16. Book 08 · Karṇa Parva — The Book of Karṇa (part 2 of 2)

8.33.1

संजय उवाच
विदार्य कर्णस्तां सेनां धर्मराजमुपाद्रवत्
रथहस्त्यश्वपत्तीनां सहस्रैः परिवारितः

8.33.2

नानायुधसहस्राणि प्रेषितान्यरिभिर्वृषः
छित्त्वा बाणशतैरुग्रैस्तानविध्यदसंभ्रमः

8.33.3

निचकर्त शिरांस्येषां बाहूनूरूंश्च सर्वशः
ते हता वसुधां पेतुर्भग्नाश्चान्ये विदुद्रुवुः

8.33.4

द्रविडान्ध्रनिषादास्तु पुनः सात्यकिचोदिताः
अभ्यर्दयञ्जिघांसन्तः पत्तयः कर्णमाहवे

8.33.5

ते विबाहुशिरस्त्राणाः प्रहताः कर्णसायकैः
पेतुः पृथिव्यां युगपच्छिन्नं शालवनं यथा

8.33.6

एवं योधशतान्याजौ सहस्राण्ययुतानि च
हतानीयुर्महीं देहैर्यशसापूरयन्दिशः

8.33.7

अथ वैकर्तनं कर्णं रणे क्रुद्धमिवान्तकम्
रुरुधुः पाण्डुपाञ्चाला व्याधिं मन्त्रौषधैरिव

8.33.8

स तान्प्रमृद्याभ्यपतत्पुनरेव युधिष्ठिरम्
मन्त्रौषधिक्रियातीतो व्याधिरत्युल्बणो यथा

8.33.9

स राजगृद्धिभी रुद्धः पाण्डुपाञ्चालकेकयैः
नाशकत्तानतिक्रान्तुं मृत्युर्ब्रह्मविदो यथा

8.33.10

ततो युधिष्ठिरः कर्णमदूरस्थं निवारितम्
अब्रवीत्परवीरघ्नः क्रोधसंरक्तलोचनः

8.33.11

कर्ण कर्ण वृथादृष्टे सूतपुत्र वचः शृणु
सदा स्पर्धसि संग्रामे फल्गुनेन यशस्विना
तथास्मान्बाधसे नित्यं धार्तराष्ट्रमते स्थितः

8.33.12

यद्बलं यच्च ते वीर्यं प्रद्वेषो यश्च पाण्डुषु
तत्सर्वं दर्शयस्वाद्य पौरुषं महदास्थितः
युद्धश्रद्धां स तेऽद्याहं विनेष्यामि महाहवे

8.33.13

एवमुक्त्वा महाराज कर्णं पाण्डुसुतस्तदा
सुवर्णपुङ्खैर्दशभिर्विव्याधायस्मयैः शितैः

8.33.14

तं सूतपुत्रो नवभिः प्रत्यविध्यदरिंदमः
वत्सदन्तैर्महेष्वासः प्रहसन्निव भारत

8.33.15

ततः क्षुराभ्यां पाञ्चाल्यौ चक्ररक्षौ महात्मनः
जघान समरे शूरः शरैः संनतपर्वभिः

8.33.16

तावुभौ धर्मराजस्य प्रवीरौ परिपार्श्वतः
रथाभ्याशे चकाशेते चन्द्रस्येव पुनर्वसू

8.33.17

युधिष्ठिरः पुनः कर्णमविध्यत्त्रिंशता शरैः
सुषेणं सत्यसेनं च त्रिभिस्त्रिभिरताडयत्

8.33.18

शल्यं नवत्या विव्याध त्रिसप्तत्या च सूतजम्
तांश्चास्य गोप्तॄन्विव्याध त्रिभिस्त्रिभिरजिह्मगैः

8.33.19

ततः प्रहस्याधिरथिर्विधुन्वानः स कार्मुकम्
भित्त्वा भल्लेन राजानं विद्ध्वा षष्ट्यानदन्मुदा

