of her son, begged Varuna saying, 'Let this my son become unslayable on earth.' Varuna, gratified (with her), had said, 'I give him a boon highly beneficial to him, viz., a celestial weapon, by virtue of which this thy son will become unslayable on earth by foes. No man can have immortality. O foremost of rivers, every one who hath taken birth must inevitably die. This child, however, will always be invincible by foes in battle, through the power of this weapon. Therefore, let thy heart's fever be dispelled.' Having said these words, Varuna gave him, with mantras, a mace. Obtaining that mace, Srutayudha became invincible on earth. Unto him, however, illustrious Lord of the waters again said, 'This mace should not be hurled at one who is not engaged in fight. If hurled at such a person, it will come back and fall upon thyself. O illustrious child, (if so hurled) it will then course in an opposite direction and slay the

person hurling it.' It would seem that when his hour came, Srutayudha disobeyed that injunction. With that hero-slaying mace he attacked Janardana, The valiant Krishna received that mace on one of his well-formed and stout shoulders. It failed to shake Sauri, like the wind failing to shake the Vindhya mountain. That mace, returning unto Srutayudha himself, struck that brave and wrathful king staying on his car, like an ill-accomplished act of sorcery injuring the performer himself, and slaying that hero fell down on the earth. Beholding the mace turn back and Srutayudha slain, loud cries of Alas and Oh arose there among the troops, at the sight of Srutayudha that chastiser of foes, slain by a weapon of his own. 1 And because, O monarch, Srutayudha had hurled that mace at Janardana who was not engaged in fighting it slew him who had hurled it. And Srutayudha perished on the field, even in the manner that Varuna had indicated. Deprived of life, he fell down on the earth before the eyes of all the bowmen. While falling down, that dear son of Parnasa shone resplendent like a tall banian with spreading boughs broken by the wind. Then all the troops and even all the principal warriors fled away, beholding Srutayudha, that chastiser of foes, slain. Then, the son of the ruler of the Kamvojas, viz., the brave Sudakshina, rushed on his swift steeds against Phalguna that slayer of foes. Partha, then, O Bharata, sped seven shafts at him. Those shafts passing through the body of that hero, entered the earth. Deeply pierced those shafts sped in battle from Gandiva, Sudakshina pierced Arjuna in return with ten shafts winged with Kanka feathers. And piercing Vasudeva with three shafts, he once more pierced Partha with five. Then, O sire, Partha, cutting off Sudakshina's bow, lopped off the latter's standard. And the son of Pandu pierced his antagonist with a couple of broad-headed arrows of great sharpness. Sudakshina, however, piercing Partha once more with three arrows, uttered a leonine shout. Then the brave Sudakshina, filled with wrath, hurled at the wielder of Gandiva a terrible dart made wholly of iron and decked with bells. That dart blazing as a large meteor, and emitting sparks of fire, approaching that mighty car-warrior pierced him through and fell down on the earth. Deeply struck by that dart and overcome with a swoon, Arjuna soon enough recovered. Then that hero of mighty energy, licking the corners of his mouth, that son of Pandu, of inconceivable feats, pierced his foe, along with his steeds, standard, bow, and charioteer, with four and ten shafts winged with Kanka feathers. With other arrows, countless in number, Partha then cut Sudakshina's car into fragments. And then the son of Pandu pierced Sudakshina, the prince of the Kamvojas, whose purpose and prowess had both been baffled, with a sharp arrow in the chest. Then the brave prince of the Kamvojas, his coat of mail cut off, his limbs weakened, his diadem and Angadas displaced, fell head downwards, like a pole of Indra when hurled from an engine. Like a beautiful Karnikara tree in the spring, gracefully growing on a mountain summit with beautiful branches, lying on the earth

when uprooted by the wind, the prince of the Kamvojas lay on the bare ground deprived of life, though deserving of the costliest bed, decked with costly ornaments. Handsome, possessed of eyes that were of a coppery hue, and bearing on his head a garland of gold, endued with the effulgence of fire, the mighty-armed Sudakshina, the son of the ruler of the Kamvojas, overthrown by Partha with his shafts, and lying on the earth, reft of fife, looked resplendent like a beautiful mountain with a level top. Then all the troops of thy son fled away, beholding Srutayudha, and Sudakshina the prince of the Kamvojas, slain.'"

180:1 The original is pleonastic.

7.68.1

संजय उवाच
हते सुदक्षिणे राजन्वीरे चैव श्रुतायुधे
जवेनाभ्यद्रवन्पार्थं कुपिताः सैनिकास्तव

7.68.2

अभीषाहाः शूरसेनाः शिबयोऽथ वसातयः
अभ्यवर्षंस्ततो राजञ्शरवर्षैर्धनंजयम्

7.68.3

तेषां षष्टिशतानार्यान्प्रामथ्नात्पाण्डवः शरैः
ते स्म भीताः पलायन्त व्याघ्रात्क्षुद्रमृगा इव

7.68.4

ते निवृत्य पुनः पार्थं सर्वतः पर्यवारयन्
रणे सपत्नान्निघ्नन्तं जिगीषन्तṃ परान्युधि

7.68.5

तेषामापततां तूर्णं गाण्डीवप्रेषितैः शरैः
शिरांसि पातयामास बाहूंश्चैव धनंजयः

7.68.6

शिरोभिः पतितैस्तत्र भूमिरासीन्निरन्तरा
अभ्रच्छायेव चैवासीद्ध्वाङ्क्षगृध्रवडैर्युधि

7.68.7

तेषु तूत्साद्यमानेषु क्रोधामर्षसमन्वितौ
श्रुतायुश्चाच्युतायुश्च धनंजयमयुध्यताम्

7.68.8

बलिनौ स्पर्धिनौ वीरौ कुलजौ बाहुशालिनौ
तावेनं शरवर्षाणि सव्यदक्षिणमस्यताम्

7.68.9

त्वरायुक्तौ महाराज प्रार्थयानौ महद्यशः
अर्जुनस्य वधप्रेप्सू पुत्रार्थे तव धन्विनौ

7.68.10

तावर्जुनं सहस्रेण पत्रिणां नतपर्वणाम्
पूरयामासतुः क्रुद्धौ तडागं जलदौ यथा

7.68.11

श्रुतायुश्च ततः क्रुद्धस्तोमरेण धनंजयम्
आजघान रथश्रेष्ठः पीतेन निशितेन च

7.68.12

सोऽतिविद्धो बलवता शत्रुणा शत्रुकर्शनः
आजगाम परं मोहं मोहयन्केशवं रणे

7.68.13

एतस्मिन्नेव काले तु सोऽच्युतायुर्महारथः
शूलेन भृशतीक्ष्णेन ताडयामास पाण्डवम्

7.68.14

क्षते क्षारं स हि ददौ पाण्डवस्य महात्मनः
पार्थोऽपि भृशसंविद्धो ध्वजयष्टिं समाश्रितः

7.68.15

ततः सर्वस्य सैन्यस्य तावकस्य विशां पते
सिंहनादो महानासीद्धतं मत्वा धनंजयम्

7.68.16

कृष्णश्च भृशसंतप्तो दृष्ट्वा पार्थं विचेतसम्
आश्वासयत्सुहृद्याभिर्वाग्भिस्तत्र धनंजयम्

7.68.17

ततस्तौ रथिनां श्रेष्ठौ लब्धलक्षौ धनंजयम्
वासुदेवं च वार्ष्णेयं शरवर्षैः समन्ततः

7.68.18

सचक्रकूबररथं साश्वध्वजपताकिनम्
अदृश्यं चक्रतुर्युद्धे तदद्भुतमिवाभवत्

7.68.19

प्रत्याश्वस्तस्तु बीभत्सुः शनकैरिव भारत
प्रेतराजपुरं प्राप्य पुनः प्रत्यागतो यथा

7.68.20

संछन्नं शरजालेन रथं दृष्ट्वा सकेशवम्
शत्रू चाभिमुखौ दृष्ट्वा दीप्यमानाविवानलौ

7.68.21

प्रादुश्चक्रे ततः पार्थः शाक्रमस्त्रं महारथः
तस्मादासन्सहस्राणि शराणां नतपर्वणाम्

7.68.22

ते जघ्नुस्तौ महेष्वासौ ताभ्यां सृष्टांश्च सायकान्
विचेरुराकाशगताः पार्थबाणविदारिताः

7.68.23

प्रतिहत्य शरांस्तूर्णं शरवेगेन पाण्डवः
प्रतस्थे तत्र तत्रैव योधयन्वै महारथान्

7.68.24

तौ च फल्गुनबाणौघैर्विबाहुशिरसौ कृतौ
वसुधामन्वपद्येतां वातनुन्नाविव द्रुमौ

7.68.25

श्रुतायुषश्च निधनं वधश्चैवाच्युतायुषः
लोकविस्मापनमभूत्समुद्रस्येव शोषणम्

7.68.26

तयोः पदानुगान्हत्वा पुनः पञ्चशतान्रथान्
अभ्यगाद्भारतीं सेनां निघ्नन्पार्थो वरान्वरान्

7.68.27

श्रुतायुषं च निहतं प्रेक्ष्य चैवाच्युतायुषम्
अयुतायुश्च संक्रुद्धो दीर्घायुश्चैव भारत

7.68.28

पुत्रौ तयोर्नरश्रेष्ठौ कौन्तेयं प्रतिजग्मतुः
किरन्तौ विविधान्बाणान्पितृव्यसनकर्शितौ

7.68.29

तावर्जुनो मुहूर्तेन शरैः संनतपर्वभिः
प्रेषयत्परमक्रुद्धो यमस्य सदनं प्रति

7.68.30

लोडयन्तमनीकानि द्विपं पद्मसरो यथा
नाशक्नुवन्वारयितुं पार्थं क्षत्रियपुंगवाः

7.68.31

अङ्गास्तु गजवारेण पाण्डवं पर्यवारयन्
क्रुद्धाः सहस्रशो राजञ्शिक्षिता हस्तिसादिनः

7.68.32

दुर्योधनसमादिष्टाः कुञ्जरैः पर्वतोपमैः
प्राच्याश्च दाक्षिणात्याश्च कलिङ्गप्रमुखा नृपाः

7.68.33

तेषामापततां शीघ्रं गाण्डीवप्रेषितैः शरैः
निचकर्त शिरांस्युग्रौ बाहूनपि सुभूषणान्

7.68.34

तैः शिरोभिर्मही कीर्णा बाहुभिश्च सहाङ्गदैः
बभौ कनकपाषाणा भुजगैरिव संवृता

7.68.35

बाहवो विशिखैश्छिन्नाः शिरांस्युन्मथितानि च
च्यवमानान्यदृश्यन्त द्रुमेभ्य इव पक्षिणः

7.68.36

शरैः सहस्रशो विद्धा द्विपाः प्रस्रुतशोणिताः
व्यदृश्यन्ताद्रयः काले गैरिकाम्बुस्रवा इव

7.68.37

निहताः शेरते स्मान्ये बीभत्सोर्निशितैः शरैः
गजपृष्ठगता म्लेच्छा नानाविकृतदर्शनाः

7.68.38

नानावेषधरा राजन्नानाशस्त्रौघसंवृताः
रुधिरेणानुलिप्ताङ्गा भान्ति चित्रैः शरैर्हताः

7.68.39

शोणितं निर्वमन्ति स्म द्विपाः पार्थशराहताः
सहस्रशश्छिन्नगात्राः सारोहाः सपदानुगाः

7.68.40

चुक्रुशुश्च निपेतुश्च बभ्रमुश्चापरे दिशः
भृशं त्रस्ताश्च बहुधा स्वानेन ममृदुर्गजाः
सान्तरायुधिका मत्ता द्विपास्तीक्ष्णविषोपमाः

7.68.41

विदन्त्यसुरमायां ये सुघोरा घोरचक्षुषः
यवनाः पारदाश्चैव शकाश्च सुनिकैः सह

7.68.42

गोयोनिप्रभवा म्लेच्छाः कालकल्पाः प्रहारिणः
दार्वाभिसारा दरदाः पुण्ड्राश्च सह बाह्लिकैः

7.68.43

न ते स्म शक्याः संख्यातुं व्राताः शतसहस्रशः
वृष्टिस्तथाविधा ह्यासीच्छलभानामिवायतिः

7.68.44

अभ्रच्छायामिव शरैः सैन्ये कृत्वा धनंजयः
मुण्डार्धमुण्डजटिलानशुचीञ्जटिलाननान्
म्लेच्छानशातयत्सर्वान्समेतानस्त्रमायया

7.68.45

शरैश्च शतशो विद्धास्ते संघाः संघचारिणः
प्राद्रवन्त रणे भीता गिरिगह्वरवासिनः

7.68.46

गजाश्वसादिम्लेच्छानां पतितानां शतैः शरैः
वडाः कङ्का वृका भूमावपिबन्रुधिरं मुदा

7.68.47

पत्त्यश्वरथनागैश्च प्रच्छन्नकृतसंक्रमाम्
शरवर्षप्लवां घोरां केशशैवलशाड्वलाम्
प्रावर्तयन्नदीमुग्रां शोणितौघतरङ्गिणीम्

7.68.48

शिरस्त्राणक्षुद्रमत्स्यां युगान्ते कालसंभृताम्
अकरोद्गजसंबाधां नदीमुत्तरशोणिताम्
देहेभ्यो राजपुत्राणां नागाश्वरथसादिनाम्

7.68.49

यथा स्थलं च निम्नं च न स्याद्वर्षति वासवे
तथासीत्पृथिवी सर्वा शोणितेन परिप्लुता

7.68.50

षट्सहस्रान्वरान्वीरान्पुनर्दशशतान्वरान्
प्राहिणोन्मृत्युलोकाय क्षत्रियान्क्षत्रियर्षभः

7.68.51

शरैः सहस्रशो विद्धा विधिवत्कल्पिता द्विपाः
शेरते भूमिमासाद्य शैला वज्रहता इव

7.68.52

स वाजिरथमातङ्गान्निघ्नन्व्यचरदर्जुनः
प्रभिन्न इव मातङ्गो मृद्नन्नडवनं यथा

7.68.53

भूरिद्रुमलतागुल्मं शुष्केन्धनतृणोलपम्
निर्दहेदनलोऽरण्यं यथा वायुसमीरितः

7.68.54

सैन्यारण्यं तव तथा कृष्णानिलसमीरितः
शरार्चिरदहत्क्रुद्धः पाण्डवाग्निर्धनंजयः

7.68.55

शून्यान्कुर्वन्रथोपस्थान्मानवैः संस्तरन्महीम्
प्रानृत्यदिव संबाधे चापहस्तो धनंजयः

7.68.56

वज्रकल्पैः शरैर्भूमिं कुर्वन्नुत्तरशोणिताम्
प्राविशद्भारतीं सेनां संक्रुद्धो वै धनंजयः
तं श्रुतायुस्तथाम्बष्ठो व्रजमानं न्यवारयत्

7.68.57

तस्यार्जुनः शरैस्तीक्ष्णैः कङ्कपत्रपरिच्छदैः
न्यपातयद्धयाञ्शीघ्रं यतमानस्य मारिष
धनुश्चास्यापरैश्छित्त्वा शरैः पार्थो विचक्रमे

7.68.58

अम्बष्ठस्तु गदां गृह्य क्रोधपर्याकुलेक्षणः
आससाद रणे पार्थं केशवं च महारथम्

7.68.59

ततः स प्रहसन्वीरो गदामुद्यम्य भारत
रथमावार्य गदया केशवं समताडयत्

7.68.60

गदया ताडितं दृष्ट्वा केशवं परवीरहा
अर्जुनो भृशसंक्रुद्धः सोऽम्बष्ठं प्रति भारत

7.68.61

ततः शरैर्हेमपुङ्खैः सगदं रथिनां वरम्
छादयामास समरे मेघः सूर्यमिवोदितम्

7.68.62

ततोऽपरैः शरैश्चापि गदां तस्य महात्मनः
अचूर्णयत्तदा पार्थस्तदद्भुतमिवाभवत्

7.68.63

अथ तां पतितां दृष्ट्वा गृह्यान्यां महतीं गदाम्
अर्जुनं वासुदेवं च पुनः पुनरताडयत्

7.68.64

तस्यार्जुनः क्षुरप्राभ्यां सगदावुद्यतौ भुजौ
चिच्छेदेन्द्रध्वजाकारौ शिरश्चान्येन पत्रिणा

7.68.65

स पपात हतो राजन्वसुधामनुनादयन्
इन्द्रध्वज इवोत्सृष्टो यन्त्रनिर्मुक्तबन्धनः

7.68.66

रथानीकावगाढश्च वारणाश्वशतैर्वृतः
सोऽदृश्यत तदा पार्थो घनैः सूर्य इवावृतः

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Upon the fall of Sudakshina and of the heroic Srutayudha, O monarch, thy warriors, filled with wrath, rushed with speed at Partha. The Abhishahas, the Surasenas, the Sivis, the Vasatis began, O king, to scatter their arrowy showers on Dhananjaya. The son of Pandu then consumed by means of his arrows six hundred of them at once. Thereupon, those warriors, terrified, fled away like smaller animals from a tiger. Rallying, they once more surrounded Partha, who was slaying his foes and vanquishing them in battle. Dhananjaya then, with shafts sped from Gandiva, speedily felled the heads and arms of the combatants thus rushing upon him. Not an inch of the field of battle was unstrewn with fallen heads, and the flights of crows and vultures and ravens that hovered over the field seemed to form a cloudy canopy. Seeing their men thus exterminated, Srutayus and Achyutayus were both filled with wrath. And they continued to contend vigorously with Dhananjaya. Endued with great might, proud, heroic, of noble lineage, and possessed of strength of arms, those two bowmen, O king, solicitous of winning great fame and desirous, for the sake of thy son, to compass the destruction of Arjuna, quickly showered upon the latter their arrowy downpours at once from his right and left. Those angry heroes, with a thousand straight shafts, covered Arjuna like two masses of clouds filling a lake. Then that foremost of car-warriors viz., Srutayus filled with wrath, struck Dhananjaya with a well-tempered lance. That crusher of foes viz., Arjuna, then, deeply pierced by his mighty foe, swooned away in that battle, stupefying Kesava also (by that act). Meanwhile, the mighty car-warrior Achyutayus forcibly struck the son of Pandu with a keen-pointed spear. By the act he seemed to pour an acid upon the wound of the high-souled son of Pandu. Deeply pierced therewith, Partha supported himself by seizing the flag-staff. Then a leonine shout was sent forth by all the troops, O monarch, in the belief that Dhananjaya was deprived of life. And Krishna also was scorched with grief upon beholding Partha senseless. Then Kesava comforted

[paragraph continues] Dhananjaya with soothing words.. Then those foremost of car-warriors, (viz., Srutayus and Achyutayus), of true aim, pouring their arrowy showers on all sides, in that battle, made Dhananjaya and Vasudeva of Vrishni's race invisible with their car and car-wheels and Kuvaras, their steeds and flagstaff and banner. And all this seemed wonderful. Meanwhile, O Bharata, Vibhatsu slowly regained his senses, like one come back from the very abode of the king of the dead. Beholding his car with Kesava overwhelmed with arrows and seeing also those two antagonists of his staying before him like two blazing fires, the mighty car-warriors Partha then invoked into existence the weapon named after Sakra. From that weapon flowed thousands of straight shafts. And those shafts struck Srutayus and Achyutayus, those mighty bowmen. And the arrows shot by the latter, pierced by those of Partha, coursed through the welkin. And the son of Pandu quickly baffling those arrows by the force of his own arrows, began to career over the field, encountering mighty car-warriors. Meanwhile Srutayus and Achyutayus were, by Arjuna's arrowy showers, deprived of their arms and heads. And they fell down on the earth, like a couple of tall trees broken by the wind. And the death of Srutayus and slaughter of Achyutayus created surprise equal to what men would feel at the sight of the ocean becoming dry. Then slaying fifty car-warriors amongst the followers of those two princes, Partha proceeded against the Bharata army, slaying many foremost of warriors. Beholding both Srutayus and Achyutayus slain, their sons, those foremost of men, viz., Niyatayus and Dirghayus, O Bharata, both filled with rage, rushed against the son of Kunti, scattering shafts of diverse kinds, and much pained by the calamity that had happened to their sires. Arjuna, excited with rage, in a moment despatched them both towards Yama's abode, by means of straight shafts. And those bulls among Kshatriyas (that were in the Kuru army) were unable to resist Partha who agitated the Dhartarashtra ranks, like an elephant agitating the waters of a lake filled with lotuses. Then thousands of trained elephant-riders amongst the Angas, O monarch, filled with rage, surrounded the son of Pandu with their elephant-force. Urged by Duryodhana, many kings also of the west and the south, and many others headed by the ruler of the Kalingas, also surrounded Arjuna, with their elephants huge as hills. Partha however, with shafts sped from Gandiva, quickly cut off the heads and arms, decked with ornaments, of those advancing combatants. The field of battle, strewn with those heads and arms decked with Angadas, looked like golden stones entwined by snakes. And the arms of warriors cut off therewith, while failing down, looked like birds dropping down from trees. And the elephants, pierced with thousands of arrows and shedding blood (from their wounds), looked like hills in the season of rains with liquefied red chalk streaming down their sides. Others, slain by Partha with sharp shafts, lay prostrate on the field. And many Mlecchas on the backs of elephants, of diverse kinds of ugly forms, robed in diverse attires, O king, and armed with diverse kinds of weapons, and bathed in blood, looked resplendent as they lay on the field, deprived of

life by means of diverse kinds of arrows. And thousands of elephants along with their riders and those on foot that urged them forward, struck with Partha's shafts, vomited blood, or uttered shrieks of agony, or fell down, or ran ungovernably in all directions. And many, exceedingly frightened, trod down and crushed their own men. And many which were kept as reserves and which were fierce as snakes of virulent poison, did the same. And many terrible Yavanas and Paradas and Sakas and Valhikas, and Mlecchas born of the cow (belonging to Vasishtha), of fierce eyes, accomplished in smiting looking like messengers of Death, and all conversant with the deceptive powers of the Asuras and many Darvabhisaras and Daradas and Pundras numbering by thousands, of bands, and together forming a force that was countless, began to shower their sharp shafts upon the son of Pandu. Accomplished in various modes of warfare, those Mlecchas covered Arjuna with their arrows. Upon them, Dhananjaya also quickly poured his arrows. And those arrows, shot from Gandiva, looked like flights of locusts, as they coursed through the welkin. Indeed. Dhananjaya, having by his arrows caused a shade over the troops like that of the clouds, slew, by the force of his weapons, all the Mlecchas, with heads completely shaved or half-shaved or covered with matted locks, impure in habits, and of crooked faces. Those dwellers of hills, pierced with arrows, those denizens of mountain-caves, fled away in fear. And ravens and Kankas and wolves, with great glee, drank the blood of those elephants and steeds and their Mleccha-riders overthrown on the field by Partha with his sharp shafts. Indeed, Arjuna caused a fierce river to flow there whose current consisted of blood. (Slain) foot-soldiers and steeds and cars and elephants constituted its embankments. The showers of shafts poured constituted its rafts and the hairs of the combatants formed its moss and weeds. And the fingers cut off from the arms of warriors, formed its little fishes. And that river was as awful as Death itself at the end of the Yuga. And that river of blood flowed towards the region of Yama, and the bodies of stain elephants floating on it, obstructed its current. And the earth was covered all over with the blood of Kshatriyas and of elephants and steeds and their riders, and became one bloody expanse like to what is seen when Indra showers a heavy down-pour covering uplands and lowlands alike. And that bull among Kshatriyas despatched six thousand horsemen and again a thousand foremost of Kshatriyas in that battle into the jaws of death. Thousands of well-equipped elephants, pierced with arrows, lay prostrate on the field, like hills struck down by thunder. And Arjuna careered over the field, slaying steeds and car-warriors and elephants, like an elephant of rent temples crushing a forest a reeds. As a conflagration, urged by the wind, consumes a dense forest of trees and creepers and plants and dry wood and grass, even so did that fire, viz., Pandu's son Dhananjaya, having shafts for its flames and urged on by the Krishna-wind, angrily consume the forest of thy warriors. Making the terraces of cars empty, and causing the earth to be strewn, with human bodies, Dhananjaya seemed to dance bow in hand,

in the midst of those vast masses of men. Deluging the earth with blood by means of his shafts, endued with the strength of the thunder, Dhananjaya, excited with wrath, penetrated into the Bharata host. While thus proceeding, Srutayus, the ruler of the Amvashthas, resisted him. Arjuna then, O sire, speedily felled with keen shafts equipped with Kanka feathers, the steeds of Srutayus struggling in battle. And cutting off with other shafts, the bow also of his antagonist, Partha careered over the field. The ruler of the Amvashthas, then with eyes troubled in wrath, took up a mace and approached the mighty car-warrior Partha and Kesava also in that battle. Then that hero, uplifting his mace, stopped the (progress of Arjuna's) car by its strokes, and struck Kesava also therewith. Then that slayer of hostile heroes, viz., Arjuna, beholding Kesava struck with that mace, became filled with wrath. And, then, O Bharata, that hero, with his shafts, equipped with wings of gold, covered the ruler of the Amvashthas, that foremost or car-warriors, armed with mace, like clouds covering the risen sun. With other shafts, Partha then cut off the mace of that high-souled warrior in fragments, reducing it almost to dust. And all this seemed highly wonderful. Beholding that mace of his cut off in fragments, the ruler of the Amvashthas took up another huge mace, and repeatedly struck both Arjuna and Kesava therewith. Then, Arjuna with a couple of sharp broad-faced arrows, cut off the uplifted arms of Srutayus which held the mace, those arms that looked like a couple of Indra's standard, and with another winged arrow, he cut off the head of that warrior. Thus slain, Srutayus fell down, O king, filling the earth with a loud noise, like a tall standard of Indra when the strings, tying it to the engine on which it is set, are cut off. Surrounded then on all sides by rounds of cars and by hundreds upon hundreds of elephants and cars, Partha became invisible like the sun covered with clouds.'"

7.69.1

संजय उवाच
ततः प्रविष्टे कौन्तेये सिन्धुराजजिघांसया
द्रोणानीकं विनिर्भिद्य भोजानीकं च दुस्तरम्

7.69.2

काम्बोजस्य च दायादे हते राजन्सुदक्षिणे
श्रुतायुधे च विक्रान्ते निहते सव्यसाचिना

7.69.3

विप्रद्रुतेष्वनीकेषु विध्वस्तेषु समन्ततः
प्रभग्नं स्वबलं दृष्ट्वा पुत्रस्ते द्रोणमभ्ययात्

7.69.4

त्वरन्नेकरथेनैव समेत्य द्रोणमब्रवीत्
गतः स पुरुषव्याघ्रः प्रमथ्येमां महाचमूम्

7.69.5

अत्र बुद्ध्या समीक्षस्व किं नु कार्यमनन्तरम्
अर्जुनस्य विघाताय दारुणेऽस्मिञ्जनक्षये

7.69.6

यथा स पुरुषव्याघ्रो न हन्येत जयद्रथः
तथा विधत्स्व भद्रं ते त्वं हि नः परमा गतिः

7.69.7

असौ धनंजयाग्निर्हि कोपमारुतचोदितः
सेनाकक्षं दहति मे वह्निः कक्षमिवोत्थितः

7.69.8

अतिक्रान्ते हि कौन्तेये भित्त्वा सैन्यं परंतप
जयद्रथस्य गोप्तारः संशयं परमं गताः

7.69.9

स्थिरा बुद्धिर्नरेन्द्राणामासीद्ब्रह्मविदां वर
नातिक्रमिष्यति द्रोणं जातु जीवन्धनंजयः

7.69.10

सोऽसौ पार्थो व्यतिक्रान्तो मिषतस्ते महाद्युते
सर्वं ह्यद्यातुरं मन्ये नैतदस्ति बलं मम

7.69.11

जानामि त्वां महाभाग पाण्डवानां हिते रतम्
तथा मुह्यामि च ब्रह्मन्कार्यवत्तां विचिन्तयन्

7.69.12

यथाशक्ति च ते ब्रह्मन्वर्तये वृत्तिमुत्तमाम्
प्रीणामि च यथाशक्ति तच्च त्वं नावबुध्यसे

7.69.13

अस्मान्न त्वं सदा भक्तानिच्छस्यमितविक्रम
पाण्डवान्सततं प्रीणास्यस्माकं विप्रिये रतान्

7.69.14

अस्मानेवोपजीवंस्त्वमस्माकं विप्रिये रतः
न ह्यहं त्वां विजानामि मधुदिग्धमिव क्षुरम्

7.69.15

नादास्यच्चेद्वरं मह्यं भवान्पाण्डवनिग्रहे
नावारयिष्यं गच्छन्तमहं सिन्धुपतिं गृहान्

7.69.16

मया त्वाशंसमानेन त्वत्तस्त्राणमबुद्धिना
आश्वासितः सिन्धुपतिर्मोहाद्दत्तश्च मृत्यवे

7.69.17

यमदंष्ट्रान्तरं प्राप्तो मुच्येतापि हि मानवः
नार्जुनस्य वशं प्राप्तो मुच्येताजौ जयद्रथः

7.69.18

स तथा कुरु शोणाश्व यथा रक्ष्येत सैन्धवः
मम चार्तप्रलापानां मा क्रुधः पाहि सैन्धवम्

7.69.19

द्रोण उवाच
नाभ्यसूयामि ते वाचमश्वत्थाम्नासि मे समः
सत्यं तु ते प्रवक्ष्यामि तज्जुषस्व विशां पते

7.69.20

सारथिः प्रवरः कृष्णः शीघ्राश्चास्य हयोत्तमाः
अल्पं च विवरं कृत्वा तूर्णं याति धनंजयः

7.69.21

किं नु पश्यसि बाणौघान्क्रोशमात्रे किरीटिनः
पश्चाद्रथस्य पतितान्क्षिप्ताञ्शीघ्रं हि गच्छतः

7.69.22

न चाहं शीघ्रयानेऽद्य समर्थो वयसान्वितः
सेनामुखे च पार्थानामेतद्बलमुपस्थितम्

7.69.23

युधिष्ठिरश्च मे ग्राह्यो मिषतां सर्वधन्विनाम्
एवं मया प्रतिज्ञातं क्षत्रमध्ये महाभुज

7.69.24

धनंजयेन चोत्सृष्टो वर्तते प्रमुखे मम
तस्माद्व्यूहमुखं हित्वा नाहं यास्यामि फल्गुनम्

7.69.25

तुल्याभिजनकर्माणं शत्रुमेकं सहायवान्
गत्वा योधय मा भैस्त्वं त्वं ह्यस्य जगतः पतिः

7.69.26

राजा शूरः कृती दक्षो वैरमुत्पाद्य पाण्डवैः
वीर स्वयं प्रयाह्याशु यत्र यातो धनंजयः

7.69.27

दुर्योधन उवाच
कथं त्वामप्यतिक्रान्तः सर्वशस्त्रभृतां वरः
धनंजयो मया शक्य आचार्य प्रतिबाधितुम्

7.69.28

अपि शक्यो रणे जेतुं वज्रहस्तः पुरंदरः
नार्जुनः समरे शक्यो जेतुं परपुरंजयः

7.69.29

येन भोजश्च हार्दिक्यो भवांश्च त्रिदशोपमः
अस्त्रप्रतापेन जितौ श्रुतायुश्च निबर्हितः

7.69.30

सुदक्षिणश्च निहतः स च राजा श्रुतायुधः
श्रुतायुश्चाच्युतायुश्च म्लेच्छाश्च शतशो हताः

7.69.31

तं कथं पाण्डवं युद्धे दहन्तमहितान्बहून्
प्रतियोत्स्यामि दुर्धर्षं तन्मे शंसास्त्रकोविद

7.69.32

क्षमं चेन्मन्यसे युद्धं मम तेनाद्य शाधि माम्
परवानस्मि भवति प्रेष्यकृद्रक्ष मे यशः

7.69.33

द्रोण उवाच
सत्यं वदसि कौरव्य दुराधर्षो धनंजयः
अहं तु तत्करिष्यामि यथैनं प्रसहिष्यसि

7.69.34

अद्भुतं चाद्य पश्यन्तु लोके सर्वधनुर्धराः
विषक्तं त्वयि कौन्तेयं वासुदेवस्य पश्यतः

7.69.35

एष ते कवचं राजंस्तथा बध्नामि काञ्चनम्
यथा न बाणा नास्त्राणि विषहिष्यन्ति ते रणे

7.69.36

यदि त्वां सासुरसुराः सयक्षोरगराक्षसाः
योधयन्ति त्रयो लोकाः सनरा नास्ति ते भयम्

7.69.37

न कृष्णो न च कौन्तेयो न चान्यः शस्त्रभृद्रणे
शरानर्पयितुं कश्चित्कवचे तव शक्ष्यति

7.69.38

स त्वं कवचमास्थाय क्रुद्धमद्य रणेऽर्जुनम्
त्वरमाणः स्वयं याहि न चासौ त्वां सहिष्यते

7.69.39

संजय उवाच
एवमुक्त्वा त्वरन्द्रोणः स्पृष्ट्वाम्भो वर्म भास्वरम्
आबबन्धाद्भुततमं जपन्मन्त्रं यथाविधि

7.69.40

रणे तस्मिन्सुमहति विजयाय सुतस्य ते
विसिस्मापयिषुर्लोकं विद्यया ब्रह्मवित्तमः

7.69.41

द्रोण उवाच
करोतु स्वस्ति ते ब्रह्मा स्वस्ति चापि द्विजातयः
सरीसृपाश्च ये श्रेष्ठास्तेभ्यस्ते स्वस्ति भारत

7.69.42

ययातिर्नहुषश्चैव धुन्धुमारो भगीरथः
तुभ्यं राजर्षयः सर्वे स्वस्ति कुर्वन्तु सर्वशः

7.69.43

स्वस्ति तेऽस्त्वेकपादेभ्यो बहुपादेभ्य एव च
स्वस्त्यस्त्वपादकेभ्यश्च नित्यं तव महारणे

7.69.44

स्वाहा स्वधा शची चैव स्वस्ति कुर्वन्तु ते सदा
लक्ष्मीररुन्धती चैव कुरुतां स्वस्ति तेऽनघ

7.69.45

असितो देवलश्चैव विश्वामित्रस्तथाङ्गिराः
वसिष्ठः कश्यपश्चैव स्वस्ति कुर्वन्तु ते नृप

7.69.46

धाता विधाता लोकेशो दिशश्च सदिगीश्वराः
स्वस्ति तेऽद्य प्रयच्छन्तु कार्त्तिकेयश्च षण्मुखः

7.69.47

विवस्वान्भगवान्स्वस्ति करोतु तव सर्वशः
दिग्गजाश्चैव चत्वारः क्षितिः खं गगनं ग्रहाः

7.69.48

अधस्ताद्धरणीं योऽसौ सदा धारयते नृप
स शेषः पन्नगश्रेष्ठः स्वस्ति तुभ्यं प्रयच्छतु

7.69.49

गान्धारे युधि विक्रम्य निर्जिताः सुरसत्तमाः
पुरा वृत्रेण दैत्येन भिन्नदेहाः सहस्रशः

7.69.50

हृततेजोबलाः सर्वे तदा सेन्द्रा दिवौकसः
ब्रह्माणं शरणं जग्मुर्वृत्राद्भीता महासुरात्

7.69.51

देवा ऊचुः
प्रमर्दितानां वृत्रेण देवानां देवसत्तम
गतिर्भव सुरश्रेष्ठ त्राहि नो महतो भयात्

7.69.52

द्रोण उवाच
अथ पार्श्वे स्थितं विष्णुं शक्रादींश्च सुरोत्तमान्
प्राह तथ्यमिदं वाक्यं विषण्णान्सुरसत्तमान्

7.69.53

रक्ष्या मे सततं देवाः सहेन्द्राः सद्विजातयः
त्वष्टुः सुदुर्धरं तेजो येन वृत्रो विनिर्मितः

7.69.54

त्वष्ट्रा पुरा तपस्तप्त्वा वर्षायुतशतं तदा
वृत्रो विनिर्मितो देवाः प्राप्यानुज्ञां महेश्वरात्

7.69.55

स तस्यैव प्रसादाद्वै हन्यादेव रिपुर्बली
नागत्वा शंकरस्थानं भगवान्दृश्यते हरः

7.69.56

दृष्ट्वा हनिष्यथ रिपुं क्षिप्रं गच्छत मन्दरम्
यत्रास्ते तपसां योनिर्दक्षयज्ञविनाशनः
पिनाकी सर्वभूतेशो भगनेत्रनिपातनः

7.69.57

ते गत्वा सहिता देवा ब्रह्मणा सह मन्दरम्
अपश्यंस्तेजसां राशिं सूर्यकोटिसमप्रभम्

7.69.58

सोऽब्रवीत्स्वागतं देवा ब्रूत किं करवाण्यहम्
अमोघं दर्शनं मह्यं कामप्राप्तिरतोऽस्तु वः

7.69.59

एवमुक्तास्तु ते सर्वे प्रत्यूचुस्तं दिवौकसः
तेजो हृतं नो वृत्रेण गतिर्भव दिवौकसाम्

7.69.60

मूर्तीरीक्षष्व नो देव प्रहारैर्जर्जरीकृताः
शरणं त्वां प्रपन्नाः स्म गतिर्भव महेश्वर

7.69.61

महेश्वर उवाच
विदितं मे यथा देवाः कृत्येयं सुमहाबला
त्वष्टुस्तेजोभवा घोरा दुर्निवार्याकृतात्मभिः

7.69.62

अवश्यं तु मया कार्यं साह्यं सर्वदिवौकसाम्
ममेदं गात्रजं शक्र कवचं गृह्य भास्वरम्
बधानानेन मन्त्रेण मानसेन सुरेश्वर

7.69.63

द्रोण उवाच
इत्युक्त्वा वरदः प्रादाद्वर्म तन्मन्त्रमेव च
स तेन वर्मणा गुप्तः प्रायाद्वृत्रचमूं प्रति

7.69.64

नानाविधैश्च शस्त्रौघैः पात्यमानैर्महारणे
न संधिः शक्यते भेत्तुं वर्मबन्धस्य तस्य तु

7.69.65

ततो जघान समरे वृत्रं देवपतिः स्वयम्
तं च मन्त्रमयं बन्धं वर्म चाङ्गिरसे ददौ

7.69.66

अङ्गिराः प्राह पुत्रस्य मन्त्रज्ञस्य बृहस्पतेः
बृहस्पतिरथोवाच अग्निवेश्याय धीमते

7.69.67

अग्निवेश्यो मम प्रादात्तेन बध्नामि वर्म ते
तवाद्य देहरक्षार्थं मन्त्रेण नृपसत्तम

7.69.68

संजय उवाच
एवमुक्त्वा ततो द्रोणस्तव पुत्रं महाद्युतिः
पुनरेव वचः प्राह शनैराचार्यपुंगवः

7.69.69

ब्रह्मसूत्रेण बध्नामि कवचं तव पार्थिव
हिरण्यगर्भेण यथा बद्धं विष्णोः पुरा रणे

7.69.70

यथा च ब्रह्मणा बद्धं संग्रामे तारकामये
शक्रस्य कवचं दिव्यं तथा बध्नाम्यहं तव

7.69.71

बद्ध्वा तु कवचं तस्य मन्त्रेण विधिपूर्वकम्
प्रेषयामास राजानं युद्धाय महते द्विजः

7.69.72

स संनद्धो महाबाहुराचार्येण महात्मना
रथानां च सहस्रेण त्रिगर्तानां प्रहारिणाम्

7.69.73

तथा दन्तिसहस्रेण मत्तानां वीर्यशालिनाम्
अश्वानामयुतेनैव तथान्यैश्च महारथैः

7.69.74

वृतः प्रायान्महाबाहुरर्जुनस्य रथं प्रति
नानावादित्रघोषेण यथा वैरोचनिस्तथा

7.69.75

ततः शब्दो महानासीत्सैन्यानां तव भारत
अगाधं प्रस्थितं दृष्ट्वा समुद्रमिव कौरवम्

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'After the son of Kunti, impelled by the desire of slaying the ruler of the Sindhus, had penetrated (into the Bharata host) having pierced through the irresistible divisions of both Drona and the Bhojas, after the heir of the ruler of the Kamvojas, viz., prince Sudakshina, had been slain, after Savyasachin had killed the valiant Srutayudha also, after the (Kuru) ranks had fled away and confusion had set in on all sides, thy son, beholding his army broken, repaired to Drona. Quickly coming on his car to Drona, Duryodhana said: 'That tiger among men (viz., Arjuna), having crushed this vast host hath already passed through it. Aided by thy judgment, think now what should be done next for the slaughter of Arjuna in view of awful carnage. Blessed be thou, adopt

such measures that that tiger among men may not succeed in slaying Jayadratha. Thou art our sole refuge. Like a raging conflagration consuming heaps of dry grass and straw, Dhananjaya-fire, urged by the wind of his wrath, is consuming the grass and straw constituted by my troops. O scorcher of foes, seeing the son of Kunti pass, having pierced through this host, those warriors that are protecting Jayadratha have become doubtful (of their ability to resist Partha). O foremost of those acquainted with Brahma, it was the settled conviction of the kings that Dhananjaya would never, with life, succeed in transgressing Drona. O thou of great splendour, when, however, Partha has pierced through thy division in the very sight, I regard my army to be very weak. Indeed, I think that I have no troops. O thou that art highly blessed, I know thou art devoted to the welfare of the Pandavas. I lose my reason, o regenerate one, in thinking what should be done. To the best of my power, I also seek to gratify thee. Thou, however, dost not bear all this in mind. O thou of immeasurable prowess, although we are devoted to thee, still thou never seekest our welfare. Thou art always well-pleased with the Pandavas and always engaged in doing us evil. Though deriving thy livelihood from us, still thou art engaged in doing evil to us. I was not aware that thou art but a razor steeped in honey. If thou hadst not granted me the boon about humiliating and checking the Pandavas, I would never have prevented the ruler of the Sindhus from returning to his own country. Fool that I am, expecting protection from thee, I assured the ruler of the Sindhus, and through my folly offered him as a victim to death. A man may escape, having entered the very jaws of death, but there is no escape for Jayadratha, when once he comes within reach of Dhananjaya's arms. O thou that ownest red steeds, do that by which the ruler of the Sindhus may yet be saved. Do not give way to wrath on hearing the delirious ravings of my afflicted self, O, protect ye the ruler of the Sindhus.'