8.33.20

ततः प्रवीराः पाण्डूनामभ्यधावन्युधिष्ठिरम्
सूतपुत्रात्परीप्सन्तः कर्णमभ्यर्दयञ्शरैः

8.33.21

सात्यकिश्चेकितानश्च युयुत्सुः पाण्ड्य एव च
धृष्टद्युम्नः शिखण्डी च द्रौपदेयाः प्रभद्रकाः

8.33.22

यमौ च भीमसेनश्च शिशुपालस्य चात्मजः
कारूषा मत्स्यशेषाश्च केकयाः काशिकोसलाः
एते च त्वरिता वीरा वसुषेणमवारयन्

8.33.23

जनमेजयश्च पाञ्चाल्यः कर्णं विव्याध सायकैः
वराहकर्णैर्नाराचैर्नालीकैर्निशितैः शरैः
वत्सदन्तैर्विपाठैश्च क्षुरप्रैश्चटकामुखैः

8.33.24

नानाप्रहरणैश्चोग्रै रथहस्त्यश्वसादिनः
सर्वतोऽभ्याद्रवन्कर्णं परिवार्य जिघांसया

8.33.25

स पाण्डवानां प्रवरैः सर्वतः समभिद्रुतः
उदैरयद्ब्राह्ममस्त्रं शरैः संपूरयन्दिशः

8.33.26

ततः शरमहाज्वालो वीर्योष्मा कर्णपावकः
निर्दहन्पाण्डववनं चारु पर्यचरद्रणे

8.33.27

स संवार्य महास्त्राणि महेष्वासो महात्मनाम्
प्रहस्य पुरुषेन्द्रस्य शरैश्चिच्छेद कार्मुकम्

8.33.28

ततः संधाय नवतिं निमेषान्नतपर्वणाम्
बिभेद कवचं राज्ञो रणे कर्णः शितैः शरैः

8.33.29

तद्वर्म हेमविकृतं रराज निपतत्तदा
सविद्युदभ्रं सवितुः शिष्टं वातहतं यथा

8.33.30

तदङ्गं पुरुषेन्द्रस्य भ्रष्टवर्म व्यरोचत
रत्नैरलंकृतं दिव्यैर्व्यभ्रं निशि यथा नभः

8.33.31

स विवर्मा शरैः पार्थो रुधिरेण समुक्षितः
क्रुद्धः सर्वायसीं शक्तिं चिक्षेपाधिरथिं प्रति

8.33.32

तां ज्वलन्तीमिवाकाशे शरैश्चिच्छेद सप्तभिः
सा छिन्ना भूमिमपतन्महेष्वासस्य सायकैः

8.33.33

ततो बाह्वोर्ललाटे च हृदि चैव युधिष्ठिरः
चतुर्भिस्तोमरैः कर्णं ताडयित्वा मुदानदत्

8.33.34

उद्भिन्नरुधिरः कर्णः क्रुद्धः सर्प इव श्वसन्
ध्वजं चिच्छेद भल्लेन त्रिभिर्विव्याध पाण्डवम्
इषुधी चास्य चिच्छेद रथं च तिलशोऽच्छिनत्

8.33.35

एवं पार्थो व्यपायात्स निहतप्रार्ष्टिसारथिः
अशक्नुवन्प्रमुखतः स्थातुं कर्णस्य दुर्मनाः

8.33.36

तमभिद्रुत्य राधेयः स्कन्धं संस्पृश्य पाणिना
अब्रवीत्प्रहसन्राजन्कुत्सयन्निव पाण्डवम्

8.33.37

कथं नाम कुले जातः क्षत्रधर्मे व्यवस्थितः
प्रजह्यात्समरे शत्रून्प्राणान्रक्षन्महाहवे

8.33.38

न भवान्क्षत्रधर्मेषु कुशलोऽसीति मे मतिः
ब्राह्मे बले भवान्युक्तः स्वाध्याये यज्ञकर्मणि

8.33.39

मा स्म युध्यस्व कौन्तेय मा च वीरान्समासदः
मा चैनानप्रियं ब्रूहि मा च व्रज महारणम्

8.33.40

एवमुक्त्वा ततः पार्थं विसृज्य च महाबलः
न्यहनत्पाण्डवीं सेनां वज्रहस्त इवासुरीम्
ततः प्रायाद्द्रुतं राजन्व्रीडन्निव जनेश्वरः

8.33.41

अथ प्रयान्तं राजानमन्वयुस्ते तदाच्युतम्
चेदिपाण्डवपाञ्चालाः सात्यकिश्च महारथः
द्रौपदेयास्तथा शूरा माद्रीपुत्रौ च पाण्डवौ

8.33.42

ततो युधिष्ठिरानीकं दृष्ट्वा कर्णः पराङ्मुखम्
कुरुभिः सहितो वीरैः पृष्ठगैः पृष्ठमन्वयात्

8.33.43

शङ्खभेरीनिनादैश्च कार्मुकाणां च निस्वनैः
बभूव धार्तराष्ट्राणां सिंहनादरवस्तदा

8.33.44

युधिष्ठिरस्तु कौरव्य रथमारुह्य सत्वरः
श्रुतकीर्तेर्महाराज दृष्टवान्कर्णविक्रमम्

8.33.45

काल्यमानं बलं दृष्ट्वा धर्मराजो युधिष्ठिरः
तान्योधानब्रवीत्क्रुद्धो हतैनं वै सहस्रशः

8.33.46

ततो राज्ञाभ्यनुज्ञाताः पाण्डवानां महारथाः
भीमसेनमुखाः सर्वे पुत्रांस्ते प्रत्युपाद्रवन्

8.33.47

अभवत्तुमुलः शब्दो योधानां तत्र भारत
हस्त्यश्वरथपत्तीनां शस्त्राणां च ततस्ततः

8.33.48

उत्तिष्ठत प्रहरत प्रैताभिपततेति च
इति ब्रुवाणा अन्योन्यं जघ्नुर्योधा रणाजिरे

8.33.49

अभ्रच्छायेव तत्रासीच्छरवृष्टिभिरम्बरे
समावृत्तैर्नरवरैर्निघ्नद्भिरितरेतरम्

8.33.50

विपताकाध्वजच्छत्रा व्यश्वसूतायुधा रणे
व्यङ्गाङ्गावयवाः पेतुः क्षितौ क्षीणा हतेश्वराः

8.33.51

प्रवराणीव शैलानां शिखराणि द्विपोत्तमाः
सारोहा निहताः पेतुर्वज्रभिन्ना इवाद्रयः

8.33.52

छिन्नभिन्नविपर्यस्तैर्वर्मालंकारविग्रहैः
सारोहास्तुरगाः पेतुर्हतवीराः सहस्रशः

8.33.53

विप्रविद्धायुधाङ्गाश्च द्विरदाश्वरथैर्हताः
प्रतिवीरैश्च संमर्दे पत्तिसंघाः सहस्रशः

8.33.54

विशालायतताम्राक्षैः पद्मेन्दुसदृशाननैः
शिरोभिर्युद्धशौण्डानां सर्वतः संस्तृता मही

8.33.55

तथा तु वितते व्योम्नि निस्वनं शुश्रुवुर्जनाः
विमानैरप्सरःसंघैर्गीतवादित्रनिस्वनैः

8.33.56

हतान्कृत्तानभिमुखान्वीरान्वीरैः सहस्रशः
आरोप्यारोप्य गच्छन्ति विमानेष्वप्सरोगणाः

8.33.57

तद्दृष्ट्वा महदाश्चर्यं प्रत्यक्षं स्वर्गलिप्सया
प्रहृष्टमनसः शूराः क्षिप्रं जग्मुः परस्परम्

8.33.58

रथिनो रथिभिः सार्धं चित्रं युयुधुराहवे
पत्तयः पत्तिभिर्नागा नागैः सह हयैर्हयाः

8.33.59

एवं प्रवृत्ते संग्रामे गजवाजिजनक्षये
सैन्ये च रजसा व्याप्ते स्वे स्वाञ्जघ्नुः परे परान्