"Drona said, 'I do not find fault with thy words. Thou art as dear to me as Aswatthaman himself. I tell thee truly. Act, however, now according to my words, O king! Of all drivers of cars, Krishna is the foremost. His steeds are also the foremost of their species. Obtaining only a very small space, Dhananjaya can pass very quickly through it. Seest thou not that the shafts of the diadem-decked (Arjuna), countless in number, shot from his bow, are falling full two miles behind his car as he is proceeding? Burdened with the weight of years, I am now incapable of going so fast. The whole army of the Parthas, again, is now close upon our van. Yudhishthira also should be seized by me. Even so, O thou of mighty arms, hath been the vow made by me in the Presence of all bowmen and in the midst of all the Kshatriyas. O king! he is now staying at the head of his troops, abandoned by Dhananjaya. I shall not, therefore, abandoning the gate of our array, fight with Phalguna. It is meet that thyself, properly supported, shouldst fight With that foe of thine, who is alone and who is thy equal in lineage

and feats. Do not fear. Go and fight with him. Thou art the ruler of the world. Thou art a king. Thou art a hero. Possessed of fame, thou art accomplished in vanquishing (thy foes). O brave subjugator of hostile towns, go thyself to that spot where Dhananjaya the son of Pritha is.'

"Duryodhana said, 'O preceptor, how is it possible for me to resist Dhananjaya who has transgressed even thee that art the foremost of all wielders of arms? The very chief of celestials, armed with the thunder, is capable of being vanquished in battle, but Arjuna that subjugator of hostile towns, cannot be vanquished in battle. He by whom Hridika's son (Kritavarman), the ruler of the Bhojas, and thyself equal unto a celestial, have both been vanquished by the power of his weapons, he by whom Srutayus hath been slain, as also Sudakshina, and king Srutayus too, he by whom both Srutayus and Achyutayus and myriads of Mlecchas also have been slain, how can I contend in battle with that invincible son of Pandu, that accomplished master of weapons, who is even like an all-consuming fire? How also dost thou think me competent to fight with him today? I am dependent on thee like a slave. Protect my fame.'

"Drona said, 'Thou sayest truly, O thou of Kuru's race, that Dhananjaya is irresistible. I, however, will do that by which thou shalt be able to bear him. Let all the bowmen in the world behold today the wonderful feat of the son of Kunti being held in check by thee in the very sight of Vasudeva. This thy armour of gold, O king, I will tie on thy body in such a way that no weapon used by man will be able to strike thee in battle. If even the three worlds with the Asuras and the celestials, the Yakshas, the Uragas, and the Rakshasas, together with all human beings, fight with thee today, thou needst still entertain no fear. Neither Krishna, nor the son of Kunti, nor any other wielder of weapons in battle, will be able to pierce this armour of thine with arrows. Cased in that coat of mail, quickly go thou today against angry Arjuna in battle. He will not be able to bear thee.'

"Sanjaya said, 'Having said these words, Drona, that foremost of persons conversant with Brahma, touching water, and duly uttering certain Mantras, speedily tied that highly wonderful and bright armour on Duryodhana's body for the victory of thy son in that dreadful battle and causing (by that act) all persons there to be filled with amazement. And Drona said, 'Let the Vedas, and Brahman, and the Brahmanas, bless thee. Let all the higher classes of reptiles be a source of blessings to thee, O Bharata! Let Yayati and Nahusha, and Dhundhumara, and Bhagiratha, and the other royal sages, all do what is beneficial to thee. Let blessings be to thee from creatures having but one leg, and from those that have many legs. Let blessings be to thee, in this great battle from creatures that have no legs. Let Swaha, and Swadha, and Sachi, also, all do what is beneficial to thee. O sinless one, let Lakshmi and Arundhati too do what is beneficial to thee. Let Asita, and Devala and Viswamitra, and Angiras, and Vasishtha, and Kasyapa, O king, do what is beneficial

to thee. Let Dhatri, and the lord of the worlds and the points of the compass and the regents of those points, and the six-faced Karttikeya, all give thee what is beneficial. Let the divine Vivaswat benefit thee completely. Let the four elephants, of the four quarters, the earth, the firmament, the planets, and he who is underneath the earth and holds her (on his head), O king, viz., Sesha, that foremost of snakes, give thee what is for thy benefit. O son of Gandhari, formerly the Asura named Vritra, displaying his prowess in battle, had defeated the best of celestials in battle. The latter, numbering thousands upon thousands, with mangled bodies, those denizens of heaven, with Indra at their head, deprived of energy and might, all repaired to Brahman and sought his protection, afraid of the great Asura Vritra. And the gods said, 'O best of gods, O foremost of celestials, be thou the refuge of the gods now crushed by Vritra. Indeed, rescue us from this great fear.' Then Brahmana, addressing Vishnu staying beside him as also those best of celestials headed by Sakra, said unto them that were all cheerless, these words fraught with truth: Indeed, the gods with Indra at their head, and the Brahmanas also, should ever be protected by me. The energy of Tvashtri from which Vritra hath been created is invincible. Having in days of yore performed ascetic penances for a million of years, Tvashtri, then, ye gods, created Vritra, obtaining permission from Maheswara. That mighty foe of yours hath succeeded in smiting you through the grace of that god of gods. Without going to the place where Sankara stayeth, ye cannot see the divine Hara. Having seen that god, ye will be able to vanquish Vritra. Therefore, go ye without delay to the mountains of Mandara. There stayeth that origin of ascetic penances, that destroyer of Daksha's sacrifice, that wielder of Pinaka, that lord of all creatures, that slayer of the Asura called Bhaganetra.' Thus addressed by Brahman, the gods proceeding to Mandara with Brahman in their company, beheld there that heap of energy, that Supreme god endued with the splendour of a million suns. Seeing the gods Maheswara welcomed them and enquired what he was to do for them. 'The sight of ray person can never be fruitless. Let the fruition of your desires proceed from this.' Thus addressed by him, the dwellers of heaven replied, 'We have been deprived of our energy by Vritra. Be thou the refuge of the dwellers of heaven. Behold, O lord, our bodies beaten and bruised by his strokes. We seek thy protection. Be thou our refuge, O Maheswara!' The god of gods, called Sarva, then said, 'Ye gods, it is well-known to you how this action, fraught with great strength, terrible and incapable of being resisted by persons destitute of ascetic merit, originated, springing from the energy of Tvashtri (the divine artificer). As regards myself, it is certainly my duty to render aid to the dwellers of heaven. O Sakra, take this effulgent armour from off my body. And, O chief of the celestials, put it on, mentally uttering these mantras.'

"Drona continued, 'Having said these words, the boon-giving (Siva) gave that armour with the mantras (to be uttered by the wearer). Protected by that armour, Sakra proceeded against the host of Vritra in battle. And

although diverse kinds of weapons were hurled at him in that dreadful battle, yet the joints of that armour could not be cut open. Then the lord of the celestials slew Vritra, and afterwards gave unto Angiras that armour, whose joints were made up of mantras. And Angiras imparted those mantras to his son Vrihaspati, having a knowledge of all mantras. And Vrihaspati imparted that knowledge to Agnivesya of great intelligence. And Agnivesya imparted it to me, and it is with the aid of those mantras, O best of kings, that I, for protecting thy body, tie this armour on thy body.'

`Sanjaya continued, Having said these words Drona, that bull among preceptors, once more addressed thy son, of great splendour, saying, 'O king, I put this armour on thy body, joining its pieces with the aid of Brahma strings. In days of yore, Brahma himself had thus put it on Vishnu in battle. Even as Brahma himself had put this celestial armour on Sakra in the battle caused by the abduction of Taraka, I put it on thee.' Having thus, with mantras, donned that armour duly on Duryodhana, the regenerate Drona sent the king to battle. And the mighty-armed king, cased in armour by the high-souled preceptor, and accomplished in smiting, and a thousand infuriated elephants endued with great prowess, and a hundred thousand horses, and many other mighty car-warriors, proceeded towards the car of Arjuna. And the mighty-armed king proceeded, with the sound of diverse kinds of musical instruments, against his foe, like Virochana's son (Vali in days of yore). Then, O Bharata, a loud uproar arose among thy troops, beholding the Kuru king proceeding like a fathomless ocean.'"

7.70.1

संजय उवाच
प्रविष्टयोर्महाराज पार्थवार्ष्णेययोस्तदा
दुर्योधने प्रयाते च पृष्ठतः पुरुषर्षभे

7.70.2

जवेनाभ्यद्रवन्द्रोणं महता निस्वनेन च
पाण्डवाः सोमकैः सार्धं ततो युद्धमवर्तत

7.70.3

तद्युद्धमभवद्घोरं तुमुलं लोमहर्षणम्
पाञ्चालानां कुरूणां च व्यूहस्य पुरतोऽद्भुतम्

7.70.4

राजन्कदाचिन्नास्माभिर्दृष्टं तादृङ्न च श्रुतम्
यादृङ्मध्यगते सूर्ये युद्धमासीद्विशां पते

7.70.5

धृष्टद्युम्नमुखाः पार्था व्यूढानीकाः प्रहारिणः
द्रोणस्य सैन्यं ते सर्वे शरवर्षैरवाकिरन्

7.70.6

वयं द्रोणं पुरस्कृत्य सर्वशस्त्रभृतां वरम्
पार्षतप्रमुखान्पार्थानभ्यवर्षाम सायकैः

7.70.7

महामेघाविवोदीर्णौ मिश्रवातौ हिमात्यये
सेनाग्रे विप्रकाशेते रुचिरे रथभूषिते

7.70.8

समेत्य तु महासेने चक्रतुर्वेगमुत्तमम्
जाह्नवीयमुने नद्यौ प्रावृषीवोल्बणोदके

7.70.9

नानाशस्त्रपुरोवातो द्विपाश्वरथसंवृतः
गदाविद्युन्महारौद्रः संग्रामजलदो महान्

7.70.10

भारद्वाजानिलोद्धूतः शरधारासहस्रवान्
अभ्यवर्षन्महारौद्रः पाण्डुसेनाग्निमुद्धतम्

7.70.11

समुद्रमिव घर्मान्ते विवान्घोरो महानिलः
व्यक्षोभयदनीकानि पाण्डवानां द्विजोत्तमः

7.70.12

तेऽपि सर्वप्रयत्नेन द्रोणमेव समाद्रवन्
बिभित्सन्तो महासेतुं वार्योघाः प्रबला इव

7.70.13

वारयामास तान्द्रोणो जलौघानचलो यथा
पाण्डवान्समरे क्रुद्धान्पाञ्चालांश्च सकेकयान्

7.70.14

अथापरेऽपि राजानः परावृत्य समन्ततः
महाबला रणे शूराः पाञ्चालानन्ववारयन्

7.70.15

ततो रणे नरव्याघ्रः पार्षतः पाण्डवैः सह
संजघानासकृद्द्रोणं बिभित्सुररिवाहिनीम्

7.70.16

यथैव शरवर्षाणि द्रोणो वर्षति पार्षते
तथैव शरवर्षाणि धृष्टद्युम्नोऽभ्यवर्षत

7.70.17

सनिस्त्रिंशपुरोवातः शक्तिप्रासर्ष्टिसंवृतः
ज्याविद्युच्चापसंह्रादो धृष्टद्युम्नबलाहकः

7.70.18

शरधाराश्मवर्षाणि व्यसृजत्सर्वतोदिशम्
निघ्नन्रथवराश्वौघांश्छादयामास वाहिनीम्

7.70.19

यं यमार्छच्छरैर्द्रोणः पाण्डवानां रथव्रजम्
ततस्ततः शरैर्द्रोणमपाकर्षत पार्षतः

7.70.20

तथा तु यतमानस्य द्रोणस्य युधि भारत
धृष्टद्युम्नं समासाद्य त्रिधा सैन्यमभिद्यत

7.70.21

भोजमेके न्यवर्तन्त जलसंधमथापरे
पाण्डवैर्हन्यमानाश्च द्रोणमेवापरेऽव्रजन्

7.70.22

सैन्यान्यघटयद्यानि द्रोणस्तु रथिनां वरः
व्यधमच्चापि तान्यस्य धृष्टद्युम्नो महारथः

7.70.23

धार्तराष्ट्रास्त्रिधाभूता वध्यन्ते पाण्डुसृञ्जयैः
अगोपाः पशवोऽरण्ये बहुभिः श्वापदैरिव

7.70.24

कालः संग्रसते योधान्धृष्टद्युम्नेन मोहितान्
संग्रामे तुमुले तस्मिन्निति संमेनिरे जनाः

7.70.25

कुनृपस्य यथा राष्ट्रं दुर्भिक्षव्याधितस्करैः
द्राव्यते तद्वदापन्ना पाण्डवैस्तव वाहिनी

7.70.26

अर्करश्मिप्रभिन्नेषु शस्त्रेषु कवचेषु च
चक्षूंषि प्रतिहन्यन्ते सैन्येन रजसा तथा

7.70.27

त्रिधाभूतेषु सैन्येषु वध्यमानेषु पाण्डवैः
अमर्षितस्ततो द्रोणः पाञ्चालान्व्यधमच्छरैः

7.70.28

मृद्नतस्तान्यनीकानि निघ्नतश्चापि सायकैः
बभूव रूपं द्रोणस्य कालाग्नेरिव दीप्यतः

7.70.29

रथं नागं हयं चापि पत्तिनश्च विशां पते
एकैकेनेषुणा संख्ये निर्बिभेद महारथः

7.70.30

पाण्डवानां तु सैन्येषु नास्ति कश्चित्स भारत
दधार यो रणे बाणान्द्रोणचापच्युताञ्शितान्

7.70.31

तत्पच्यमानमर्केण द्रोणसायकतापितम्
बभ्राम पार्षतं सैन्यं तत्र तत्रैव भारत

7.70.32

तथैव पार्षतेनापि काल्यमानं बलं तव
अभवत्सर्वतो दीप्तं शुष्कं वनमिवाग्निना

7.70.33

वध्यमानेषु सैन्येषु द्रोणपार्षतसायकैः
त्यक्त्वा प्राणान्परं शक्त्या प्रायुध्यन्त स्म सैनिकाः

7.70.34

तावकानां परेषां च युध्यतां भरतर्षभ
नासीत्कश्चिन्महाराज योऽत्याक्षीत्संयुगं भयात्

7.70.35

भीमसेनं तु कौन्तेयं सोदर्याः पर्यवारयन्
विविंशतिश्चित्रसेनो विकर्णश्च महारथः

7.70.36

विन्दानुविन्दावावन्त्यौ क्षेमधूर्तिश्च वीर्यवान्
त्रयाणां तव पुत्राणां त्रय एवानुयायिनः

7.70.37

बाह्लीकराजस्तेजस्वी कुलपुत्रो महारथः
सहसेनः सहामात्यो द्रौपदेयानवारयत्

7.70.38

शैब्यो गोवासनो राजा योधैर्दशशतावरैः
काश्यस्याभिभुवः पुत्रं पराक्रान्तमवारयत्

7.70.39

अजातशत्रुं कौन्तेयं ज्वलन्तमिव पावकम्
मद्राणामीश्वरः शल्यो राजा राजानमावृणोत्

7.70.40

दुःशासनस्त्ववस्थाप्य स्वमनीकममर्षणः
सात्यकिं प्रययौ क्रुद्धः शूरो रथवरं युधि

7.70.41

स्वकेनाहमनीकेन संनद्धकवचावृतः
चतुःशतैर्महेष्वासैश्चेकितानमवारयम्

7.70.42

शकुनिस्तु सहानीको माद्रीपुत्रमवारयत्
गान्धारकैः सप्तशतैश्चापशक्तिशरासिभिः

7.70.43

विन्दानुविन्दावावन्त्यौ विराटं मत्स्यमार्छताम्
प्राणांस्त्यक्त्वा महेष्वासौ मित्रार्थेऽभ्युद्यतौ युधि

7.70.44

शिखण्डिनं याज्ञसेनिं रुन्धानमपराजितम्
बाह्लिकः प्रतिसंयत्तः पराक्रान्तमवारयत्

7.70.45

धृष्टद्युम्नं च पाञ्चाल्यं क्रूरैः सार्धं प्रभद्रकैः
आवन्त्यः सह सौवीरैः क्रुद्धरूपमवारयत्

7.70.46

घटोत्कचं तथा शूरं राक्षसं क्रूरयोधिनम्
अलायुधोऽद्रवत्तूर्णं क्रुद्धमायान्तमाहवे

7.70.47

अलम्बुसं राक्षसेन्द्रं कुन्तिभोजो महारथः
सैन्येन महता युक्तः क्रुद्धरूपमवारयत्

7.70.48

सैन्धवः पृष्ठतस्त्वासीत्सर्वसैन्यस्य भारत
रक्षितः परमेष्वासैः कृपप्रभृतिभी रथैः

7.70.49

तस्यास्तां चक्ररक्षौ द्वौ सैन्धवस्य बृहत्तमौ
द्रौणिर्दक्षिणतो राजन्सूतपुत्रश्च वामतः

7.70.50

पृष्ठगोपास्तु तस्यासन्सौमदत्तिपुरोगमाः
कृपश्च वृषसेनश्च शलः शल्यश्च दुर्जयः

7.70.51

नीतिमन्तो महेष्वासाः सर्वे युद्धविशारदाः
सैन्धवस्य विधायैवं रक्षां युयुधिरे तदा

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'After that bull among men, viz., Duryodhana, had set out from behind, following Partha and him of Vrishni's race, O king, both of whom had penetrated into the Kaurava army, the Pandavas accompanied by the Somakas, quickly rushed against Drona with loud shouts. And then commenced the battle (between them and Drona's troops). And the battle that took place between the Kurus and the Pandavas at the gate of the array, was fierce and awful, making the hair stand on end. The sight filled the spectators with wonder. O king, the sun was then in the meridian. That encounter, O monarch, was truly such that we had never seen or heard of its like before. The Parthas headed by Dhrishtadyumna, all accomplished in smiting and arrayed properly covered the troops of Drona with showers of arrows. Ourselves also, placing Drona, that foremost of all wielders of weapons, at our head, covered the Parthas, gathered by Prishata's son, with our shafts. The two hosts, adorned with cars and

looking beautiful, then appeared like two mighty masses of clouds in the summer sky, driven towards each other by opposite winds. Encountering each other, the two hosts increased their impetuosity, like the rivers the Ganga and the Yamuna, swollen with water during the season of the rains. Having diverse kinds of weapons for the winds that ran before them, teeming with elephants and steeds and cars charged with lightning, constituted by the maces wielded by the warriors, the fierce and mighty cloud formed by the Kuru host, urged on by the Drona-tempest, and pouring incessant shafts that constituted its torrents of rain, sought to quench the scorching Pandava-fire. Like an awful hurricane in summer agitating the ocean, that best of Brahmanas, viz., Drona, agitating the Pandava host. Exerting themselves with great vigour, the Pandavas rushed towards Drona alone for piercing his host, like a mighty torrent of water towards a strong embankment, for sweeping it away. Like an immovable hill resisting the fiercest current of water, Drona, however, resisted in that battle the enraged Pandavas and Panchalas and Kekayas. Many other kings also, endued with great strength and courage, attacking them from all sides, began to resist the Pandavas. Then that tiger among men, viz., the son of Prishata, uniting with the Pandayas, began repeatedly to strike Drona, for piercing the hostile host. Indeed, as Drona showered his arrows on Prishata's son, even so did the latter shower his on Drona. Having scimitars and swords for the winds that blew before it, well-equipped with darts and lances and sabres, with the bow-string constituting its lightning, and the (twang of the) bow for its roars, the Dhrishtadyumna-cloud poured on all sides torrents of weapons, as its showers of stones. Slaying the foremost of car-warriors and a large number of steeds, the son of Prishata seemed to deluge the hostile divisions (with his arrowy downpours). And the son of Prishata, by his arrows, turned Drona away from all those tracks amid the car-divisions of the Pandavas, through which that hero attempted to pass, striking the warriors there with his shafts. And although Drona struggled vigorously in that battle, yet his host, encountering Dhrishtadyumna, became divided into three columns. One of these retreated towards Kritavarman, the chief of the Bhojas; another towards Jalasandha; and fiercely slaughtered the while by the Pandavas, proceeded towards Drona himself. Drona, that foremost of car-warriors, repeatedly united his troops. The mighty warrior Dhrishtadyumna as often smote and separated them. Indeed, the Dhartarashtra force, divided into three bodies, was slaughtered by the Pandavas and the Srinjayas fiercely, like a herd of cattle in the woods by many beasts of prey, when unprotected by herdsmen. And people thought that in that dreadful battle, it was Death himself who was swallowing the warriors first stupefied by Dhrishtadyumna. As a kingdom of a bad king is destroyed by famine and pestilence and robbers, even so was thy host afflicted by the Pandavas. And in consequence of the rays of the sun failing upon the weapons and the warriors, and of the dust raised by the soldiers, the eyes of all were painfully afflicted. Upon the Kaurava host being divided into three bodies during that dreadful

carnage by the Pandavas, Drona, filled with wrath, began to consume the Panchalas with his shafts. And while engaged in crushing those divisions and exterminating them with his shafts, the form of Drona became like that of the blazing Yuga-fire. That mighty car-warrior pierced cars, elephants, and steeds, and foot-soldiers, in that battle, each with only a single arrow, (and never employing more than one in any case). There then was no warrior in the Pandava army who was capable of bearing, O lord, the arrows shot from the bow of Drona. Scorched by the rays of the sun and blasted by the shafts of Drona, the Pandava divisions there began to reel about on the field. And thy host also, similarly slaughtered by Prishata's son, seemed to blaze up at every point like a dry forest on fire. And while both Drona and Dhrishtadyumna were slaughtering the two hosts, the warriors of both armies, in utter disregard of their lives, fought everywhere to the utmost extent of their prowess. Neither in thy host, nor in that of the enemy, O bull of Bharata's race, was there a single warrior who fled away from the battle through fear. Those uterine brothers, viz., Vivingsati and Chitrasena and the mighty car-warrior Vikarna, surrounded Kunti's son Bhimasena on all sides. And Vinda and Anuvinda of Avanti, and Kshemadhurti of great prowess supported thy three sons (who contended against Bhimasena). King Valhika of great energy and noble parentage, with his own troops and counsellors, resisted the sons of Draupadi. Saivya, the chief of the Govasanas, with a thousand foremost warriors, faced the son, of great prowess, of the king of the Kasis and resisted him. King Salya, the ruler of the Madras, surrounded royal Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, who resembled a blazing fire. The brave and wrathful Duhsasana, properly supported by his own divisions, angrily proceeded, in that battle, against Satyaki, that foremost of car-warriors. I myself, with my own troops, cased in mail and equipped with weapons, and supported by four hundred foremost of bowmen, resisted Chekitana. 1 Sakuni with seven hundred Gandhara warriors armed with bows, darts and swords, resisted the son of Madri (viz., Sahadeva). Vinda and Anuvinda of Avanti, those two great bowmen, who had, for the sake of their friend (Duryodhana), uplifted their weapons, disregarding their lives, encountered Virata, the king of the Matsyas. King Valhika, exerting himself vigorously, resisted the mighty and unvanquished Sikhandin, the son of Yajnasena, that hero capable of resisting all foes. The chief of Avanti, with the Sauviras and the cruel Prabhadrakas, resisted wrathful Dhrishtadyumna, the prince of the Panchalas. Alamvusha quickly rushed against the brave Rakshasa Ghatotkacha. of cruel deeds, who was wrathfully advancing to battle. The mighty car-warrior Kuntibhoja, accompanied by a large force, resisted Alamvusha, that prince of Rakshasas, of fierce mien. Thus, O Bharata, hundreds of separate encounters between the warriors of thy army and theirs, took place.

"As regards the ruler of the Sindhus, he remained in the rear of the whole army protected by many foremost of bowmen and car-warriors numbering Kripa amongst them. And the ruler of the Sindhus had for the protectors of his wheels two of the foremost warriors, viz., the son of Drona on his right, O king, and the Suta's son (Karna) on the left. And for protecting his rear he had a number of warriors headed by Somadatta's son, viz., Kripa, and Vrishasena, and Sala, and the invincible Salya, who were conversant with policy and were mighty bowmen accomplished in battle. And the Kuru warriors, having made these arrangements for the protection of the ruler of the Sindhus, fought (with the Pandavas).'"

190:1 This Sloka occurs in all the texts. It would seem, therefore, that Sanjaya was not always a witness only of the battle for narrating what he saw to Dhritarashtra, but sometimes at least he took part in the battle.

7.71.1

संजय उवाच
राजन्संग्राममाश्चर्यं शृणु कीर्तयतो मम
कुरूणां पाण्डवानां च यथा युद्धमवर्तत

7.71.2

भारद्वाजं समासाद्य व्यूहस्य प्रमुखे स्थितम्
अयोधयन्रणे पार्था द्रोणानीकं बिभित्सवः

7.71.3

रक्षमाणाः स्वकं व्यूहं द्रोणस्यापि च सैनिकाः
अयोधयन्रणे पार्थान्प्रार्थयन्तो महद्यशः

7.71.4

विन्दानुविन्दावावन्त्यौ विराटं दशभिः शरैः
आजघ्नतुः सुसंक्रुद्धौ तव पुत्रहितैषिणौ

7.71.5

विराटश्च महाराज तावुभौ समरे स्थितौ
पराक्रान्तौ पराक्रम्य योधयामास सानुगौ

7.71.6

तेषां युद्धं समभवद्दारुणं शोणितोदकम्
सिंहस्य द्विपमुख्याभ्यां प्रभिन्नाभ्यां यथा वने

7.71.7

बाह्लीकं रभसं युद्धे याज्ञसेनिर्महाबलः
आजघ्ने विशिखैस्तीक्ष्णैर्घोरैर्मर्मास्थिभेदिभिः

7.71.8

बाह्लीको याज्ञसेनिं तु हेमपुङ्खैः शिलाशितैः
आजघान भृशं क्रुद्धो नवभिर्नतपर्वभिः

7.71.9

तद्युद्धमभवद्घोरं शरशक्तिसमाकुलम्
भीरूणां त्रासजननं शूराणां हर्षवर्धनम्

7.71.10

ताभ्यां तत्र शरैर्मुक्तैरन्तरिक्षं दिशस्तथा
अभवत्संवृतं सर्वं न प्राज्ञायत किंचन

7.71.11

शैब्यो गोवासनो युद्धे काश्यपुत्रं महारथम्
ससैन्यो योधयामास गजः प्रतिगजं यथा

7.71.12

बाह्लीकराजः संरब्धो द्रौपदेयान्महारथान्
मनः पञ्चेन्द्रियाणीव शुशुभे योधयन्रणे

7.71.13

अयोधयंस्ते च भृशं तं शरौघैः समन्ततः
इन्द्रियार्था यथा देहं शश्वद्देहभृतां वर

7.71.14

वार्ष्णेयं सात्यकिं युद्धे पुत्रो दुःशासनस्तव
आजघ्ने सायकैस्तीक्ष्णैर्नवभिर्नतपर्वभिः

7.71.15

सोऽतिविद्धो बलवता महेष्वासेन धन्विना
ईषन्मूर्छां जगामाशु सात्यकिः सत्यविक्रमः

7.71.16

समाश्वस्तस्तु वार्ष्णेयस्तव पुत्रं महारथम्
विव्याध दशभिस्तूर्णं सायकैः कङ्कपत्रिभिः

7.71.17

तावन्योन्यं दृढं विद्धावन्योन्यशरविक्षतौ
रेजतुः समरे राजन्पुष्पिताविव किंशुकौ

7.71.18

अलम्बुसस्तु संक्रुद्धः कुन्तिभोजशरार्दितः
अशोभत परं लक्ष्म्या पुष्पाढ्य इव किंशुकः

7.71.19

कुन्तिभोजं ततो रक्षो विद्ध्वा बहुभिरायसैः
अनदद्भैरवं नादं वाहिन्याः प्रमुखे तव

7.71.20

ततस्तौ समरे शूरौ योधयन्तौ परस्परम्
ददृशुः सर्वभूतानि शक्रजम्भौ यथा पुरा

7.71.21

शकुनिं रभसं युद्धे कृतवैरं च भारत
माद्रीपुत्रौ च संरब्धौ शरैरर्दयतां मृधे

7.71.22

तन्मूलः स महाराज प्रावर्तत जनक्षयः
त्वया संजनितोऽत्यर्थं कर्णेन च विवर्धितः

7.71.23

उद्धुक्षितश्च पुत्रेण तव क्रोधहुताशनः
य इमां पृथिवीं राजन्दग्धुं सर्वां समुद्यतः

7.71.24

शकुनिः पाण्डुपुत्राभ्यां कृतः स विमुखः शरैः
नाभ्यजानत कर्तव्यं युधि किंचित्पराक्रमम्

7.71.25

विमुखं चैनमालोक्य माद्रीपुत्रौ महारथौ
ववर्षतुः पुनर्बाणैर्यथा मेघौ महागिरिम्

7.71.26

स वध्यमानो बहुभिः शरैः संनतपर्वभिः
संप्रायाज्जवनैरश्वैर्द्रोणानीकाय सौबलः

7.71.27

घटोत्कचस्तथा शूरं राक्षसं तमलायुधम्
अभ्ययाद्रभसं युद्धे वेगमास्थाय मध्यमम्

7.71.28

तयोर्युद्धं महाराज चित्ररूपमिवाभवत्
यादृशं हि पुरा वृत्तं रामरावणयोर्मृधे

7.71.29

ततो युधिष्ठिरो राजा मद्रराजानमाहवे
विद्ध्वा पञ्चाशता बाणैः पुनर्विव्याध सप्तभिः

7.71.30

ततः प्रववृते युद्धं तयोरत्यद्भुतं नृप
यथा पूर्वं महद्युद्धं शम्बरामरराजयोः

7.71.31

विविंशतिश्चित्रसेनो विकर्णश्च तवात्मजः
अयोधयन्भीमसेनं महत्या सेनया वृताः

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Listen, O king, to me as I describe to thee the wonderful battle that then took place between the Kurus and the Pandavas. Approaching Bharadwaja's son who was staying at the gate of his array, the Parthas battled vigorously for piercing through Drona's division. And Drona also, accompanied by his forces, desirous of protecting his own array, battled with the Parthas, seeking glory. Vinda and Anuvinda of Avanti, excited with wrath and desirous of benefiting thy son, struck Virata with ten shafts. Virata also, O king, approaching those two warriors of great prowess staying in battle, fought with them and their followers. The battle that took place between these was fierce in the extreme, and blood ran in it like water. And it resembled an encounter in the woods between a lion and a couple of mighty elephants, with rent temples. The mighty son of Yajnasena forcibly struck king Valhika in that battle with fierce and sharp shafts capable of penetrating into the very vitals. Valhika also filled with wrath, deeply pierced Yajnasena's son with nine straight shafts of golden wings and whetted on stone. And that battle between those two warriors became exceedingly fierce, characterised as it was by dense showers of shafts and darts. And it enhanced the fears of the timid and the joy of heroes. The arrows shot by them entirely covered the welkin and all the points of the compass, so that nothing could any longer be discerned. And Saivya, the king of the Govasanas on the head of the troops, fought in that battle with the mighty car-warrior, the prince of the Kasis, like an elephant battling with another. The king of the Valhikas, excited with wrath, fighting, against those (five) mighty car-warriors, viz., the son of Draupadi, looked resplendent, like the mind contending against the five senses. And those five princes also, O foremost of embodied beings, fought with that antagonist of theirs, shooting their arrows from all sides, like the objects

of the senses for ever battling with the body. Thy son Duhsasana, struck Satyaki of Vrishni's race with nine straight shafts of keen points. Deeply pierced by that strong and great bowman, Satyaki of prowess incapable of being baffled, was partially deprived of his senses. Comforted soon, he, of Vrishni's race, then quickly pierced thy son, that mighty car-warrior, with ten shafts winged with Kanka feathers. Piercing each other deeply and afflicted with each other's shafts, they looked splendid, O king, like two Kinsukas decked with flowers. Afflicted with the arrows of Kuntibhoja, Alamvusha, filled with wrath looked like a beautiful Kinsuka graced with its flowering burthen. The Rakshasa then having pierced Kuntibhoja with many arrows, uttered awful shouts at the head of thy host. And as those heroes fought with each other in that battle, they seemed to all the troops to resemble Sakra and the Asura Jambha in days of old. The two sons of Madri, filled with wrath, fiercely ground with their shafts the Gandhara prince Sakuni who had offended against them greatly. The carnage, O monarch, that set in was awful. Originated by thee, nurtured by Karna, and kept up by thy sons, the fire of wrath (of the Pandavas) hath swollen now, O monarch, and is ready to consume the whole earth. Forced to turn his back on the field by the two sons of Pandu with their shafts, Sakuni unable to put forth his valour, knew not what to do. Beholding him turn back, those mighty car-warriors, viz., the two sons of Pandu, once more showered their arrows on him like two masses of clouds pouring torrents of rain on a mighty hill. Struck with countless straight shafts, the son of Suvala fled towards the division of Drona, borne by his swift steeds. The brave Ghatotkacha rushed towards the Rakshasa Alamvusha in that battle, with impetuosity much short of what he was capable. The battle between those two became fearful to behold, like that which in days of yore had taken place between Rama and Ravana. King Yudhishthira, having in that battle pierced the ruler of the Madras with five hundred arrows, once more pierced him with seven. Then commenced that battle between them which was exceedingly wonderful, O monarch, which resembled that, in days of yore, between the Asura Samvara and the chief of the celestials. The sons Vivinsati and Chitrasena and Vikarna, surrounded by a large force, battled with Bhimasena.'"

7.72.1

संजय उवाच
तथा तस्मिन्प्रवृत्ते तु संग्रामे लोमहर्षणे
कौरवेयांस्त्रिधाभूतान्पाण्डवाः समुपाद्रवन्

7.72.2

जलसंधं महाबाहुर्भीमसेनो न्यवारयत्
युधिष्ठिरः सहानीकः कृतवर्माणमाहवे

7.72.3

किरन्तं शरवर्षाणि रोचमान इवांशुमान्
धृष्टद्युम्नो महाराज द्रोणमभ्यद्रवद्रणे

7.72.4

ततः प्रववृते युद्धं त्वरतां सर्वधन्विनाम्
कुरूणां सोमकानां च संक्रुद्धानां परस्परम्

7.72.5

संक्षये तु तथा भूते वर्तमाने महाभये
द्वंद्वीभूतेषु सैन्येषु युध्यमानेष्वभीतवत्

7.72.6

द्रोणः पाञ्चालपुत्रेण बली बलवता सह
विचिक्षेप पृषत्कौघांस्तदद्भुतमिवाभवत्

7.72.7

पुण्डरीकवनानीव विध्वस्तानि समन्ततः
चक्राते द्रोणपाञ्चाल्यौ नृणां शीर्षाण्यनेकशः

7.72.8

विनिकीर्णानि वीराणामनीकेषु समन्ततः
वस्त्राभरणशस्त्राणि ध्वजवर्मायुधानि च

7.72.9

तपनीयविचित्राङ्गाः संसिक्ता रुधिरेण च
संसक्ता इव दृश्यन्ते मेघसंघाः सविद्युतः

7.72.10

कुञ्जराश्वनरान्संख्ये पातयन्तः पतत्रिभिः
तालमात्राणि चापानि विकर्षन्तो महारथाः

7.72.11

असिचर्माणि चापानि शिरांसि कवचानि च
विप्रकीर्यन्त शूराणां संप्रहारे महात्मनाम्

7.72.12

उत्थितान्यगणेयानि कबन्धानि समन्ततः
अदृश्यन्त महाराज तस्मिन्परमसंकुले

7.72.13

गृध्राः कङ्का वडाः श्येना वायसा जम्बुकास्तथा
बहवः पिशिताशाश्च तत्रादृश्यन्त मारिष

7.72.14

भक्षयन्तः स्म मांसानि पिबन्तश्चापि शोणितम्
विलुम्पन्तः स्म केशांश्च मज्जाश्च बहुधा नृप

7.72.15

आकर्षन्तः शरीराणि शरीरावयवांस्तथा
नराश्वगजसंघानां शिरांसि च ततस्ततः

7.72.16

कृतास्त्रा रणदीक्षाभिर्दीक्षिताः शरधारिणः
रणे जयं प्रार्थयन्तो भृशं युयुधिरे तदा

7.72.17

असिमार्गान्बहुविधान्विचेरुस्तावका रणे
ऋष्टिभिः शक्तिभिः प्रासैः शूलतोमरपट्टिशैः

7.72.18

गदाभिः परिघैश्चान्ये व्यायुधाश्च भुजैरपि
अन्योन्यं जघ्निरे क्रुद्धा युद्धरङ्गगता नराः

7.72.19

रथिनो रथिभिः सार्धमश्वारोहाश्च सादिभिः
मातङ्गा वरमातङ्गैः पदाताश्च पदातिभिः

7.72.20

क्षीबा इवान्ये चोन्मत्ता रङ्गेष्विव च चारणाः
उच्चुक्रुशुस्तथान्योन्यं जघ्नुरन्योन्यमाहवे

7.72.21

वर्तमाने तथा युद्धे निर्मर्यादे विशां पते
धृष्टद्युम्नो हयानश्वैर्द्रोणस्य व्यत्यमिश्रयत्

7.72.22

ते हया साध्वशोभन्त विमिश्रा वातरंहसः
पारावतसवर्णाश्च रक्तशोणाश्च संयुगे
हयाः शुशुभिरे राजन्मेघा इव सविद्युतः

7.72.23

धृष्टद्युम्नश्च संप्रेक्ष्य द्रोणमभ्याशमागतम्
असिचर्माददे वीरो धनुरुत्सृज्य भारत

7.72.24

चिकीर्षुर्दुष्करं कर्म पार्षतः परवीरहा
ईषया समतिक्रम्य द्रोणस्य रथमाविशत्

7.72.25

अतिष्ठद्युगमध्ये स युगसंनहनेषु च
जघानार्धेषु चाश्वानां तत्सैन्यान्यभ्यपूजयन्

7.72.26

खड्गेन चरतस्तस्य शोणाश्वानधितिष्ठतः
न ददर्शान्तरं द्रोणस्तदद्भुतमिवाभवत्

7.72.27

यथा श्येनस्य पतनं वनेष्वामिषगृद्धिनः
तथैवासीदभीसारस्तस्य द्रोणं जिघांसतः

7.72.28

ततः शरशतेनास्य शतचन्द्रं समाक्षिपत्
द्रोणो द्रुपदपुत्रस्य खड्गं च दशभिः शरैः

7.72.29

हयांश्चैव चतुःषष्ट्या शराणां जघ्निवान्बली
ध्वजं छत्रं च भल्लाभ्यां तथोभौ पार्ष्णिसारथी

7.72.30

अथास्मै त्वरितो बाणमपरं जीवितान्तकम्
आकर्णपूर्णं चिक्षेप वज्रं वज्रधरो यथा

7.72.31

तं चतुर्दशभिर्बाणैर्बाणं चिच्छेद सात्यकिः
ग्रस्तमाचार्यमुख्येन धृष्टद्युम्नममोचयत्

7.72.32

सिंहेनेव मृगं ग्रस्तं नरसिंहेन मारिष
द्रोणेन मोचयामास पाञ्चाल्यं शिनिपुंगवः

7.72.33

सात्यकिं प्रेक्ष्य गोप्तारं पाञ्चाल्यस्य महाहवे
शराणां त्वरितो द्रोणः षड्विंशत्या समर्पयत्

7.72.34

ततो द्रोणं शिनेः पौत्रो ग्रसन्तमिव सृञ्जयान्
प्रत्यविध्यच्छितैर्बाणैः षड्विंशत्या स्तनान्तरे

7.72.35

ततः सर्वे रथास्तूर्णं पाञ्चाला जयगृद्धिनः
सात्वताभिसृते द्रोणे धृष्टद्युम्नममोचयन्

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'When that fierce battle, causing the hair to stand on end, commenced, the Pandavas rushed against the Kauravas who had been divided into three bodies. Bhimasena rushed against the mighty-armed Jalasandha, and Yudhishthira, at the head of his troops rushed, in that

battle, against Kritavarman. And Dhrishtadyumna, O king, scattering the shafts, like the sun shooting his rays, rushed against Drona. Then commenced that battle between all the bowmen, eager for the encounter, of the Kurus and the Pandavas, excited with wrath. And during the progress of that terrible carnage, when all the warriors were battling with one another fearlessly the mighty Drona fought with the mighty prince of the Panchalas. And the clouds of arrows he shot in that encounter filled all spectators with wonder. And Drona and the prince of the Panchalas, cutting off the heads of men by thousands, scattered them on the field of battle, making the latter resemble a forest of lotuses. In every division, were soon strewn on the ground robes and ornaments and weapons, and standards and coats of mail. And golden coats of mail, dyed with blood, looked like clouds charged with lightning. Other mighty car-warriors, drawing their large bows measuring full six cubits long, felled with their shafts, elephants and steeds and men. In that dreadful encounter of arms between brave and high-souled warriors, swords and shields, bows and heads and coats of mail were seen lying scattered about. Innumerable headless trunks wore seen to rise up, O king, in the midst of that fierce battle. And vultures and Kankas and jackals and swarms of other carnivorous animals, O sire, were seen there, eating the flesh of fallen men and steeds and elephants, of drinking their blood, or dragging them by the hair, or licking or pecking, O king, at their marrow, or dragging their bodies and severed limbs, or rolling their heads on the ground. Warriors, skilled in battle, accomplished in weapons, and firmly resolved in fight, struggled vigorously in the combat, solicitous only of fame. Many were the combatants that careered over the field, performing the diverse evolutions, of swordsmen. With sabres and darts and lances and spears and axes, with maces and spiked clubs and other kinds of weapons, and with even bare arms, men who had entered the arena of battle, filled with rage, slew one another. And car-warriors fought with car-warriors, and horsemen with horsemen, and elephants with foremost of elephants, and foot-soldiers with foot-soldiers. And many infuriated elephants, as if perfectly mad, uttered loud shrieks and slew one another, after the manner they do in sporting arenas.