8.33.60

कचाकचि बभौ युद्धं दन्तादन्ति नखानखि
मुष्टियुद्धं नियुद्धं च देहपाप्मविनाशनम्

8.33.61

तथा वर्तति संग्रामे गजवाजिजनक्षये
नराश्वगजदेहेभ्यः प्रसृता लोहितापगा
नराश्वगजदेहान्सा व्युवाह पतितान्बहून्

8.33.62

नराश्वगजसंबाधे नराश्वगजसादिनाम्
लोहितोदा महाघोरा नदी लोहितकर्दमा
नराश्वगजदेहान्सा वहन्ती भीरुभीषणी

8.33.63

तस्याः परमपारं च व्रजन्ति विजयैषिणः
गाधेन च प्लवन्तश्च निमज्ज्योन्मज्ज्य चापरे

8.33.64

ते तु लोहितदिग्धाङ्गा रक्तवर्मायुधाम्बराः
सस्नुस्तस्यां पपुश्चासृङ्मम्लुश्च भरतर्षभ

8.33.65

रथानश्वान्नरान्नागानायुधाभरणानि च
वसनान्यथ वर्माणि हन्यमानान्हतानपि
भूमिं खं द्यां दिशश्चैव प्रायः पश्याम लोहितम्

8.33.66

लोहितस्य तु गन्धेन स्पर्शेन च रसेन च
रूपेण चातिरिक्तेन शब्देन च विसर्पता
विषादः सुमहानासीत्प्रायः सैन्यस्य भारत

8.33.67

तत्तु विप्रहतं सैन्यं भीमसेनमुखैस्तव
भूयः समाद्रवन्वीराः सात्यकिप्रमुखा रथाः

8.33.68

तेषामापततां वेगमविषह्य महात्मनाम्
पुत्राणां ते महत्सैन्यमासीद्राजन्पराङ्मुखम्

8.33.69

तत्प्रकीर्णरथाश्वेभं नरवाजिसमाकुलम्
विध्वस्तचर्मकवचं प्रविद्धायुधकार्मुकम्

8.33.70

व्यद्रवत्तावकं सैन्यं लोड्यमानं समन्ततः
सिंहार्दितं महारण्ये यथा गजकुलं तथा

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Piercing through the Pandava host, Karna, surrounded by thousands of cars and elephants and steeds and foot-soldiers, rushed towards king Yudhishthira the just. Cutting off with hundreds of fierce shafts the thousands of weapons sped at him by his foes, Vrisha fearlessly pierced through that host. Indeed, the Suta's son cut off the heads, the arms and the thighs of his enemies, who, deprived of life, fell down on the Earth. Others, finding their divisions broken, fled away. The Dravida, the Andhaka, and the Nishada foot-soldiers, urged on by Satyaki, once more rushed towards Karna in that battle, from desire of slaying him. Deprived of arms and head-gears, and slain by Karna with his shafts, they fell down simultaneously on the Earth, like a forest of Sala tree cut down (with the axe). Thus hundreds, thousands and ten thousands of combatants, deprived of life and filling the whole welkin with their fame, fell down with their bodies on the Earth. The Pandus and the Pancalas obstructed Karna, otherwise called Vaikartana, who careered wrathfully in battle like the Destroyer himself, even as people seek to obstruct a disease with incantations and drugs. Crushing all those assailants Karna once more rushed towards Yudhishthira, like an irresistible disease unchecked by incantations and drugs and (propitiatory) rites. At last checked by the Pandus, the Pancalas, and the Kekayas, all of whom were desirous of rescuing the king, Karna could not succeed in passing them over, like Death that is unable to vanquish persons conversant with Brahma. Then Yudhishthira, with eyes red in wrath, addressed Karna, that slayer of hostile heroes, who was held in check at a little distance from him, and said these words "O Karna, O Karna, O thou of vain sight, O son of a Suta, listen to my words. Thou always challengest the active Phalguna in battle. Obedient to the counsels of Dhritarashtra's son, thou always seekest to oppose us. Mustering thy great prowess, show thou today all thy might, all thy energy, and all the hatred thou bearest towards the sons of Pandu. Today in dreadful encounter, I will purge thee of thy desire for battle." Having said these words, the son of Pandu, O king, pierced Karna with ten shafts made entirely of iron and equipped with wings of gold. That chastiser of foes, and great bowman, viz., the Suta's son, O Bharata, pierced Yudhishthira, with the greatest care, in return, with ten arrows equipped with heads like the calf's tooth. Thus pierced by the Suta's son in contempt, O sire, the mighty-armed Yudhishthira, blazed up with wrath like a fire upon receiving butter. Bending his formidable bow decked with gold, the son of Pandu placed on his bow-string a whetted arrow capable of piercing the very hills. Drawing the bow to its fullest stretch, the king quickly sped that arrow, fatal as the rod of the Destroyer, from desire of slaying the Suta's son. Sped by the king endued with great might, that arrow whose whizz resembled the noise of the thunder, suddenly pierced Karna, that mighty car-warrior, on his left side. Deeply afflicted by the violence of that stroke, the mighty-armed Karna with weakened limbs, fell into a swoon on his car, his bow dropping from his hand. Beholding Karna in that plight, the vast Dhartarashtra host uttered cries of "Oh" and "Alas," and the faces of all the combatants became colourless. Beholding the prowess of their king, on the other hand, O monarch, amongst the Pandavas, leonine roars and shouts and confused cries of joy arose. The son of Radha, however, of cruel prowess, recovering his senses soon enough, set his heart on the destruction of Yudhishthira. Drawing his formidable bow called Vijaya that was decked with gold, the Suta's son of immeasurable soul began to resist the son of Pandu with his sharp shafts. With a couple of razor-headed arrows he slew in that encounter Candradeva and Dandadhara, the two Pancala princes, that protected the two car wheels of the high-souled Yudhishthira. Each of those heroes, standing by the side of Yudhishthira's car, looked resplendent like the constellation Punarvasu by the side of the moon. Yudhishthira, however, once more pierced Karna with thirty arrows. And he struck Sushena and Satyasena, each with three arrows. And he pierced everyone of the protectors of Karna with three straight arrows. The son of Adhiratha then, laughing and shaking his bow inflicted a cutting wound on the king's body with a broad-headed arrow, and again pierced him with sixty arrows and then uttered a loud shout. Then many foremost heroes amongst the Pandavas, desirous of rescuing the king, rushed in wrath towards