"During the progress, O king, of that battle in which the combatants fought without any regard for one another, Dhrishtadyumna caused his own steeds to be mixed up with those of Drona. Those steeds endued with the speed of the wind, that were white as pigeons and red as blood, thus mixed with one another in battle, looked exceedingly beautiful. Indeed, they looked resplendent like clouds charged with lightning. Then that slayer of hostile heroes, viz., heroic Dhrishtadyumna, the son of Prishata, beholding Drona, O Bharata, arrived so near, cast off his bow and took up his sword and shield, for achieving a difficult feat. Seizing the shaft of Drona's car, he entered into it. And he stayed sometimes on the middle of the yoke, and sometimes on its joints and sometimes behind the steeds. And while he was moving, armed with swords, quickly upon

the backs of those red steeds of Drona, the latter could not detect an opportunity for striking him. 1 All this seemed wonderful to us. Indeed, like the sweep of a hawk in the woods from desire of food, seemed that sally of Dhrishtadyumna from his own car for the destruction of Drona. Then Drona cut off, with a hundred arrows, the shield, decked with a hundred moons, of Drupada's son, and then his sword, with ten others. And mighty Drona then, with four and sixty arrows, slew the steeds of his antagonist. And with a couple of broad-headed shafts he cut off the latter's standard and umbrella also, and then slew both his Parshni charioteers. And then with great speed drawing his bow-string to his ear, he shot at him a fatal shaft, like the wielder of the thunder hurling the thunder (at a foe). But soon Satyaki, with four and ten sharp shafts, cut off that fatal arrow of Drona. And thus the Vrishni hero, O sire, rescued Dhrishtadyumna, who had been seized by that lion among men, the foremost of preceptors, like a deer seized by the king of the forests. Even thus did that bull amongst the Sinis, the prince of the Panchalas. Beholding Satyaki to rescue the prince of the Panchalas in the dreadful battle, Drona quickly shot at him six and twenty arrows. The grandson of Sini then, in return, pierced Drona in the centre of the chest with six and twenty arrows, while the latter was engaged in devouring the Srinjayas. Then all the Panchala car-warriors, desirous of victory upon the Satwata hero, proceeding against Drona, quickly withdrew Dhrishtadyumna from the battle.'"

194:1 The words tatsainyanyabhyapujayan seem to be unmeaning in this connection. The Bengali translators, unable to do anything with them, have left them out.

7.73.1

धृतराष्ट्र उवाच
बाणे तस्मिन्निकृत्ते तु धृष्टद्युम्ने च मोक्षिते
तेन वृष्णिप्रवीरेण युयुधानेन संजय

7.73.2

अमर्षितो महेष्वासः सर्वशस्त्रभृतां वरः
नरव्याघ्रः शिनेः पौत्रे द्रोणः किमकरोद्युधि

7.73.3

संजय उवाच
संप्रद्रुतः क्रोधविषो व्यादितास्यशरासनः
तीक्ष्णधारेषुदशनः शितनाराचदंष्ट्रवान्

7.73.4

संरम्भामर्षताम्राक्षो महाहिरिव निःश्वसन्
नरवीरप्रमुदितैः शोणैरश्वैर्महाजवैः

7.73.5

उत्पतद्भिरिवाकाशं क्रमद्भिरिव सर्वतः
रुक्मपुङ्खाञ्शरानस्यन्युयुधानमुपाद्रवत्

7.73.6

शरपातमहावर्षं रथघोषबलाहकम्
कार्मुकाकर्षविक्षिप्तं नाराचबहुविद्युतम्

7.73.7

शक्तिखड्गाशनिधरं क्रोधवेगसमुत्थितम्
द्रोणमेघमनावार्यं हयमारुतचोदितम्

7.73.8

दृष्ट्वैवाभिपतन्तं तं शूरः परपुरंजयः
उवाच सूतं शैनेयः प्रहसन्युद्धदुर्मदः

7.73.9

एतं वै ब्राह्मणं क्रूरं स्वकर्मण्यनवस्थितम्
आश्रयं धार्तराष्ट्रस्य राज्ञो दुःखभयावहम्

7.73.10

शीघ्रं प्रजवितैरश्वैः प्रत्युद्याहि प्रहृष्टवत्
आचार्यं राजपुत्राणां सततं शूरमानिनम्

7.73.11

ततो रजतसंकाशा माधवस्य हयोत्तमाः
द्रोणस्याभिमुखाः शीघ्रमगच्छन्वातरंहसः

7.73.12

इषुजालावृतं घोरमन्धकारमनन्तरम्
अनाधृष्यमिवान्येषां शूराणामभवत्तदा

7.73.13

ततः शीघ्रास्त्रविदुषोर्द्रोणसात्वतयोस्तदा
नान्तरं शरवृष्टीनां दृश्यते नरसिंहयोः

7.73.14

इषूणां संनिपातेन शब्दो धाराभिघातजः
शुश्रुवे शक्रमुक्तानामशनीनामिव स्वनः

7.73.15

नाराचैरतिविद्धानां शराणां रूपमाबभौ
आशीविषविदष्टानां सर्पाणामिव भारत

7.73.16

तयोर्ज्यातलनिर्घोषो व्यश्रूयत सुदारुणः
अजस्रं शैलशृङ्गाणां वज्रेणाहन्यतामिव

7.73.17

उभयोस्तौ रथौ राजंस्ते चाश्वास्तौ च सारथी
रुक्मपुङ्खैः शरैश्छन्नाश्चित्ररूपा बभुस्तदा

7.73.18

निर्मलानामजिह्मानां नाराचानां विशां पते
निर्मुक्ताशीविषाभानां संपातोऽभूत्सुदारुणः

7.73.19

उभयोः पतिते छत्रे तथैव पतितौ ध्वजौ
उभौ रुधिरसिक्ताङ्गावुभौ च विजयैषिणौ

7.73.20

स्रवद्भिः शोणितं गात्रैः प्रस्रुताविव वारणौ
अन्योन्यमभिविध्येतां जीवितान्तकरैः शरैः

7.73.21

गर्जितोत्क्रुष्टसंनादाः शङ्खदुन्दुभिनिस्वनाः
उपारमन्महाराज व्याजहार न कश्चन

7.73.22

तूष्णींभूतान्यनीकानि योधा युद्धादुपारमन्
ददृशे द्वैरथं ताभ्यां जातकौतूहलो जनः

7.73.23

रथिनो हस्तियन्तारो हयारोहाः पदातयः
अवैक्षन्ताचलैर्नेत्रैः परिवार्य रथर्षभौ

7.73.24

हस्त्यनीकान्यतिष्ठन्त तथानीकानि वाजिनाम्
तथैव रथवाहिन्यः प्रतिव्यूह्य व्यवस्थिताः

7.73.25

मुक्ताविद्रुमचित्रैश्च मणिकाञ्चनभूषितैः
ध्वजैराभरणैश्चित्रैः कवचैश्च हिरण्मयैः

7.73.26

वैजयन्तीपताकाभिः परिस्तोमाङ्गकम्बलैः
विमलैर्निशितैः शस्त्रैर्हयानां च प्रकीर्णकैः

7.73.27

जातरूपमयीभिश्च राजतीभिश्च मूर्धसु
गजानां कुम्भमालाभिर्दन्तवेष्टैश्च भारत

7.73.28

सबलाकाः सखद्योताः सैरावतशतह्रदाः
अदृश्यन्तोष्णपर्याये मेघानामिव वागुराः

7.73.29

अपश्यन्नस्मदीयाश्च ते च यौधिष्ठिराः स्थिताः
तद्युद्धं युयुधानस्य द्रोणस्य च महात्मनः

7.73.30

विमानाग्रगता देवा ब्रह्मशक्रपुरोगमाः
सिद्धचारणसंघाश्च विद्याधरमहोरगाः

7.73.31

गतप्रत्यागताक्षेपैश्चित्रैः शस्त्रविघातिभिः
विविधैर्विस्मयं जग्मुस्तयोः पुरुषसिंहयोः

7.73.32

हस्तलाघवमस्त्रेषु दर्शयन्तौ महाबलौ
अन्योन्यं समविध्येतां शरैस्तौ द्रोणसात्यकी

7.73.33

ततो द्रोणस्य दाशार्हः शरांश्चिच्छेद संयुगे
पत्रिभिः सुदृढैराशु धनुश्चैव महाद्युते

7.73.34

निमेषान्तरमात्रेण भारद्वाजोऽपरं धनुः
सज्यं चकार तच्चाशु चिच्छेदास्य स सात्यकिः

7.73.35

ततस्त्वरन्पुनर्द्रोणो धनुर्हस्तो व्यतिष्ठत
सज्यं सज्यं पुनश्चास्य चिच्छेद निशितैः शरैः

7.73.36

ततोऽस्य संयुगे द्रोणो दृष्ट्वा कर्मातिमानुषम्
युयुधानस्य राजेन्द्र मनसेदमचिन्तयत्

7.73.37

एतदस्त्रबलं रामे कार्तवीर्ये धनंजये
भीष्मे च पुरुषव्याघ्रे यदिदं सात्वतां वरे

7.73.38

तं चास्य मनसा द्रोणः पूजयामास विक्रमम्
लाघवं वासवस्येव संप्रेक्ष्य द्विजसत्तमः

7.73.39

तुतोषास्त्रविदां श्रेष्ठस्तथा देवाः सवासवाः
न तामालक्षयामासुर्लघुतां शीघ्रकारिणः

7.73.40

देवाश्च युयुधानस्य गन्धर्वाश्च विशां पते
सिद्धचारणसंघाश्च विदुर्द्रोणस्य कर्म तत्

7.73.41

ततोऽन्यद्धनुरादाय द्रोणः क्षत्रियमर्दनः
अस्त्रैरस्त्रविदां श्रेष्ठो योधयामास भारत

7.73.42

तस्यास्त्राण्यस्त्रमायाभिः प्रतिहन्य स सात्यकिः
जघान निशितैर्बाणैस्तदद्भुतमिवाभवत्

7.73.43

तस्यातिमानुषं कर्म दृष्ट्वान्यैरसमं रणे
युक्तं योगेन योगज्ञास्तावकाः समपूजयन्

7.73.44

यदस्त्रमस्यति द्रोणस्तदेवास्यति सात्यकिः
तमाचार्योऽप्यसंभ्रान्तोऽयोधयच्छत्रुतापनः

7.73.45

ततः क्रुद्धो महाराज धनुर्वेदस्य पारगः
वधाय युयुधानस्य दिव्यमस्त्रमुदैरयत्

7.73.46

तदाग्नेयं महाघोरं रिपुघ्नमुपलक्ष्य सः
अस्त्रं दिव्यं महेष्वासो वारुणं समुदैरयत्

7.73.47

हाहाकारो महानासीद्दृष्ट्वा दिव्यास्त्रधारिणौ
न विचेरुस्तदाकाशे भूतान्याकाशगान्यपि

7.73.48

अस्त्रे ते वारुणाग्नेये ताभ्यां बाणसमाहिते
न तावदभिषज्येते व्यावर्तदथ भास्करः

7.73.49

ततो युधिष्ठिरो राजा भीमसेनश्च पाण्डवः
नकुलः सहदेवश्च पर्यरक्षन्त सात्यकिम्

7.73.50

धृष्टद्युम्नमुखैः सार्धं विराटश्च सकेकयः
मत्स्याः शाल्वेयसेनाश्च द्रोणमाजग्मुरञ्जसा

7.73.51

दुःशासनं पुरस्कृत्य राजपुत्राः सहस्रशः
द्रोणमभ्युपपद्यन्त सपत्नैः परिवारितम्

7.73.52

ततो युद्धमभूद्राजंस्तव तेषां च धन्विनाम्
रजसा संवृते लोके शरजालसमावृते

7.73.53

सर्वमाविग्नमभवन्न प्राज्ञायत किंचन
सैन्येन रजसा ध्वस्ते निर्मर्यादमवर्तत

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Dhritarashtra said, 'After that shafts of Drona had been cut off and Dhrishtadyumna thus rescued, O Sanjaya, by Yuyudhana, that foremost one of the Vrishni race, what did that great bowman, that foremost of all wielders of weapons, viz., Drona, do in battle unto that tiger among men, viz., the grandson of Sini?'

"Sanjaya said, 'Then Drona, like a mighty snake, having wrath for his poison, his stretched bow for his wide-open mouth, his sharp shafts for his teeth and whetted arrows for his fangs, with eyes red as copper from rage, and breathing hard, that mighty hero among men, perfectly fearless, borne on his red steeds of great speed, that seemed to soar into the skies or get at the top of a mountain, rushed towards Yuyudhana, scattering his arrows equipped with golden wings. Then that subjugator of hostile cities, that hero of Sini's race invincible in battle, beholding that irresistible Drona

cloud having showers of arrows for its watery downpour, the rattle of car-wheels for its roar, the out-stretched bow for its volume, long shafts for its lightning-flashes, darts and swords for its thunder, wrath for the winds and urged on by those steeds that constituted the hurricane (impelling it forwards), rushed towards him, addressed his charioteer and smilingly said, O Suta, proceed quickly and cheerfully, urging the steeds to their greatest speed, against that heroic Brahmana, fallen off from the duties of his order, that refuge of Dhritarashtra's son, that dispeller of the (Kuru) king's sorrows and fear, that preceptor of all the princes, that warrior ever boastful of his prowess.' Then the excellent steeds of silvery hue belonging to him of Madhu's race, endued with the speed of the wind, quickly proceeded towards Drona. Then those two chastisers of foes, viz., Drona and Sini's grandson, fought with each other, each striking the other with thousands of shafts. Those two bulls among men filled the welkin with their arrowy showers. Indeed, the two heroes covered the ten points of the compass with their shafts. And they poured on each other their shafts like two clouds pouring their contents (on the earth) on the expiration of summer. The sun became invisible. The very wind ceased to blow. And in consequence of those showers of shafts filling the welkin, a continuous and thick gloom was caused there that became unbearable to the other heroes. And when the shafts of Drona and Sini's grandson had caused that gloom there, none beheld any cessation in shooting in either of them. They were both quick in the use of weapons, and they were both looked upon as lions among men. The sound produced by those torrents of arrows, shot by both striking against each other was heard to resemble the sound of the thunder hurled by Sakra. The forms of heroic warriors pierced with long shafts looked like those of snakes, O Bharata, hit by snakes of virulent poison. Brave warriors incessantly heard the twangs of their bows and the sounds of their palms to resemble the sound of thunder falling upon summits of mountains. The cars of both of those warriors, O king, their steeds, and their charioteers pierced with shafts of golden wings, became beautiful to behold. Fierce was the downpour, O monarch, of shafts that were bright and straight and that looked resplendent like snakes of virulent poison freed from their sloughs. The umbrellas of both were cut off, as also the standards of both. And both of them were covered with blood, and both were inspired with the hope of victory. With blood trickling down every limb of theirs, they resembled a couple of elephants with secretions trickling down their bodies. And they continued to strike each other with fatal shafts. The roars and shouts and other cries of the soldiers, the blare of conchs and the beat of drums ceased, O king, for none uttered any sound. Indeed, all the divisions became silent, and all the warriors stopped fighting. People, filled with curiosity became spectators of that single combat. Car-warriors and elephant riders and horsemen and foot-soldiers, surrounding those two bulls among men, witnessed their encounter with steadfast eyes. And the elephant-divisions stood still and so also the horse-divisions, and so also the

car-divisions. All stood still, disposed in array. Variegated with pearls and corals, decked with gems and gold, adorned with standards and ornaments, with coats of mail made of gold, with triumphal banners with rich caparisons of elephants, with fine blankets, with bright and sharp weapons, with yak-tails, ornamented with gold and silver, on the heads of steeds, with garlands, round the frontal globes of elephants and rings round their tusks, O Bharata, the Kuru and the Pandava hosts then looked like a mass of clouds at the close of summer, decked with rows of cranes and myriads of fire-flies (under them) and adorned with rainbows and flashes of lightning. Both our men and those of Yudhishthira, beheld that battle between Yuyudhana and high-souled Drona; the gods also, headed by Brahma and Soma, and the Siddhas, and the Charanas, and the Vidyadharas, and the great Snakes, saw it, stationed on their foremost of sky-ranging cars. And beholding the diverse motion, forward and backward, of those lions among men, and their acts of striking each other, the spectators were filled with wonder. And both endued with great strength, Drona and Satyaki, displaying their lightness of hand in the use of weapons, began to pierce each other with shafts. Then he of Dasarha's race, with his mighty shafts, cut off those of the illustrious Drona in that battle, and then, within a moment, the latter's bow also. Within, however, the twinkling of an eye, the son of Bharadwaja took up another bow and strung it. Even that bow of his was cut off by Satyaki. Drona then, with utmost quickness waited with another bow in hand. As often, however, as Drona strung his bow, Satyaki cut it off. And this he did full nine and seven times. Beholding then that superhuman feat of Yuyudhana in battle, Drona, O monarch, thought in his mind, 'This force of weapons that I see in this foremost one among the Satwatas exists in Rama and Dhananjaya and was seen also in Kartavirya and that tiger among men, viz., Bhishma. The son of Bharadwaja, therefore, mentally applauded the prowess of Satyaki. Beholding that lightness of hand equal unto that of Vasava himself, that foremost of regenerate ones, that first of all persons conversant with weapons, was highly gratified with Madhava. And the gods also, with Vasava at their head, were gratified with it. The gods and the Gandharvas, O monarch, had never before witnessed that lightness of hand of the quickly moving Yuyudhana, although they and the Siddhas and the Charanas had been acquainted with the feats of which Drona was capable. Then Drona, that foremost of persons acquainted with weapons, that grinder of Kshatriyas, taking up another bow, aimed some weapons. Satyaki, however, baffling those weapons with the illusion of his own weapon struck him with some sharp shafts. All this seemed highly wonderful. Beholding that superhuman feat of his in battle, that feat of which nobody else was capable, and which displayed very great skill, those amongst thy warriors that were judges of skill, applauded it. Satyaki shot the same weapons that Drona shot. Beholding this, that scorcher of foes, viz., the preceptor, fought with a little less boldness, than usual. Then that master of military science, O king, filled with wrath, invoked celestial weapons for the destruction of

[paragraph continues] Yuyudhana. Beholding that terrible foe-slaughtering Agneya weapon, Satyaki, that mighty bowman, invoked another celestial weapon, viz., the Varuna. Seeing them both take up celestial weapons, loud cries of Oh and Alas arose there. The very creatures having the sky for their element ceased to range through it. Then the Varuna and the Agneya weapons which had thus been grafted on their shafts coming against each other became fruitless. 1 Just at that time, the sun passed down in his course. Then king Yudhishthira and Bhimasena, the son of Pandu, and Nakula, and Sahadeva, desirous of protecting Satyaki, and the Matsyas, and the Salweya troops, speedily proceeded towards Drona. Then thousands of princes placing Duhsasana at their head, hastily proceeded towards Drona (for protecting him) who was surrounded by foes. Then, O king, commenced a fierce battle between them and thy bowmen. The earth was covered with dust and with showers of arrows shot (by both sides). And everything being thus covered, nothing could any longer be discerned. Indeed, when the troops were thus overwhelmed with dust, the battle proceeded in utter disregard (of persons and rules).'"

197:1 The celestial weapons were forces dependent on mantras. Ordinary shafts, inspired with these mantras, were converted into celestial weapons.

7.74.1

संजय उवाच
परिवर्तमाने त्वादित्ये तत्र सूर्यस्य रश्मिभिः
रजसा कीर्यमाणाश्च मन्दीभूताश्च सैनिकाः

7.74.2

तिष्ठतां युध्यमानानां पुनरावर्ततामपि
भज्यतां जयतां चैव जगाम तदहः शनैः

7.74.3

तथा तेषु विषक्तेषु सैन्येषु जयगृद्धिषु
अर्जुनो वासुदेवश्च सैन्धवायैव जग्मतुः

7.74.4

रथमार्गप्रमाणं तु कौन्तेयो निशितैः शरैः
चकार तत्र पन्थानं ययौ येन जनार्दनः

7.74.5

यत्र यत्र रथो याति पाण्डवस्य महात्मनः
तत्र तत्रैव दीर्यन्ते सेनास्तव विशां पते

7.74.6

रथशिक्षां तु दाशार्हो दर्शयामास वीर्यवान्
उत्तमाधममध्यानि मण्डलानि विदर्शयन्

7.74.7

ते तु नामाङ्किताः पीताः कालज्वलनसंनिभाः
स्नायुनद्धाः सुपर्वाणः पृथवो दीर्घगामिनः

7.74.8

वैणवायस्मयशराः स्वायता विविधाननाः
रुधिरं पतगैः सार्धं प्राणिनां पपुराहवे

7.74.9

रथस्थितः क्रोशमात्रे यानस्यत्यर्जुनः शरान्
रथे क्रोशमतिक्रान्ते तस्य ते घ्नन्ति शात्रवान्

7.74.10

तार्क्ष्यमारुतरंहोभिर्वाजिभिः साधुवाहिभिः
तथागच्छद्धृषीकेशः कृत्स्नं विस्मापयञ्जगत्

7.74.11

न तथा गच्छति रथस्तपनस्य विशां पते
नेन्द्रस्य न च रुद्रस्य नापि वैश्रवणस्य च

7.74.12

नान्यस्य समरे राजन्गतपूर्वस्तथा रथः
यथा ययावर्जुनस्य मनोभिप्रायशीघ्रगः

7.74.13

प्रविश्य तु रणे राजन्केशवः परवीरहा
सेनामध्ये हयांस्तूर्णं चोदयामास भारत

7.74.14

ततस्तस्य रथौघस्य मध्यं प्राप्य हयोत्तमाः
कृच्छ्रेण रथमूहुस्तं क्षुत्पिपासाश्रमान्विताः

7.74.15

क्षताश्च बहुभिः शस्त्रैर्युद्धशौण्डैरनेकशः
मण्डलानि विचित्राणि विचेरुस्ते मुहुर्मुहुः

7.74.16

हतानां वाजिनागानां रथानां च नरैः सह
उपरिष्टादतिक्रान्ताः शैलाभानां सहस्रशः

7.74.17

एतस्मिन्नन्तरे वीरावावन्त्यौ भ्रातरौ नृप
सहसेनौ समार्छेतां पाण्डवं क्लान्तवाहनम्

7.74.18

तावर्जुनं चतुःषष्ट्या सप्तत्या च जनार्दनम्
शराणां च शतेनाश्वानविध्येतां मुदान्वितौ

7.74.19

तावर्जुनो महाराज नवभिर्नतपर्वभिः
आजघान रणे क्रुद्धो मर्मज्ञो मर्मभेदिभिः

7.74.20

ततस्तौ तु शरौघेण बीभत्सुं सहकेशवम्
आच्छादयेतां संरब्धौ सिंहनादं च नेदतुः

7.74.21

तयोस्तु धनुषी चित्रे भल्लाभ्यां श्वेतवाहनः
चिच्छेद समरे तूर्णं ध्वजौ च कनकोज्ज्वलौ

7.74.22

अथान्ये धनुषी राजन्प्रगृह्य समरे तदा
पाण्डवं भृशसंक्रुद्धावर्दयामासतुः शरैः

7.74.23

तयोस्तु भृशसंक्रुद्धः शराभ्यां पाण्डुनन्दनः
चिच्छेद धनुषी तूर्णं भूय एव धनंजयः

7.74.24

तथान्यैर्विशिखैस्तूर्णं हेमपुङ्खैः शिलाशितैः
जघानाश्वान्सपदातांस्तथोभौ पार्ष्णिसारथी

7.74.25

ज्येष्ठस्य च शिरः कायात्क्षुरप्रेण न्यकृन्तत
स पपात हतः पृथ्व्यां वातरुग्ण इव द्रुमः

7.74.26

विन्दं तु निहतं दृष्ट्वा अनुविन्दः प्रतापवान्
हताश्वं रथमुत्सृज्य गदां गृह्य महाबलः

7.74.27

अभ्यद्रवत संग्रामे भ्रातुर्वधमनुस्मरन्
गदया गदिनां श्रेष्ठो नृत्यन्निव महारथः

7.74.28

अनुविन्दस्तु गदया ललाटे मधुसूदनम्
स्पृष्ट्वा नाकम्पयत्क्रुद्धो मैनाकमिव पर्वतम्

7.74.29

तस्यार्जुनः शरैः षड्भिर्ग्रीवां पादौ भुजौ शिरः
निचकर्त स संछिन्नः पपाताद्रिचयो यथा

7.74.30

ततस्तौ निहतौ दृष्ट्वा तयो राजन्पदानुगाः
अभ्यद्रवन्त संक्रुद्धाः किरन्तः शतशः शरान्

7.74.31

तानर्जुनः शरैस्तूर्णं निहत्य भरतर्षभ
व्यरोचत यथा वह्निर्दावं दग्ध्वा हिमात्यये

7.74.32

तयोः सेनामतिक्रम्य कृच्छ्रान्निर्याद्धनंजयः
विबभौ जलदान्भित्त्वा दिवाकर इवोदितः

7.74.33

तं दृष्ट्वा कुरवस्त्रस्ताः प्रहृष्टाश्चाभवन्पुनः
अभ्यवर्षंस्तदा पार्थं समन्ताद्भरतर्षभ

7.74.34

श्रान्तं चैनं समालक्ष्य ज्ञात्वा दूरे च सैन्धवम्
सिंहनादेन महता सर्वतः पर्यवारयन्

7.74.35

तांस्तु दृष्ट्वा सुसंरब्धानुत्स्मयन्पुरुषर्षभः
शनकैरिव दाशार्हमर्जुनो वाक्यमब्रवीत्

7.74.36

शरार्दिताश्च ग्लानाश्च हया दूरे च सैन्धवः
किमिहानन्तरं कार्यं ज्यायिष्ठं तव रोचते

7.74.37

ब्रूहि कृष्ण यथातत्त्वं त्वं हि प्राज्ञतमः सदा
भवन्नेत्रा रणे शत्रून्विजेष्यन्तीह पाण्डवाः

7.74.38

मम त्वनन्तरं कृत्यं यद्वै तत्संनिबोध मे
हयान्विमुच्य हि सुखं विशल्यान्कुरु माधव

7.74.39

एवमुक्तस्तु पार्थेन केशवः प्रत्युवाच तम्
ममाप्येतन्मतं पार्थ यदिदं ते प्रभाषितम्

7.74.40

अर्जुन उवाच
अहमावारयिष्यामि सर्वसैन्यानि केशव
त्वमप्यत्र यथान्यायं कुरु कार्यमनन्तरम्

7.74.41

संजय उवाच
सोऽवतीर्य रथोपस्थादसंभ्रान्तो धनंजयः
गाण्डीवं धनुरादाय तस्थौ गिरिरिवाचलः

7.74.42

तमभ्यधावन्क्रोशन्तः क्षत्रिया जयकाङ्क्षिणः
इदं छिद्रमिति ज्ञात्वा धरणीस्थं धनंजयम्

7.74.43

तमेकं रथवंशेन महता पर्यवारयन्
विकर्षन्तश्च चापानि विसृजन्तश्च सायकान्

7.74.44

अस्त्राणि च विचित्राणि क्रुद्धास्तत्र व्यदर्शयन्
छादयन्तः शरैः पार्थं मेघा इव दिवाकरम्

7.74.45

अभ्यद्रवन्त वेगेन क्षत्रियाः क्षत्रियर्षभम्
रथसिंहं रथोदाराः सिंहं मत्ता इव द्विपाः

7.74.46

तत्र पार्थस्य भुजयोर्महद्बलमदृश्यत
यत्क्रुद्धो बहुलाः सेनाः सर्वतः समवारयत्

7.74.47

अस्त्रैरस्त्राणि संवार्य द्विषतां सर्वतो विभुः
इषुभिर्बहुभिस्तूर्णं सर्वानेव समावृणोत्

7.74.48

तत्रान्तरिक्षे बाणानां प्रगाढानां विशां पते
संघर्षेण महार्चिष्मान्पावकः समजायत

7.74.49

तत्र तत्र महेष्वासैः श्वसद्भिः शोणितोक्षितैः
हयैर्नागैश्च संभिन्नैर्नदद्भिश्चारिकर्शनैः

7.74.50

संरब्धैश्चारिभिर्वीरैः प्रार्थयद्भिर्जयं मृधे
एकस्थैर्बहुभिः क्रुद्धैरूष्मेव समजायत

7.74.51

शरोर्मिणं ध्वजावर्तं नागनक्रं दुरत्ययम्
पदातिमत्स्यकलिलं शङ्खदुन्दुभिनिस्वनम्

7.74.52

असंख्येयमपारं च रजोऽऽभीलमतीव च
उष्णीषकमठच्छन्नं पताकाफेनमालिनम्

7.74.53

रथसागरमक्षोभ्यं मातङ्गाङ्गशिलाचितम्
वेलाभूतस्तदा पार्थः पत्रिभिः समवारयत्

7.74.54

ततो जनार्दनः संख्ये प्रियं पुरुषसत्तमम्
असंभ्रान्तो महाबाहुरर्जुनं वाक्यमब्रवीत्

7.74.55

उदपानमिहाश्वानां नालमस्ति रणेऽर्जुन
परीप्सन्ते जलं चेमे पेयं न त्ववगाहनम्

7.74.56

इदमस्तीत्यसंभ्रान्तो ब्रुवन्नस्त्रेण मेदिनीम्
अभिहत्यार्जुनश्चक्रे वाजिपानं सरः शुभम्

7.74.57

शरवंशं शरस्थूणं शराच्छादनमद्भुतम्
शरवेश्माकरोत्पार्थस्त्वष्टेवाद्भुतकर्मकृत्

7.74.58

ततः प्रहस्य गोविन्दः साधु साध्वित्यथाब्रवीत्
शरवेश्मनि पार्थेन कृते तस्मिन्महारणे

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'When the sun turned in his downward course towards the summit of the Asta hills, when the welkin was covered with dust, when the heat of the solar rays abated, the day began to fade fast. As regards the soldiers, some rested, some fought on, some returned to the encounter, desirous of victory. And while the troops, inspired with hope of victory, were thus engaged, Arjuna and Vasudeva proceeded towards the place where the ruler of the Sindhus was. The son of Kunti, by means of his shafts, made (through the hostile soldiers) a way sufficiently wide for his car. And it was in this way that Janardana proceeded, (guiding the car). Thither where the car of the high-souled son of Pandu proceeded, thither thy troops, O monarch, broke and yielded a way. And he of Dasarha's race, endued with great energy, displayed his skill in driving car by showing diverse kinds of circling motions. And the shafts of Arjuna, engraved with his name, well-tempered, resembling the Yuga-fire, tied round with catgut, of straight joints, thick, far-reaching, and mace either of (cleft) bamboo (or their branches) or wholly of iron, taking the lives of diverse foes, drank in that battle, with the birds (of prey assembled there), the blood of living creatures. Standing on his car, as Arjuna shot his shafts full two miles ahead, those shafts pierced and despatched his foes just as that car itself

came up to the spot. 1 Hrishikesa proceeded, borne by those yoke-bearing steeds endued with the speed of Garuda or the wind, with such speed that he caused the whole universe to wonder at it. Indeed, O king, the car of Surya himself, or that of Rudra or that of Vaisravana, never goeth so fast. Nobody else's car had ever before moved with such speed in battle as Arjuna's car, moving with the celerity of a wish cherished in the mind. Then Kesava, O king, that slayer of hostile heroes, having taken the car of battle quickly urged the steeds, O Bharata, through the (hostile) troops. Arrived in the midst of that throng of cars, those excellent steeds bore Arjuna's car with difficulty, suffering as they did from hunger, thirst, and toil, and mangled as they had been with the weapons of many heroes delighting in battle. They frequently, however, described beautiful circles as they moved, proceeding over the bodies of slain steeds and men, over broken cars, and the bodies of dead elephants, looking like hills by thousands.

"Meanwhile O king, the two heroic brothers of Avanti, (viz., Vinda and Anuvinda), at the head of their forces, beholding the steeds of Arjuna to be tired, encountered him. Filled with joy, they pierced Arjuna with four and sixty shafts, and Janardana with seventy, and the four steeds (of Arjuna's car) with a hundred arrows. Then Arjuna, O king, filled with wrath, and having a knowledge of the vital parts of the body, struck them both in the battle, with nine straight shafts, every one of which was capable of penetrating into the very vitals. Thereupon, the two brothers, filled with rage, covered Vibhatsu and Kesava with showers of shafts and uttered leonine roars. Then Partha of white steeds, with a couple of broad-headed shafts, quickly cut off in that battle the beautiful bows of the two brothers and then their two standards, bright as gold. Vinda and Anuvinda then, O king, taking up to other bows and becoming infuriated with anger, began to grind the son of Pandu with their arrows. Then Dhananjaya, the son of Pandu, exceedingly enraged, once more, with a couple of shafts quickly cut off those two bows also of his foes. And with a few other arrows whetted on stone and equipped with wings of gold, Arjuna then slew their steeds, their charioteers, and the two combatants that protected their rear, with those that followed the latter. And with another broad-headed arrow, sharp as a razor, he cut off the head of the eldest brother, who fell down on the earth, deprived of life, like a tree broken by the wind. The mighty Anuvinda then endued with great prowess, beholding Vinda slain left his steedless car, having taken up a mace. Then that foremost of car-warriors, viz., the brother of Vinda, apparently dancing as he advanced with that mace in his arms, proceeded in that battle for avenging the slaughter of his elder brother. Filled with rage, Anuvinda struck Vasudeva on the forehead with that mace. The latter, however, trembled not, but stood still like the mountain Mainaka. Then Arjuna with six arrows, cut off his neck and two legs and two arms and head. Thus cut

off (into fragments, the limbs of) Anuvinda fell down like so many hills. Beholding them both stain, their followers, O king, filled with rage rushed (towards Arjuna), scattering hundreds of arrows. Slaying them soon, O bull of Bharata's race, Arjuna looked resplendent like a fire consuming a forest on the expiry of winter. Passing over those troops with some difficulty, Dhananjaya then shone brightly like the risen sun, transgressing the clouds under which it was hid. Beholding him, the Kauravas were filled with fright. But recovering soon enough, they rejoiced once more and rushed at him from all sides. O bull of Bharata's race! Understanding that he was tired and that the ruler of the Sindhus was yet at a distance, they surrounded him, uttering leonine roars. Beholding them, tilled with wrath, Arjuna, that bull among men, smilingly, addressed him of Dasarha's race in soft words, and said, 'Our steeds are afflicted with arrows and tired. The ruler of the Sindhus is still at a distance. What do you think to be the best that should be done now? Tell me, O Krishna, truly. Thou art always the wisest of persons. The Pandavas having thee for their eyes, will vanquish their foes in battle. That which seems to me should be done next, truly shall I say unto thee. Unyoking the steeds to their case, pluck off their arrows, O Madhava!' Thus addressed by Partha, Kesava replied unto him, 'I am, also O Partha, of the opinion which thou hast expressed.'

"Arjuna then said, 'I will hold in check the whole army, O Kesava! Do thou properly perform that which should be done next.'

"Sanjaya continued, 'Alighting then from the terrace of his car, Dhananjaya, taking up his bow, Gandiva, fearlessly stood there like an immovable hill. Beholding Dhananjaya standing on the ground, and regarding it a good opportunity, the Kshatriyas, desirous of victory and uttering loud shouts, rushed towards him. Him standing along, they surrounded with a large throng of cars, all stretching their bows and showering their shafts on him. Filled with wrath, they displayed diverse kinds of weapons and entirely shrouded Partha with their shafts like the clouds shrouding the sun. And the great Kshatriya warriors impetuously rushed against that bull among Kshatriyas, that lion among men, like infuriated elephants rushing towards a lion. The might then that we beheld, of Partha's arms was exceedingly great, since, filled with rage, alone, he succeeded in resisting those countless warriors. The puissant Partha, baffling with his own weapons those of the foes, quickly covered all of them with countless shafts. In that part of the welkin, O monarch, in consequence of the clash Of those dense showers of shafts, a fire was generated emitting incessant sparks. There, in consequence of hostile heroes, countless in number, all filled with wrath, and all great bowmen united together for a common Purpose, seeking victory in battle, aided by steeds, covered with blood and breathing hard, and by infuriated and foe-grinding elephants, uttering loud shrieks, the atmosphere became exceedingly hot. That uncrossable, wide, and limitless ocean of cars, incapable of being agitated, had arrows for its current, standards for its eddies, elephants for its crocodiles, foot-soldiers

for its countless fishes, the blare of conchs and the beat of drums for its roar, cars for its surging waves, head-gears of combatants for its tortoises, umbrellas and banners for its froth, and the bodies of slain elephants for its (submarine) rocks: Partha resisted with his arrows, the approach of the sea like a continent. Then, in course of that battle, the mighty-armed Janardana, fearlessly addressing that dear friend of his, that foremost of men, viz., Arjuna, said unto him. 'There is no well here in the field of battle, O Arjuna, for the steeds to drink from. The steeds want water for drink, but not for a bath.' Thus addressed by Vasudeva, Arjuna cheerfully said, 'Here it is!' And so saying, he pierced the earth with a weapon and made an excellent lake from which the steeds could drink. And that lake abounded in swans and ducks, and was adorned with Chakravakas. And it was wide and full of transparent water, and abounded in full-blown lotuses of the finest species. And it teemed with diverse kinds of fish. And fathomless in depth, it was the resort of many a Rishi. And the celestial Rishi, Narada, came to have a look at that lake created there in a moment. And Partha, capable of achieving wonderful works like (the celestial artificer) Tvashtri himself, also constructed there an arrowy hall, having arrows for its beams and rafters, arrows for its pillars, and arrows for its roof. Then Govinda smiling in joy, said, 'Excellent, Excellent,' upon seeing the high-souled Partha create that arrowy hall.'"

198:1 In other words. Arjuna's car shot as quickly through the enemy as the arrows themselves sped from it.

7.75.1

संजय उवाच
सलिले जनिते तस्मिन्कौन्तेयेन महात्मना
निवारिते द्विषत्सैन्ये कृते च शरवेश्मनि

7.75.2

वासुदेवो रथात्तूर्णमवतीर्य महाद्युतिः
मोचयामास तुरगान्वितुन्नान्कङ्कपत्रिभिः

7.75.3

अदृष्टपूर्वं तद्दृष्ट्वा सिंहनादो महानभूत्
सिद्धचारणसंघानां सैनिकानां च सर्वशः

7.75.4

पदातिनं तु कौन्तेयं युध्यमानं नरर्षभाः
नाशक्नुवन्वारयितुं तदद्भुतमिवाभवत्

7.75.5

आपतत्सु रथौघेषु प्रभूतगजवाजिषु
नासंभ्रमत्तदा पार्थस्तदस्य पुरुषानति

7.75.6

व्यसृजन्त शरौघांस्ते पाण्डवं प्रति पार्थिवाः
न चाव्यथत धर्मात्मा वासविः परवीरहा

7.75.7

स तानि शरजालानि गदाः प्रासांश्च वीर्यवान्
आगतानग्रसत्पार्थः सरितः सागरो यथा

7.75.8

अस्त्रवेगेन महता पार्थो बाहुबलेन च
सर्वेषां पार्थिवेन्द्राणामग्रसत्ताञ्शरोत्तमान्

7.75.9

तत्तु पार्थस्य विक्रान्तं वासुदेवस्य चोभयोः
अपूजयन्महाराज कौरवाः परमाद्भुतम्

7.75.10

किमद्भुततरं लोके भविताप्यथ वाप्यभूत्
यदश्वान्पार्थगोविन्दौ मोचयामासतू रणे

7.75.11

भयं विपुलमस्मासु तावधत्तां नरोत्तमौ
तेजो विदधतुश्चोग्रं विस्रब्धौ रणमूर्धनि

7.75.12

अथोत्स्मयन्हृषीकेशः स्त्रीमध्य इव भारत
अर्जुनेन कृते संख्ये शरगर्भगृहे तदा

7.75.13

उपावर्तयदव्यग्रस्तानश्वान्पुष्करेक्षणः
मिषतां सर्वसैन्यानां त्वदीयानां विशां पते

7.75.14

तेषां श्रमं च ग्लानिं च वेपथुं वमथुं व्रणान्
सर्वं व्यपानुदत्कृष्णः कुशलो ह्यश्वकर्मणि

7.75.15

शल्यानुद्धृत्य पाणिभ्यां परिमृज्य च तान्हयान्
उपावृत्य यथान्यायं पाययामास वारि सः

7.75.16

स ताँल्लब्धोदकान्स्नाताञ्जग्धान्नान्विगतक्लमान्
योजयामास संहृष्टः पुनरेव रथोत्तमे

7.75.17

स तं रथवरं शौरिः सर्वशस्त्रभृतां वरः
समास्थाय महातेजाः सार्जुनः प्रययौ द्रुतम्

7.75.18

रथं रथवरस्याजौ युक्तं लब्धोदकैर्हयैः
दृष्ट्वा कुरुबलश्रेष्ठाः पुनर्विमनसोऽभवन्

7.75.19

विनिःश्वसन्तस्ते राजन्भग्नदंष्ट्रा इवोरगाः
धिगहो धिग्गतः पार्थः कृष्णश्चेत्यब्रुवन्पृथक्

7.75.20

सर्वक्षत्रस्य मिषतो रथेनैकेन दंशितौ
बालक्रीडनकेनेव कदर्थीकृत्य नो बलम्

7.75.21

क्रोशतां यतमानानामसंसक्तौ परंतपौ
दर्शयित्वात्मनो वीर्यं प्रयातौ सर्वराजसु

7.75.22

तौ प्रयातौ पुनर्दृष्ट्वा तदान्ये सैनिकाब्रुवन्
त्वरध्वं कुरवः सर्वे वधे कृष्णकिरीटिनोः

7.75.23

रथं युक्त्वा हि दाशार्हो मिषतां सर्वधन्विनाम्
जयद्रथाय यात्येष कदर्थीकृत्य नो रणे

7.75.24

तत्र केचिन्मिथो राजन्समभाषन्त भूमिपाः
अदृष्टपूर्वं संग्रामे तद्दृष्ट्वा महदद्भुतम्

7.75.25

सर्वसैन्यानि राजा च धृतराष्ट्रोऽत्ययं गतः
दुर्योधनापराधेन क्षत्रं कृत्स्ना च मेदिनी

7.75.26

विलयं समनुप्राप्ता तच्च राजा न बुध्यते
इत्येवं क्षत्रियास्तत्र ब्रुवन्त्यन्ये च भारत

7.75.27

सिन्धुराजस्य यत्कृत्यं गतस्य यमसादनम्
तत्करोतु वृथादृष्टिर्धार्तराष्ट्रोऽनुपायवित्

7.75.28

ततः शीघ्रतरं प्रायात्पाण्डवः सैन्धवं प्रति
निवर्तमाने तिग्मांशौ हृष्टैः पीतोदकैर्हयैः

7.75.29

तं प्रयान्तं महाबाहुं सर्वशस्त्रभृतां वरम्
नाशक्नुवन्वारयितुं योधाः क्रुद्धमिवान्तकम्

7.75.30

विद्राव्य तु ततः सैन्यं पाण्डवः शत्रुतापनः
यथा मृगगणान्सिंहः सैन्धवार्थे व्यलोडयत्

7.75.31

गाहमानस्त्वनीकानि तूर्णमश्वानचोदयत्
बलाकवर्णान्दाशार्हः पाञ्चजन्यं व्यनादयत्

7.75.32

कौन्तेयेनाग्रतः सृष्टा न्यपतन्पृष्ठतः शराः
तूर्णात्तूर्णतरं ह्यश्वास्तेऽवहन्वातरंहसः

7.75.33

वातोद्धूतपताकान्तं रथं जलदनिस्वनम्
घोरं कपिध्वजं दृष्ट्वा विषण्णा रथिनोऽभवन्

7.75.34

दिवाकरेऽथ रजसा सर्वतः संवृते भृशम्
शरार्ताश्च रणे योधा न कृष्णौ शेकुरीक्षितुम्

7.75.35

ततो नृपतयः क्रुद्धाः परिवव्रुर्धनंजयम्
क्षत्रिया बहवश्चान्ये जयद्रथवधैषिणम्

7.75.36

अपनीयत्सु शल्येषु धिष्ठितं पुरुषर्षभम्
दुर्योधनस्त्वगात्पार्थं त्वरमाणो महाहवे

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'After the high-souled son of Kunti had created that water, after he had commenced to hold in cheek the hostile army, and after he had built also that arrowy hall, Vasudeva of great splendour, alighting from the car, unyoked the steeds pierced and mangled with arrows. Beholding that sight never seen before, loud uproars of applause were heard there, uttered by the Siddhas and the Charanas and by all the warriors. Mighty car-warriors (assembled together) were unable to resist the son of Kunti, even when he fought on foot. All this seemed highly wonderful. Although throngs upon throngs of cars, and myriads of elephants and steeds, rushed towards him, yet Partha felt no fear but fought on, prevailing upon all his foes. And the (hostile) kings shot showers of shafts at the son of Pandu. That slayer of hostile heroes, however, viz., the son of Vasava, of virtuous soul, felt no anxiety whatever. Indeed, the valiant Partha received hundreds of arrowy showers and maces and lances coming towards him as the ocean receives hundreds upon hundreds of rivers flowing towards it. With the impetuous might of his own weapons and strength of his arms, Partha received the foremost of shafts

shot at him by those foremost of kings. Although staying on the ground, and alone, he succeeded yet in baffling all those kings on their cars, like that one fault, avarice, destroying a host of accomplishments. The Kauravas, O king, applauded the highly wonderful prowess of Partha as also of Vasudeva, saying, 'What more wonderful incident hath ever taken place in this world, or will ever take place than this, viz., that Partha and Govinda, in course of battle, have unyoked their steeds? Displaying fierce energy on the field of battle and the greatest assurance, those best of men have inspired us with great thoughts.' Then Hrishikesa, of eyes like lotus-petals, smiling with the coolest assurance, as if, O Bharata, he was in the midst of an assembly of women (and not armed foes), after Arjuna had created in the field of battle that hall, made of arrows, led the steeds into it, in the very sight. O monarch, of all thy troops. And Krishna, who was well-skilled in grooming horses, then removed their fatigue, pain, froth, trembling and wounds. 1 Then plucking out their arrows and rubbing those steeds with his own hands, and making them trot duly, he caused them to drink. Having caused them to drink, and removed their fatigue and pain, he once more carefully yoked them to that foremost of cars. Then, that foremost one among all wielders of weapons, viz., Sauri, of great energy, mounting on that car with Arjuna, proceeded with great speed. Beholding the car of that foremost of car-warriors once more equipped with these steeds, whose thirst had been slaked, the foremost ones among the Kuru army once more became cheerless. They began to sigh, O king, like snakes whose fangs had been pulled out. And they said, 'Oh, fie, fie on us! Both Partha and Krishna have gone, in the very sight of all the Kshatriyas, riding on the same car, and clad in mail, and slaughtering our troops with as much ease as boys sporting with a toy. Indeed, those scorchers of foes have gone away in the very sight of all the kings displaying the prowess and unimpeded by our shouting and struggling combatants.' Seeing them gone away, other warriors said, 'Ye Kauravas, speed ye for the slaughter of Krishna and the diadem-decked (Arjuna). Yoking his steeds unto his car in the very sight of all (our) bowmen, he of Dasarha's race is proceeding towards Jayadratha, slaughtering us in battle.' And some lords of earth there, O king, amongst themselves, having seen that highly wonderful incident in battle never seen before said, 'Alas, through Duryodhana's fault, these warriors of king Dhritarashtra, the Kshatriyas, and the whole earth, fallen into great distress, are being destroyed. King Duryodhana understands it not.' Thus spoke many Kshatriyas. Others, O Bharata, said, 'The ruler of the Sindhus hath already been despatched to Yama's abode. Of narrow sight and unacquainted with means, let Duryodhana now do what should be done for that king. 2 Meanwhile, the son of Pandu, seeing the sun coursing towards

the Western hills, proceeded with greater speed towards the ruler of the Sindhus, on his steeds, whose thirst had been slaked. The (Kuru) warriors were unable to resist that mighty-armed hero, that foremost of all wielders of weapons, as he proceeded like the Destroyer himself in wrath. That scorcher of foes, viz., the son of Pandu, routing the warriors (before him), agitated that army, like a lion agitating a herd of deer, as he proceeded for getting at Jayadratha. Penetrating into the hostile army, he, of Dasarha's race, urged the steeds with great speeds, and blew his conch, Panchajanya, which was of the hue of the clouds. The shafts shot before by the son of Kunti began to fall behind him, so swiftly did those steeds, endued with the speed of the wind, drew that car. Then many kings, filled with rage, and many other Kshatriyas surrounded Dhananjaya who was desirous of slaying Jayadratha. When the (Kuru) warriors thus proceeded towards that bull, among men (viz., Arjuna) who had stopped for a moment, Duryodhana, proceeding quickly, followed Partha in that great battle. Many warriors, beholding the car whose rattle resembled the roar of clouds, and which was equipped with that terrible standard bearing the ape and whose banner floated upon the wind, became exceedingly cheerless. Then when the sun was almost completely shrouded by the dust (raised by the combatants), the (Kuru) warriors, afflicted with shafts, became incapable of even gazing, in that battle, at the two Krishnas.'"

201:1 The Bengal reading of the first line is vicious. The Bombay reading is Vamatkum Vipathum, Vanan. The first word means the froth in the mouth of the steeds.

201:2 i.e., his funeral obsequies. The vernacular translators do not see the intended joke.

7.76.1

संजय उवाच
स्रंसन्त इव मज्जानस्तावकानां भयान्नृप
तौ दृष्ट्वा समतिक्रान्तौ वासुदेवधनंजयौ

7.76.2

सर्वे तु प्रतिसंरब्धा ह्रीमन्तः सत्त्वचोदिताः
स्थिरीबूता महात्मानः प्रत्यगच्छन्धनंजयम्

7.76.3

ये गताः पाण्डवं युद्धे क्रोधामर्षसमन्विताः
तेऽद्यापि न निवर्तन्ते सिन्धवः सागरादिव

7.76.4

असन्तस्तु न्यवर्तन्त वेदेभ्य इव नास्तिकाः
नरकं भजमानास्ते प्रत्यपद्यन्त किल्बिषम्

7.76.5

तावतीत्य रथानीकं विमुक्तौ पुरुषर्षभौ
ददृशाते यथा राहोरास्यान्मुक्तौ प्रभाकरौ

7.76.6

मत्स्याविव महाजालं विदार्य विगतज्वरौ
तथा कृष्णावदृश्येतां सेनाजालं विदार्य तत्

7.76.7

विमुक्तौ शस्त्रसंबाधाद्द्रोणानीकात्सुदुर्भिदात्
अदृश्येतां महात्मानौ कालसूर्याविवोदितौ

7.76.8

अस्त्रसंबाधनिर्मुक्तौ विमुक्तौ शस्त्रसंकटात्
अदृश्येतां महात्मानौ शत्रुसंबाधकारिणौ

7.76.9

विमुक्तौ ज्वलनस्पर्शान्मकरास्याज्झषाविव
व्यक्षोभयेतां सेनां तौ समुद्रं मकराविव

7.76.10

तावकास्तव पुत्राश्च द्रोणानीकस्थयोस्तयोः
नैतौ तरिष्यतो द्रोणमिति चक्रुस्तदा मतिम्

7.76.11

तौ तु दृष्ट्वा व्यतिक्रान्तौ द्रोणानीकं महाद्युती
नाशशंसुर्महाराज सिन्धुराजस्य जीवितम्

7.76.12

आशा बलवती राजन्पुत्राणामभवत्तव
द्रोणहार्दिक्ययोः कृष्णौ न मोक्ष्येते इति प्रभो

7.76.13

तामाशां विफलां कृत्वा निस्तीर्णौ तौ परंतपौ
द्रोणानीकं महाराज भोजानीकं च दुस्तरम्

7.76.14

अथ दृष्ट्वा व्यतिक्रान्तौ ज्वलिताविव पावकौ
निराशाः सिन्धुराजस्य जीवितं नाशशंसिरे

7.76.15

मिथश्च समभाषेतामभीतौ भयवर्धनौ
जयद्रथवधे वाचस्तास्ताः कृष्णधनंजयौ

7.76.16

असौ मध्ये कृतः षड्भिर्धार्तराष्ट्रैर्महारथैः
चक्षुर्विषयसंप्राप्तो न नौ मोक्ष्यति सैन्धवः

7.76.17

यद्यस्य समरे गोप्ता शक्रो देवगणैः सह
तथाप्येनं हनिष्याव इति कृष्णावभाषताम्

7.76.18

इति कृष्णौ महाबाहू मिथः कथयतां तदा
सिन्धुराजमवेक्षन्तौ तत्पुत्रास्तव शुश्रुवुः

7.76.19

अतीत्य मरुधन्वेव प्रयान्तौ तृषितौ गजौ
पीत्वा वारि समाश्वस्तौ तथैवास्तामरिंदमौ

7.76.20

व्याघ्रसिंहगजाकीर्णानतिक्रम्येव पर्वतान्
अदृश्येतां महाबाहू यथा मृत्युजरातिगौ

7.76.21

तथा हि मुखवर्णोऽयमनयोरिति मेनिरे
तावका दृश्य मुक्तौ तौ विक्रोशन्ति स्म सर्वतः

7.76.22

द्रोणादाशीविषाकाराज्ज्वलितादिव पावकात्
अन्येभ्यः पार्थिवेभ्यश्च भास्वन्ताविव भास्करौ

7.76.23

तौ मुक्तौ सागरप्रख्याद्द्रोणानीकादरिंदमौ
अदृश्येतां मुदा युक्तौ समुत्तीर्यार्णवं यथा

7.76.24

शस्त्रौघान्महतो मुक्तौ द्रोणहार्दिक्यरक्षितान्
रोचमानावदृश्येतामिन्द्राग्न्योः सदृशौ रणे

7.76.25

उद्भिन्नरुधिरौ कृष्णौ भारद्वाजस्य सायकैः
शितैश्चितौ व्यरोचेतां कर्णिकारैरिवाचलौ

7.76.26

द्रोणग्राहह्रदान्मुक्तौ शक्त्याशीविषसंकटात्
अयःशरोग्रमकरात्क्षत्रियप्रवराम्भसः

7.76.27

ज्याघोषतलनिर्ह्रादाद्गदानिस्त्रिंशविद्युतः
द्रोणास्त्रमेघान्निर्मुक्तौ सूर्येन्दू तिमिरादिव

7.76.28

बाहुभ्यामिव संतीर्णौ सिन्धुषष्ठाः समुद्रगाः
तपान्ते सरितः पूर्णा महाग्राहसमाकुलाः

7.76.29

इति कृष्णौ महेष्वासौ यशसा लोकविश्रुतौ
सर्वभूतान्यमन्यन्त द्रोणास्त्रबलविस्मयात्

7.76.30

जयद्रथं समीपस्थमवेक्षन्तौ जिघांसया
रुरुं निपाने लिप्सन्तौ व्याघ्रवत्तावतिष्ठताम्

7.76.31

यथा हि मुखवर्णोऽयमनयोरिति मेनिरे
तव योधा महाराज हतमेव जयद्रथम्

7.76.32

लोहिताक्षौ महाबाहू संयत्तौ कृष्णपाण्डवौ
सिन्धुराजमभिप्रेक्ष्य हृष्टौ व्यनदतां मुहुः

7.76.33

शौरेरभीशुहस्तस्य पार्थस्य च धनुष्मतः
तयोरासीत्प्रतिभ्राजः सूर्यपावकयोरिव

7.76.34

हर्ष एव तयोरासीद्द्रोणानीकप्रमुक्तयोः
समीपे सैन्धवं दृष्ट्वा श्येनयोरामिषं यथा

7.76.35

तौ तु सैन्धवमालोक्य वर्तमानमिवान्तिके
सहसा पेततुः क्रुद्धौ क्षिप्रं श्येनाविवामिषे

7.76.36

तौ तु दृष्ट्वा व्यतिक्रान्तौ हृषीकेशधनंजयौ
सिन्धुराजस्य रक्षार्थं पराक्रान्तः सुतस्तव

7.76.37

द्रोणेनाबद्धकवचो राजा दुर्योधनस्तदा
ययावेकरथेनाजौ हयसंस्कारवित्प्रभो

7.76.38

कृष्णपार्थौ महेष्वासौ व्यतिक्रम्याथ ते सुतः
अग्रतः पुण्डरीकाक्षं प्रतीयाय नराधिप

7.76.39

ततः सर्वेषु सैन्येषु वादित्राणि प्रहृष्टवत्
प्रावाद्यन्समतिक्रान्ते तव पुत्रे धनंजयम्

7.76.40

सिंहनादरवाश्चासञ्शङ्खदुन्दुभिमिश्रिताः
दृष्ट्वा दुर्योधनं तत्र कृष्णयोः प्रमुखे स्थितम्

7.76.41

ये च ते सिन्धुराजस्य गोप्तारः पावकोपमाः
ते प्रहृष्यन्त समरे दृष्ट्वा पुत्रं तवाभिभो

7.76.42

दृष्ट्वा दुर्योधनं कृष्णस्त्वतिक्रान्तं सहानुगम्
अब्रवीदर्जुनं राजन्प्राप्तकालमिदं वचः

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'O monarch! I beholding Vasudeva and Dhananjaya penetrate into their host, having already pierced through many divisions, the kings of the army, fled away in fear. A little while after, however, those high-souled ones, filled with rage and shame, and urged on by their might, became cool and collected, and proceeded towards Dhananjaya. But those, O king, who filled with rage and vindictiveness, proceeded against the son of Pandu in battle, returned not, like rivers never returning from the ocean. Seeing this, many ignoble Kshatriyas incurred sin and hell by flying away from battle, like atheists turning away from the Vedas. 1 Transgressing that throng of cars those two bulls among men, at last, issued out of it, and looked like the sun and the moon freed from the jaws of Rahu. Indeed, the two Krishnas, their fatigue dispelled, having pierced through that vast host, looked like two fishes that had passed through a strong net. Having forced through that impenetrable division of Drona, the way through which was obstructed by dense showers of weapons, those two high-souled heroes looked like Yuga-suns risen (on the welkin). Piercing through

those dense showers of weapons and freed from that imminent danger, those high-souled heroes, themselves obstructing the welkin with thick clouds of weapons, seemed like persons escaped from a raging conflagration, or like two fishes from the jaws of a makara. And they agitated the (Kuru) host like a couple of makaras agitating the ocean. Thy warriors and thy sons, while Partha and Krishna were in the midst of Drona's division, had thought that those two would never be able to issue out of it. Beholding, however, those two heroes of great splendour issue out of Drona's division, they no longer, O monarch, hoped for Jayadratha's life. Hitherto they had strong hopes of Jayadratha's life, for they had thought, O king, that the two Krishnas would never be able to escape from Drona and Hridika's son. Frustrating that hope, those two scorchers of foes had, O monarch, crossed the division of Drona, as also the almost uncrossable division of the Bhojas. Beholding them, therefore, ford through those divisions and look like two blazing fires, thy men became possessed with despair and no longer hoped for Jayadratha's life. Then those two fearless heroes, viz., Krishna and Dhananjaya, those enhancers of the fears of foes, began to converse between themselves about the slaughter of Jayadratha. And Arjuna said, 'This Jayadratha hath been placed in their midst by six of the foremost car-warriors among the Dhartarashtras. The ruler of the Sindhus, however, shall not escape me if once he is seen by me. If Sakra himself, with all the celestials, become his protector in battle, yet shall we slay him. Thus did the two Krishnas talk. Even so, O mighty-armed one, did they converse amongst themselves, while looking after the ruler of the Sindhus. (Having heard what they said), thy sons set up a loud wail. Those two chastisers of foes then looked like a couple of thirsty elephants of great quickness of motion, refreshed by drinking water, after having passed through a desert. Beyond death and above decrepitude, they then looked like two merchants that have passed over a mountainous country abounding with tigers and lions and elephants. Indeed, beholding them freed (from Drona and Kritavarman), thy warriors regarded the colour of Partha's and Krishna's face to be dreadful; and thy men then, from all sides, set up a loud wail. Freed from Drona who resembled a snake of virulent poison or a blazing fire, as also from the other lords of the earth, Partha and Krishna looked like two blazing suns. Indeed, those two chastisers of foes, freed from Drona's division, which resembled the very ocean, seemed to be filled with joy like persons that have safely crossed the vasty deep. Freed from those dense showers of weapons, from those divisions protected by Drona and Hridika's son, Kesava and Arjuna looked like Indra and Agni, or blazing effulgence. The two Krishnas, pierced with sharp shafts of Bharadwaja's son, and with bodies dripping with bloods, looked resplendent like two mountains decked with flowering Karnikaras. Having forded that wide lake, of which Drona constituted the alligator, darts formed the fierce snakes, shafts, the Makaras, and Kshatriyas, the deep waters, and having issued out of that cloud, constituted by Drona's

weapons, whose thunders were the twang of bows and the sound of palms, and whose lightning flashes were constituted by maces and swords, Partha and Krishna looked like the sun and moon freed from darkness. Having crossed the region obstructed by the weapons of Drona, all creatures regarded those mighty and famous bowmen viz., the two Krishnas, as persons who had forded, with the aid of their arms, the five rivers, (viz., the Satadru, the Vipasa, the Ravi, the Chandrabhaga, and the Vitasta) having the ocean for their sixth, when full of water during the season of rains, and abounding with alligators. Casting their eyes, from desire of slaughter, on Jayadratha who was not far off from them, the two heroes looked like two tigers waiting from desire of falling upon a Ruru deer. Such was then the colour of their faces, that thy warriors, O monarch, regarded Jayadratha as one already slain. Possessed of red eyes, O mighty-armed one, and staying together, Krishna and the son of Pandu, at the sight of Jayadratha were filled with joy and roared repeatedly. Indeed, O monarch, the splendour then of Sauri, standing with reins in hand, and of Partha armed with bow, was like that of the sun or fire. Freed from the division of Drona, their joy, at sight of the ruler of the Sindhus, was like that of a couple of hawks at the sight of a piece of flesh. Beholding the ruler of the Sindhus not far off, they rushed in wrath towards him like a couple of hawks swooping down towards a piece of meat. Seeing Hrishikesa and Dhananjaya transgress (the divisions of Drona), thy valiant son, king Duryodhana, whose armour had been bound on his person by Drona, and who was well-versed in grooming and guiding horses, rushed, on a single car, O lord, for the protection of the Sindhus. Leaving those mighty bowmen, viz., Krishna and Partha, behind, thy son, O king, turned back, facing Kesava of lotus-like eyes. When thy son thus outran Dhananjaya, diverse musical instruments were joyfully blown and beat among all thy troops. And leonine roars were uttered mingled with the blare of conchs, beholding Duryodhana staying in the face of the two Krishnas. They also, O king, resembling blazing fires, that stood as the protectors of Jayadratha, were filled with joy upon beholding thy son in battle. Seeing Duryodhana transgress them with his followers, Krishna, O monarch, said unto Arjuna these words suited to the occasion.'"

202:1 I give the sense of this verse, without giving a closely literal version.

7.77.1

वासुदेव उवाच
सुयोधनमतिक्रान्तमेनं पश्य धनंजय
आपद्गतमिमं मन्ये नास्त्यस्य सदृशो रथः

7.77.2

दूरपाती महेष्वासः कृतास्त्रो युद्धदुर्मदः
दृढास्त्रश्चित्रयोधी च धार्तराष्ट्रो महाबलः

7.77.3

अत्यन्तसुखसंवृद्धो मानितश्च महारथैः
कृती च सततं पार्थ नित्यं द्वेष्टि च पाण्डवान्

7.77.4

तेन युद्धमहं मन्ये प्राप्तकालं तवानघ
अत्र वो द्यूतमायातं विजयायेतराय वा

7.77.5

अत्र क्रोधविषं पार्थ विमुञ्च चिरसंभृतम्
एष मूलमनर्थानां पाण्डवानां महारथः

7.77.6

सोऽयं प्राप्तस्तवाक्षेपं पश्य साफल्यमात्मनः
कथं हि राजा राज्यार्थी त्वया गच्छेत संयुगम्

7.77.7

दिष्ट्या त्विदानीं संप्राप्त एष ते बाणगोचरम्
स यथा जीवितं जह्यात्तथा कुरु धनंजय

7.77.8

ऐश्वर्यमदसंमूढो नैष दुःखमुपेयिवान्
न च ते संयुगे वीर्यं जानाति पुरुषर्षभ

7.77.9

त्वां हि लोकास्त्रयः पार्थ ससुरासुरमानुषाः
नोत्सहन्ते रणे जेतुं किमुतैकः सुयोधनः

7.77.10

स दिष्ट्या समनुप्राप्तस्तव पार्थ रथान्तिकम्
जह्येनं वै महाबाहो यथा वृत्रं पुरंदरः

7.77.11

एष ह्यनर्थे सततं पराक्रान्तस्तवानघ
निकृत्या धर्मराजं च द्यूते वञ्चितवानयम्

7.77.12

बहूनि सुनृशंसानि कृतान्येतेन मानद
युष्मासु पापमतिना अपापेष्वेव नित्यदा

7.77.13

तमनार्यं सदा क्षुद्रं पुरुषं कामचारिणम्
आर्यां युद्धे मतिं कृत्वा जहि पार्थाविचारयन्

7.77.14

निकृत्या राज्यहरणं वनवासं च पाण्डव
परिक्लेशं च कृष्णाया हृदि कृत्वा पराक्रम

7.77.15

दिष्ट्यैष तव बाणानां गोचरे परिवर्तते
प्रतिघाताय कार्यस्य दिष्ट्या च यततेऽग्रतः

7.77.16

दिष्ट्या जानाति संग्रामे योद्धव्यं हि त्वया सह
दिष्ट्या च सफलाः पार्थ सर्वे कामा हि कामिताः

7.77.17

तस्माज्जहि रणे पार्थ धार्तराष्ट्रं कुलाधमम्
यथेन्द्रेण हतः पूर्वं जम्भो देवासुरे मृधे

7.77.18

अस्मिन्हते त्वया सैन्यमनाथं भिद्यतामिदम्
वैरस्यास्यास्त्ववभृथो मूलं छिन्धि दुरात्मनाम्

7.77.19

संजय उवाच
तं तथेत्यब्रवीत्पार्थः कृत्यरूपमिदं मम
सर्वमन्यदनादृत्य गच्छ यत्र सुयोधनः

7.77.20

येनैतद्दीर्घकालं नो भुक्तं राज्यमकण्टकम्
अप्यस्य युधि विक्रम्य छिन्द्यां मूर्धानमाहवे

7.77.21

अपि तस्या अनर्हायाः परिक्लेशस्य माधव
कृष्णायाः शक्नुयां गन्तुं पदं केशप्रधर्षणे

7.77.22

इत्येवं वादिनौ हृष्टौ कृष्णौ श्वेतान्हयोत्तमान्
प्रेषयामासतुः संख्ये प्रेप्सन्तौ तं नराधिपम्

7.77.23

तयोः समीपं संप्राप्य पुत्रस्ते भरतर्षभ
न चकार भयं प्राप्ते भये महति मारिष

7.77.24

तदस्य क्षत्रियास्तत्र सर्व एवाभ्यपूजयन्
यदर्जुनहृषीकेशौ प्रत्युद्यातोऽविचारयन्

7.77.25

ततः सर्वस्य सैन्यस्य तावकस्य विशां पते
महान्नादो ह्यभूत्तत्र दृष्ट्वा राजानमाहवे

7.77.26

तस्मिञ्जनसमुन्नादे प्रवृत्ते भैरवे सति
कदर्थीकृत्य ते पुत्रः प्रत्यमित्रमवारयत्

7.77.27

आवारितस्तु कौन्तेयस्तव पुत्रेण धन्विना
संरम्भमगमद्भूयः स च तस्मिन्परंतपः

7.77.28

तौ दृष्ट्वा प्रतिसंरब्धौ दुर्योधनधनंजयौ
अभ्यवैक्षन्त राजानो भीमरूपाः समन्ततः

7.77.29

दृष्ट्वा तु पार्थं संरब्धं वासुदेवं च मारिष
प्रहसन्निव पुत्रस्ते योद्धुकामः समाह्वयत्

7.77.30

ततः प्रहृष्टो दाशार्हः पाण्डवश्च धनंजयः
व्याक्रोशेतां महानादं दध्मतुश्चाम्बुजोत्तमौ

7.77.31

तौ हृष्टरूपौ संप्रेक्ष्य कौरवेयाश्च सर्वशः
निराशाः समपद्यन्त पुत्रस्य तव जीविते

7.77.32

शोकमीयुः परं चैव कुरवः सर्व एव ते
अमन्यन्त च पुत्रं ते वैश्वानरमुखे हुतम्

7.77.33

तथा तु दृष्ट्वा योधास्ते प्रहृष्टौ कृष्णपाण्डवौ
हतो राजा हतो राजेत्यूचुरेवं भयार्दिताः

7.77.34

जनस्य संनिनादं तु श्रुत्वा दुर्योधनोऽब्रवीत्
व्येतु वो भीरहं कृष्णौ प्रेषयिष्यामि मृत्यवे

7.77.35

इत्युक्त्वा सैनिकान्सर्वाञ्जयापेक्षी नराधिपः
पार्थमाभाष्य संरम्भादिदं वचनमब्रवीत्

7.77.36

पार्थ यच्छिक्षितं तेऽस्त्रं दिव्यं मानुषमेव च
तद्दर्शय मयि क्षिप्रं यदि जातोऽसि पाण्डुना

7.77.37

यद्बलं तव वीर्यं च केशवस्य तथैव च
तत्कुरुष्व मयि क्षिप्रं पश्यामस्तव पौरुषम्

7.77.38

अस्मत्परोक्षं कर्माणि प्रवदन्ति कृतानि ते
स्वामिसत्कारयुक्तानि यानि तानीह दर्शय

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Vasudeva said, 'Behold, O Dhananjaya, this Suyodhana who hath transgressed us! I regard this as highly wonderful. There is no car-warrior equal to him. His arrows are far-reaching. He is a great bowman. Accomplished as he is in weapons, it is exceedingly difficult to vanquish him in battle. The mighty son of Dhritarashtra strikes hard, and is

conversant with all modes of warfare. Brought up in great luxury, he is much regarded by even the foremost of car-warriors. He is well-accomplished, and, O Partha, he always hates the Pandavas. For these reasons, O sinless one, I think, thou shouldst now fight with him. Upon him resteth, as upon a stake at dice, victory or the reverse. Upon him, O Partha, vomit that poison of thy wrath which thou hast cherished so long. This mighty car-warrior is the root of all the wrongs on the Pandavas. He is now within reach of thy shafts. Look after thy success. Why hath king Duryodhana, desirous as he is of kingdom, come to battle with thee? By good luck, it is that he is now arrived within reach of thy arrows. Do that, O Dhananjaya, by which he may be deprived on his very life. Reft of his senses through pride of affluence, he hath never felt any distress. O bull among men, he doth not know also thy prowess in battle. Indeed, the three worlds with the celestials, the Asuras, and human beings, cannot venture to vanquish thee in battle. What need be said, therefore, of single Duryodhana? By good luck it is, O Partha, that he hath approached the vicinity of thy car. O mighty-armed one, slay him as Purandara slew Vritra. O sinless one, this Duryodhana hath endeavoured to bring evil on you. By deceit he cheated king Yudhishthira at dice. O giver of honours, sinless though you all are, this prince of sinful soul has always done various evil acts towards him. Nobly resolved upon battle, O Partha, slay without any scruple this wicked wight, who is ever wrathful and ever cruel, and who is the very embodiment of avarice. Remembering the deprivation of your kingdom by deceit, your exile into the woods, and the wrongs of Krishna, put forth thy prowess, O son of Pandu! By good luck, it is that he stayeth within the range of the shafts. By good luck, it is that staying before thee he endeavours to resist thy purpose. By good luck, it is that he knows today that he will have to fight with thee in the battle. By good luck, it is that all your purposes, even those that are not presently entertained by you, will be crowned with fruition. Therefore, Partha, slay this wretch of his race, viz., the son of Dhritarashtra, in battle, as Indra had in days of yore, slain the Asura Jambha in the battle between the celestials and the Asuras. If he is slain by thee, thou canst then pierce through this masterless host. Cut the very root of these wicked-souled wretches. Let the avabhritha 1 of this hostility be now accomplished.'

"Sanjaya continued, 'Thus addressed, Partha replied unto Kesava saying--'So be it. Even this should be done by me. Disregarding everything else, proceed thither where Duryodhana is. Putting forth my prowess in battle, I will cut off the head of that wretch who hath for such a long period enjoyed our kingdom without a thorn on his side. Shall I not succeed, O Kesava, in avenging myself of the insult, in the shape of dragging her by the hair, offered unto Draupadi, undeserving as she was of that wrong.' Thus conversing with each other, the two Krishnas filled

with joy, urged those excellent white steeds of theirs, desirous of getting at king Duryodhana. As regards thy son, O bull of Bharata's race, having approached the presence of Partha and Krishna, he entertained no fear, although, O sire, every circumstance was calculated to inspire fear. And the Kshatriyas there, on thy side, highly applauded him then, for he proceeded to face Arjuna and Hrishikesa for resisting them. Indeed, beholding the king in battle, a loud shout was heard there, O monarch, uttered by the entire Kuru army. What that terrible and awful shout arose there, thy son, pressing his foe hard, opposed his progress. Held in check by thy son armed with bow, the son of Kunti became filled with rage, and that chastiser of foes, Duryodhana, also became highly enraged with Partha. Beholding both Duryodhana and Dhananjaya enraged with each other, all the Kshatriyas, of fierce forms, began to look at them from all sides. Seeing Partha and Vasudeva both filled with rage, thy son, O sire, desirous of battle, smilingly challenged them, then he of Dasarha's race became filled with joy, and Dhananjaya also, the son of Pandu, became cheerful. Uttering loud roars, they both blew their foremost of conchs. Seeing them thus cheerful, all the Kauravas became hopeless of thy son's life. Indeed, all the Kauravas, and many even amongst the enemy, became possessed with grief, and regarded thy son as a libation already poured into the mouth of the (sacred) fire. Thy warriors, seeing Krishna and the Pandava so cheerful I loudly exclaimed, afflicted with fear, 'The king is slain.' 'The king is slain.' Hearing that loud uproar of the warriors, Duryodhana said, 'Let your fears be dispelled. I will despatch the two Krishnas unto the region of death.' Having told all his warriors these words, king Duryodhana. then, expectant of success, addressed Partha angrily and said these words: 'If, O Partha, thou art begotten by Pandu apply upon me, without loss of time, all the weapons, celestial and earthly, that Kesava also hath of either, upon me. I wish to see thy manliness. They speak of many feats achieved by thee out of our view. Show me those feats that have won the applause of many endued with great heroism!'"

205:1 Avabhritha is the final bath undergone, on completion of as sacrifice by the person performing the sacrifice. The slaughter of Duryodhana would according to Krishna, be the avabhritha of the sacrifice of battle.

7.78.1

संजय उवाच
एवमुक्त्वार्जुनं राजा त्रिभिर्मर्मातिगैः शरैः
प्रत्यविध्यन्महावेगैश्चतुर्भिश्चतुरो हयान्

7.78.2

वासुदेवं च दशभिः प्रत्यविध्यत्स्तनान्तरे
प्रतोदं चास्य भल्लेन छित्त्वा भूमावपातयत्

7.78.3

तं चतुर्दशभिः पार्थश्चित्रपुङ्खैः शिलाशितैः
अविध्यत्तूर्णमव्यग्रस्तेऽस्याभ्रश्यन्त वर्मणः

7.78.4

तेषां वैफल्यमालोक्य पुनर्नव च पञ्च च
प्राहिणोन्निशितान्बाणांस्ते चाभ्रश्यन्त वर्मणः

7.78.5

अष्टाविंशत्तु तान्बाणानस्तान्विप्रेक्ष्य निष्फलान्
अब्रवीत्परवीरघ्नः कृष्णोऽर्जुनमिदं वचः

7.78.6

अदृष्टपूर्वं पश्यामि शिलानामिव सर्पणम्
त्वया संप्रेषिताः पार्थ नार्थं कुर्वन्ति पत्रिणः

7.78.7

कच्चिद्गाण्डीवतः प्राणास्तथैव भरतर्षभ
मुष्टिश्च ते यथापूर्वं भुजयोश्च बलं तव

7.78.8

न चेद्विधेरयं कालः प्राप्तः स्यादद्य पश्चिमः
तव चैवास्य शत्रोश्च तन्ममाचक्ष्व पृच्छतः

7.78.9

विस्मयो मे महान्पार्थ तव दृष्ट्वा शरानिमान्
व्यर्थान्निपततः संख्ये दुर्योधनरथं प्रति

7.78.10

वज्राशनिसमा घोराः परकायावभेदिनः
शराः कुर्वन्ति ते नार्थं पार्थ काद्य विडम्बना

7.78.11

अर्जुन उवाच
द्रोणेनैषा मतिः कृष्ण धार्तराष्ट्रे निवेशिता
अन्ते विहितमस्त्राणामेतत्कवचधारणम्

7.78.12

अस्मिन्नन्तर्हितं कृष्ण त्रैलोक्यमपि वर्मणि
एको द्रोणो हि वेदैतदहं तस्माच्च सत्तमात्

7.78.13

न शक्यमेतत्कवचं बाणैर्भेत्तुं कथंचन
अपि वज्रेण गोविन्द स्वयं मघवता युधि

7.78.14

जानंस्त्वमपि वै कृष्ण मां विमोहयसे कथम्
यद्वृत्तं त्रिषु लोकेषु यच्च केशव वर्तते

7.78.15

तथा भविष्यद्यच्चैव तत्सर्वं विदितं तव
न त्वेवं वेद वै कश्चिद्यथा त्वं मधुसूदन

7.78.16

एष दुर्योधनः कृष्ण द्रोणेन विहितामिमाम्
तिष्ठत्यभीतवत्संख्ये बिभ्रत्कवचधारणाम्

7.78.17

यत्त्वत्र विहितं कार्यं नैष तद्वेत्ति माधव
स्त्रीवदेष बिभर्त्येतां युक्तां कवचधारणाम्

7.78.18

पश्य बाह्वोश्च मे वीर्यं धनुषश्च जनार्दन
पराजयिष्ये कौरव्यं कवचेनापि रक्षितम्

7.78.19

इदमङ्गिरसे प्रादाद्देवेशो वर्म भास्वरम्
पुनर्ददौ सुरपतिर्मह्यं वर्म ससंग्रहम्

7.78.20

दैवं यद्यस्य वर्मैतद्ब्रह्मणा वा स्वयं कृतम्
नैतद्गोप्स्यति दुर्बुद्धिमद्य बाणहतं मया

7.78.21

संजय उवाच
एवमुक्त्वार्जुनो बाणानभिमन्त्र्य व्यकर्षयत्
विकृष्यमाणांस्तेनैवं धनुर्मध्यगताञ्शरान्
तानस्यास्त्रेण चिच्छेद द्रौणिः सर्वास्त्रघातिना

7.78.22

तान्निकृत्तानिषून्दृष्ट्वा दूरतो ब्रह्मवादिना
न्यवेदयत्केशवाय विस्मितः श्वेतवाहनः

7.78.23

नैतदस्त्रं मया शक्यं द्विः प्रयोक्तुं जनार्दन
अस्त्रं मामेव हन्याद्धि पश्य त्वद्य बलं मम

7.78.24

ततो दुर्योधनः कृष्णौ नवभिर्नतपर्वभिः
अविध्यत रणे राजञ्शरैराशीविषोपमैः
भूय एवाभ्यवर्षच्च समरे कृष्णपाण्डवौ

7.78.25

शरवर्षेण महता ततोऽहृष्यन्त तावकाः
चक्रुर्वादित्रनिनदान्सिंहनादरवांस्तथा

7.78.26

ततः क्रुद्धो रणे पार्थः सृक्कणी परिसंलिहन्
नापश्यत ततोऽस्याङ्गं यन्न स्याद्वर्मरक्षितम्

7.78.27

ततोऽस्य निशितैर्बाणैः सुमुक्तैरन्तकोपमैः
हयांश्चकार निर्देहानुभौ च पार्ष्णिसारथी

7.78.28

धनुरस्याच्छिनच्चित्रं हस्तावापं च वीर्यवान्
रथं च शकलीकर्तुं सव्यसाची प्रचक्रमे

7.78.29

दुर्योधनं च बाणाभ्यां तीक्ष्णाभ्यां विरथीकृतम्
अविध्यद्धस्ततलयोरुभयोरर्जुनस्तदा

7.78.30

तं कृच्छ्रामापदं प्राप्तं दृष्ट्वा परमधन्विनः
समापेतुः परीप्सन्तो धनंजयशरार्दितम्

7.78.31

ते रथैर्बहुसाहस्रैः कल्पितैः कुञ्जरैर्हयैः
पदात्योघैश्च संरब्धैः परिवव्रुर्धनंजयम्

7.78.32

अथ नार्जुनगोविन्दौ रथो वापि व्यदृश्यत
अस्त्रवर्षेण महता जनौघैश्चापि संवृतौ

7.78.33

ततोऽर्जुनोऽस्त्रवीर्येण निजघ्ने तां वरूथिनीम्
तत्र व्यङ्गीकृताः पेतुः शतशोऽथ रथद्विपाः

7.78.34

ते हता हन्यमानाश्च न्यगृह्णंस्तं रथोत्तमम्
स रथस्तम्भितस्तस्थौ क्रोशमात्रं समन्ततः

7.78.35

ततोऽर्जुनं वृष्णिवीरस्त्वरितो वाक्यमब्रवीत्
धनुर्विस्फारयात्यर्थमहं ध्मास्यामि चाम्बुजम्

7.78.36

ततो विस्फार्य बलवद्गाण्डीवं जघ्निवान्रिपून्
महता शरवर्षेण तलशब्देन चार्जुनः

7.78.37

पाञ्चजन्यं च बलवद्दध्मौ तारेण केशवः
रजसा ध्वस्तपक्ष्मान्तः प्रस्विन्नवदनो भृशम्

7.78.38

तस्य शङ्खस्य नादेन धनुषो निस्वनेन च
निःसत्त्वाश्च ससत्त्वाश्च क्षितौ पेतुस्तदा जनाः

7.78.39

तैर्विमुक्तो रथो रेजे वाय्वीरित इवाम्बुदः
जयद्रथस्य गोप्तारस्ततः क्षुब्धाः सहानुगाः

7.78.40

ते दृष्ट्वा सहसा पार्थं गोप्तारः सैन्धवस्य तु
चक्रुर्नादान्बहुविधान्कम्पयन्तो वसुंधराम्

7.78.41

बाणशब्दरवांश्चोग्रान्विमिश्राञ्शङ्खनिस्वनैः
प्रादुश्चक्रुर्महात्मानः सिंहनादरवानपि

7.78.42

तं श्रुत्वा निनदं घोरं तावकानां समुत्थितम्
प्रदध्मतुस्तदा शङ्खौ वासुदेवधनंजयौ

7.78.43

तेन शब्देन महता पूरितेयं वसुंधरा
सशैला सार्णवद्वीपा सपाताला विशां पते

7.78.44

स शब्दो भरतश्रेष्ठ व्याप्य सर्वा दिशो दश
प्रतिसस्वान तत्रैव कुरुपाण्डवयोर्बले

7.78.45

तावका रथिनस्तत्र दृष्ट्वा कृष्णधनंजयौ
संरम्भं परमं प्राप्तास्त्वरमाणा महारथाः

7.78.46

अथ कृष्णौ महाभागौ तावका दृश्य दंशितौ
अभ्यद्रवन्त संक्रुद्धास्तदद्भुतमिवाभवत्

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Saying these words, king Duryodhana pierced Arjuna with three shafts of great impetuosity and capable of penetrating into the very vitals. And with four others he pierced the four steeds of his foe. And he pierced Vasudeva in the centre of the chest with ten shafts, and cutting off, with a broad-headed arrow, the whip in the latter's hands, he felled it on the ground. Then Partha, coolly and without losing a moment, shot at him four and ten shafts whetted on stone and equipped

with beautiful feathers. All those shafts, however, were repelled by Duryodhana's armour. Beholding their fruitlessness, Partha once more sped at him nine and five arrows of keen points. But these too were repelled by Duryodhana's armour. Seeing eight and twenty arrows of his become abortive, that slayer of hostile heroes, viz., Krishna said unto Arjuna, these words: 'I see a sight never before witnessed by me, like the movements of the hills. Shafts sped by thee, O Partha, are becoming abortive. O bull of Bharata's race, hath thy Gandiva decayed in power? Have the might of thy grasp and the power of thy arms become less than what they were. Is not this to be thy last meeting with Duryodhana? Tell me, O Partha, for I ask thee. Great hath been my amazement, O Partha, upon seeing all these shafts of thine fall towards Duryodhana's car, without producing the slightest effect. Alas, what misfortune is this that these terrible shafts of thine that are endued with the might of the thunder and that always pierce the bodies of foes, fail in producing any effect.'