Karna and began to grind him with their arrows. Satyaki and Chekitana and Yuyutsu and Shikhandi and the sons of Draupadi and the Prabhadrakas, and the twins (Nakula and Sahadeva) and Bhimasena and Shishupala and the Karushas, Matsyas, the Suras, the Kaikayas, the Kasis and the Kosalas, all these brave heroes, endued with great activity, assailed Vasusena. The Pancala prince Janamejaya then pierced Karna with many arrows. The Pandava heroes, armed with diverse kinds of arrows and diverse weapons and accompanied by cars and elephants and steeds, rushing towards Karna, encompassed him on all sides, from desire of slaying him. Thus assailed on all sides by the foremost of Pandava warriors, Karna invoked into existence the brahmastra and filled all the points of the compass with arrows. The heroic Karna then, like unto a blazing fire having shafts for its scorching flame, careered in battle, burning that forest of Pandavas troops. The high-souled Karna, that great bowman, aiming some mighty weapons, and laughing the while, cut off the bow of that foremost of men, Yudhishthira. Then aiming ninety straight arrows within the twinkling of an eye, Karna cut off, with those sharp shafts, the armour of his antagonist. That armour, decked with gold and set with gems, looked beautiful, as it fell down, like a wind-tossed cloud penetrated by the rays of the Sun. Indeed, that armour, adorned with costly brilliants, fallen off from the body of that foremost of men, looked beautiful like the firmament in the night, bespangled with stars. His armour cut off with those arrows, the son of Pritha, covered with blood, wrathfully hurled at the son of Adhiratha a dart made wholly of iron. Karna, however, cut (into pieces) that blazing dart, as it coursed through the welkin, with seven shafts. That dart, thus cut off with those shafts of great bowman, fell down on the Earth. Then Yudhishthira, striking Karna with four lances in his two arms and forehead and chest, repeatedly uttered loud shouts. Thereupon blood spouted forth from the wounds of Karna, and the latter, filled with rage and breathing like a snake, cut off his antagonist's standard and pierced the Pandava himself with three broad-headed arrows. And he also cut off the couple of quivers (that his foe had) and the car (he rode) into minute fragments. Thereupon the king, riding on another car unto which were yoked those steeds, white as ivory and having black hair on their tails, that used to bear him (to battle), turned his face and began to fly. Thus did Yudhishthira began to retreat. His Parshni driver had been slain. He became exceedingly cheerless and unable to stay before Karna. The son of Radha then, pursuing Yudhishthira, the son of Pandu, cleansed himself by touching him in the shoulder with his own fair hand (the palm of which was) graced with the auspicious signs of the thunderbolt, the umbrella, the hook, the fish, the tortoise, and the conchshell, and desired to seize him by force. He then remembered the words of Kunti. Then Shalya addressed him, and said, "Do not, O Karna, seize this best of kings. As soon as thou seizest him, he will reduce both thee and me to ashes." Then Karna, O king, laughing in mockery, addressed the son of Pandu and thus spoke unto him disparagingly. "How, indeed, born though thou art in a noble race, and observant though thou art of Kshatriya duties, wouldst thou leave the battle in fear, desiring to save thy life? I think that thou art not well-acquainted with the duties of Kshatriyas. Endued with Brahma-force, thou art indeed devoted to the study of the Vedas and the performance of sacrificial rites. Do not, O son of Kunti, fight again, and do not again approach brave warriors. Do not use harsh language towards heroes and do not come to great battles. Thou mayst use such words, O sire, towards others, but thou shouldst never address persons like us in that way. By using such words towards persons like us, thou wouldst in battle meet with this and other kinds of behaviour. Go back to thy quarters, O son of Kunti, or thither where those two, viz., Keshava and Arjuna, are. Indeed, O king, Karna will never slay one like thee." Having said these words unto the son of Pritha, the mighty Karna, setting Yudhishthira free, began to slaughter the Pandava host like the wielder of the thunderbolt slaughtering the Asura host. That ruler of men, (viz., Yudhishthira,) then, O king, quickly fled away. Beholding the king flying away, the Cedis, the Pandavas, the Pancalas, and the mighty car-warrior Satyaki, all followed that monarch of unfading glory. And the sons of Draupadi, and the Suras, and the twin sons of Madri by Pandu, also followed the king. Beholding the division of Yudhishthira retreating, the heroic Karna became highly glad with all the Kurus and began to pursue the retreating force. The din of battle-drums and conchs and cymbals and bows, and leonine shouts, arose from among the Dhartarashtra troops. Meanwhile Yudhishthira, O thou of Kuru's race, quickly riding on the car of