"Arjuna said, 'I think, O Krishna, that this armour hath been put on Duryodhana's body by Drona. This armour, tied as it hath been, is impenetrable to my weapons. In this armour, O Krishna, inhereth the might of the three worlds. Only Drona knoweth it, and from that best of men I also have learnt. This armour is not capable of being pierced by my weapons. Maghavat himself, O Govinda, cannot pierce it with his thunder. Knowing it all, O Krishna, why seekest thou to confound me? That which occurred in the three worlds, that which, O Kesava, exists now, and which is in the womb of futurity, are all known to thee. Indeed, O slayer of Madhu, no one else knoweth this better than thou dost. This Duryodhana, O Krishna, cased by Drona in this armours, is staying fearlessly in battle, wearing this coat of mail. That however, which one wearing such armour should do, is not known to him, O Madhava! He weareth it only like a woman. Behold now, O Janardana, the might of my arms and that of my bow too. Though protected by such a coat of mail, I will still vanquish the Kuru prince. The chief of the celestials gave this effulgent armour to Angiras. From the latter it was obtained by Vrihaspati. And from Vrihaspati it was got by Purandara. The Lord of the celestials once more gave it to me with the mantras to be uttered in wearing it. Even if this armour were divine, if it were created by Brahma himself, still the wretch, Duryodhana, struck with my arrows, shall not be protected by it.'

"Sanjaya continued, 'Having said these words, Arjuna inspired some arrows with mantras, and began to draw them on the bow-string. And while he was thus drawing them on the bow-string, the son of Drona cut them off with a weapon that was capable of baffling every weapon. Beholding those shafts of his thus frustrated from a distance by that utterer of Brahma (Aswatthaman), Arjuna, owning white steeds, filled with amazement represented unto Kesava, saying, 'I cannot, Janardana, twice use this weapon, for if do so, it will slay my own self and my own troops. Meanwhile,

[paragraph continues] Duryodhana, O king, pierced each of the Krishnas in that battle with nine shafts resembling snakes of virulent poison. And once more the Kuru king showered his shafts on Krishna and the son of Pandu. Beholding these showers of arrows (shot by their king), thy warriors were filled with joy. They beat their musical instrument and uttered leonine roar. Then Partha, excited with rage in that battle, licked the corners of his mouth. Casting his eyes on his enemy's body, he saw not any part that was not well-covered with that impenetrable armour. With some sharp-pointed shafts then, well-shot from his bow, and each of which resembled Death himself, Arjuna slew his antagonist's steeds and then his two Parshni charioteers. And soon also the valiant Partha cut off Duryodhana's bow and the leathern fence of his fingers. Then, Savyasachin commenced to cut off his enemy's car in fragments. And with a couple of keen arrows he made Duryodhana carless. And then Arjuna pierced both the palms of the Kuru king. Beholding that great bowman afflicted with the shafts of Dhananjaya and fallen into great distress, many warriors rushed to the spot, desirous of rescuing him. These, with many thousands of cars, well-equipped elephants and horses, as also with large bodies of foot-soldiers, excited with wrath, encompassed by large bodies of men, neither that car of theirs nor of Arjuna and Govinda could any longer be seen. Then Arjuna, by the might of his weapons, began to slaughter that host. And car-warriors and elephants, by hundreds, deprived of limbs, fell fast on the field. Slain, or in the act of being slain, those failed to reach the excellent car. Indeed, the car on which Arjuna rode, stood motionless full two miles from the besieging force on every side. Then the Vrishni hero (Krishna), without taking any time, said unto Arjuna these words: Draw thy bow quickly and with great force, for I will blow my conch.' Thus addressed, Arjuna drawing his bow Gandiva with great force, began to slaughter the foe, shooting dense showers of shafts and making a loud noise by stretching the bowstring with his fingers. Kesava meanwhile forcibly and very loudly blew his conch Panchajanya, his face covered with dust. In consequence of the blare of that conch and of the twang of Gandiva, the Kuru warriors, strong or weak, all fell down on the ground. The car of Arjuna then freed from that press, looked resplendent like a cloud driven by the wind. (Beholding Arjuna) the protectors of Jayadratha, with their followers, became filled with rage. Indeed, those mighty bowmen, the protectors of the ruler of Sindhus, suddenly beholding Partha, uttered loud shouts, filling the earth with that noise. The whiz of their arrows were mingled with other fierce noises and the loud blare of their conchs. Those high-souled warriors uttered leonine shouts. Hearing that awful uproar raised by thy troops, Vasudeva and Dhananjaya blew their conchs. With their loud blare (of their conchs), the whole earth, with her mountains and seas and islands and the nether regions, O monarch, seemed to be filled. Indeed, that blare, O best of Bharatas, filled all the points of the compass, and was echoed back by both the armies. Then thy car-warriors, beholding Krishna and Dhananjaya, became very much frightened. Soon,

however, they recovered and put forth their activity. Indeed, the great car-warriors of thy host, beholding the two Krishnas, those highly blessed persons, cased in mail rushed towards. The sight thus presented became a wonderful one.'"

7.79.1

संजय उवाच
तावकास्तु समीक्ष्यैव वृष्ण्यन्धककुरूत्तमौ
प्रागत्वरञ्जिघांसन्तस्तथैव विजयः परान्

7.79.2

सुवर्णचित्रैर्वैयाघ्रैः स्वनवद्भिर्महारथैः
दीपयन्तो दिशः सर्वा ज्वलद्भिरिव पावकैः

7.79.3

रुक्मपृष्ठैश्च दुष्प्रेक्ष्यैः कार्मुकैः पृथिवीपते
कूजद्भिरतुलान्नादान्रोषितैरुरगैरिव

7.79.4

भूरिश्रवाः शलः कर्णो वृषसेनो जयद्रथः
कृपश्च मद्रराजश्च द्रौणिश्च रथिनां वरः

7.79.5

ते पिबन्त इवाकाशमश्वैरष्टौ महारथाः
व्यराजयन्दश दिशो वैयाघ्रैर्हेमचन्द्रकैः

7.79.6

ते दंशिताः सुसंरब्धा रथैर्मेघौघनिस्वनैः
समावृण्वन्दिशः सर्वाः पार्थं च विशिखैः शितैः

7.79.7

कौलूतका हयाश्चित्रा वहन्तस्तान्महारथान्
व्यशोभन्त तदा शीघ्रा दीपयन्तो दिशो दश

7.79.8

आजानेयैर्महावेगैर्नानादेशसमुत्थितैः
पार्वतीयैर्नदीजैश्च सैन्धवैश्च हयोत्तमैः

7.79.9

कुरुयोधवरा राजंस्तव पुत्रं परीप्सवः
धनंजयरथं शीघ्रं सर्वतः समुपाद्रवन्

7.79.10

ते प्रगृह्य महाशङ्खान्दध्मुः पुरुषसत्तमाः
पूरयन्तो दिवं राजन्पृथिवीं च ससागराम्

7.79.11

तथैव दध्मतुः शङ्खौ वासुदेवधनंजयौ
प्रवरौ सर्वभूतानां सर्वशङ्खवरौ भुवि
देवदत्तं च कौन्तेयः पाञ्चजन्यं च केशवः

7.79.12

शब्दस्तु देवदत्तस्य धनंजयसमीरितः
पृथिवीं चान्तरिक्षं च दिशश्चैव समावृणोत्

7.79.13

तथैव पाञ्चजन्योऽपि वासुदेवसमीरितः
सर्वशब्दानतिक्रम्य पूरयामास रोदसी

7.79.14

तस्मिंस्तथा वर्तमाने दारुणे नादसंकुले
भीरूणां त्रासजनने शूराणां हर्षवर्धने

7.79.15

प्रवादितासु भेरीषु झर्झरेष्वानकेषु च
मृदङ्गेषु च राजेन्द्र वाद्यमानेष्वनेकशः

7.79.16

महारथसमाख्याता दुर्योधनहितैषिणः
अमृष्यमाणास्तं शब्दं क्रुद्धाः परमधन्विनः
नानादेश्या महीपालाः स्वसैन्यपरिरक्षिणः

7.79.17

अमर्षिता महाशङ्खान्दध्मुर्वीरा महारथाः
कृते प्रतिकरिष्यन्तः केशवस्यार्जुनस्य च

7.79.18

बभूव तव तत्सैन्यं शङ्खशब्दसमीरितम्
उद्विग्नरथनागाश्वमस्वस्थमिव चाभिभो

7.79.19

तत्प्रयुक्तमिवाकाशं शूरैः शङ्खनिनादितम्
बभूव भृशमुद्विग्नं निर्घातैरिव नादितम्

7.79.20

स शब्दः सुमहान्राजन्दिशः सर्वा व्यनादयत्
त्रासयामास तत्सैन्यं युगान्त इव संभृतः

7.79.21

ततो दुर्योधनोऽष्टौ च राजानस्ते महारथाः
जयद्रथस्य रक्षार्थं पाण्डवं पर्यवारयन्

7.79.22

ततो द्रौणिस्त्रिसप्तत्या वासुदेवमताडयत्
अर्जुनं च त्रिभिर्भल्लैर्ध्वजमश्वांश्च पञ्चभिः

7.79.23

तमर्जुनः पृषत्कानां शतैः षड्भिरताडयत्
अत्यर्थमिव संक्रुद्धः प्रतिविद्धे जनार्दने

7.79.24

कर्णं द्वादशभिर्विद्ध्वा वृषसेनं त्रिभिस्तथा
शल्यस्य सशरं चापं मुष्टौ चिच्छेद वीर्यवान्

7.79.25

गृहीत्वा धनुरन्यत्तु शल्यो विव्याध पाण्डवम्
भूरिश्रवास्त्रिभिर्बाणैर्हेमपुङ्खैः शिलाशितैः

7.79.26

कर्णो द्वात्रिंशता चैव वृषसेनश्च पञ्चभिः
जयद्रथस्त्रिसप्तत्या कृपश्च दशभिः शरैः
मद्रराजश्च दशभिर्विव्यधुः फल्गुनं रणे

7.79.27

ततः शराणां षष्ट्या तु द्रौणिः पार्थमवाकिरत्
वासुदेवं च सप्तत्या पुनः पार्थं च पञ्चभिः

7.79.28

प्रहसंस्तु नरव्याघ्रः श्वेताश्वः कृष्णसारथिः
प्रत्यविध्यत्स तान्सर्वान्दर्शयन्पाणिलाघवम्

7.79.29

कर्णं द्वादशभिर्विद्ध्वा वृषसेनं त्रिभिः शरैः
शल्यस्य समरे चापं मुष्टिदेशे न्यकृन्तत

7.79.30

सौमदत्तिं त्रिभिर्विद्ध्वा शल्यं च दशभिः शरैः
शितैरग्निशिखाकारैर्द्रौणिं विव्याध चाष्टभिः

7.79.31

गौतमं पञ्चविंशत्या शैन्धवं च शतेन ह
पुनर्द्रौणिं च सप्तत्या शराणां सोऽभ्यताडयत्

7.79.32

भूरिश्रवास्तु संक्रुद्धः प्रतोदं चिच्छिदे हरेः
अर्जुनं च त्रिसप्तत्या बाणानामाजघान ह

7.79.33

ततः शरशतैस्तीक्ष्णैस्तानरीञ्श्वेतवाहनः
प्रत्यषेधद्द्रुतं क्रुद्धो महावातो घनानिव

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Thy warriors, as soon as they beheld those foremost of persons of the Vrishni-Andhaka and the Kuru races, lost no time, each striving to be first, in proceeding against them from a desire of slaughtering them. And so Vijaya also rushed against those foes of his. On their great cars, decked with gold, cased in tiger-skins, producing deep rattle, and resembling blazing fire, they rushed, illumining the ten points of the compass, armed, O king, with bows, the backs of whose staves were decked with gold, and which in consequence of their splendour, were incapable of being looked at, and uttering loud cries, and drawn by angry steeds. Bhurisravas, and Sala and Karna, and Vrishasena, and Jayadratha, and Kripa. and the ruler of the Madras, and that foremost of car-warriors, viz., the son of Drona. these eight great car-warriors, as if devouring the skies (as they proceeded) illuminated the ten points of the compass with their splendid cars, cased in tiger-skins and decked with golden moons. Clad in mail, filled with wrath and mounted upon their cars the rattle of which resembled the roar of masses of clouds, they covered Arjuna on every side with a shower of sharp shafts. Beautiful steeds of the best breed, endued with great speed, bearing those great car-warriors, looked resplendent as they illumined the points of the compass. Their cars drawn by foremost steeds of great fleetness were of diverse countries and of diverse species, some bred in mountainous regions, some in rivers, and some in the country of the Sindhus, many foremost of car-warriors among the Kurus desirous, O king, of rescuing thy son quickly rushed towards Dhananjaya's car from every side. Those foremost of men, taking up their conchs blew them, filling O king, the welkin and the earth with her seas (with that blare). Then those foremost ones among the gods, viz., Vasudeva and Dhananjaya, also blew their foremost of conchs on earth. The son of Kunti blew Devadatta, and Kesava blew Panchajanya. The loud blast of Devadatta, sent forth by Dhananjaya, filled the earth, the welkin, and ten points of the compass. And so Panchajanya also blown by Vasudeva, surpassing all sounds, filled the sky and the earth. And while that awful and fierce noise continued, a noise that inspired the timid with fear and the brave with cheers, and while drums and Jharjharas, and cymbals and Mridangas, O great king, were beat by thousands, great car-warriors invited to the Kuru side and solicitous of Dhananjaya's welfare, those great bowmen, filled with rage

and unable to bear the loud blast of Arjuna's and Krishna's conchs, those kings from diverse realms supported by their respective troops, in rage blew their great conchs, desiring to answer with their own blasts the blasts of Kesava and Arjuna. The Kuru army then, urged forward by that blare of conchs, had its car-warriors, elephants, and steeds filled with anxiety and fear. Indeed, O lord, that host looked as if they that comprised it were ill. The agitated Kuru host, echoing with that blare of conchs blown by brave warriors, seemed to be like the welkin resounding with the noise of thunder and fallen down (through some convulsion of nature). 1 That loud uproar, O monarch, resounded through the ten points and frightened that host like critical incidents at the end of the Yuga frightening all living creatures. Then, Duryodhana and those eight great car-warriors appointed for the protection of Jayadratha all surrounded the son of Pandu. The son of Drona struck Vasudeva with three and seventy shafts, and Arjuna himself with three broad-headed shafts, and his standard and (four) steeds with five others. Beholding Janardana pierced, Arjuna, filled with rage, struck Aswatthaman with hundred shafts. Then piercing Karna with ten arrows and Vrishasena with three, the valiant Dhananjaya cut off Salya's bow with arrows fixed on the string, at the handle. Salya then, taking up another bow, pierced the son of Pandu. And Bhurisravas pierced him with three arrows whetted on stone, and equipped with golden wings. And Karna pierced him with two and thirty arrows, and Vrishasena with seven. And Jayadratha pierced Arjuna with three and seventy shafts and Kripa pierced him with ten. And the ruler of the Madras also pierced Phalguna in that battle with ten arrows. And the son of Drona pierced him with sixty arrows. And he, once more, pierced Partha with five arrows, and Vasudeva with twenty. Then the tiger among men, viz., Arjuna owning white steeds and having Krishna for his driver, pierced each of those warriors in return, displaying the lightness of his hand. Piercing Karna with a dozen shafts and Vrishasena with three, Partha cut off Salya's bow at the handle. And piercing the son of Somadatta with three arrows and Salya with ten, he pierced Kripa with five and twenty arrows, and the ruler of the Sindhus with a hundred, Partha struck Drona's son with seventy arrows. Then Bhurisravas filled with rage, cut off the goad in Krishna's hand, and struck Arjuna with three and twenty shafts. Then Dhananjaya, of white steeds, filled with rage, mangled those enemies of his with hundreds upon hundreds of arrows, like a mighty tempest tearing masses of clouds.'"

210:1 Praviddham means fallen down or loosened from its usual place. Thus Nilakantha.

7.80.1

धृतराष्ट्र उवाच
ध्वजान्बहुविधाकारान्भ्राजमानानतिश्रिया
पार्थानां मामकानां च तान्ममाचक्ष्व संजय

7.80.2

संजय उवाच
ध्वजान्बहुविधाकाराञ्शृणु तेषां महात्मनाम्
रूपतो वर्णतश्चैव नामतश्च निबोध मे

7.80.3

तेषां तु रथमुह्यानां रथेषु विविधा ध्वजाः
प्रत्यदृश्यन्त राजेन्द्र ज्वलिता इव पावकाः

7.80.4

काञ्चनाः काञ्चनापीडाः काञ्चनस्रगलंकृताः
काञ्चनानीव शृङ्गाणि काञ्चनस्य महागिरेः

7.80.5

ते ध्वजाः संवृतास्तेषां पताकाभिः समन्ततः
नानावर्णविरागाभिर्विबभुः सर्वतो वृताः

7.80.6

पताकाश्च ततस्तास्तु श्वसनेन समीरिताः
नृत्यमानाः व्यदृश्यन्त रङ्गमध्ये विलासिकाः

7.80.7

इन्द्रायुधसवर्णाभाः पताका भरतर्षभ
दोधूयमाना रथिनां शोभयन्ति महारथान्

7.80.8

सिंहलाङ्गूलमुग्रास्यं ध्वजं वानरलक्षणम्
धनंजयस्य संग्रामे प्रत्यपश्याम भैरवम्

7.80.9

स वानरवरो राजन्पताकाभिरलंकृतः
त्रासयामास तत्सैन्यं ध्वजो गाण्डीवधन्वनः

7.80.10

तथैव सिंहलाङ्गूलं द्रोणपुत्रस्य भारत
ध्वजाग्रं समपश्याम बालसूर्यसमप्रभम्

7.80.11

काञ्चनं पवनोद्धूतं शक्रध्वजसमप्रभम्
नन्दनं कौरवेन्द्राणां द्रौणेर्लक्षणमुच्छ्रितम्

7.80.12

हस्तिकक्ष्या पुनर्हैमी बभूवाधिरथेर्ध्वजे
आहवे खं महाराज ददृशे पूरयन्निव

7.80.13

पताकी काञ्चनस्रग्वी ध्वजः कर्णस्य संयुगे
नृत्यतीव रथोपस्थे श्वसनेन समीरितः

7.80.14

आचार्यस्य च पाण्डूनां ब्राह्मणस्य यशस्विनः
गोवृषो गौतमस्यासीत्कृपस्य सुपरिष्कृतः

7.80.15

स तेन भ्राजते राजन्गोवृषेण महारथः
त्रिपुरघ्नरथो यद्वद्गोवृषेण विराजते

7.80.16

मयूरो वृषसेनस्य काञ्चनो मणिरत्नवान्
व्याहरिष्यन्निवातिष्ठत्सेनाग्रमपि शोभयन्

7.80.17

तेन तस्य रथो भाति मयूरेण महात्मनः
यथा स्कन्दस्य राजेन्द्र मयूरेण विराजता

7.80.18

मद्रराजस्य शल्यस्य ध्वजाग्रेऽग्निशिखामिव
सौवर्णीं प्रतिपश्याम सीतामप्रतिमां शुभाम्

7.80.19

सा सीता भ्राजते तस्य रथमास्थाय मारिष
सर्वबीजविरूढेव यथा सीता श्रिया वृता

7.80.20

वराहः सिन्धुराजस्य राजतोऽभिविराजते
ध्वजाग्रेऽलोहितार्काभो हेमजालपरिष्कृतः

7.80.21

शुशुभे केतुना तेन राजतेन जयद्रथः
यथा देवासुरे युद्धे पुरा पूषा स्म शोभते

7.80.22

सौमदत्तेः पुनर्यूपो यज्ञशीलस्य धीमतः
ध्वजः सूर्य इवाभाति सोमश्चात्र प्रदृश्यते

7.80.23

स यूपः काञ्चनो राजन्सौमदत्तेर्विराजते
राजसूये मखश्रेष्ठे यथा यूपः समुच्छ्रितः

7.80.24

शलस्य तु महाराज राजतो द्विरदो महान्
केतुः काञ्चनचित्राङ्गैर्मयूरैरुपशोभितः

7.80.25

स केतुः शोभयामास सैन्यं ते भरतर्षभ
यथा श्वेतो महानागो देवराजचमूं तथा

7.80.26

नागो मणिमयो राज्ञो ध्वजः कनकसंवृतः
किङ्किणीशतसंह्रादो भ्राजंश्चित्रे रथोत्तमे

7.80.27

व्यभ्राजत भृशं राजन्पुत्रस्तव विशां पते
ध्वजेन महता संख्ये कुरूणामृषभस्तदा

7.80.28

नवैते तव वाहिन्यामुच्छ्रिताः परमध्वजाः
व्यदीपयंस्ते पृतनां युगान्तादित्यसंनिभाः

7.80.29

दशमस्त्वर्जुनस्यासीदेक एव महाकपिः
अदीप्यतार्जुनो येन हिमवानिव वह्निना

7.80.30

ततश्चित्राणि शुभ्राणि सुमहान्ति महारथाः
कार्मुकाण्याददुस्तूर्णमर्जुनार्थे परंतपाः

7.80.31

तथैव धनुरायच्छत्पार्थः शत्रुविनाशनः
गाण्डीवं दिव्यकर्मा तद्राजन्दुर्मन्त्रिते तव

7.80.32

तवापराधाद्धि नरा निहता बहुधा युधि
नानादिग्भ्यः समाहूताः सहयाः सरथद्विपाः

7.80.33

तेषामासीद्व्यतिक्षेपो गर्जतामितरेतरम्
दुर्योधनमुखानां च पाण्डूनामृषभस्य च

7.80.34

तत्राद्भुतं परं चक्रे कौन्तेयः कृष्णसारथिः
यदेको बहुभिः सार्धं समागच्छदभीतवत्

7.80.35

अशोभत महाबाहुर्गाण्डीवं विक्षिपन्धनुः
जिगीषुस्तान्नरव्याघ्राञ्जिघांसुश्च जयद्रथम्

7.80.36

तत्रार्जुनो महाराज शरैर्मुक्तैः सहस्रशः
अदृश्यानकरोद्योधांस्तावकाञ्शत्रुतापनः

7.80.37

ततस्तेऽपि नरव्याघ्राः पार्थं सर्वे महारथाः
अदृश्यं समरे चक्रुः सायकौघैः समन्ततः

7.80.38

संवृते नरसिंहैस्तैः कुरूणामृषभेऽर्जुने
महानासीत्समुद्धूतस्तस्य सैन्यस्य निस्वनः

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Dhritarashtra, said, 'Describe to me, O Sanjaya, the diverse kinds of standards resplendent with great beauty, of both the Partha and our warriors (in that battle).'

"Sanjaya said, 'Hear, O king, of the diverse kinds of standards of those high-souled warriors. Listen to me as I describe their forms and names. Indeed, O king, upon the cars of those foremost of car-warriors were seen diverse kinds of standards that shone like blazing flames of fire. Made of gold, or decked with gold, or adorned with strings of gold and each looking like the golden mountain (Meru), diverse kinds of standards were there that were highly beautiful. And those standards of the warriors had attached all around them excellent banners. Indeed, having banners of diverse hues attached to them all around, those standards looked exceedingly beautiful. Those banners, again, moved by the wind, looked like fair ladies dancing in the midst of a sporting arena. Endued with the splendour of the rainbow, those banners, O bull of Bharata's race, of those car-warriors, floating in the breeze, highly adorned their cars. The standard, bearing the sign of the ape of fierce face and tail, like that of the lion, belonging to Dhananjaya, seemed to inspire fear in that battle. That standard, O king of the wielder of Gandiva, bearing that foremost of apes, and adorned with many banners, frightened the Kuru host. Similarly, the lion-tail standard-top of Drona's son, O Bharata, we saw, was endued with the effulgence of the rising sun Decked with gold, floating in the breeze, possessed of the splendour of the rainbow, the standard mark of Drona's son appeared on high, inspiring the foremost of Kuru warriors with joy. The standard of Adhiratha's son bore the mark of an elephant-rope made of gold. It seemed, O king, in battle to fill the whole welkin. The banner, adorned with gold and garlands, attached to the standard of Karna in battle, shaken by the wind, seemed to dance upon his car. The preceptor of the Pandavas, that Brahmana, given to ascetic penances, viz., Kripa the son of Gotama, had for his mark an excellent bovine bull. That high-souled one, O king, with that bovine bull, looked as resplendent, as the Destroyer of the three cities 1 looks resplendent with his bull. Vrishasena has a peacock made of gold and adorned with jewels and gems. And it stood on his standard, as if in the act of crowing, and always adorned the wan of the army. With that peacock, the car of the high-souled Vrishasena shone, like the car, O king, of Skanda (the celestial generalissimo) shining 'with his peacock unrivalled and beautiful ploughshare made of gold and looking like flame of fire. That ploughshare, O sire, looked resplendent on his car. Salya, the ruler of the Madras, we saw, had on his standard-top an image like the presiding goddess of corn, endued with beauty and

producing every seed. A silver boar adorned the standard-top of the ruler of the Sindhus. Decked with golden chains, it was of the splendour of a white crystal. 1 With that silver mark on his barrier, the ruler of the Sindhus looked as resplendent, as Surya in days of yore in the battle between the celestials and the Asuras. The standard of Somadatta's son, devoted to sacrifices, bore the sign of the sacrificial stake. It was seen to shine like the sun or the moon. That sacrificial stake made of gold, O king of Somadatta's son, looked resplendent like the tall stake erected in the foremost of sacrifices called the Rajasuya. The standard of Salya, O monarch, bearing a huge silver-elephant was adorned, on all sides, with peacocks made of gold. The standard, O bull of Bharata's race, adorned thy troops like the huge white elephant adorning the host of the celestial king. On the standard decked with gold, of king Duryodhana, was an elephant adorned with gems. Tinkling with the sound of a hundred bells, O king, that standard stood upon the excellent car of that hero. And, O king, thy son, that bull among the Kurus, looked resplendent, O monarch, with that tall standard in battle. These nine excellent standards stood erect among thy divisions. The tenth standard seen there was of Arjuna, decked with that huge ape. And with that standard Arjuna looked highly resplendent, like Himavat with a blazing fire (on its top). Then many mighty car-warriors, all chastisers of foes, quickly took up their beautiful, bright and large bows for the sake of (resisting) Arjuna. Similarly, Partha also, that achiever of celestial feats, took up his foe-destroying bow Gandiva, in consequence, O king, of thy evil policy. Many royal warriors, O king, were then slain in that battle owing to thy fault. Rulers of men came from different realms invited (by thy sons). And with them perished many steeds and many elephants. Then those mighty car-warriors headed by Duryodhana (on one side) and that bull amongst the Pandavas on the other, uttered loud roars and began the encounter. And the feat that Kunti's son, having Krishna for his charioteer, achieved there, was highly wonderful, inasmuch as, alone, he encountered fearlessly all those warriors united together. And that mighty-armed hero looked resplendent as he stretched his bow Gandiva, desirous of vanquishing all those tigers among men for slaying the ruler of the Sindhus. With his shafts shot in thousands, that tiger among men, viz., Arjuna, that scorcher of foes, made all those warriors invisible (by means of his arrowy showers). On their side, those tigers among men, those mighty car-warriors, also made Partha invisible by means of their clouds of shafts shot from all sides. Beholding Arjuna, that bull of Kuru's race covered by those lions among men with their shafts, loud was the uproar made by thy troops.'

211:1 Tripura means the three cities constructed by the Asura artificer Maya. The Asura, however, who owned those cities is also called Tripura. It was Mahadeva who destroyed the three cities with all their population vide the close of the Harivansa.

212:1 The true reading is alohita and not lohita. Arka here is crystal and not the sun. It was a silvern boar, which could not, evidently, be like the sun.

7.81.1

धृतराष्ट्र उवाच
अर्जुने सैन्धवं प्राप्ते भारद्वाजेन संवृताः
पाञ्चालाः कुरुभिः सार्धं किमकुर्वत संजय

7.81.2

संजय उवाच
अपराह्णे महाराज संग्रामे लोमहर्षणे
पाञ्चालानां कुरूणां च द्रोणे द्यूतमवर्तत

7.81.3

पाञ्चाला हि जिघांसन्तो द्रोणं संहृष्टचेतसः
अभ्यवर्षन्त गर्जन्तः शरवर्षाणि मारिष

7.81.4

ततः सुतुमुलस्तेषां संग्रामोऽवर्तताद्भुतः
पाञ्चालानां कुरूणां च घोरो देवासुरोपमः

7.81.5

सर्वे द्रोणरथं प्राप्य पाञ्चालाः पाण्डवैः सह
तदनीकं बिभित्सन्तो महास्त्राणि व्यदर्शयन्

7.81.6

द्रोणस्य रथपर्यन्तं रथिनो रथमास्थिताः
कम्पयन्तोऽभ्यवर्तन्त वेगमास्थाय मध्यमम्

7.81.7

तमभ्यगाद्बृहत्क्षत्रः केकयानां महारथः
प्रवपन्निशितान्बाणान्महेन्द्राशनिसंनिभान्

7.81.8

तं तु प्रत्युदियाच्छीघ्रं क्षेमधूर्तिर्महायशाः
विमुञ्चन्निशितान्बाणाञ्शतशोऽथ सहस्रशः

7.81.9

धृष्टकेतुश्च चेदीनामृषभोऽतिबलोदितः
त्वरितोऽभ्यद्रवद्द्रोणं महेन्द्र इव शम्बरम्

7.81.10

तमापतन्तं सहसा व्यादितास्यमिवान्तकम्
वीरधन्वा महेष्वासस्त्वरमाणः समभ्ययात्

7.81.11

युधिष्ठिरं महाराज जिगीषुं समवस्थितम्
सहानीकं ततो द्रोणो न्यवारयत वीर्यवान्

7.81.12

नकुलं कुशलं युद्धे पराक्रान्तं पराक्रमी
अभ्यगच्छत्समायान्तं विकर्णस्ते सुतः प्रभो

7.81.13

सहदेवं तथायान्तं दुर्मुखः शत्रुकर्शनः
शरैरनेकसाहस्रैः समवाकिरदाशुगैः

7.81.14

सात्यकिं तु नरव्याघ्रं व्याघ्रदत्तस्त्ववारयत्
शरैः सुनिशितैस्तीक्ष्णैः कम्पयन्वै मुहुर्मुहुः

7.81.15

द्रौपदेयान्नरव्याघ्रान्मुञ्चतः सायकोत्तमान्
संरब्धान्रथिनां श्रेष्ठान्सौमदत्तिरवारयत्

7.81.16

भीमसेनं तथा क्रुद्धं भीमरूपो भयानकम्
प्रत्यवारयदायान्तमार्ष्यशृङ्गिर्महारथः

7.81.17

तयोः समभवद्युद्धं नरराक्षसयोर्मृधे
यादृगेव पुरा वृत्तं रामरावणयोर्नृप

7.81.18

ततो युधिष्ठिरो द्रोणं नवत्या नतपर्वणाम्
आजघ्ने भरतश्रेष्ठ सर्वमर्मसु भारत

7.81.19

तं द्रोणः पञ्चविंशत्या निजघान स्तनान्तरे
रोषितो भरतश्रेष्ठ कौन्तेयेन यशस्विना

7.81.20

भूय एव तु विंशत्या सायकानां समाचिनोत्
साश्वसूतध्वजं द्रोणः पश्यतां सर्वधन्विनाम्

7.81.21

ताञ्शरान्द्रोणमुक्तांस्तु शरवर्षेण पाण्डवः
अवारयत धर्मात्मा दर्शयन्पाणिलाघवम्

7.81.22

ततो द्रोणो भृशं क्रुद्धो धर्मराजस्य संयुगे
चिच्छेद सहसा धन्वी धनुस्तस्य महात्मनः

7.81.23

अथैनं छिन्नधन्वानं त्वरमाणो महारथः
शरैरनेकसाहस्रैः पुरयामास सर्वतः

7.81.24

अदृश्यं दृश्य राजानं भारद्वाजस्य सायकैः
सर्वभूतान्यमन्यन्त हतमेव युधिष्ठिरम्

7.81.25

केचिच्चैनममन्यन्त तथा वै विमुखीकृतम्
हृतो राजेति राजेन्द्र ब्राह्मणेन यशस्विना

7.81.26

स कृच्छ्रं परमं प्राप्तो धर्मराजो युधिष्ठिरः
त्यक्त्वा तत्कार्मुकं छिन्नं भारद्वाजेन संयुगे
आददेऽन्यद्धनुर्दिव्यं भारघ्नं वेगवत्तरम्

7.81.27

ततस्तान्सायकान्सर्वान्द्रोणमुक्तान्सहस्रशः
चिच्छेद समरे वीरस्तदद्भुतमिवाभवत्

7.81.28

छित्त्वा च ताञ्शरान्राजा क्रोधसंरक्तलोचनः
शक्तिं जग्राह समरे गिरीणामपि दारणीम्
स्वर्णदण्डां महाघोरामष्टघण्टां भयावहाम्

7.81.29

समुत्क्षिप्य च तां हृष्टो ननाद बलवद्बली
नादेन सर्वभूतानि त्रासयन्निव भारत

7.81.30

शक्तिं समुद्यतां दृष्ट्वा धर्मराजेन संयुगे
स्वस्ति द्रोणाय सहसा सर्वभूतान्यथाब्रुवन्

7.81.31

सा राजभुजनिर्मुक्ता निर्मुक्तोरगसंनिभा
प्रज्वालयन्ती गगनं दिशश्च विदिशस्तथा
द्रोणान्तिकमनुप्राप्ता दीप्तास्या पन्नगी यथा

7.81.32

तामापतन्तीं सहसा प्रेक्ष्य द्रोणो विशां पते
प्रादुश्चक्रे ततो ब्राह्ममस्त्रमस्त्रविदां वरः

7.81.33

तदस्त्रं भस्मसात्कृत्वा तां शक्तिं घोरदर्शनाम्
जगाम स्यन्दनं तूर्णं पाण्डवस्य यशस्विनः

7.81.34

ततो युधिष्ठिरो राजा द्रोणास्त्रं तत्समुद्यतम्
अशामयन्महाप्राज्ञो ब्रह्मास्त्रेणैव भारत

7.81.35

विव्याध च रणे द्रोणं पञ्चभिर्नतपर्वभिः
क्षुरप्रेण च तीक्ष्णेन चिच्छेदास्य महद्धनुः

7.81.36

तदपास्य धनुश्छिन्नं द्रोणः क्षत्रियमर्दनः
गदां चिक्षेप सहसा धर्मपुत्राय मारिष

7.81.37

तामापतन्तीं सहसा गदां दृष्ट्वा युधिष्ठिरः
गदामेवाग्रहीत्क्रुद्धश्चिक्षेप च परंतपः

7.81.38

ते गदे सहसा मुक्ते समासाद्य परस्परम्
संघर्षात्पावकं मुक्त्वा समेयातां महीतले

7.81.39

ततो द्रोणो भृशं क्रुद्धो धर्मराजस्य मारिष
चतुर्भिर्निशितैस्तीक्ष्णैर्हयाञ्जघ्ने शरोत्तमैः

7.81.40

धनुश्चैकेन बाणेन चिच्छेदेन्द्रध्वजोपमम्
केतुमेकेन चिच्छेद पाण्डवं चार्दयत्त्रिभिः

7.81.41

हताश्वात्तु रथात्तूर्णमवप्लुत्य युधिष्ठिरः
तस्थावूर्ध्वभुजो राजा व्यायुधो भरतर्षभ

7.81.42

विरथं तं समालोक्य व्यायुधं च विशेषतः
द्रोणो व्यमोहयच्छत्रून्सर्वसैन्यानि चाभिभो

7.81.43

मुञ्चन्निषुगणांस्तीक्ष्णाँल्लघुहस्तो दृढव्रतः
अभिदुद्राव राजानं सिंहो मृगमिवोल्बणः

7.81.44

तमभिद्रुतमालोक्य द्रोणेनामित्रघातिना
हा हेति सहसा शब्दः पाण्डूनां समजायत

7.81.45

हृतो राजा हृतो राजा भारद्वाजेन मारिष
इत्यासीत्सुमहाञ्शब्दः पाण्डुसैन्यस्य सर्वतः

7.81.46

ततस्त्वरितमारुह्य सहदेवरथं नृपः
अपायाज्जवनैरश्वैः कुन्तीपुत्रो युधिष्ठिरः

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Dhritarashtra said, 'After Arjuna had got the ruler of the Sindhus within sight, what, O Sanjaya, did the Panchalas, attacked by Bharadwaja's son, do, encountering the Kurus?'

"Sanjaya said, In the afternoon of that day, O monarch, in the battle that took place between the Panchalas and the Kurus, Drona became, as it were, the stake (for which each fought on to win or lose). The Panchalas, O sire, desirous of slaying Drona, cheerfully uttered loud roars and shot dense showers of arrows. Indeed, that encounter between the Panchalas and the Kurus, fierce, awful, and highly wonderful as it was, resembled that in days of yore between the gods and the Asuras. Indeed, all the Panchalas with the Pandavas, obtaining Drona's car (within reach) used many mighty weapons, desirous of piercing through his array. Car-warriors stationed on their cars, causing the earth to shake under them, and showering their arrowy downpours, rushed towards Drona's car, without much speed. Then that mighty car-warrior among the Kaikeyas, viz., Vrihatkshatra, incessantly scattering keen shafts that resembled the thunder in force, proceeded towards Drona. Then Kshemadhurti of great fame quickly rushed against Vrihatkshatra, shooting keen arrows by thousands. Beholding this, that bull among the Chedis, viz., Dhrishtaketu, endued with great might, quickly proceeded against Kshemadhurti, like Mahendra proceeding against the Asura Samvara. Seeing him rush with great impetuosity, like the Destroyer himself with wide-open mouth, that mighty bowman viz., Viradhanwan, proceeded against him with great speed. King Yudhishthira staying there at the head of his division from desire of victory, was resisted by valiant Drona himself. Thy son Vikarna, O lord, endued with great prowess, proceeded against the rushing Nakula of great prowess, that warrior accomplished in battle. That scorcher of foes, viz., Durmukha, covered the advancing Sahadeva with many thousands of swiftly-coursing shafts. The heroic Vyughradatta resisted that tiger among men, viz., Satyaki making him repeatedly tremble by means of his sharp and keen-pointed shafts. The son of Somadatta resisted the (five) sons of Draupadi, those tigers among men, those great car-warriors, wrathfully shooting mighty shafts. That mighty car-warrior, viz., Rishyasringa's fierce son (the Rakshasa Alamvusha), of awful mien, resisted the advancing Bhimasena filled with wrath. The encounter that then took place between that man and Rakshasa resembled, O king, the battle in days of yore between Rama, and Ravana. Then, O Bharata, Yudhishthira, that chief of the Bharatas, struck Drona with ninety straight shafts in all his vital parts. Enraged by the famous son of Kunti, Drona struck him in return, O chief of the Bharatas, in the centre of the chest with five and twenty shafts. And once more, in the very sight of all the bowmen, Drona struck him, with his steeds, charioteer, and standard, with twenty shafts. Pandu's son, of virtuous soul, displaying great lightness of hand, baffled with his own

arrowy showers those arrows shot by Drona, Then that great bowman Drona, filled with rage, cut off the bow of the high souled king Yudhishthira the just. Then that great car-warrior (viz., the son of Bharadwaja) speedily covered the bowless Yudhishthira with many thousands of shafts. Beholding the king made invisible by the shafts of Bharadwaja's son, all thought that Yudhishthira was dead, and some thought that the king had fled before Drona. And many cried out, O king, saying, 'Alas the king hath been slain by the high-souled Brahmana.' Then, king Yudhishthira the just, fallen into great distress, having laid aside that bow cut off by Bharadwaja's son in battle took up another excellent, bright and tougher bow. And that hero then cut off in that encounter all those shafts shot in thousands by Drona. All this seemed exceedingly wonderful. Having cut off those shafts, O king, Yudhishthira, with eyes red in wrath, took up in that battle a dart, capable of riving even a mountain. Equipped with a golden staff, of awful mien, having eight bells attached to it, and exceedingly terrible, the mighty Yudhishthira, taking it up, uttered a loud roar. And with that roar, O Bharata, the son of Pandu inspired all creatures with fear. Beholding that dart upraised by king Yudhishthira the just, all creatures, as if with one accord, said, 'Good be to Drona!' Hurled from the king's arms, that dart resembling a snake just freed from its slough, coursed towards Drona, illumining the welkin and all the directions cardinal and subsidiary, like a she-snake with fiery mouth, Beholding it coursing towards him impetuously, O king, Drona, that foremost of all persons acquainted with weapons invoked into existence the weapon called Brahma. That weapon, reducing that dart of terrible mien into dust, coursed towards the car of the illustrious son of Pandu. Then, O sire, king Yudhishthira of' great wisdom baffled that weapon of Drona, thus coursing towards him by himself invoking the Brahma weapon. And then piercing Drona himself in that battle with five straight shafts, he cut off, with a sharp razor-faced shaft, the large bow of Drona. Then Drona, that grinder of Kshatriyas, throwing aside that broken bow, hurled with great force, O sire, a mace at the son of Dharma. Beholding that mace impetuously coursing towards him, Yudhishthira, O chastiser of foes, filled with rage, took up a mace. Then those two maces, both hurled with great force, encountering each other in mid-air, produced by their collision sparks of fire and then fell down on the earth. Then Drona, filled with fury, slew, O sire, the steeds of Yudhishthira, with four excellent shafts of keen points. And with another broad-headed shaft he cut off he king's bow resembling a pole erected to the honour of Indra. And with another shaft he cut off the standard of Yudhishthira, and with three he afflicted the Pandava himself. Then king Yudhishthira, speedily jumping down from that steedless car, stood weaponless and with arms upraised, O bull of Bharata's race! Beholding him carless, and especially weaponless, Drona, O lord, stupefied his foes, rather the whole army. Firmly adhering to his vow, and endued with great lightness of hands, Drona shot showers of sharp shafts and rushed towards the king, like a

furious lion towards a deer. Beholding Drona, that slayer of foes, rush towards him, cries of Oh and Alas suddenly rose from the Pandava army.' And many cried out, saying, 'The king is slain by Bharadwaja's son.' Loud wails of this kind were heard, O Bharata, among the Pandava troops. Meanwhile, king Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, getting up on the car of Sahadeva, retreated from the field, borne away by swift steeds.'"

7.82.1

संजय उवाच
बृहत्क्षत्रमथायान्तं केकयं दृढविक्रमम्
क्षेमधूर्तिर्महाराज विव्याधोरसि मार्गणैः

7.82.2

बृहत्क्षत्रस्तु तं राजा नवत्या नतपर्वणाम्
आजघ्ने त्वरितो युद्धे द्रोणानीकबिभित्सया

7.82.3

क्षेमधूर्तिस्तु संक्रुद्धः केकयस्य महात्मनः
धनुश्चिच्छेद भल्लेन पीतेन निशितेन च

7.82.4

अथैनं छिन्नधन्वानं शरेण नतपर्वणा
विव्याध हृदये तूर्णं प्रवरं सर्वधन्विनाम्

7.82.5

अथान्यद्धनुरादाय बृहत्क्षत्रो हसन्निव
व्यश्वसूतध्वजं चक्रे क्षेमधूर्तिं महारथम्

7.82.6

ततोऽपरेण भल्लेन पीतेन निशितेन च
जहार नृपतेः कायाच्छिरो ज्वलितकुण्डलम्

7.82.7

तच्छिन्नं सहसा तस्य शिरः कुञ्चितमूर्धजम्
सकिरीटं महीं प्राप्य बभौ ज्योतिरिवाम्बरात्

7.82.8

तं निहत्य रणे हृष्टो बृहत्क्षत्रो महारथः
सहसाभ्यपतत्सैन्यं तावकं पार्थकारणात्

7.82.9

धृष्टकेतुमथायान्तं द्रोणहेतोः पराक्रमी
वीरधन्वा महेष्वासो वारयामास भारत

7.82.10

तौ परस्परमासाद्य शरदंष्ट्रौ तरस्विनौ
शरैरनेकसाहस्रैरन्योन्यमभिजघ्नतुः

7.82.11

तावुभौ नरशार्दूलौ युयुधाते परस्परम्
महावने तीव्रमदौ वारणाविव यूथपौ

7.82.12

गिरिगह्वरमासाद्य शार्दूलाविव रोषितौ
युयुधाते महावीर्यौ परस्परजिघांसया

7.82.13

तद्युद्धमासीत्तुमुलं प्रेक्षणीयं विशां पते
सिद्धचारणसंघानां विस्मयाद्भुतदर्शनम्

7.82.14

वीरधन्वा ततः क्रुद्धो धृष्टकेतोः शरासनम्
द्विधा चिच्छेद भल्लेन प्रहसन्निव भारत

7.82.15

तदुत्सृज्य धनुश्छिन्नं चेदिराजो महारथः
शक्तिं जग्राह विपुलां रुक्मदण्डामयस्मयीम्

7.82.16

तां तु शक्तिं महावीर्यां दोर्भ्यामायम्य भारत
चिक्षेप सहसा यत्तो वीरधन्वरथं प्रति

7.82.17

स तया वीरघातिन्या शक्त्या त्वभिहतो भृशम्
निर्भिन्नहृदयस्तूर्णं निपपात रथान्महीम्

7.82.18

तस्मिन्विनिहते शूरे त्रिगर्तानां महारथे
बलं तेऽभज्यत विभो पाण्डवेयैः समन्ततः

7.82.19

सहदेवे ततः षष्टिं सायकान्दुर्मुखोऽक्षिपत्
ननाद च महानादं तर्जयन्पाण्डवं रणे

7.82.20

मद्रेयस्तु ततः क्रुद्धो दुर्मुखं दशभिः शरैः
भ्राता भ्रातरमायान्तं विव्याध प्रहसन्निव

7.82.21

तं रणे रभसं दृष्ट्वा सहदेवं महाबलम्
दुर्मुखो नवभिर्बाणैस्ताडयामास भारत

7.82.22

दुर्मुखस्य तु भल्लेन छित्त्वा केतुं महाबलः
जघान चतुरो वाहांश्चतुर्भिर्निशितैः शरैः

7.82.23

अथापरेण भल्लेन पीतेन निशितेन च
चिच्छेद सारथेः कायाच्छिरो ज्वलितकुण्डलम्

7.82.24

क्षुरप्रेण च तीक्ष्णेन कौरव्यस्य महद्धनुः
सहदेवो रणे छित्त्वा तं च विव्याध पञ्चभिः

7.82.25

हताश्वं तु रथं त्यक्त्वा दुर्मुखो विमनास्तदा
आरुरोह रथं राजन्निरमित्रस्य भारत

7.82.26

सहदेवस्ततः क्रुद्धो निरमित्रं महाहवे
जघान पृतनामध्ये भल्लेन परवीरहा

7.82.27

स पपात रथोपस्थान्निरमित्रो जनेश्वरः
त्रिगर्तराजस्य सुतो व्यथयंस्तव वाहिनीम्

7.82.28

तं तु हत्वा महाबाहुः सहदेवो व्यरोचत
यथा दाशरथी रामः खरं हत्वा महाबलम्

7.82.29

हाहाकारो महानासीत्त्रिगर्तानां जनेश्वर
राजपुत्रं हतं दृष्ट्वा निरमित्रं महाबलम्

7.82.30

नकुलस्ते सुतं राजन्विकर्णं पृथुलोचनम्
मुहूर्ताज्जितवान्संख्ये तदद्भुतमिवाभवत्

7.82.31

सात्यकिं व्याघ्रदत्तस्तु शरैः संनतपर्वभिः
चक्रेऽदृश्यं साश्वसूतं सध्वजं पृतनान्तरे

7.82.32

तान्निवार्य शराञ्शूरः शैनेयः कृतहस्तवत्
साश्वसूतध्वजं बाणैर्व्याघ्रदत्तमपातयत्

7.82.33

कुमारे निहते तस्मिन्मगधस्य सुते प्रभो
मागधाः सर्वतो यत्ता युयुधानमुपाद्रवन्

7.82.34

विसृजन्तः शरांश्चैव तोमरांश्च सहस्रशः
भिण्डिपालांस्तथा प्रासान्मुद्गरान्मुसलानपि

7.82.35

अयोधयन्रणे शूराः सात्वतं युद्धदुर्मदम्
तांस्तु सर्वान्स बलवान्सात्यक्तिर्युद्धदुर्मदः
नातिकृच्छ्राद्धसन्नेव विजिग्ये पुरुषर्षभ

7.82.36

मागधान्द्रवतो दृष्ट्वा हतशेषान्समन्ततः
बलं तेऽभज्यत विभो युयुधानशरार्दितम्

7.82.37

नाशयित्वा रणे सैन्यं त्वदीयं माधवोत्तमः
विधुन्वानो धनुःश्रेष्ठं व्यभ्राजत महायशाः

7.82.38

भज्यमानं बलं राजन्सात्वतेन महात्मना
नाभ्यवर्तत युद्धाय त्रासितं दीर्घबाहुना

7.82.39

ततो द्रोणो भृशं क्रुद्धः सहसोद्वृत्य चक्षुषी
सात्यकिं सत्यकर्माणं स्वयमेवाभिदुद्रुवे

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Kshemadhurti, O monarch, pierced the advancing Vrihatkshatra of great valour, that prince of the Kaikeyas, with many arrows in the chest. King Vrihatkshatra then, O monarch, desirous of piercing through Drona's division, quickly struck his antagonist with ninety straight shafts. Kshemadhurti, however, filled with rage, cut off, with a sharp well-tempered, and broad-headed shaft, the bow of that high-souled prince of the Kaikeyas. Having cut off his bow, Kshemadhurti then, with a keen and straight shaft, quickly pierced in that encounter that foremost of all bowmen. Then Vrihatkshatra, taking up another bow and smiling (at his foe), soon made the mighty car-warrior Kshemadhurti steedless and driverless and carless. And with another broad-headed shaft that was well-tempered and sharp, he cut off, from the trunk of his royal antagonist his head blazing with (a pair of) ear-rings. That head, graced with only locks and a diadem, suddenly cut off, fell down on the earth and looked resplendent like a luminary fallen from the firmament. Having slain his foe, the mighty car-warrior Vrihatkshatra became filled with joy and fell with great force upon thy troops for the sake of the Parthas. The great bowman Viradhanwan, O Bharata, endued with great prowess, resisted Dhrishtaketu who was advancing against Drona. Encountering each other, those two heroes having arrows for their fangs, and both endued with great activity, struck each other with many thousands of arrows. Indeed, those two tigers among men fought with each other, like two leaders of elephantine herds in the deep woods with fury. Both endued with great energy, they fought, each desirous of slaying the other, like two enraged tigers in a mountain-cave. That combat, O monarch, became exceedingly fierce. Deserving to be witnessed, it became highly wonderful. The very Siddhas and the Charanas, in large numbers, witnessed it with wonder-waiting eyes. Then Viradhanwan, O Bharata, with a laugh, cut off in rage Dhrishtaketu's bow in twain by means of broad-headed arrows. Abandoning that broken bow, the ruler of the Chedis, that mighty car-warrior took up a fierce dart made of iron and equipped with a golden staff. Bending with his hands, O Bharata, that dart of fierce energy towards the car of Viradhanwan, Dhrishtaketu hurled it carefully and with great force. Struck with great

force by that hero-slaying dart, and his heart pierced by it through, Viradhanwan, quickly fell down on the earth from his car. Upon the fall of that hero, that mighty car-warrior among the Trigartas, thy army, O lord, was broken by the Pandavas. (Thy son) Durmukha sped sixty shafts at Sahadeva, and uttered a loud shout in that battle, challenging that son of Pandu. The son of Madri, then., filled with rage, pierced Durmukha with many keen arrows, smiling the while, the brother striking the brother. Be. holding the mighty Durmukha fighting furiously, Sahadeva, then, O Bharata, once more struck him with nine shafts. Endued with great strength, Sahadeva then cut off Durmukha's standard with a broad-headed arrow and struck down his four steeds with four other arrows. And then with another broad. headed arrow, well-tempered and sharp, he cut off, from his trunk, the head of Durmukha's charioteer that shone with a pair of ear-rings. And cutting off Durmukha's large bow with a razor-faced arrow, Sahadeva pierced Durmukha himself in that battle with five arrows. Durmukha fearlessly jumping down from that steedless car, mounted the car, O Bharata, of Niramitra. Then that slayer of hostile heroes, viz., Sahadeva, filled with rage slew in that great battle Niramitra in the midst of his division with a broad-headed arrow. Thereupon, prince Niramitra, the son of the ruler of the Trigartas, fell down from his car, afflicting thy army with great grief. Slaying him, the mighty-armed Sahadeva looked resplendent like Rama, the son of Dasaratha, after slaying the mighty (Rakshasa) Khara. Beholding that mighty car-warrior, viz., prince Niramitra slain, loud cries of Oh and Alas arose, O monarch, among the Trigarta warriors. Nakula, O king, in a moment vanquished thy son Vikarna of large eyes. This seemed highly wonderful. Vyaghradatta, by means of his straight shafts, made Satyaki invisible with his steeds and driver and standard in the midst of his division. The brave grandson of Sini, baffling those shafts with great lightness of hand, felled Vyaghradatta by means of his arrows, with his steeds and driver and standard. Upon the fall, O lord, of that prince of the Magadhas, the latter, struggling vigorously, rushed against Yuyudhana from all sides. Scattering their shafts and lances by thousands, and sharp arrows and spears and mallets and thick clubs, those brave warriors fought in that battle with that invincible hero of the Satwata race. Endued with great might, invincible Satyaki, that bull among men, with the greatest ease and laughing the while, vanquished them all. The Magadhas were nearly exterminated. A small remnant flew from the field. Beholding this, thy army, already afflicted with the arrows of Yuyudhana, broke, O lord! Then that foremost one of Madhu's race, having slaughtered ill battle thy troops, that illustrious hero, looked resplendent as he shook his bow. The army, O king, was thus routed by that high-souled one of the Satwata race. Indeed, frightened by that hero of long arms, none approached him for fight. Then Drona filled with rage and rolling his eyes, himself rushed impetuously towards Satyaki, of feats incapable of being baffled.'"

7.83.1

संजय उवाच
द्रौपदेयान्महेष्वासान्सौमदत्तिर्महायशाः
एकैकं पञ्चभिर्विद्ध्वा पुनर्विव्याध सप्तभिः

7.83.2

ते पीडिता भृशं तेन रौद्रेण सहसा विभो
प्रमूढा नैव विविदुर्मृधे कृत्यं स्म किंचन

7.83.3

नाकुलिस्तु शतानीकः सौमदत्तिं नरर्षभम्
द्वाभ्यां विद्ध्वानदद्धृष्टः शराभ्यां शत्रुतापनः

7.83.4

तथेतरे रणे यत्तास्त्रिभिस्त्रिभिरजिह्मगैः
विव्यधुः समरे तूर्णं सौमदत्तिममर्षणम्

7.83.5

स तान्प्रति महाराज चिक्षिपे पञ्च सायकान्
एकैकं हृदि चाजघ्ने एकैकेन महायशाः

7.83.6

ततस्ते भ्रातरः पञ्च शरैर्विद्धा महात्मना
परिवार्य रथैर्वीरं विव्यधुः सायकैर्भृशम्

7.83.7

आर्जुनिस्तु हयांस्तस्य चतुर्भिर्निशितैः शरैः
प्रेषयामास संक्रुद्धो यमस्य सदनं प्रति

7.83.8

भैमसेनिर्धनुश्छित्त्वा सौमदत्तेर्महात्मनः
ननाद बलवन्नादं विव्याध च शितैः शरैः

7.83.9

यौधिष्ठिरो ध्वजं तस्य छित्त्वा भूमावपातयत्
नाकुलिश्चाश्वयन्तारं रथनीडादपाहरत्

7.83.10

साहदेविस्तु तं ज्ञात्वा भ्रातृभिर्विमुखीकृतम्
क्षुरप्रेण शिरो राजन्निचकर्त महामनाः

7.83.11

तच्छिरो न्यपतद्भूमौ तपनीयविभूषितम्
भ्राजयन्तं रणोद्देशं बालसूर्यसमप्रभम्

7.83.12

सौमदत्तेः शिरो दृष्ट्वा निपतत्तन्महात्मनः
वित्रस्तास्तावका राजन्प्रदुद्रुवुरनेकधा

7.83.13

अलम्बुसस्तु समरे भीमसेनं महाबलम्
योधयामास संक्रुद्धो लक्ष्मणं रावणिर्यथा

7.83.14

संप्रयुद्धौ रणे दृष्ट्वा तावुभौ नरराक्षसौ
विस्मयः सर्वभूतानां प्रहर्षश्चाभवत्तदा

7.83.15

आर्ष्यशृङ्गिं ततो भीमो नवभिर्निशितैः शरैः
विव्याध प्रहसन्राजन्राक्षसेन्द्रममर्षणम्

7.83.16

तद्रक्षः समरे विद्धं कृत्वा नादं भयावहम्
अभ्यद्रवत्ततो भीमं ये च तस्य पदानुगाः

7.83.17

स भीमं पञ्चभिर्विद्ध्वा शरैः संनतपर्वभिः
भीमानुगाञ्जघानाशु रथांस्त्रिंशदरिंदमः
पुनश्चतुःशतान्हत्वा भीमं विव्याध पत्रिणा

7.83.18

सोऽतिविद्धस्तदा भीमो राक्षसेन महाबलः
निषसाद रथोपस्थे मूर्छयाभिपरिप्लुतः

7.83.19

प्रतिलभ्य ततः संज्ञां मारुतिः क्रोधमूर्छितः
विकृष्य कार्मुकं घोरं भारसाधनमुत्तमम्
अलम्बुसं शरैस्तीक्ष्णैरर्दयामास सर्वतः

7.83.20

स विद्धो बहुभिर्बाणैर्नीलाञ्जनचयोपमः
शुशुभे सर्वतो राजन्प्रदीप्त इव किंशुकः

7.83.21

स वध्यमानः समरे भीमचापच्युतैः शरैः
स्मरन्भ्रातृवधं चैव पाण्डवेन महात्मना

7.83.22

घोरं रूपमथो कृत्वा भीमसेनमभाषत
तिष्ठेदानीं रणे पार्थ पश्य मेऽद्य पराक्रमम्

7.83.23

बको नाम सुदुर्बुद्धे राक्षसप्रवरो बली
परोक्षं मम तद्वृत्तं यद्भ्राता मे हतस्त्वया

7.83.24

एवमुक्त्वा ततो भीममन्तर्धानगतस्तदा
महाता शरवर्षेण भृशं तं समवाकिरत्

7.83.25

भीमस्तु समरे राजन्नदृश्ये राक्षसे तदा
आकाशं पूरयामास शरैः संनतपर्वभिः

7.83.26

स वध्यमानो भीमेन निमेषाद्रथमास्थितः
जगाम धरणीं क्षुद्रः खं चैव सहसागमत्

7.83.27

उच्चावचानि रूपाणि चकार सुबहूनि च
उच्चावचास्तथा वाचो व्याजहार समन्ततः

7.83.28

तेन पाण्डवसैन्यानां मृदिता युधि वारणाः
हयाश्च बहवो राजन्पत्तयश्च तथा पुनः
रथेभ्यो रथिनः पेतुस्तस्य नुन्नाः स्म सायकैः

7.83.29

शोणितोदां रथावर्तां हस्तिग्राहसमाकुलाम्
छत्रहंसां कर्दमिनीं बाहुपन्नगसंकुलाम्

7.83.30

नदीं प्रवर्तयामास रक्षोगणसमाकुलाम्
वहन्तीं बहुधा राजंश्चेदिपाञ्चालसृञ्जयान्

7.83.31

तं तथा समरे राजन्विचरन्तमभीतवत्
पाण्डवा भृशसंविग्नाः प्रापश्यंस्तस्य विक्रमम्

7.83.32

तावकानां तु सैन्यानां प्रहर्षः समजायत
वादित्रनिनदश्चोग्रः सुमहाँल्लोमहर्षणः

7.83.33

तं श्रुत्वा निनदं घोरं तव सैन्यस्य पाण्डवः
नामृष्यत यथा नागस्तलशब्दं समीरितम्

7.83.34

ततः क्रोधाभिताम्राक्षो निर्दहन्निव पावकः
संदधे त्वाष्ट्रमस्त्रं स स्वयं त्वष्टेव मारिष

7.83.35

ततः शरसहस्राणि प्रादुरासन्समन्ततः
तैः शरैस्तव सैन्यस्य विद्रावः सुमहानभूत्

7.83.36

तदस्त्रं प्रेषितं तेन भीमसेनेन संयुगे
राक्षसस्य महामायां हत्वा राक्षसमार्दयत्

7.83.37

स वध्यमानो बहुधा भीमसेनेन राक्षसः
संत्यज्य संयुगे भीमं द्रोणानीकमुपाद्रवत्

7.83.38

तस्मिंस्तु निर्जिते राजन्राक्षसेन्द्रे महात्मना
अनादयन्सिंहनादैः पाण्डवाः सर्वतोदिशम्

7.83.39

अपूजयन्मारुतिं च संहृष्टास्ते महाबलम्
प्रह्रादं समरे जित्वा यथा शक्रं मरुद्गणाः

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'The illustrious son of Somadatta pierced each of the sons of Draupadi, those great bowmen, with five arrows, and once more with seven arrows. Much afflicted, O lord, by that fierce warrior, they were stupefied and knew not for some time what to do. Then that crusher of foes, Satanika, the son of Nakula, piercing Somadatta's son, that bull among men, with a couple of arrows, uttered in joy a loud roar. The other brothers then, struggling vigorously, quickly pierced the wrathful son of Somadatta, each with three straight shafts. Then the illustrious son of Somadatta, O monarch, sped at them five shafts, piercing each of them in the chest with one shaft. Then those five brothers, thus pierced by that high-souled warrior with his shafts, surrounded that hero on every side and began to pierce him deeply with their shafts. Then the son of Arjuna, filled with rage, despatched with keen shafts, the four steeds of Saumadatti to the region of Yama. And the son of Bhimasena, cutting off the bow of the illustrious son of Somadatta, uttered a loud shout and pierced his foe with many sharp arrows. The son of Yudhishthira then, cutting off Saumadatti's standard, felled it en the earth, while the son of Nakula felled the enemy's charioteer from his niche in the car. Then the son of Sahadeva, ascertaining the foe to be on the point of leaving the field in consequence of the brothers, cut off, with a razor-faced arrow, the head of that illustrious warrior. That head, decked with ear-rings of gold, fell on the earth and adorned the field like the sun of brilliant effulgence that rises at the end of the Yuga. Beholding the head of the high-souled son of Somadatta thus fallen on the ground, thy troops, O king, overcome with fear, fled in all directions.

"The Rakshasa Alamvusha in that battle, filled with rage, fought with the mighty Bhimasena, like Ravana's son (Indrajit) with (Rama's brother) Lakshmana. Beholding that Rakshasa and that human warrior engaged in fight, all creatures experienced both joy and wonder. Then Bhima, O king, laughing the while, pierced that wrathful prince of Rakshasa, viz., Rishyasringa's son (Alamvusha), with nine keen shafts. Then that Rakshasa, thus pierced in battle, uttered a loud and awful sound, and rushed, with all his followers, against Bhima. Piercing Bhima then with five straight shafts, he quickly destroyed in that battle, thirty cars supporting Bhima. And once more destroying four hundred cars of Bhimasena, the Rakshasa pierced Bhimasena himself with winged arrows. Then the mighty Bhima deeply pierced by the Rakshasa, sat down on the terrace of his car, overcome by a swoon. The son of the Wind-god then, recovering his senses, became filled with rage. Drawing his excellent and terrible bow that was capable of bearing a great strain, he afflicted Alamvusha, in every part of his body, with keen shafts. Thereupon, the Rakshasa who resembled a huge mass of antimony, looked resplendent O king, like a flowering Kinsuka. Whilst being struck in that battle with those shafts sped from

the bow of Bhima, the Rakshasa recollected the slaughter of his brother (Vaka) by the illustrious Pandava. Assuming then an awful form, he addressed Bhima, saying, 'Wait a little in this battle, O Partha! Behold today my prowess. O thou of wicked understanding, that foremost of Rakshasas, viz., the mighty Vaka, was my brother. It is true he was slain by thee. But that took place out of my sight.' Having said these words unto Bhima, Alamvusha made himself invisible, and began to cover Bhimasena with a dense shower of arrows. Upon the disappearance of the Rakshasa, Bhima, O monarch, covered the welkin with straight shafts. Thus afflicted by Bhima, Alamvusha soon returned to his car. And soon again, he entered into the bowels of the earth and once more becoming little he suddenly soared into the sky. Alamvusha, assumed countless forms. Now becoming subtle and now huge and gross, he began to roar like the clouds. And he uttered diverse kinds of words and speeches all around. And from the welkin there fell thousands of arrowy torrents, as also darts, and Kunapas, and lances, and spiked maces, and short arrows, and scimitars, and swords, and thunders also. That awful downpour of arrows caused by the Rakshasa, slew the troops of Pandu's son on the field of battle. And in consequence of that arrowy downpour, many elephants also of the Pandava army were slain, and many steeds also, O king, and many foot-soldiers. And a river was caused there, whose waters were blood and whose eddies were constituted by cars. And it abounded with elephants that constituted its alligators. And the umbrellas of car-warriors constituted its swans, and the flesh and marrow of animals, its mire. And it teemed with the (cut off) arms of human beings that constituted its snakes. And it was haunted by many Rakshasas and other cannibals. And it wafted away, O king, countless Chedis and Panchalas and Srinjayas. Beholding him, O monarch, careering so fearlessly in that battle and seeing his prowess, the Pandavas became filled with anxiety; and joy filled the hearts of thy troops then. And amongst the latter, loud and terrible sounds of musical instruments, making the hair stand on end, arose. Hearing that loud uproar made by thy troops, the son of Pandu could not bear it, as a snake cannot bear the clap of human palms. With eyes red as copper in rage, with glances that like fire consumed every thing, the son of the Wind-god, like Tvashtri himself, aimed the weapon known by the name of Tvashtri. From that weapon were produced thousands of arrows on all sides. And in consequence of those arrows, a universal rout was seen among thy troops.' That weapon, shot in battle by Bhimasena, destroying the effective illusion produced by the Rakshasa, greatly afflicted the Rakshasa himself. Struck in every part of his body by Bhimasena, the Rakshasa, then abandoning Bhimasena, fled towards the division of Drona. Upon the defeat of that prince of Rakshasa by the high-souled Bhima, the Pandavas caused every point of the compass to resound with their leonine roars. And filled with joy, they worshipped the mighty son of Marut, like the Maruts worshipping Sakra after the defeat in battle of Prahlada.'"

7.84.1

संजय उवाच
अलम्बुसं तथा युद्धे विचरन्तमभीतवत्
हैडिम्बः प्रययौ तूर्णं विव्याध च शितैः शरैः

7.84.2

तयोः प्रतिभयं युद्धमासीद्राक्षससिंहयोः
कुर्वतोर्विविधा मायाः शक्रशम्बरयोरिव

7.84.3

अलम्बुसो भृशं क्रुद्धो घटोत्कचमताडयत्
घटोत्कचस्तु विंशत्या नाराचानां स्तनान्तरे
अलम्बुसमथो विद्ध्वा सिंहवद्व्यनदन्मुहुः

7.84.4

तथैवालम्बुसो राजन्हैडिम्बं युद्धदुर्मदम्
विद्ध्वा विद्ध्वानदद्धृष्टः पूरयन्खं समन्ततः

7.84.5

तथा तौ भृशसंक्रुद्धौ राक्षसेन्द्रौ महाबलौ
निर्विशेषमयुध्येतां मायाभिरितरेतरम्

7.84.6

मायाशतसृजौ दृप्तौ मोहयन्तौ परस्परम्
मायायुद्धे सुकुशलौ मायायुद्धमयुध्यताम्

7.84.7

यां यां घटोत्कचो युद्धे मायां दर्शयते नृप
तां तामलम्बुसो राजन्माययैव निजघ्निवान्

7.84.8

तं तथा युध्यमानं तु मायायुद्धविशारदम्
अलम्बुसं राक्षसेन्द्रं दृष्ट्वाक्रुध्यन्त पाण्डवाः

7.84.9

त एनं भृशसंक्रुद्धाः सर्वतः प्रवरा रथैः
अभ्यद्रवन्त संक्रुद्धा भीमसेनादयो नृप

7.84.10

त एनं कोष्ठकीकृत्य रथवंशेन मारिष
सर्वतो व्यकिरन्बाणैरुल्काभिरिव कुञ्जरम्

7.84.11

स तेषामस्त्रवेगं तं प्रतिहत्यास्त्रमायया
तस्माद्रथव्रजान्मुक्तो वनदाहादिव द्विपः

7.84.12

स विस्फार्य धनुर्घोरमिन्द्राशनिसमस्वनम्
मारुतिं पञ्चविंशत्या भैमसेनिं च पञ्चभिः
युधिष्ठिरं त्रिभिर्विद्ध्वा सहदेवं च सप्तभिः

7.84.13

नकुलं च त्रिसप्तत्या द्रौपदेयांश्च मारिष
पञ्चभिः पञ्चभिर्विद्ध्वा घोरं नादं ननाद ह

7.84.14

तं भीमसेनो नवभिः सहदेवश्च पञ्चभिः
युधिष्ठिरः शतेनैव राक्षसं प्रत्यविध्यत
नकुलश्च चतुःषष्ट्या द्रौपदेयास्त्रिभिस्त्रिभिः

7.84.15

हैडिम्बो राक्षसं विद्ध्वा युद्धे पञ्चाशता शरैः
पुनर्विव्याध सप्तत्या ननाद च महाबलः

7.84.16

सोऽतिविद्धो महेष्वासः सर्वतस्तैर्महारथैः
प्रतिविव्याध तान्सर्वान्पञ्चभिः पञ्चभिः शरैः

7.84.17

तं क्रुद्धं राक्षसं युद्धे प्रतिक्रुद्धस्तु राक्षसः
हैडिम्बो भरतश्रेष्ठ शरैर्विव्याध सप्तभिः

7.84.18

सोऽतिविद्धो बलवता राक्षसेन्द्रो महाबलः
व्यसृजत्सायकांस्तूर्णं स्वर्णपुङ्खाञ्शिलाशितान्

7.84.19

ते शरा नतपर्वाणो विविशू राक्षसं तदा
रुषिताः पन्नगा यद्वद्गिरिमुग्रा महाबलाः

7.84.20

ततस्ते पाण्डवा राजन्समन्तान्निशिताञ्शरान्
प्रेषयामासुरुद्विग्ना हैडिम्बश्च घटोत्कचः

7.84.21

स वध्यमानः समरे पाण्डवैर्जितकाशिभिः
दग्धाद्रिकूटशृङ्गाभं भिन्नाञ्जनचयोपमम्

7.84.22

समुत्क्षिप्य च बाहुभ्यामाविध्य च पुनः पुनः
निष्पिपेष क्षितौ क्षिप्रं पूर्णकुम्भमिवाश्मनि

7.84.23

बललाघवसंपन्नः संपन्नो विक्रमेण च
भैमसेनी रणे क्रुद्धः सर्वसैन्यान्यभीषयत्

7.84.24

स विस्फुटितसर्वाङ्गश्चूर्णितास्थिविभूषणः
घटोत्कचेन वीरेण हतः सालकटङ्कटः

7.84.25

ततः सुमनसः पार्था हते तस्मिन्निशाचरे
चुक्रुशुः सिंहनादांश्च वासांस्यादुधुवुश्च ह

7.84.26

तावकाश्च हतं दृष्ट्वा राक्षसेन्द्रं महाबलम्
अलम्बुसं भीमरूपं विशीर्णमिव पर्वतम्
हाहाकारमकुर्वन्त सैन्यानि भरतर्षभ

7.84.27

जनाश्च तद्ददृशिरे रक्षः कौतूहलान्विताः
यदृच्छया निपतितं भूमावङ्गारकं यथा

7.84.28

घटोत्कचस्तु तद्धत्वा रक्षो बलवतां वरम्
मुमोच बलवन्नादं बलं हत्वेव वासवः

7.84.29

स पूज्यमानः पितृभिः सबान्धवै;र्घटोत्कचः कर्मणि दुष्करे कृते
रिपुं निहत्याभिननन्द वै तदा; अलम्बुसं पक्वमलम्बुसं यथा

7.84.30

ततो निनादः सुमहान्समुत्थितः; सशङ्खनानाविधबाणघोषवान्
निशम्य तं प्रत्यनदंस्तु कौरवा;स्ततो ध्वनिर्भुवनमथास्पृशद्भृशम्

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Having fled away from Bhima, Alamvusha, in another part of the field, careered fearlessly in battle. And while he was thus fearlessly careering in battle, the son of Hidimva rushed impetuously at him and pierced him with keen shafts. The battle between those two lions among Rakshasas became terrible. Both of them invoked into existence illusions like Sakra and Samvara (in days of old). Alamvusha, excited with rage, attacked Ghatotkacha. Indeed, that encounter between those two foremost of Rakshasas resembled that of old between Rama and Ravana, O lord! Then Ghatotkacha having pierced Alamvusha, in the centre of the chest with twenty long shafts, repeatedly roared like a lion. Smilingly, O king, Alamvusha also, repeatedly piercing the invincible son of Hidimva, uttered loud roars in joy, filling the entire welkin. Then, those two foremost of Rakshasas, endued with great might, became filled with rage. They fought with each other, displaying their powers of illusion, but without any of them getting any advantage over the other. Each, creating a hundred illusions, stupefied the other. Both accomplished in producing' illusions, O king, that Ghatotkacha displayed in battle, were all destroyed, O monarch, by Alamvusha, producing similar illusions of his own. Beholding that prince of Rakshasas, viz., Alamvusha, who was accomplished in producing illusions, fight in that manner, the Pandavas became filled with anxiety, they then caused him to be surrounded by many foremost of car-warriors. Bhimasena and others, O monarch, all rushed in rage against him. Hemming him, O sire, on all sides by means of numberless cars, they shrouded him from every side with shafts, like men in a forest encompassing an elephant with blazing brands. Baffling that shower of weapons by means of the illusion of his own weapons, freed himself from that press of cars like an elephant from a forest conflagration. Then drawing his terrible bow whose twang resembled the thunder of Indra, he pierced the son of the Wind-god with five and twenty shafts, and Bhimasena's son with five, and Yudhishthira with three, and Sahadeva with seven, and Nakula with three and seventy, and each of the five sons of Draupadi with five shafts, and uttered a loud roar. Then Bhimasena pierced him in return with nine shafts, and Sahadeva with five. And Yudhishthira pierced the Rakshasa with a hundred shafts. And Nakula pierced him with three shafts. The son of Hidimva having pierced him with five hundred shafts, Alamvusha once more pierced him with seventy, and that mighty warrior uttered a loud roar. With that loud roar of Ghatotkacha the earth shook, O king, with her mountains and forests and with her trees and waters. Deeply pierced on all sides by those great bowmen and mighty car-warriors, Alamvusha pierced each of them in return with five arrows. Then that Rakshasa, O chief of the Bharatas, viz., the son of Hidimva, filled with rage, pierced that other angry Rakshasa in battle with many shafts. Then that mighty prince of Rakshasas, viz., Alamvusha, deeply pierced, quickly

shot countless shafts equipped with wings of gold and whetted on stone. Those shafts, perfectly straight, all entered the body of Ghatotkacha, like angry snakes of great strength entering a mountain summit. Then the Pandavas, O king, filled with anxiety, and Hidimva's son Ghatotkacha, also sped at their foe from every side clouds of keen shafts. Thus struck in battle by the Pandavas, desirous of victory, Alamvusha mortal as he was, did not know what to do. Then that delighter in battle, viz., the mighty son of Bhimasena, beholding that state of Alamvusha, set his heart upon his destruction. He rushed with great impetuosity towards the car of the prince of Rakshasas, that car which resembled a burnt mountain summit or a broken heap of antimony. The son of Hidimva, inflamed with wrath, flew from his own car to that of Alamvusha, and seized the latter. He then took him up from the car, like Garuda taking up a snake. Thus dragging him up with his arms, he began to whirl him repeatedly, and then crushed him into pieces, hurling him down on the earth, like a man crushing an earthen pot into fragments by hurling it against a rock. Endued with strength and activity, possessed of great prowess, the son of Bhimasena, inflamed with wrath in battle, inspired all the troops with fear. All the limbs broken and bones reduced to fragments, the frightful Rakshasa Alamvusha, thus slain by the heroic Ghatotkacha, resembled a tall Sala uprooted and broken by the wind. Upon the slaughter of that wanderer of the night, the Parthas became very cheerful. And they uttered leonine roars and waved their garments. Thy brave warriors, however, beholding that mighty prince or Rakshasas, viz., Alamvusha, slain and lying like a crushed mountain, uttered cries, O monarch, of Oh and Alas. And people, possessed with curiosity, went to view that Rakshasa lying helplessly on the earth like a piece of charcoal (no longer capable of burning). The Rakshasa Ghatotkacha, then, that foremost of mighty beings, having thus slain his foe, uttered a loud shout, like Vasava after slaying (the Asura) Vala. Having achieved that exceedingly difficult feat, Ghatotkacha, was much applauded by his sires as also by his relatives. Indeed, having felled Alamvusha, like an Alamvusha fruit, he rejoiced exceedingly with his friends. There arose then a loud uproar (in the Pandava army) of conchs and of diverse kinds of arrows. Hearing that noise the Kauravas uttered loud shouts in reply, filling the whole earth with its echoes.'"