Srutakirti, began to behold the prowess of Karna. Then king Yudhishthira, the just, seeing his troops fast slaughtered, became filled with rage, and addressing his warriors, commanded them, saying, "Slay these enemies. Why are ye inactive?" Then the mighty car-warriors of the Pandavas, headed by Bhimasena, thus commanded by the king, all rushed against thy sons. The shouts then, O Bharata, of the warriors (of both hosts), and the noise made by cars and elephants and steeds and foot-soldiers, and the clash of weapons, became tremendous. "Exert," "Strike," "Face the foe," were the words that the combatants addressed to one another as they began to slay one another in that dreadful battle. And in consequence of the showers of shafts shot by them a shadow as that of the clouds seemed to spread over the field. And in consequence of those rulers of men, covered with arrows, striking one another, they became divested of banners and standards and umbrellas and steeds and drivers and weapons in that battle. Indeed, those lords of Earth, deprived of life and limbs, fell down on the Earth. Looking like the mountain-summits in consequence of their uneven backs, huge elephants with their riders, deprived of life, fell down like mountains riven by thunder. Thousands of steeds, with their armour, equipments, and adornments all torn and broken and displaced, fell down, along with their heroic riders, deprived of life. Car-warriors with weapons loosened from their grasp, and deprived by (hostile) car-warriors of cars and life, and large bands of foot-soldiers, slain by hostile heroes in that dreadful clash, fell down in thousands. The Earth became covered with the heads of heroic combatants intoxicated with battle, heads that were adorned with large and expansive eyes of coppery hue and faces as beautiful as the lotus or the moon. And people heard noises as loud in the sky as on the surface of the Earth, in consequence of the sound of music and song proceeding from large bands of Apsaras on their celestial cars, with which those bands of heavenly choristers continually greeted the newly-arrived heroes slain in hundreds and thousands by brave enemies on Earth, and with which, placing them on celestial cars, they repaired on those vehicles (towards the region of Indra). Witnessing with their own eyes those wonderful sights, and actuated by the desire of going to heaven, heroes with cheerful hearts speedily slew one another. Car-warriors fought beautifully with car-warriors in that battle, and foot-soldiers with foot-soldiers, and elephants with elephants, and steeds with steeds. Indeed, when that battle, destructive of elephants and steeds and men, raged in this way, the field became covered with the dust raised by the troops. Then enemies slew enemies and friends slew friends. The combatants dragged one another by their locks, bit one another with their teeth, tore one another with their nails, and struck one another with clenched fists, and fought one another with bare arms in that fierce battle destructive of both life and sins. Indeed, as that battle, fraught with carnage of elephants and steeds and men, raged on so fiercely, a river of blood ran from the bodies of (slain) human beings and steeds and elephants. And that current carried away a large number of dead bodies of elephants and steeds and men. Indeed, in that vast host teeming with men, steeds, and elephants, that river formed by the blood of men and steeds and elephants and horsemen and elephant-men, became miry with flesh and exceedingly terrible. And on that current, inspiring the timid with terror, floated the bodies of men and steeds and elephants. Impelled by the desire of victory, some combatants forded it and some remained on the other side. And some plunged into its depths, and some sank in it and some rose above its surface as they swam through it. Smeared all over with blood, their armour and weapons and robes--all became bloody. Some bathed in it and some drank the liquid and some became strengthless, O bull of Bharata's race. Cars and steeds, and men and elephants and weapons and ornaments, and robes and armour, and combatants that were slain or about to be slain, and the Earth, the welkin, the firmament, and all the points of the compass, became red. With the odour, the touch, the taste, and the exceedingly red sight of that blood and its rushing sound, almost all the combatants, O Bharata, became very cheerless. The Pandava heroes then, headed by Bhimasena and Satyaki, once more rushed impetuously against that army already beaten. Beholding the impetuosity of that rush of the Pandava heroes to be irresistible, the vast force of thy sons, O king, turned its back on the field. Indeed, that host of thine, teeming with cars and steeds and elephants and men no longer in compact array, with armour and coats of mail displaced and weapons and bows loosened from their grasp, fled away in all directions, whilst being agitated by the enemy, even like a herd of elephants in the forest afflicted by lions.'"