7.85.1

धृतराष्ट्र उवाच
भारद्वाजं कथं युद्धे युयुधानोऽभ्यवारयत्
संजयाचक्ष्व तत्त्वेन परं कौतूहलं हि मे

7.85.2

संजय उवाच
शृणु राजन्महाप्राज्ञ संग्रामं लोमहर्षणम्
द्रोणस्य पाण्डवैः सार्धं युयुधानपुरोगमैः

7.85.3

वध्यमानं बलं दृष्ट्वा युयुधानेन मारिष
अभ्यद्रवत्स्वयं द्रोणः सात्यकिं सत्यविक्रमम्

7.85.4

तमापतन्तं सहसा भारद्वाजं महारथम्
सात्यकिः पञ्चविंशत्या क्षुद्रकाणां समार्पयत्

7.85.5

द्रोणोऽपि युधि विक्रान्तो युयुधानं समाहितः
अविध्यत्पञ्चभिस्तूर्णं हेमपुङ्खैः शिलाशितैः

7.85.6

ते वर्म भित्त्वा सुदृढं द्विषत्पिशितभोजनाः
अभ्यगुर्धरणीं राजञ्श्वसन्त इव पन्नगाः

7.85.7

दीर्घबाहुरभिक्रुद्धस्तोत्त्रार्दित इव द्विपः
द्रोणं पञ्चाशताविध्यन्नाराचैरग्निसंनिभैः

7.85.8

भारद्वाजो रणे विद्धो युयुधानेन सत्वरम्
सात्यकिं बहुभिर्बाणैर्यतमानमविध्यत

7.85.9

ततः क्रुद्धो महेष्वासो भूय एव महाबलः
सात्वतं पीडयामास शतेन नतपर्वणा

7.85.10

स वध्यमानः समरे भारद्वाजेन सात्यकिः
नाभ्यपद्यत कर्तव्यं किंचिदेव विशां पते

7.85.11

विषण्णवदनश्चापि युयुधानोऽभवन्नृप
भारद्वाजं रणे दृष्ट्वा विसृजन्तं शिताञ्शरान्

7.85.12

तं तु संप्रेक्ष्य ते पुत्राः सैनिकाश्च विशां पते
प्रहृष्टमनसो भूत्वा सिंहवद्व्यनदन्मुहुः

7.85.13

तं श्रुत्वा निनदं घोरं पीड्यमानं च माधवम्
युधिष्ठिरोऽब्रवीद्राजन्सर्वसैन्यानि भारत

7.85.14

एष वृष्णिवरो वीरः सात्यकिः सत्यकर्मकृत्
ग्रस्यते युधि वीरेण भानुमानिव राहुणा
अभिद्रवत गच्छध्वं सात्यकिर्यत्र युध्यते

7.85.15

धृष्टद्युम्नं च पाञ्चाल्यमिदमाह जनाधिप
अभिद्रव द्रुतं द्रोणं किं नु तिष्ठसि पार्षत
न पश्यसि भयं घोरं द्रोणान्नः समुपस्थितम्

7.85.16

असौ द्रोणो महेष्वासो युयुधानेन संयुगे
क्रीडते सूत्रबद्धेन पक्षिणा बालको यथा

7.85.17

तत्रैव सर्वे गच्छन्तु भीमसेनमुखा रथाः
त्वयैव सहिता यत्ता युयुधानरथं प्रति

7.85.18

पृष्ठतोऽनुगमिष्यामि त्वामहं सहसैनिकः
सात्यकिं मोक्षयस्वाद्य यमदंष्ट्रान्तरं गतम्

7.85.19

एवमुक्त्वा ततो राजा सर्वसैन्येन पाण्डवः
अभ्यद्रवद्रणे द्रोणं युयुधानस्य कारणात्

7.85.20

तत्रारावो महानासीद्द्रोणमेकं युयुत्सताम्
पाण्डवानां च भद्रं ते सृञ्जयानां च सर्वशः

7.85.21

ते समेत्य नरव्याघ्रा भारद्वाजं महारथम्
अभ्यवर्षञ्शरैस्तीक्ष्णैः कङ्कबर्हिणवाजितैः

7.85.22

स्मयन्नेव तु तान्वीरान्द्रोणः प्रत्यग्रहीत्स्वयम्
अतिथीनागतान्यद्वत्सलिलेनासनेन च

7.85.23

तर्पितास्ते शरैस्तस्य भारद्वाजस्य धन्विनः
आतिथेयगृहं प्राप्य नृपतेऽतिथयो यथा

7.85.24

भारद्वाजं च ते सर्वे न शेकुः प्रतिवीक्षितुम्
मध्यंदिनमनुप्राप्तं सहस्रांशुमिव प्रभो

7.85.25

तांस्तु सर्वान्महेष्वासान्द्रोणः शस्त्रभृतां वरः
अतापयच्छरव्रातैर्गभस्तिभिरिवांशुमान्

7.85.26

वध्यमाना रणे राजन्पाण्डवाः सृञ्जयास्तथा
त्रातारं नाध्यगच्छन्त पङ्कमग्ना इव द्विपाः

7.85.27

द्रोणस्य च व्यदृश्यन्त विसर्पन्तो महाशराः
गभस्तय इवार्कस्य प्रतपन्तः समन्ततः

7.85.28

तस्मिन्द्रोणेन निहताः पाञ्चालाः पञ्चविंशतिः
महारथसमाख्याता धृष्टद्युम्नस्य संमताः

7.85.29

पाण्डूनां सर्वसैन्येषु पाञ्चालानां तथैव च
द्रोणं स्म ददृशुः शूरं विनिघ्नन्तं वरान्वरान्

7.85.30

केकयानां शतं हत्वा विद्राव्य च समन्ततः
द्रोणस्तस्थौ महाराज व्यादितास्य इवान्तकः

7.85.31

पाञ्चालान्सृञ्जयान्मत्स्यान्केकयान्पाण्डवानपि
द्रोणोऽजयन्महाबाहुः शतशोऽथ सहस्रशः

7.85.32

तेषां समभवच्छब्दो वध्यतां द्रोणसायकैः
वनौकसामिवारण्ये दह्यतां धूमकेतुना

7.85.33

तत्र देवाः सगन्धर्वाः पितरश्चाब्रुवन्नृप
एते द्रवन्ति पाञ्चालाः पाण्डवाश्च ससैनिकाः

7.85.34

तं तथा समरे द्रोणं निघ्नन्तं सोमकान्रणे
न चाप्यभिययुः केचिदपरे नैव विव्यधुः

7.85.35

वर्तमाने तथा रौद्रे तस्मिन्वीरवरक्षये
अशृणोत्सहसा पार्थः पाञ्चजन्यस्य निस्वनम्

7.85.36

पूरितो वासुदेवेन शङ्खराट्स्वनते भृशम्
युध्यमानेषु वीरेषु सैन्धवस्याभिरक्षिषु
नदत्सु धार्तराष्ट्रेषु विजयस्य रथं प्रति

7.85.37

गाण्डीवस्य च निर्घोषे विप्रनष्टे समन्ततः
कश्मलाभिहतो राजा चिन्तयामास पाण्डवः

7.85.38

न नूनं स्वस्ति पार्थस्य यथा नदति शङ्खराट्
कौरवाश्च यथा हृष्टा विनदन्ति मुहुर्मुहुः

7.85.39

एवं संचिन्तयित्वा तु व्याकुलेनान्तरात्मना
अजातशत्रुः कौन्तेयः सात्वतं प्रत्यभाषत

7.85.40

बाष्पगद्गदया वाचा मुह्यमानो मुहुर्मुहुः
कृत्यस्यानन्तरापेक्षी शैनेयं शिनिपुंगवम्

7.85.41

यः स धर्मः पुरा दृष्टः सद्भिः शैनेय शाश्वतः
सांपराये सुहृत्कृत्ये तस्य कालोऽयमागतः

7.85.42

सर्वेष्वपि च योधेषु चिन्तयञ्शिनिपुंगव
त्वत्तः सुहृत्तमं कंचिन्नाभिजानामि सात्यके

7.85.43

यो हि प्रीतमना नित्यं यश्च नित्यमनुव्रतः
स कार्ये सांपराये तु नियोज्य इति मे मतिः

7.85.44

यथा च केशवो नित्यं पाण्डवानां परायणम्
तथा त्वमपि वार्ष्णेय कृष्णतुल्यपराक्रमः

7.85.45

सोऽहं भारं समाधास्ये त्वयि तं वोढुमर्हसि
अभिप्रायं च मे नित्यं न वृथा कर्तुमर्हसि

7.85.46

स त्वं भ्रातुर्वयस्यस्य गुरोरपि च संयुगे
कुरु कृच्छ्रे सहायार्थमर्जुनस्य नरर्षभ

7.85.47

त्वं हि सत्यव्रतः शूरो मित्राणामभयंकरः
लोके विख्यायसे वीर कर्मभिः सत्यवागिति

7.85.48

यो हि शैनेय मित्रार्थे युध्यमानस्त्यजेत्तनुम्
पृथिवीं वा द्विजातिभ्यो यो दद्यात्सममेव तत्

7.85.49

श्रुताश्च बहवोऽस्माभी राजानो ये दिवं गताः
दत्त्वेमां पृथिवीं कृत्स्नां ब्राह्मणेभ्यो यथाविधि

7.85.50

एवं त्वामपि धर्मात्मन्प्रयाचेऽहं कृताञ्जलिः
पृथिवीदानतुल्यं स्यादधिकं वा फलं विभो

7.85.51

एक एव सदा कृष्णो मित्राणामभयंकरः
रणे संत्यजति प्राणान्द्वितीयस्त्वं च सात्यके

7.85.52

विक्रान्तस्य च वीरस्य युद्धे प्रार्थयतो यशः
शूर एव सहायः स्यान्नेतरः प्राकृतो जनः

7.85.53

ईदृशे तु परामर्दे वर्तमानस्य माधव
त्वदन्यो हि रणे गोप्ता विजयस्य न विद्यते

7.85.54

श्लाघन्नेव हि कर्माणि शतशस्तव पाण्डवः
मम संजनयन्हर्षं पुनः पुनरकीर्तयत्

7.85.55

लघ्वस्त्रश्चित्रयोधी च तथा लघुपराक्रमः
प्राज्ञः सर्वास्त्रविच्छूरो मुह्यते न च संयुगे

7.85.56

महास्कन्धो महोरस्को महाबाहुर्महाधनुः
महाबलो महावीर्यः स महात्मा महारथः

7.85.57

शिष्यो मम सखा चैव प्रियोऽस्याहं प्रियश्च मे
युयुधानः सहायो मे प्रमथिष्यति कौरवान्

7.85.58

अस्मदर्थं च राजेन्द्र संनह्येद्यदि केशवः
रामो वाप्यनिरुद्धो वा प्रद्युम्नो वा महारथः

7.85.59

गदो वा सारणो वापि साम्बो वा सह वृष्णिभिः
सहायार्थं महाराज संग्रामोत्तममूर्धनि

7.85.60

तथाप्यहं नरव्याघ्रं शैनेयं सत्यविक्रमम्
साहाय्ये विनियोक्ष्यामि नास्ति मेऽन्यो हि तत्समः

7.85.61

इति द्वैतवने तात मामुवाच धनंजयः
परोक्षं त्वद्गुणांस्तथ्यान्कथयन्नार्यसंसदि

7.85.62

तस्य त्वमेवं संकल्पं न वृथा कर्तुमर्हसि
धनंजयस्य वार्ष्णेय मम भीमस्य चोभयोः

7.85.63

यच्चापि तीर्थानि चरन्नगच्छं द्वारकां प्रति
तत्राहमपि ते भक्तिमर्जुनं प्रति दृष्टवान्

7.85.64

न तत्सौहृदमन्येषु मया शैनेय लक्षितम्
यथा त्वमस्मान्भजसे वर्तमानानुपप्लवे

7.85.65

सोऽभिजात्या च भक्त्या च सख्यस्याचार्यकस्य च
सौहृदस्य च वीर्यस्य कुलीनत्वस्य माधव

7.85.66

सत्यस्य च महाबाहो अनुकम्पार्थमेव च
अनुरूपं महेष्वास कर्म त्वं कर्तुमर्हसि

7.85.67

सुयोधनो हि सहसा गतो द्रोणेन दंशितः
पूर्वमेव तु यातास्ते कौरवाणां महारथाः

7.85.68

सुमहान्निनदश्चैव श्रूयते विजयं प्रति
स शैनेय जवेनात्र गन्तुमर्हसि माधव

7.85.69

भीमसेनो वयं चैव संयत्ताः सहसैनिकाः
द्रोणमावारयिष्यामो यदि त्वां प्रति यास्यति

7.85.70

पश्य शैनेय सैन्यानि द्रवमाणानि संयुगे
महान्तं च रणे शब्दं दीर्यमाणां च भारतीम्

7.85.71

महामारुतवेगेन समुद्रमिव पर्वसु
धार्तराष्ट्रबलं तात विक्षिप्तं सव्यसाचिना

7.85.72

रथैर्विपरिधावद्भिर्मनुष्यैश्च हयैश्च ह
सैन्यं रजःसमुद्धूतमेतत्संपरिवर्तते

7.85.73

संवृतः सिन्धुसौवीरैर्नखरप्रासयोधिभिः
अत्यन्तापचितैः शूरैः फल्गुनः परवीरहा

7.85.74

नैतद्बलमसंवार्य शक्यो हन्तुं जयद्रथः
एते हि सैन्धवस्यार्थे सर्वे संत्यक्तजीविताः

7.85.75

शरशक्तिध्वजवनं हयनागसमाकुलम्
पश्यैतद्धार्तराष्ट्राणामनीकं सुदुरासदम्

7.85.76

शृणु दुन्दुभिनिर्घोषं शङ्खशब्दांश्च पुष्कलान्
सिंहनादरवांश्चैव रथनेमिस्वनांस्तथा

7.85.77

नागानां शृणु शब्दं च पत्तीनां च सहस्रशः
सादिनां द्रवतां चैव शृणु कम्पयतां महीम्

7.85.78

पुरस्तात्सैन्धवानीकं द्रोणानीकस्य पृष्ठतः
बहुत्वाद्धि नरव्याघ्र देवेन्द्रमपि पीडयेत्

7.85.79

अपर्यन्ते बले मग्नो जह्यादपि च जीवितम्
तस्मिंश्च निहते युद्धे कथं जीवेत मादृशः
सर्वथाहमनुप्राप्तः सुकृच्छ्रं बत जीवितम्

7.85.80

श्यामो युवा गुडाकेशो दर्शनीयश्च पाण्डवः
लघ्वस्त्रश्चित्रयोधी च प्रविष्टस्तात भारतीम्

7.85.81

सूर्योदये महाबाहुर्दिवसश्चातिवर्तते
तन्न जानामि वार्ष्णेय यदि जीवति वा न वा
कुरूणां चापि तत्सैन्यं सागरप्रतिमं महत्

7.85.82

एक एव च बीभत्सुः प्रविष्टस्तात भारतीम्
अविषह्यां महाबाहुः सुरैरपि महामृधे

7.85.83

न च मे वर्तते बुद्धिरद्य युद्धे कथंचन
द्रोणोऽपि रभसो युद्धे मम पीडयते बलम्
प्रत्यक्षं ते महाबाहो यथासौ चरति द्विजः

7.85.84

युगपच्च समेतानां कार्याणां त्वं विचक्षणः
महार्थं लघुसंयुक्तं कर्तुमर्हसि माधव

7.85.85

तस्य मे सर्वकार्येषु कार्यमेतन्मतं सदा
अर्जुनस्य परित्राणं कर्तव्यमिति संयुगे

7.85.86

नाहं शोचामि दाशार्हं गोप्तारं जगतः प्रभुम्
स हि शक्तो रणे तात त्रीँल्लोकानपि संगतान्

7.85.87

विजेतुं पुरुषव्याघ्र सत्यमेतद्ब्रवीमि ते
किं पुनर्धार्तराष्ट्रस्य बलमेतत्सुदुर्बलम्

7.85.88

अर्जुनस्त्वेव वार्ष्णेय पीडितो बहुभिर्युधि
प्रजह्यात्समरे प्राणांस्तस्माद्विन्दामि कश्मलम्

7.85.89

तस्य त्वं पदवीं गच्छ गच्छेयुस्त्वादृशा यथा
तादृशस्येदृशे काले मादृशेनाभिचोदितः

7.85.90

रणे वृष्णिप्रवीराणां द्वावेवातिरथौ स्मृतौ
प्रद्युम्नश्च महाबाहुस्त्वं च सात्वत विश्रुतः

7.85.91

अस्त्रे नारायणसमः संकर्षणसमो बले
वीरतायां नरव्याघ्र धनंजयसमो ह्यसि

7.85.92

भीष्मद्रोणावतिक्रम्य सर्वयुद्धविशारदम्
त्वामद्य पुरुषव्याघ्रं लोके सन्तः प्रचक्षते

7.85.93

नासाध्यं विद्यते लोके सात्यकेरिति माधव
तत्त्वां यदभिवक्ष्यामि तत्कुरुष्व महाबल

7.85.94

संभावना हि लोकस्य तव पार्थस्य चोभयोः
नान्यथा तां महाबाहो संप्रकर्तुमिहार्हसि

7.85.95

परित्यज्य प्रियान्प्राणान्रणे विचर वीरवत्
न हि शैनेय दाशार्हा रणे रक्षन्ति जीवितम्

7.85.96

अयुद्धमनवस्थानं संग्रामे च पलायनम्
भीरूणामसतां मार्गो नैष दाशार्हसेवितः

7.85.97

तवार्जुनो गुरुस्तात धर्मात्मा शिनिपुंगव
वासुदेवो गुरुश्चापि तव पार्थस्य धीमतः

7.85.98

कारणद्वयमेतद्धि जानानस्त्वाहमब्रुवम्
मावमंस्था वचो मह्यं गुरुस्तव गुरोर्ह्यहम्

7.85.99

वासुदेवमतं चैतन्मम चैवार्जुनस्य च
सत्यमेतन्मयोक्तं ते याहि यत्र धनंजयः

7.85.100

एतद्वचनमाज्ञाय मम सत्यपराक्रम
प्रविशैतद्बलं तात धार्तराष्ट्रस्य दुर्मतेः

7.85.101

प्रविश्य च यथान्यायं संगम्य च महारथैः
यथार्हमात्मनः कर्म रणे सात्वत दर्शय

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Dhritarashtra said, 'Tell me, O Sanjaya, how Yuyudhana rushed against the son of Bharadwaja in battle. I feel a great curiosity to hear it.'

"Sanjaya said, 'Listen, O thou of great wisdom, to the account of that battle, that makes the hair stand on end, between Drona and the Pandayas

headed by Yuyudhana. Beholding the (Kuru) army slaughtered, O sire, by Yuyudhana, Drona himself rushed towards that warrior of unbaffled prowess, called also by the name of Satyaki. Satyaki pierced that mighty car-warrior, viz., the son of Bharadwaja, thus advancing against him, with five and twenty small arrows. Drona also, possessed of great prowess in battle, with deliberate aim, quickly pierced Yuyudhana, with five whetted arrows, equipped with wings of gold. Those arrows, piercing the hard mount of the foe and drinking his life-blood, entered the earth, O king, like hissing snakes. The long-armed Satyaki then, inflamed with rage like an elephant struck with the hook, pierced Drona with fifty long arrows that resembled flames of fire. Then Bharadwaja's son, thus quickly pierced in battle by Yuyudhana, pierced carefully exerting Satyaki in return with many arrows. Then that great bowman, endued with great might, and filled with rage, once more afflicted that hero of the Satwata race with many straight shafts. Thus struck in that battle by the son of Bharadwaja, Satyaki, O monarch, knew not what to do. Then, O king, Yuyudhana's face became cheerless, seeing the son of Bharadwaja shoot countless keen arrows. Beholding Satyaki thus situated, thy sons and troops, O king, becoming exceedingly cheerful, repeatedly uttered leonine roars. Hearing that terrible uproar and beholding that hero of Madhu's race thus afflicted, king Yudhishthira, O monarch, addressing all his soldiers, said, 'That foremost one among the Vrishnis, viz., the brave Satyaki, of prowess incapable of being baffled, is about to be devoured by the heroic Drona, like the sun by Rahu. Go and rush ye to the spot where Satyaki is battling.' The king, addressing Dhrishtadyumna. of the Panchala race, said, Rush thou with speed at Drona. Why dost thou tarry, O son of Prishata! Seest thou not the great danger to ourselves that has already arisen from Drona? Drona is a great bowman. He is sporting with Yuyudhana, in battle, like a boy with a bird bound in a string. Let all of you, headed by Bhimasena, and accompanied by others proceed thither where Satyaki's car is. Behind you I will follow with my troops. Rescue Satyaki today who is already within the jaws of the Destroyer.' Having said these words, O Bharata, king Yudhishthira with all his troops rushed towards Drona for the sake of Yuyudhana. Blessed be thou, great was the uproar made there by the Pandavas and the Srinjayas all fighting with Drona only. Together approaching, O tiger among men, that mighty car-warrior, viz., the son of Bharadwaja, they covered with showers of keen arrows equipped with the feathers of Kankas and peacocks. Drona, however, received all those heroes smilingly, like a householder receiving guests arrived of their own will, with seats and water. With the shafts of Bharadwaja's bow-wielding son, those heroes were well-gratified like guest, O king, with the hospitality they receive in the houses (of good hosts). And none of them, O lord, could even gaze at the son of Bharadwaja who then resembled the thousand-rayed sun at midday. Indeed, Drona, that foremost of all wielders of weapons, scorched all those great bowmen with

showers of arrows like the sun scorching (everything below) with his burning rays. Thus struck, O king, by Drona, the Pandavas and the Srinjayas beheld no protector, like elephants sunk in a morass. The mighty arrows of Drona, as they coursed (through the welkin), looked like the rays of the sun blasting everything around. In that encounter, five and twenty warriors among the Panchalas were slain by Drona, who were all regarded as Maharathas and all approved (as such) by Dhrishtadyumna. And amongst all the troops of the Pandavas and the Panchalas, men quietly beheld brave Drona slaying the foremost of warriors in succession. Having slain a hundred warriors amongst the Kekayas and routing them on all sides, Drona stood, O monarch, like the Destroyer himself with wide-open mouth. The mighty-armed Drona vanquished the Panchalas, the Srinjayas, the Matsyas and the Kekayas, O monarch, by hundreds and thousands. Pierced by the arrows of Drona, the clamour made by them resembled that made in the woods by the denizens of the forest when encompassed by a conflagration. The gods, Gandharvas, and the Pitris, said, 'Behold, the Panchalas, and the Pandavas, with all their troops, are flying away.' Indeed, when Drona was thus engaged in slaughtering the Somakas in battle, none ventured to advance against him and none succeeded in piercing him. And while that dreadful encounter, so destructive of great heroes, continued, Pritha's son (Yudhishthira) suddenly heard the blare of Panchajanya. Blown by Vasudeva, that best of conchs gave loud blasts. Indeed, while the heroic protectors of the ruler of the Sindhus were fighting, and while the Dhartarashtras were roaring in front of Arjuna's car, the twang of Gandiva could not be heard. The royal son of Pandu repeatedly swooned, and thought, 'Without doubt, all is not well with Partha, since that prince of conchs (Panchajanya) is yielding such blasts and since the Kauravas also, filled with joy, are incessantly uttering such shouts.' Thinking in this way, with an anxious heart, Ajatasatru, the son of Kunti, said unto him of the Satwata race (viz., Satyaki) these words in a voice choked with tears. Though repeatedly stupefied, king Yudhishthira, however, did not lose sight of what was to be done next. Addressing Sini's grandson, that bull of his clan, (Yudhishthira said), 'O grandson of Sini, the time for that eternal duty which the righteous ones of old have indicated (for friends) towards friends in seasons of distress, hath now come. O bull amongst the Sinis, reflecting within myself, I do not, O Satyaki, see amongst all my warriors one who is a greater well wisher to us than thou art. He who is always well-affected, he who is always obedient, I think, he should be appointed to a grave commission in times of distress. As Kesava is ever the refuge of the Pandavas even, so art thou, O thou of Vrishni's race, who art like Kesava in prowess. I will, therefore, lay a burthen on thee. It behoveth thee not to frustrate my purpose. Arjuna is thy brother, friend, and preceptor, O bull among men, in this battle render him aid in time of distress. Thou art devoted to truth. Thou art a hero. Thou art the dispeller of the fears of friends. Thou art celebrated in the world, in consequence of

thy acts, O hero, as one that is truthful in speech. He, O grandson of Sini, who casteth away his body while fighting in battle for friends, is equal to him who giveth away to Brahmanas the whole earth. We have heard of various kings gone to heaven, having given away the whole of this earth unto Brahmanas with due rites. O thou of virtuous soul, I beg of thee, with joined hands, even this viz., that, O lord, attain thou the fruit of giving away (unto Brahmanas) the whole earth, or something higher than that by incurring danger to thy life itself for helping Arjuna. There is one, viz., Krishna, that dispeller of the fears of friends, who is ever willing to cast away his life in battle (for the sake of friends). Thou, O Satyaki, art the second. None but a hero can render aid unto a hero, exerting valorously in battle, from desire of fame. An ordinary person cannot do so. In this matter, here is none else but thee who can protect Arjuna. On one occasion, while applauding thy numerous feats, Arjuna, giving me great pleasure repeatedly recited them. He said of thee that thou art endued with extreme lightness of hand, that thou art conversant with all modes of warfare, that thou art possessed of great activity and great prowess. He said, 'Satyaki is endued with great wisdom, is acquainted with every weapon, is a hero, and is never stupefied in battle. Of broad neck and broad chest, of mighty arms and broad cheeks, or great strength and great prowess, Satyaki is a high-souled Maharatha. He is my disciple and friend; I am dear to him and he is dear to me. Becoming my ally, Yuyudhana will crush the Kauravas. Even if Kesava and Rama, and Aniruddha, and the mighty car-warrior Pradyumna, and Gada, and Sarana, and Samva, with all the Vrishnis, case themselves in mail for assisting us, O king, in the field of battle, I shall yet appoint that tiger among men viz., Satyaki of unbaffled prowess, for our aid, since there is none equal to him.' Even this is what Dhananjaya told me in the Dwaita woods, in thy absence, while truly describing thy merits in an assembly of righteous persons. It behoveth thee not, O thou of the Vrishni race, to falsify that expectation of Dhananjaya, and also of myself and Bhima! When, returning from various tirthas, I proceeded to Dwaraka; there I witnessed thy reverence for Arjuna. While we were at Upaplavya I did not mark anybody else, O grandson of Sini, who showed us such affection as thou didst. Thou art of noble lineage and feelest reverence for us. For showing kindness, therefore, to one who is thy friend and preceptor, it behoveth thee, O thou of mighty arms, to act in a way deserving, O great bowman, of thy friendship and prowess and noble parentage and truthfulness. O thou of Madhu's race! Suyodhana, cased in armour by Drona himself, hath suddenly gone, following Arjuna! The other great car-warriors of Kauravas have, before that followed Arjuna. Loud uproars are being heard against Arjuna's car. O grandson of Sini, it behoveth thee, O giver of honours, to go thither quickly. Bhimasena and ourselves, well-equipped and with all our forces, will resist Drona if he advances against thee. Behold, O Grandson of Sini, the Bharata troops are flying away in battle, and as they are flying away, they are tittering loud wails. Like the very ocean at

full tide agitated by a mighty tempest, the Dhartarashtra host, O sire, is agitated by Savyasachin. Behold, in consequence of countless cars and men and steeds moving quickly, the earthly dust raised is gradually spreading (over the field). See, that slayer of hostile hosts, Phalguna, is encompassed by the Sindhu-Sauviras, armed with spikes and lances and adorned with many horses in their ranks. Without vanquishing this force it will not be possible to vanquish Jayadratha. These warriors are prepared to lay down their lives for the sake of the ruler of the Sindhus. Behold the invincible Dhartarashtra force, stationed there, that bristles with arrows and darts and tall standards, and that teems with steeds and elephants. Hear the beat of their drums and the loud blare of their conchs, the tremendous leonine shouts uttered by them, and the rattle of their car-wheels. Hear the grunt of their elephants, the heavy tread of their foot-soldiers, and the stamping of their rushing cavalry which all seem to shake the very earth itself. Before him is the division of Jayadratha, and behind is that of Drona. So great is the number of the foes that he is capable of afflicting the chief of the celestials himself. Sunk in the midst of the fathomless host, Arjuna may lose his life. If he be slain in battle, how can one like me live? Is this calamity to befall me when thou art alive? Dark-blue in colour, young in years, of curled locks and exceedingly handsome is that son of Pandu. Active in the use of weapons, and conversant with every mode of warfare, the mighty-armed Arjuna hath, O sire, penetrated into the Bharata host at sunrise. The day is about to end. O thou of Vrishni's race, I do not know whether he liveth or not. The vast Kuru host is like ocean. O sire, Vibhatsu hath penetrated into it all alone. That army is incapable of being resisted by the very gods in battle. In today's battle, I fail to keep my judgment clear. Drona also is, with great might, afflicting my forces! Thou seest, O mighty-armed one, how that regenerate one is careering in battle. When several tasks present themselves together, thou art well-skilled in selecting that which would be first attended to. It behoveth thee, O giver of honours, to accomplish with activity that task which is the gravest of all. Amongst all these tasks, I myself think, that this (aiding Arjuna) is the first that demands our attention. The rescue of Arjuna in battle should be first undertaken. I do not grieve for him of Dasarha's race. He is the Protector and the Lord of the Universe. I tell thee truly that tiger among men, O sire, is able to vanquish in battle the three worlds assembled together. What need I say, therefore, of this weak Dhritarashtra host? Arjuna, however, O thou of Vrishni's race, is being afflicted by countless odds in battle. He may yield up his life. It is for this that I am so cheerless. O thou then go in his track, since persons like thee should follow a person like him, at such a season, urged on by one like me. Amongst the foremost ones of the Vrishni race, two are regarded as Atirathas. They are mighty-armed Pradyumna and thyself, O Satwata, that are so famous. In weapons, thou art equal to Narayana himself, and in strength to Sankarshana. In bravery, thou art equal to Dhananjaya, O tiger among

men, and surpassest Bhishma and Drona and every one accomplished in battle. O tiger among men, the wise speak of thee, saying. O Madhava, 'There is nothing unachievable by Satyaki.' O thou of great strength, do thou, therefore, that which I say unto thee, viz., obey the wishes of all here, of myself and of Arjuna. It behoveth thee not, O mighty-armed one, to frustrate that wish. Reckless of thy very life, career thou in battle like a hero. O grandson of Sini, the scions of Dasarha's race never care to protect their lives in battle. Avoiding battle, or fighting from behind breast-works, or flying away from battle,--those practices of cowards and wretches are never practised by the Dasarhas. The virtuous-souled Arjuna is thy superior, O bull among the Sinis! Vasudeva is the superior of both thyself and intelligent Arjuna, Casting my eyes on these two reasons, I say unto thee these words. Do not discard my words, I am the superior of thy superiors. That which I am saying unto thee is approved as also by Arjuna. I tell thee this truly. Go then to the spot where Dhananjaya is. Attending to these words of mine, O thou of prowess incapable of being baffled, penetrate in this host of the wicked son of Dhritarashtra. Having penetrated into it duly, encounter the great car-warriors, and display, O Satwata, such feats as are worthy of thyself!'"

7.86.1

संजय उवाच
प्रीतियुक्तं च हृद्यं च मधुराक्षरमेव च
कालयुक्तं च चित्रं च स्वतया चाभिभाषितम्

7.86.2

धर्मराजस्य तद्वाक्यं निशम्य शिनिपुंगवः
सात्यकिर्भरतश्रेष्ठ प्रत्युवाच युधिष्ठिरम्

7.86.3

श्रुतं ते गदतो वाक्यं सर्वमेतन्मयाच्युत
न्याययुक्तं च चित्रं च फल्गुनार्थे यशस्करम्

7.86.4

एवंविधे तथा काले मादृशं प्रेक्ष्य संमतम्
वक्तुमर्हसि राजेन्द्र यथा पार्थं तथैव माम्

7.86.5

न मे धनंजयस्यार्थे प्राणा रक्ष्याः कथंचन
त्वत्प्रयुक्तः पुनरहं किं न कुर्यां महाहवे

7.86.6

लोकत्रयं योधयेयं सदेवासुरमानुषम्
त्वत्प्रयुक्तो नरेन्द्रेह किमुतैतत्सुदुर्बलम्

7.86.7

सुयोधनबलं त्वद्य योधयिष्ये समन्ततः
विजेष्ये च रणे राजन्सत्यमेतद्ब्रवीमि ते

7.86.8

कुशल्यहं कुशलिनं समासाद्य धनंजयम्
हते जयद्रथे राजन्पुनरेष्यामि तेऽन्तिकम्

7.86.9

अवश्यं तु मया सर्वं विज्ञाप्यस्त्वं नराधिप
वासुदेवस्य यद्वाक्यं फल्गुनस्य च धीमतः

7.86.10

दृढं त्वभिपरीतोऽहमर्जुनेन पुनः पुनः
मध्ये सर्वस्य सैन्यस्य वासुदेवस्य शृण्वतः

7.86.11

अद्य माधव राजानमप्रमत्तोऽनुपालय
आर्यां युद्धे मतिं कृत्वा यावद्धन्मि जयद्रथम्

7.86.12

त्वयि वाहं महाबाहो प्रद्युम्ने वा महारथे
नृपं निक्षिप्य गच्छेयं निरपेक्षो जयद्रथम्

7.86.13

जानीषे हि रणे द्रोणं रभसं श्रेष्ठसंमतम्
प्रतिज्ञा चापि ते नित्यं श्रुता द्रोणस्य माधव

7.86.14

ग्रहणं धर्मराजस्य भारद्वाजोऽनुगृध्यति
शक्तश्चापि रणे द्रोणो निगृहीतुं युधिष्ठिरम्

7.86.15

एवं त्वयि समाधाय धर्मराजं नरोत्तमम्
अहमद्य गमिष्यामि सैन्धवस्य वधाय हि

7.86.16

जयद्रथमहं हत्वा ध्रुवमेष्यामि माधव
धर्मराजं यथा द्रोणो निगृह्णीयाद्रणे बलात्

7.86.17

निगृहीते नरश्रेष्ठे भारद्वाजेन माधव
सैन्धवस्य वधो न स्यान्ममाप्रीतिस्तथा भवेत्

7.86.18

एवं गते नरश्रेष्ठ पाण्डवे सत्यवादिनि
अस्माकं गमनं व्यक्तं वनं प्रति भवेत्पुनः

7.86.19

सोऽयं मम जयो व्यक्तं व्यर्थ एव भविष्यति
यदि द्रोणो रणे क्रुद्धो निगृह्णीयाद्युधिष्ठिरम्

7.86.20

स त्वमद्य महाबाहो प्रियार्थं मम माधव
जयार्थं च यशोर्थं च रक्ष राजानमाहवे

7.86.21

स भवान्मयि निक्षेपो निक्षिप्तः सव्यसाचिना
भारद्वाजाद्भयं नित्यं पश्यमानेन ते प्रभो

7.86.22

तस्यापि च महाबाहो नित्यं पश्यति संयुगे
नान्यं हि प्रतियोद्धारं रौक्मिणेयादृते प्रभो
मां वापि मन्यते युद्धे भारद्वाजस्य धीमतः

7.86.23

सोऽहं संभावनां चैतामाचार्यवचनं च तत्
पृष्ठतो नोत्सहे कर्तुं त्वां वा त्यक्तुं महीपते

7.86.24

आचार्यो लघुहस्तत्वादभेद्यकवचावृतः
उपलभ्य रणे क्रीडेद्यथा शकुनिना शिशुः

7.86.25

यदि कार्ष्णिर्धनुष्पाणिरिह स्यान्मकरध्वजः
तस्मै त्वां विसृजेयं वै स त्वां रक्षेद्यथार्जुनः

7.86.26

कुरु त्वमात्मनो गुप्तिं कस्ते गोप्ता गते मयि
यः प्रतीयाद्रणे द्रोणं यावद्गच्छामि पाण्डवम्

7.86.27

मा च ते भयमद्यास्तु राजन्नर्जुनसंभवम्
न स जातु महाबाहुर्भारमुद्यम्य सीदति

7.86.28

ये च सौवीरका योधास्तथा सैन्धवपौरवाः
उदीच्या दाक्षिणात्याश्च ये चान्येऽपि महारथाः

7.86.29

ये च कर्णमुखा राजन्रथोदाराः प्रकीर्तिताः
एतेऽर्जुनस्य क्रुद्धस्य कलां नार्हन्ति षोडशीम्

7.86.30

उद्युक्ता पृथिवी सर्वा ससुरासुरमानुषा
सराक्षसगणा राजन्सकिंनरमहोरगा

7.86.31

जङ्गमाः स्थावरैः सार्धं नालं पार्थस्य संयुगे
एवं ज्ञात्वा महाराज व्येतु ते भीर्धनंजये

7.86.32

यत्र वीरौ महेष्वासौ कृष्णौ सत्यपराक्रमौ
न तत्र कर्मणो व्यापत्कथंचिदपि विद्यते

7.86.33

दैवं कृतास्त्रतां योगममर्षमपि चाहवे
कृतज्ञतां दयां चैव भ्रातुस्त्वमनुचिन्तय

7.86.34

मयि चाप्यपयाते वै गच्छमानेऽर्जुनं प्रति
द्रोणे चित्रास्त्रतां संख्ये राजंस्त्वमनुचिन्तय

7.86.35

आचार्यो हि भृशं राजन्निग्रहे तव गृध्यति
प्रतिज्ञामात्मनो रक्षन्सत्यां कर्तुं च भारत

7.86.36

कुरुष्वाद्यात्मनो गुप्तिं कस्ते गोप्ता गते मयि
यस्याहं प्रत्ययात्पार्थ गच्छेयं फल्गुनं प्रति

7.86.37

न ह्यहं त्वा महाराज अनिक्षिप्य महाहवे
क्वचिद्यास्यामि कौरव्य सत्यमेतद्ब्रवीमि ते

7.86.38

एतद्विचार्य बहुशो बुद्ध्या बुद्धिमतां वर
दृष्ट्वा श्रेयः परं बुद्ध्या ततो राजन्प्रशाधि माम्

7.86.39

युधिष्ठिर उवाच
एवमेतन्महाबाहो यथा वदसि माधव
न तु मे शुध्यते भावः श्वेताश्वं प्रति मारिष

7.86.40

करिष्ये परमं यत्नमात्मनो रक्षणं प्रति
गच्छ त्वं समनुज्ञातो यत्र यातो धनंजयः

7.86.41

आत्मसंरक्षणं संख्ये गमनं चार्जुनं प्रति
विचार्यैतद्द्वयं बुद्ध्या गमनं तत्र रोचये

7.86.42

स त्वमातिष्ठ यानाय यत्र यातो धनंजयः
ममापि रक्षणं भीमः करिष्यति महाबलः

7.86.43

पार्षतश्च ससोदर्यः पार्थिवाश्च महाबलाः
द्रौपदेयाश्च मां तात रक्षिष्यन्ति न संशयः

7.86.44

केकया भ्रातरः पञ्च राक्षसश्च घटोत्कचः
विराटो द्रुपदश्चैव शिखण्डी च महारथः

7.86.45

धृष्टकेतुश्च बलवान्कुन्तिभोजश्च मारिष
नकुलः सहदेवश्च पाञ्चालाः सृञ्जयास्तथा
एते समाहितास्तात रक्षिष्यन्ति न संशयः

7.86.46

न द्रोणः सह सैन्येन कृतवर्मा च संयुगे
समासादयितुं शक्तो न च मां धर्षयिष्यति

7.86.47

धृष्टद्युम्नश्च समरे द्रोणं क्रुद्धं परंतपः
वारयिष्यति विक्रम्य वेलेव मकरालयम्

7.86.48

यत्र स्थास्यति संग्रामे पार्षतः परवीरहा
न द्रोणसैन्यं बलवत्क्रामेत्तत्र कथंचन

7.86.49

एष द्रोणविनाशाय समुत्पन्नो हुताशनात्
कवची स शरी खड्गी धन्वी च वरभूषणः

7.86.50

विश्रब्धो गच्छ शैनेय मा कार्षीर्मयि संभ्रमम्
धृष्टद्युम्नो रणे क्रुद्धो द्रोणमावारयिष्यति

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'That bull amongst the Sinis, viz., Satyaki, hearing these words o, full affection, agreeable, fraught with sweet sounds, opportune, delightful, and equitable that were uttered by king Yudhishthira the just, replied unto him, O chief of the Bharatas, saying, 'O thou of unfading glory, I have heard all the words thou hast said, words fraught with justice, delightful, and conducive to fame for the sake of Phalguna. At such a time, indeed, beholding one devoted (to thee) like me, it behoveth thee, O king of kings, to command him as much, as thou canst command Partha himself. As regards myself, I am prepared to cast away my life for the sake of Dhananjaya. Commanded, again, by thee, what is there I would not do in great battle? What need I say of this weak (Dhritarashtra) force? Urged by thee, I am prepared, O best of men, to battle with three worlds including the gods, the Asuras, and men. Today I will fight with the entire army of Suyodhana and vanquish it in battle. Truly do I say this unto thee, O king! Safely shall I reach Dhananjaya himself in safety, and after Jayadratha is slain, I shall, O king, come back into thy presence. I must, however, O king, inform thee of the words of Vasudeva as also those of the intelligent Arjuna. I was strongly and repeatedly solicited by Arjuna in the midst of all our warriors and in the hearing also of Vasudeva (in these words), Today, O Madhava, nobly resolved in battle, protect

thou the king carefully, till I slay Jayadratha! Making over the monarch to thee, O mighty-armed one, or to that great car-warrior Pradyumna, I can go with an easy heart towards Jayadratha. Thou knowest Drona in battle, that warrior who is regarded as the foremost one among the Kurus. Thou knowest also the vow made by him in the presence of all, O lord! The son of Bharadwaja is always eager to seize the king. He is competent also in afflicting king Yudhishthira in battle. Charging thee with the protection of that best of men, viz., king Yudhishthira the just, I will proceed today for the destruction of the ruler of the Sindhus. Slaying Jayadratha, I shall soon come back, O Madhava! See that Drona may not succeed in forcibly seizing king Yudhishthira the just in battle. If Yudhishthira be seized by Bharadwaja's son, O Madhava, I shall not succeed in slaying Jayadratha, and great will be my grief. If that best of men, the truthful son of Pandu, be seized, it is evident that we shall have again to go into woods. My success, therefore, over Jayadratha, it is plain, will be productive of no benefit, if Drona, inflamed with rage, succeeds in seizing Yudhishthira in battle. O mighty-armed one, for doing what is agreeable to me, therefore, O Madhava, as also for the sake of my success and fame, protect the king in battle.' Thou seest, therefore, O king, thou hast been made over to me as a trust by Savyasachin, O lord, in consequence of his constant fear of Bharadwaja's son. O mighty-armed one, I myself daily see, O lord, that there is none, save Rukmini's son (Pradyumna), who can be a match for Drona in battle. I also am regarded to be a match for the intelligent son of Bharadwaja in battle. It is plain, therefore, I cannot dare falsify that reputation which I have, or disregard the commands of my preceptor (Arjuna), or leave thee, O king! The preceptor (Drona), cased as he is in impenetrable mail, in consequence of his lightness of arms, obtaining thee in battle, will sport with thee as a child with a little bird. If Krishna's son, bearing the Makara on his banner, were here, I could then have made over to him, for he would have protected thee as Arjuna himself. Thou shouldst protect thyself. When I am gone, who will protect thee, who that is, that will advance against Drona while I proceed towards Arjuna? O king, let no fear be thine today on Arjuna's account. He never becomes cheerless under any burden howsoever heavy. Those warriors that are opposed to him, viz., the Sauvirakas, the Sindhava-Pauravas, they from the north, they from the south, and they, O king, headed by Karna, that are regarded as foremost of car-warriors, do not together come up to a sixteenth part of Arjuna. The whole earth rising against him, with the gods, the Asuras, and men, with all the tribes of Rakshasas, O king, with the Kinnaras, the great snakes, and in fact, all the mobile and the immobile creatures assembled together, is no match for Arjuna in battle. Knowing this, O king, let thy fear on Dhananjaya's account be dispelled. There where those two heroes and great bowmen, viz., the two Krishnas, of prowess incapable of being baffled, are, there the slightest obstacle cannot happen to their purpose. Think of the celestial puissance, the accomplishment in weapons, the resourcefulness, the wrath in battle,

the gratefulness, and the compassion of thy brother. Think also, O king, of the wonderful knowledge of weapons that Drona will display in battle when I leave this place for going to Arjuna. The preceptor, O monarch, is eagerly solicitous of seizing thee. He is eagerly desirous also, O king, of making good his vow, O Bharata! Be attentive, O king, to thy own protection. Who will protect thee when I am gone, who is he that is, confiding on whom I may go towards Pritha's son, Phalguna? I tell thee truly, O great king, that without making thee over to somebody in this great battle, I will not surely go towards Arjuna, O thou of Kuru's race! Reflecting on this, from every point of view, with the aid of thy intelligence, O foremost of all intelligent persons, and ascertaining with thy intelligence what is for thy highest good, command me, O king!'

"Yudhishthira hearing these words said, 'It is even so, O mighty-armed one, as thou sayest, O Madhava! For all that, however, O sire, my heart doth not become easy on Arjuna's account. I shall take the greatest precaution in protecting myself. Commanded by me, go thou thither where Dhananjaya hath gone. Weighing, with my judgment, my own protection in battle with the necessity of your going towards Arjuna, the latter seems to me preferable, Make thyself ready, therefore, to go thither whither Dhananjaya hath gone. The mighty Bhima will protect me. Prishata's son, with all his uterine brothers, and all the mighty kings, and the sons of Draupadi, will without doubt, protect me. The five Kekaya brothers, and the Rakshasa Ghatotkacha, and Virata, and Drupada, and the mighty car-warrior Sikhandin and Dhrishtaketu of great strength, and Kuntibhoja, O sire, Nakula, and Sahadeva, and the Panchalas, and the Srinjayas,--all these, O sire, will without doubt, very carefully protect me. Drona at the head of his troops, and Kritavarman also, in battle, will not succeed in beating us or afflicting me. That scorcher of foes, viz., Dhrishtadyumna, displaying his prowess, will resist the angry Drona, like the continent resisting the sea. There where Prishata's son, that slayer of hostile heroes, will remain, there Drona will never be able to forcibly transgress our troops. This Dhristadyumna sprang from the fire, for the destruction of Drona, clad in mail, armed with bow and arrows and sword, and decked with costly ornaments. Go, O grandson of Sini, with an easy heart, do not be anxious on my account. Dhrishtadyumna will resist angry Drona in battle.'"

7.87.1

संजय उवाच
धर्मराजस्य तद्वाक्यं निशम्य शिनिपुंगवः
पार्थाच्च भयमाशङ्कन्परित्यागान्महीपतेः

7.87.2

अपवादं ह्यात्मनश्च लोकाद्रक्षन्विशेषतः
न मां भीत इति ब्रूयुरायान्तं फल्गुनं प्रति

7.87.3

निश्चित्य बहुधैवं स सात्यकिर्युद्धदुर्मदः
धर्मराजमिदं वाक्यमब्रवीत्पुरुषर्षभ

7.87.4

कृतां चेन्मन्यसे रक्षां स्वस्ति तेऽस्तु विशां पते
अनुयास्यामि बीभत्सुं करिष्ये वचनं तव

7.87.5

न हि मे पाण्डवात्कश्चित्त्रिषु लोकेषु विद्यते
यो वै प्रियतरो राजन्सत्यमेतद्ब्रवीमि ते

7.87.6

तस्याहं पदवीं यास्ये संदेशात्तव मानद
त्वत्कृते न च मे किंचिदकर्तव्यं कथंचन

7.87.7

यथा हि मे गुरोर्वाक्यं विशिष्टं द्विपदां वर
तथा तवापि वचनं विशिष्टतरमेव मे

7.87.8

प्रिये हि तव वर्तेते भ्रातरौ कृष्णपाण्डवौ
तयोः प्रिये स्थितं चैव विद्धि मां राजपुंगव

7.87.9

तवाज्ञां शिरसा गृह्य पाण्डवार्थमहं प्रभो
भित्त्वेदं दुर्भिदं सैन्यं प्रयास्ये नरसत्तम

7.87.10

द्रोणानीकं विशाम्येष क्रुद्धो झष इवार्णवम्
तत्र यास्यामि यत्रासौ राजन्राजा जयद्रथः

7.87.11

यत्र सेनां समाश्रित्य भीतस्तिष्ठति पाण्डवात्
गुप्तो रथवरश्रेष्ठैर्द्रौणिकर्णकृपादिभिः

7.87.12

इतस्त्रियोजनं मन्ये तमध्वानं विशां पते
यत्र तिष्ठति पार्थोऽसौ जयद्रथवधोद्यतः

7.87.13

त्रियोजनगतस्यापि तस्य यास्याम्यहं पदम्
आसैन्धववधाद्राजन्सुदृढेनान्तरात्मना

7.87.14

अनादिष्टस्तु गुरुणा को नु युध्येत मानवः
आदिष्टस्तु त्वया राजन्को न युध्येत मादृशः
अभिजानामि तं देशं यत्र यास्याम्यहं प्रभो

7.87.15

हुडशक्तिगदाप्रासखड्गचर्मर्ष्टितोमरम्
इष्वस्त्रवरसंबाधं क्षोभयिष्ये बलार्णवम्

7.87.16

यदेतत्कुञ्जरानीकं साहस्रमनुपश्यसि
कुलमञ्जनकं नाम यत्रैते वीर्यशालिनः

7.87.17

आस्थिता बहुभिर्म्लेच्छैर्युद्धशौण्डैः प्रहारिभिः
नागा मेघनिभा राजन्क्षरन्त इव तोयदाः

7.87.18

नैते जातु निवर्तेरन्प्रेषिता हस्तिसादिभिः
अन्यत्र हि वधादेषां नास्ति राजन्पराजयः

7.87.19

अथ यान्रथिनो राजन्समन्तादनुपश्यसि
एते रुक्मरथा नाम राजपुत्रा महारथाः

7.87.20

रथेष्वस्त्रेषु निपुणा नागेषु च विशां पते
धनुर्वेदे गताः पारं मुष्टियुद्धे च कोविदाः

7.87.21

गदायुद्धविशेषज्ञा नियुद्धकुशलास्तथा
खड्गप्रहरणे युक्ताः संपाते चासिचर्मणोः

7.87.22

शूराश्च कृतविद्याश्च स्पर्धन्ते च परस्परम्
नित्यं च समरे राजन्विजिगीषन्ति मानवान्

7.87.23

कर्णेन विजिता राजन्दुःशासनमनुव्रताः
एतांस्तु वासुदेवोऽपि रथोदारान्प्रशंसति

7.87.24

सततं प्रियकामाश्च कर्णस्यैते वशे स्थिताः
तस्यैव वचनाद्राजन्निवृत्ताः श्वेतवाहनात्

7.87.25

ते न क्षता न च श्रान्ता दृढावरणकार्मुकाः
मदर्थं विष्ठिता नूनं धार्तराष्ट्रस्य शासनात्

7.87.26

एतान्प्रमथ्य संग्रामे प्रियार्थं तव कौरव
प्रयास्यामि ततः पश्चात्पदवीं सव्यसाचिनः

7.87.27

यांस्त्वेतानपरान्राजन्नागान्सप्तशतानि च
प्रेक्षसे वर्मसंछन्नान्किरातैः समधिष्ठितान्

7.87.28

किरातराजो यान्प्रादाद्गृहीतः सव्यसाचिना
स्वलंकृतांस्तथा प्रेष्यानिच्छञ्जीवितमात्मनः

7.87.29

आसन्नेते पुरा राजंस्तव कर्मकरा दृढम्
त्वामेवाद्य युयुत्सन्ते पश्य कालस्य पर्ययम्

7.87.30

तेषामेते महामात्राः किराता युद्धदुर्मदाः
हस्तिशिक्षाविदश्चैव सर्वे चैवाग्नियोनयः

7.87.31

एते विनिर्जिताः सर्वे संग्रामे सव्यसाचिना
मदर्थमद्य संयत्ता दुर्योधनवशानुगाः

7.87.32

एतान्भित्त्वा शरै राजन्किरातान्युद्धदुर्मदान्
सैन्धवस्य वधे युक्तमनुयास्यामि पाण्डवम्

7.87.33

ये त्वेते सुमहानागा अञ्जनस्य कुलोद्भवाः
कर्कशाश्च विनीताश्च प्रभिन्नकरटामुखाः

7.87.34

जाम्बूनदमयैः सर्वैर्वर्मभिः सुविभूषिताः
लब्धलक्ष्या रणे राजन्नैरावणसमा युधि

7.87.35

उत्तरात्पर्वतादेते तीक्ष्णैर्दस्युभिरास्थिताः
कर्कशैः प्रवरैर्योधैः कार्ष्णायसतनुच्छदैः

7.87.36

सन्ति गोयोनयश्चात्र सन्ति वानरयोनयः
अनेकयोनयश्चान्ये तथा मानुषयोनयः

7.87.37

अनीकमसतामेतद्धूमवर्णमुदीर्यते
म्लेच्छानां पापकर्तॄणां हिमवद्दुर्गवासिनाम्

7.87.38

एतद्दुर्योधनो लब्ध्वा समग्रं नागमण्डलम्
कृपं च सौमदत्तिं च द्रोणं च रथिनां वरम्

7.87.39

सिन्धुराजं तथा कर्णमवमन्यत पाण्डवान्
कृतार्थमथ चात्मानं मन्यते कालचोदितः

7.87.40

ते च सर्वेऽनुसंप्राप्ता मम नाराचगोचरम्
न विमोक्ष्यन्ति कौन्तेय यद्यपि स्युर्मनोजवाः

7.87.41

तेन संभाविता नित्यं परवीर्योपजीविना
विनाशमुपयास्यन्ति मच्छरौघनिपीडिताः

7.87.42

ये त्वेते रथिनो राजन्दृश्यन्ते काञ्चनध्वजाः
एते दुर्वारणा नाम काम्बोजा यदि ते श्रुताः

7.87.43

शूराश्च कृतविद्याश्च धनुर्वेदे च निष्ठिताः
संहताश्च भृशं ह्येते अन्योन्यस्य हितैषिणः

7.87.44

अक्षौहिण्यश्च संरब्धा धार्तराष्ट्रस्य भारत
यत्ता मदर्थं तिष्ठन्ति कुरुवीराभिरक्षिताः

7.87.45

अप्रमत्ता महाराज मामेव प्रत्युपस्थिताः
तांस्त्वहं प्रमथिष्यामि तृणानीव हुताशनः

7.87.46

तस्मात्सर्वानुपासङ्गान्सर्वोपकरणानि च
रथे कुर्वन्तु मे राजन्यथावद्रथकल्पकाः

7.87.47

अस्मिंस्तु खलु संग्रामे ग्राह्यं विविधमायुधम्
यथोपदिष्टमाचार्यैः कार्यः पञ्चगुणो रथः

7.87.48

काम्बोजैर्हि समेष्यामि क्रुद्धैराशीविषोपमैः
नानाशस्त्रसमावापैर्विविधायुधयोधिभिः

7.87.49

किरातैश्च समेष्यामि विषकल्पैः प्रहारिभिः
लालितैः सततं राज्ञा दुर्योधनहितैषिभिः

7.87.50

शकैश्चापि समेष्यामि शक्रतुल्यपराक्रमैः
अग्निकल्पैर्दुराधर्षैः प्रदीप्तैरिव पावकैः

7.87.51

तथान्यैर्विविधैर्योधैः कालकल्पैर्दुरासदैः
समेष्यामि रणे राजन्बहुभिर्युद्धदुर्मदैः

7.87.52

तस्माद्वै वाजिनो मुख्या विश्रान्ताः शुभलक्षणाः
उपावृत्ताश्च पीताश्च पुनर्युज्यन्तु मे रथे

7.87.53

तस्य सर्वानुपासङ्गान्सर्वोपकरणानि च
रथे प्रास्थापयद्राजा शस्त्राणि विविधानि च

7.87.54

ततस्तान्सर्वतो मुक्त्वा सदश्वांश्चतुरो जनाः
रसवत्पाययामासुः पानं मदसमीरिणम्

7.87.55

पीतोपवृत्तान्स्नातांश्च जग्धान्नान्समलंकृतान्
विनीतशल्यांस्तुरगांश्चतुरो हेममालिनः

7.87.56

तान्यत्तान्रुक्मवर्णाभान्विनीताञ्शीघ्रगामिनः
संहृष्टमनसोऽव्यग्रान्विधिवत्कल्पिते रथे

7.87.57

महाध्वजेन सिंहेन हेमकेसरमालिना
संवृते केतनैर्हेमैर्मणिविद्रुमचित्रितैः
पाण्डुराभ्रप्रकाशाभिः पताकाभिरलंकृते

7.87.58

हेमदण्डोच्छ्रितच्छत्रे बहुशस्त्रपरिच्छदे
योजयामास विधिवद्धेमभाण्डविभूषितान्

7.87.59

दारुकस्यानुजो भ्राता सूतस्तस्य प्रियः सखा
न्यवेदयद्रथं युक्तं वासवस्येव मातलिः

7.87.60

ततः स्नातः शुचिर्भूत्वा कृतकौतुकमङ्गलः
स्नातकानां सहस्रस्य स्वर्णनिष्कानदापयत्
आशीर्वादैः परिष्वक्तः सात्यकिः श्रीमतां वरः

7.87.61

ततः स मधुपर्कार्हः पीत्वा कैलावतं मधु
लोहिताक्षो बभौ तत्र मदविह्वललोचनः

7.87.62

आलभ्य वीरकांस्यं च हर्षेण महतान्वितः
द्विगुणीकृततेजा हि प्रज्वलन्निव पावकः
उत्सङ्गे धनुरादाय सशरं रथिनां वरः

7.87.63

कृतस्वस्त्ययनो विप्रैः कवची समलंकृतः
लाजैर्गन्धैस्तथा माल्यैः कन्याभिश्चाभिनन्दितः

7.87.64

युधिष्ठिरस्य चरणावभिवाद्य कृताञ्जलिः
तेन मूर्धन्युपाघ्रात आरुरोह महारथम्

7.87.65

ततस्ते वाजिनो हृष्टाः सुपुष्टा वातरंहसः
अजय्या जैत्रमूहुस्तं विकुर्वन्तः स्म सैन्धवाः

7.87.66

अथ हर्षपरीताङ्गः सात्यकिर्भीममब्रवीत्
त्वं भीम रक्ष राजानमेतत्कार्यतमं हि ते

7.87.67

अहं भित्त्वा प्रवेक्ष्यामि कालपक्वमिदं बलम्
आयत्यां च तदात्वे च श्रेयो राज्ञोऽभिरक्षणम्

7.87.68

जानीषे मम वीर्यं त्वं तव चाहमरिंदम
तस्माद्भीम निवर्तस्व मम चेदिच्छसि प्रियम्

7.87.69

तथोक्तः सात्यकिं प्राह व्रज त्वं कार्यसिद्धये
अहं राज्ञः करिष्यामि रक्षां पुरुषसत्तम

7.87.70

एवमुक्तः प्रत्युवाच भीमसेनं स माधवः
गच्छ गच्छ द्रुतं पार्थ ध्रुवोऽद्य विजयो मम

7.87.71

यन्मे स्निग्धोऽनुरक्तश्च त्वमद्य वशगः स्थितः
निमित्तानि च धन्यानि यथा भीम वदन्ति मे

7.87.72

निहते सैन्धवे पापे पाण्डवेन महात्मना
परिष्वजिष्ये राजानं धर्मात्मानं न संशयः

7.87.73

एतावदुक्त्वा भीमं तु विसृज्य च महामनाः
संप्रैक्षत्तावकं सैन्यं व्याघ्रो मृगगणानिव

7.87.74

तं दृष्ट्वा प्रविविक्षन्तं सैन्यं तव जनाधिप
भूय एवाभवन्मूढं सुभृशं चाप्यकम्पत

7.87.75

ततः प्रयातः सहसा सैन्यं तव स सात्यकिः
दिदृक्षुरर्जुनं राजन्धर्मराजस्य शासनात्

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Hearing these words of the king Yudhishthira the just, that bull among the Sinis feared the censure of Arjuna if he left the king. Seeing, however, the certainty of an imputation of cowardice by the people (if he disobeyed Yudhishthira), he said to himself, 'Let not people say

that I am afraid of proceeding towards Arjuna.' Reflecting repeatedly on this, Satyaki, that hero invincible in battle, that bull among men, said these words unto king Yudhishthira the just, 'If thou thinkest that these arrangements will suffice for thy protection, O monarch, I will then do thy bidding and follow Vibhatsu. I tell thee truly, O king, that there is none in the three worlds who is dearer to me than Phalguna. I will follow in his track at the command, O giver of honours. There is nothing that I will not do for thy sake. O best of men, the commands of my preceptor are always of weight with me. But thy commands are still weightier with me, O lord! Thy brothers, viz., Krishna and Dhananjaya, are always engaged in doing what is agreeable to thee. Taking thy command on my head for the sake of Arjuna, O lord, I will proceed, O bull among men, piercing through this impenetrable host. Darting wrathfully through this force of Drona, like a fish through the sea, I will go thither, O monarch, where king Jayadratha, depending upon his troops, stayeth, in fear of the son of Pandu, protected by those foremost of car-warriors, viz., Drona's son Karna and Kripa! The distance from here, O king, is three Yojanas. I think, of that spot where Partha stayeth, ready to slay Jayadratha! But though Partha is three Yojanas distant I shall yet follow in his track with a stout heart, and stay with him, O king, till Jayadratha's slaughter. What man is there that goes to battle without the commands of his superiors? And when one is commanded, O king, as I have been by thee, who is there like me that would not fight? I know that place whither I shall have to go, O lord! Teeming as this ocean-like host doth with ploughshare and darts and maces and shields and scimitars and swords and lances and foremost of shafts, I will today agitate this ocean. This elephant division, consisting of a thousand elephants, that thou seest, all belonging to the breed known by the name of Anjana and all endued with great prowess, which are all mounted by a large number of Mlecchas, delighting in battle and accomplished in smiting,--these elephants, O king, that are shedding their juicy secretions like rain-pouring clouds,--these never retreat if urged forward by those upon their backs. They cannot be vanquished, O king, unless they are slaughtered. Then again, those car-warriors numbering thousands., that thou seest, are all of royal lineage and are all Maharathas. They are called Rukmarathas. 1 They are accomplished in weapons and battling from cars, as also in fighting from the backs of elephants. O monarch! Thorough masters of the science of weapons, they are accomplished in fighting with their fists. Skilled in battling with maces, masters also of the art of close fight, they are equally clever in striking with scimitars and in falling upon the foe with sword and shield. They are brave and learned, and animated by a spirit of rivalry. Every day, O king, they vanquish a vast number of men in battle. They are commanded by Karna and devoted to Duhsasana. Even Vasudeva applauds them as great car-warriors. Always solicitous of Karna's

welfare, they are obedient to him. It is at Karna's command, O king, that returning from their pursuit of Arjuna and, therefore, unfatigued and unworn, those brave warriors, cased in impenetrable armour and armed with strong bows, are certainly waiting for me, ordered by Duryodhana also. Crushing them in battle for thy good, O Katirava, I shall then follow in the track of Savyasachin. Those other elephants, O king, seven hundred in number, that thou seest, all cased in armour and ridden by Kiratas, and decked with ornaments, the king of the Kiratas, desirous of his life, had formerly presented to Savyasachin together with many servants in their train. These, O king, were formerly employed in doing thy business. Behold the vicissitudes that time brings about, for these are now battling against thee. Those elephants are ridden by Kiratas difficult of defeat in battle. They are accomplished in fighting from elephants, and are all sprung from the race of Agni. Formerly, they were all vanquished in battle by Savyasachin. They are now waiting for me carefully, under the orders of Duryodhana. Slaying with my shafts, O king, these Kiratas difficult of defeat in battle, I shall follow in the track of Arjuna who is intent on the slaughter of the ruler of the Sindhus. Those (other) huge elephants, sprung from the race of Arjuna, of impenetrable hides, well-trained, and adorned, and from whose mouths the juicy secretions are trickling down, and which are well-adorned with armour made wholly of gold are very formidable in battle and resemble Airavata himself. They have come from the northern hills, and are ridden by fierce robbers that are of strong limbs, that are all foremost of warriors, and that are cased in steel coats of mail. There, amongst them, are persons born of the cow, or the ape, or of diverse other creatures, including those born of men. That division of the assembled Mlecchas that are all sinful and that come from the fastnesses of Himavat, seem at a distance to be of smoky colour. Obtaining these, and countless Kshatriyas, as also Kripa and that foremost of car-warriors, viz., Drona and the ruler of the Sindhus, and the Karna, he thinks lightly of the Pandavas. Impelled by fate, he regards himself crowned with success. Those I have named will, however, today be within reach of my arrows. They shall not escape me, O son of Kunti, even if they be endued with the speed of the mind. Much regarded always by Duryodhana, that prince who dependeth upon the prowess of others, those warriors, afflicted with my clouds of shafts, will meet with destruction. Those other car-warriors, O king, whom thou seest, and who have golden standards and are difficult of being resisted, are called Kamvojas. They are brave and accomplished, and firmly devoted to the science of weapons. Desiring one another's welfare they are all firmly united. They constitute a full Akshauhini of wrathful warriors, O Bharata, and are staying carefully for my sake, well-protected by the Kuru heroes. They are on the alert, O king, with their eyes on me. I shall certainly destroy them all, like fire destroying a heap of straw. Therefore, O king, let those that equip cars, place quivers and all necessaries on my car in proper places. Indeed, in such a dreadful battle,

diverse kinds of weapons ought to be taken. Let the car be equipped (with necessaries) five times more than what professors of military science direct, for I shall have to encounter the Kamvojas who resemble fierce snakes of virulent poison. I shall have also to encounter the Kiratas who are armed with diverse weapons of warfare, who resemble virulent poison, who are accomplished in smiting, who have always been well-treated by Duryodhana, and who on that account are always intent on Duryodhana's welfare. I shall also have to encounter the Sakas endued with prowess equal to that of Sakra himself, who are fierce as tire, and difficult to put out like a blazing conflagration. Indeed, O king, I shall have to encounter in battle many warriors difficult of being resisted. For this let well-known steeds of best breed and graced with auspicious marks be yoked to my car, after causing their thirst to be slaked and after grooming them duly!'

"Sanjaya continued, 'After this, Yudhishthira caused quivers full of shafts, and diverse kinds o weapons, and, indeed, all necessaries, to be placed on Satyaki's car. Then, people caused his four well-harnessed and excellent steeds to drink and walk, bathe and eat, and having adorned them with golden chains and plucked out their arrows, those animals, that had (for these operations) been freed from the yoke, and that were of the hue of gold and well-trained and endued with great speed and cheerful and exceedingly docile, were duly yoked again unto his car. And upon that car was set up a tall standard bearing a lion of golden maces. And that standard had attached round it banners of the hue of white clouds and decked with gold was also placed upon that vehicle bearing a heavy weight of weapons. After those steeds, adorned with trappings of gold, had been yoked to that car, the younger brother of Daruka, who was the charioteer and the dear friend of Satyaki, came and represented unto the latter that the car had been duly equipped, like Matali representing the equipment of the car unto Vasava himself. Satyaki then, having taken a bath and purified himself and undergone every auspicious ceremony, gave nishkas of gold unto a thousand Snataka Brahmanas who uttered benedictions upon him. Blessed with those benedictions Satyaki that foremost of handsome men, that hero worthy of worship, having drunk kairata, honey, shone resplendent, with reddened eyes rolling in intoxication. Having touched a brazen mirror and filled with great joy, his energy became doubled, and himself looked like a blazing fire. Taking upon his shoulders his bow with arrows, that foremost of car-warriors, eased in armour and decked in ornaments, had the regenerate ones perform for him the rites of propitiation. And fair maidens honoured him by showering upon him fried paddy and perfumes and floral garlands. And the hero then, with joined hands, worshipped the feet of Yudhishthira, and the latter smelt his head. And having undergone all these rites, he then mounted his foremost of cars. Then those steeds, cheerful and strong and fleet as the wind, and invincible, and belonging to the Sindhu breed, bore him on that triumphant car. Similarly, Bhimasena also, honoured by king Yudhishthira the just, and

reverentially saluting the monarch, set out with Satyaki. Beholding those two chastisers of foes on the point of penetrating thy host, their enemies, viz., thy troops, all stood still with Drona at their head. Then Satyaki, seeing Bhima cased in mail and following him, saluted that hero and spoke unto him these delightful words. Indeed, heroic Satyaki, with every limb filled with joy, said unto Bhima, 'Do thou, O Bhima, protect the king. Even this is thy duty above all things. Piercing through this host whose hour hath come. I will proceed. Whether now or hence, the protection of the king is thy highest duty. Thou knowest my prowess, thou desirest my good, return, O Bhima!' Thus addressed by Satyaki, Bhima replied, Go then, for the success of thy object. O best of men, I will protect the king.' Thus addressed, he of Madhu's race answered Bhima, saying, 'Go back, O son of Pritha! My success is certain, since won over by my merits, thus, O Bhima, art today obedient to my wishes. Indeed, O Bhima, as these auspicious omens tell me, my victory is assured. After the sinful ruler of the Sindhus has been slain by the high-souled son of Pandu, I shall embrace king Yudhishthira of virtuous soul.' Having said these words unto Bhima and dismissing him with an embrace that illustrious warrior eyed thy troops, like a tiger eyeing a herd of deer. Beholding him thus looking at thy army, O king, thy troops become once more stupefied and began to tremble violently. Then, O king, Satyaki desirous of seeing Arjuna at the command of king Yudhishthira the just, suddenly dashed against thy troops.'"

228:1 Owners of golden cars.

7.88.1

संजय उवाच
प्रयाते तव सैन्यं तु युयुधाने युयुत्सया
धर्मराजो महाराज स्वेनानीकेन संवृतः
प्रायाद्द्रोणरथप्रेप्सुर्युयुधानस्य पृष्ठतः

7.88.2

ततः पाञ्चालराजस्य पुत्रः समरदुर्मदः
प्राक्रोशत्पाण्डवानीके वसुदानश्च पार्थिवः

7.88.3

आगच्छत प्रहरत द्रुतं विपरिधावत
यथा सुखेन गच्छेत सात्यकिर्युद्धदुर्मदः

7.88.4

महारथा हि बहवो यतिष्यन्त्यस्य निर्जये
इति ब्रुवन्तो वेगेन समापेतुर्बलं तव

7.88.5

वयं प्रतिजिगीषन्तस्तत्र तान्समभिद्रुताः
ततः शब्दो महानासीद्युयुधानरथं प्रति

7.88.6

प्रकम्प्यमाना महती तव पुत्रस्य वाहिनी
सात्वतेन महाराज शतधाभिव्यदीर्यत

7.88.7

तस्यां विदीर्यमाणायां शिनेः पौत्रो महारथः
सप्त वीरान्महेष्वासानग्रानीके व्यपोथयत्

7.88.8

ते भीता मृद्यमानाश्च प्रमृष्टा दीर्घबाहुना
आयोधनं जहुर्वीरा दृष्ट्वा तमतिमानुषम्

7.88.9

रथैर्विमथिताक्षैश्च भग्ननीडैश्च मारिष
चक्रैर्विमथितैश्छिन्नैर्ध्वजैश्च विनिपातितैः

7.88.10

अनुकर्षैः पताकाभिः शिरस्त्राणैः सकाञ्चनैः
बाहुभिश्चन्दनादिग्धैः साङ्गदैश्च विशां पते

7.88.11

हस्तिहस्तोपमैश्चापि भुजगाभोगसंनिभैः
ऊरुभिः पृथिवी छन्ना मनुजानां नरोत्तम

7.88.12

शशाङ्कसंनिकाशैश्च वदनैश्चारुकुण्डलैः
पतितैर्वृषभाक्षाणां बभौ भारत मेदिनी

7.88.13

गजैश्च बहुधा छिन्नैः शयानैः पर्वतोपमैः
रराजातिभृशं भूमिर्विकीर्णैरिव पर्वतैः

7.88.14

तपनीयमयैर्योक्त्रैर्मुक्ताजालविभूषितैः
उरश्छदैर्विचित्रैश्च व्यशोभन्त तुरंगमाः
गतसत्त्वा महीं प्राप्य प्रमृष्टा दीर्घबाहुना

7.88.15

नानाविधानि सैन्यानि तव हत्वा तु सात्वतः
प्रविष्टस्तावकं सैन्यं द्रावयित्वा चमूं भृशम्

7.88.16

ततस्तेनैव मार्गेण येन यातो धनंजयः
इयेष सात्यकिर्गन्तुं ततो द्रोणेन वारितः

7.88.17

भरद्वाजं समासाद्य युयुधानस्तु मारिष
नाभ्यवर्तत संक्रुद्धो वेलामिव जलाशयः

7.88.18

निवार्य तु रणे द्रोणो युयुधानं महारथम्
विव्याध निशितैर्बाणैः पञ्चभिर्मर्मभेदिभिः

7.88.19

सात्यकिस्तु रणे द्रोणं राजन्विव्याध सप्तभिः
हेमपुङ्खैः शिलाधौतैः कङ्कबर्हिणवाजितैः

7.88.20

तं षड्भिः सायकैर्द्रोणः साश्वयन्तारमार्दयत्
स तं न ममृषे द्रोणं युयुधानो महारथः

7.88.21

सिंहनादं ततः कृत्वा द्रोणं विव्याध सात्यकिः
दशभिः सायकैश्चान्यैः षड्भिरष्टाभिरेव च

7.88.22

युयुधानः पुनर्द्रोणं विव्याध दशभिः शरैः
एकेन सारथिं चास्य चतुर्भिश्चतुरो हयान्
ध्वजमेकेन बाणेन विव्याध युधि मारिष

7.88.23

तं द्रोणः साश्वयन्तारं सरथध्वजमाशुगैः
त्वरन्प्राच्छादयद्बाणैः शलभानामिव व्रजैः

7.88.24

तथैव युयुधानोऽपि द्रोणं बहुभिराशुगैः
प्राच्छादयदसंभ्रान्तस्ततो द्रोण उवाच ह

7.88.25

तवाचार्यो रणं हित्वा गतः कापुरुषो यथा
युध्यमानं हि मां हित्वा प्रदक्षिणमवर्तत

7.88.26

त्वं हि मे युध्यतो नाद्य जीवन्मोक्ष्यसि माधव
यदि मां त्वं रणे हित्वा न यास्याचार्यवद्द्रुतम्

7.88.27

सात्यकिरुवाच
धनंजयस्य पदवीं धर्मराजस्य शासनात्
गच्छामि स्वस्ति ते ब्रह्मन्न मे कालात्ययो भवेत्

7.88.28

संजय उवाच
एतावदुक्त्वा शैनेय आचार्यं परिवर्जयन्
प्रयातः सहसा राजन्सारथिं चेदमब्रवीत्

7.88.29

द्रोणः करिष्यते यत्नं सर्वथा मम वारणे
यत्तो याहि रणे सूत शृणु चेदं वचः परम्

7.88.30

एतदालोक्यते सैन्यमावन्त्यानां महाप्रभम्
अस्यानन्तरतस्त्वेतद्दाक्षिणात्यं महाबलम्

7.88.31

तदनन्तरमेतच्च बाह्लिकानां बलं महत्
बाह्लिकाभ्याशतो युक्तं कर्णस्यापि महद्बलम्

7.88.32

अन्योन्येन हि सैन्यानि भिन्नान्येतानि सारथे
अन्योन्यं समुपाश्रित्य न त्यक्ष्यन्ति रणाजिरम्

7.88.33

एतदन्तरमासाद्य चोदयाश्वान्प्रहृष्टवत्
मध्यमं जवमास्थाय वह मामत्र सारथे

7.88.34

बाह्लिका यत्र दृश्यन्ते नानाप्रहरणोद्यताः
दाक्षिणात्याश्च बहवः सूतपुत्रपुरोगमाः

7.88.35

हस्त्यश्वरथसंबाधं यच्चानीकं विलोक्यते
नानादेशसमुत्थैश्च पदातिभिरधिष्ठितम्

7.88.36

एतावदुक्त्वा यन्तारं ब्रह्माणं परिवर्जयन्
स व्यतीयाय यत्रोग्रं कर्णस्य सुमहद्बलम्

7.88.37

तं द्रोणोऽनुययौ क्रुद्धो विकिरन्विशिखान्बहून्
युयुधानं महाबाहुं गच्छन्तमनिवर्तिनम्

7.88.38

कर्णस्य सैन्यं सुमहदभिहत्य शितैः शरैः
प्राविशद्भारतीं सेनामपर्यन्तां स सात्यकिः

7.88.39

प्रविष्टे युयुधाने तु सैनिकेषु द्रुतेषु च
अमर्षी कृतवर्मा तु सात्यकिं पर्यवारयत्

7.88.40

तमापतन्तं विशिखैः षड्भिराहत्य सात्यकिः
चतुर्भिश्चतुरोऽस्याश्वानाजघानाशु वीर्यवान्

7.88.41

ततः पुनः षोडशभिर्नतपर्वभिराशुगैः
सात्यकिः कृतवर्माणं प्रत्यविध्यत्स्तनान्तरे

7.88.42

स तुद्यमानो विशिखैर्बहुभिस्तिग्मतेजनैः
सात्वतेन महाराज कृतवर्मा न चक्षमे

7.88.43

स वत्सदन्तं संधाय जिह्मगानलसंनिभम्
आकृष्य राजन्नाकर्णाद्विव्याधोरसि सात्यकिम्

7.88.44

स तस्य देहावरणं भित्त्वा देहं च सायकः
सपत्रपुङ्खः पृथिवीं विवेश रुधिरोक्षितः

7.88.45

अथास्य बहुभिर्बाणैरच्छिनत्परमास्त्रवित्
समार्गणगुणं राजन्कृतवर्मा शरासनम्

7.88.46

विव्याध च रणे राजन्सात्यकिं सत्यविक्रमम्
दशभिर्विशिखैस्तीक्ष्णैरभिक्रुद्धः स्तनान्तरे

7.88.47

ततः प्रशीर्णे धनुषि शक्त्या शक्तिमतां वरः
अभ्यहन्दक्षिणं बाहुं सात्यकिः कृतवर्मणः

7.88.48

ततोऽन्यत्सुदृढं वीरो धनुरादाय सात्यकिः
व्यसृजद्विशिखांस्तूर्णं शतशोऽथ सहस्रशः

7.88.49

सरथं कृतवर्माणं समन्तात्पर्यवाकिरत्
छादयित्वा रणेऽत्यर्थं हार्दिक्यं तु स सात्यकिः

7.88.50

अथास्य भल्लेन शिरः सारथेः समकृन्तत
स पपात हतः सूतो हार्दिक्यस्य महारथात्
ततस्ते यन्तरि हते प्राद्रवंस्तुरगा भृशम्

7.88.51

अथ भोजस्त्वसंभ्रान्तो निगृह्य तुरगान्स्वयम्
तस्थौ शरधनुष्पाणिस्तत्सैन्यान्यभ्यपूजयन्

7.88.52

स मुहूर्तमिवाश्वस्य सदश्वान्समचोदयत्
व्यपेतभीरमित्राणामावहत्सुमहद्भयम्
सात्यकिश्चाभ्यगात्तस्मात्स तु भीममुपाद्रवत्

7.88.53

युयुधानोऽपि राजेन्द्र द्रोणानीकाद्विनिःसृतः
प्रययौ त्वरितस्तूर्णं काम्बोजानां महाचमूम्

7.88.54

स तत्र बहुभिः शूरैः संनिरुद्धो महारथैः
न चचाल तदा राजन्सात्यकिः सत्यविक्रमः

7.88.55

संधाय च चमूं द्रोणो भोजे भारं निवेश्य च
अन्वधावद्रणे यत्तो युयुधानं युयुत्सया

7.88.56

तथा तमनुधावन्तं युयुधानस्य पृष्ठतः
न्यवारयन्त संक्रुद्धाः पाण्डुसैन्ये बृहत्तमाः

7.88.57

समासाद्य तु हार्दिक्यं रथानां प्रवरं रथम्
पाञ्चाला विगतोत्साहा भीमसेनपुरोगमाः
विक्रम्य वारिता राजन्वीरेण कृतवर्मणा

7.88.58

यतमानांस्तु तान्सर्वानीषद्विगतचेतसः
अभितस्ताञ्शरौघेण क्लान्तवाहानवारयत्

7.88.59

निगृहीतास्तु भोजेन भोजानीकेप्सवो रणे
अतिष्ठन्नार्यवद्वीराः प्रार्थयन्तो महद्यशः

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'O king, when Yuyudhana, from desire of battle proceeded against thy troops, king Yudhishthira, surrounded by his forces, followed Yuyudhana for reaching the car of Drona. Then the son of the king of the Panchalas, viz., the invincible warrior Dhrishtadyumna, the king Vasudana, both loudly exclaimed with the Pandava host, 'Come, smite quickly, and rush against the foe, so that Satyaki, that warrior invincible battle, in might pass easily (through the Kaurava host). Many mighty car-warriors will struggle for vanquishing him.' The great car-warriors (of the Pandava army). saying this, fell impetuously upon their foes. Indeed, they all rushed, saying, 'We will vanquish those that will endeavour to vanquish Satyaki.' Then a loud uproar was heard about the car of Satyaki. Thy son's host, however, covered with Satyaki's shafts, fled away. Indeed, O king that host was broken into a hundred struggling bodies by him of the Satwata race. And while that force was breaking, that mighty car-warrior, viz., the (grandson) of Sini, crushed seven heroic and great bowmen in the front rank of the foe. And, O monarch, with his

shafts that resembled blazing flames of fire, he despatched many other heroes, kings of diverse realms, unto the region of Yama. He sometimes pierced a hundred warriors with one shaft, and sometimes one warrior with a hundred shafts. Like the great Rudra destroying creatures, he slew elephant-riders and car-warriors with steeds and drivers. None amongst thy troops ventured to advance against Satyaki who was displaying such lightness of hand and who showered such clouds of shafts. Struck with panic and crushed grounded thus by that hero of long arms, those brave warriors all left the field at the sight of that proud hero. Although alone, they saw him multiplied manifold, and were stupefied by his energy. And the earth looked exceedingly beautiful with crushed cars and broken nidas, 1 O sire, and wheels and fallen umbrellas and standards and anukarshas, and banners, and headgears decked with gold, and human arms smeared with sandal-paste and adorned with Angadas, O king, and human thighs, resembling trunks of elephants or the tapering bodies of snakes, and faces, beautiful as the moon and decked with ear-rings, of large-eyed warriors lying all about the field. And the ground there looked exceedingly beautiful with the huge bodies of fallen elephants, cut off in diverse ways, like a large plain strewn with hills. Crushed by that hero of long arms, steeds, deprived of life and fallen down on the ground, looked beautiful in their traces made of burnished gold and decked with rows of pearls, and in their carcasses of handsome make and design. Having slain diverse kinds of thy troops, he of the Satwata race entered into thy host, agitating and routing thy army. Then Satyaki desired to go by that very track by which Dhananjaya had gone before him. Then Drona came and resisted him. Encountering the son of Bharadwaja, Yuyudhana., filled with rage, stopped not like a vast expanse of water upon encountering on embankment. Drona, however, checking in that battle the mighty car-warrior Yuyudhana, pierced him with five keen shafts, capable of penetrating into the very vitals. Satyaki, however, O king, in that battle pierced Drona with seven shafts whetted on stone, equipped with golden wings and the feathers of the Kanka and the peacock. Then Drona, afflicted Satyaki, his steeds and the drivers, with six shafts. The mighty car-warrior Yuyudhana could not brook that feat of Drona. Uttering a leonine shout, he then pierced Drona with ten shafts, and then with six, and then with eight others. And once more Yuyudhana pierced Drona with ten shafts, his charioteer with one and his four steeds with four. And with another shaft, O sire, Satyaki struck Drona's standard. Then, Drona speedily covered Satyaki, his car, steeds, driver, and standard, with swiftly coursing shafts, countless in number like a flight of locusts. Similarly, Yuyudhana fearlessly covered Drona with countless shafts of great speed. Then Drona, addressing Yuyudhana, said, 'Thy preceptor (Arjuna) hath, like a coward, gone away, leaving the battle, avoiding me who was fighting with him, proceeding by my flank. O thou of Madhu's race, if like thy preceptor, thou too

dost not quickly avoid me in this battle, thou shalt not escape me with life today, engaged as I am in battle with thee.

"Satyaki, hearing these words, answered, 'At the command of king Yudhishthira the just, I shall follow in the track of Dhananjaya. Blessed be thou, O Brahmana, I would lose time (if I fight with thee). A disciple should always tread in the way trod by his preceptor. I shall, therefore follow in the track that has been trod by my preceptor.'

"Sanjaya continued, 'Having said this much, the grandson of Sini avoided the preceptor and suddenly proceeded onwards, O king! And addressing his charioteer, he said, 'Drona will, by every means, endeavour to check my progress. Proceed carefully, O Suta, in battle and listen to these grave words of mine. Yonder is seen the host of great splendour of Avantis. Next to them, is the mighty host of the Southerners. And next to it, is the great host of the Valhikas. By the side of the Valhikas, stands resolved for fight the mighty host commanded by Karna. O charioteer, all these hosts are different from one another, but relying upon one another, they protect one another on the field of battle. Arrived at the space left open between these divisions cheerfully urge thou the steed. Indeed, O charioteer, bear me thither, making the steeds adopt a tolerable speed,--thither, that is, where are seen the Valhikas with diverse weapons uplifted in their arms, and the countless Southerners headed by the Suta's son and whose division is seen to present a serried array of elephants and steeds and cars and in which stand foot-soldiers from various realm.' Having said this much unto his driver, avoiding the Brahmana (Drona), he proceeded, telling his charioteer, Pass through the open space between those two divisions towards the fierce and mighty host of Karna.' Drona, however, excited with wrath, pursued him from behind, shooting at him countless shafts. Indeed, the preceptor closely followed highly blessed Yuyudhana who advanced without any desire of turning back. Smiting the great host of Karna with whetted arrows, Satyaki penetrated into the vast and limitless army of the Bharatas. When Yuyudhana, however, entered the army, the troops (opposed to him) fled away. At this, wrathful Kritavarman came forward to resist Satyaki. The valiant Satyaki striking the advancing Kritavarman with six shafts, quickly slew his four steeds with four other shafts. And once again, he pierced Kritavarman in the centre of the chest with four other shafts. And once again, he pierced Kritavarman in the centre of the chest with sixteen straight shafts of great speed. Thus encountered; O monarch; with many shafts of fierce energy by him of the Satwata race, Kritavarman was unable to brook it. Aiming then a calf-toothed shaft resembling a shake of virulent poison and endued With the speed of the wind, and drawing the bow-string, O monarch, to his ear, he pierced Satyaki in the chest. That shaft, equipped with beautiful feathers, penetrating through his armour and body, and dyed in blood, entered the earth. Then, O king, Kritavarman, that warrior equipped with the highest weapons, shooting many shafts, cut off the bow of Satyaki with arrows fixed thereon. And excited with rage, he

then, in that battle, O king, pierced Satyaki of unbaffled prowess in the centre of the chest with ten shafts of great keenness. Upon his bow being broken, the foremost of mighty men, viz., Satyaki, hurled a dart at the right arm of Kritavarman. And taking up and drawing a tougher bow, Yuyudhana quickly shot at his foe, shafts by hundreds and thousands and entirely shrouded Kritavarman and his car with that arrowy downpour. Having thus shrouded the son of Hridika, O monarch, in that battle, Satyaki cut of, with a broad-headed arrow, the head of his foe's charioteer from his trunk. The charioteer of Hridika's son then, thus slain, fell down from that great car. At this, the steeds of Kritavarman, deprived of a driver, ran away with great speed. The ruler of the Bhojas, then, in great agitation, himself checked those steeds. That heroic warrior then, bow in hand, stood upon his car (ready for battle). Beholding this feat, his troops applauded it highly. Resting for a short space of time, Kritavarman then urged those good steeds of his. Himself devoid of fear, he inspired his foes with great fear. Satyaki, however, had by that time, left him behind, while Kritavarman himself now rushed against Bhimasena without pursuing Satyaki. Thus issuing out of the division of the Bhojas, Satyaki proceeded with great speed towards the mighty division of the Kamvojas. Resisted there by many brave and mighty car-warriors, Yuyudhana, of prowess incapable of being thwarted, could not then, O monarch, proceed a step. Meanwhile, Drona, having placed his troops in a proper position and made over the burthen of their protection to the ruler of the Bhojas, firmly resolved, proceeded with great speed towards Yuyudhana from desire of battle. Then the foremost warriors of the Pandava host, beholding Drona thus pursuing Yuyudhana from behind, cheerfully began to resist him. The Panchalas, however, who were headed by Bhimasena, having approached the son of Hridika, that foremost of car-warriors, all became cheerless. The heroic Kritavarman, O king, displaying his prowess, resisted all those warriors who, although they had become a little heartless, struggled yet with great vigour. Fearlessly he weakened, by means of his arrowy showers, the animals of his foes. The brave warriors, however, (of the Pandava army), though thus afflicted by the ruler of the Bhojas, stood, like high-born soldiers that they were, resolved to fight with the division of the Bhojas itself, from a desire of great renown.'"

232:1 Nidas were niches or drivers boxes.