8.34.1

संजय उवाच
तानभिद्रवतो दृष्ट्वा पाण्डवांस्तावकं बलम्
क्रोशतस्तव पुत्रस्य न स्म राजन्न्यवर्तत

8.34.2

ततः पक्षात्प्रपक्षाच्च प्रपक्षैश्चापि दक्षिणात्
उदस्तशस्त्राः कुरवो भीममभ्यद्रवन्रणे

8.34.3

कर्णोऽपि दृष्ट्वा द्रवतो धार्तराष्ट्रान्पराङ्मुखान्
हंसवर्णान्हयाग्र्यांस्तान्प्रैषीद्यत्र वृकोदरम्

8.34.4

ते प्रेषिता महाराज शल्येनाहवशोभिना
भीमसेनरथं प्राप्य समसज्जन्त वाजिनः

8.34.5

दृष्ट्वा कर्णं समायान्तं भीमः क्रोधसमन्वितः
मतिं दध्रे विनाशाय कर्णस्य भरतर्षभ

8.34.6

सोऽब्रवीत्सात्यकिं वीरं धृष्टद्युम्नं च पार्षतम्
एनं रक्षत राजानं धर्मात्मानं युधिष्ठिरम्
संशयान्महतो मुक्तं कथंचित्प्रेक्षतो मम

8.34.7

अग्रतो मे कृतो राजा छिन्नसर्वपरिच्छदः
दुर्योधनस्य प्रीत्यर्थं राधेयेन दुरात्मना

8.34.8

अन्तमद्य करिष्यामि तस्य दुःखस्य पार्षत
हन्ता वास्मि रणे कर्णं स वा मां निहनिष्यति
संग्रामेण सुघोरेण सत्यमेतद्ब्रवीमि वः

8.34.9

राजानमद्य भवतां न्यासभूतं ददामि वै
अस्य संरक्षणे सर्वे यतध्वं विगतज्वराः

8.34.10

एवमुक्त्वा महाबाहुः प्रायादाधिरथिं प्रति
सिंहनादेन महता सर्वाः संनादयन्दिशः

8.34.11

दृष्ट्वा त्वरितमायान्तं भीमं युद्धाभिनन्दिनम्
सूतपुत्रमथोवाच मद्राणामीश्वरो विभुः

8.34.12

पश्य कर्ण महाबाहुं क्रुद्धं पाण्डवनन्दनम्
दीर्घकालार्जितं क्रोधं मोक्तुकामं त्वयि ध्रुवम्

8.34.13

ईदृशं नास्य रूपं मे दृष्टपूर्वं कदाचन
अभिमन्यौ हते कर्ण राक्षसे वा घटोत्कचे

8.34.14

त्रैलोक्यस्य समस्तस्य शक्तः क्रुद्धो निवारणे
बिभर्ति यादृशं रूपं कालाग्निसदृशं शुभम्

8.34.15

इति ब्रुवति राधेयं मद्राणामीश्वरे नृप
अभ्यवर्तत वै कर्णं क्रोधदीप्तो वृकोदरः

8.34.16

तथागतं तु संप्रेक्ष्य भीमं युद्धाभिनन्दिनम्
अब्रवीद्वचनं शल्यं राधेयः प्रहसन्निव

8.34.17

यदुक्तं वचनं मेऽद्य त्वया मद्रजनेश्वर
भीमसेनं प्रति विभो तत्सत्यं नात्र संशयः

8.34.18

एष शूरश्च वीरश्च क्रोधनश्च वृकोदरः
निरपेक्षः शरीरे च प्राणतश्च बलाधिकः

8.34.19

अज्ञातवासं वसता विराटनगरे तदा
द्रौपद्याः प्रियकामेन केवलं बाहुसंश्रयात्
गूढभावं समाश्रित्य कीचकः सगणो हतः

8.34.20

सोऽद्य संग्रामशिरसि संनद्धः क्रोधमूर्च्छितः
किंकरोद्यतदण्डेन मृत्युनापि व्रजेद्रणम्

8.34.21

चिरकालाभिलषितो ममायं तु मनोरथः
अर्जुनं समरे हन्यां मां वा हन्याद्धनंजयः
स मे कदाचिदद्यैव भवेद्भीमसमागमात्

8.34.22

निहते भीमसेने तु यदि वा विरथीकृते
अभियास्यति मां पार्थस्तन्मे साधु भविष्यति
अत्र यन्मन्यसे प्राप्तं तच्छीघ्रं संप्रधारय

8.34.23

एतच्छ्रुत्वा तु वचनं राधेयस्य महात्मनः
उवाच वचनं शल्यः सूतपुत्रं तथागतम्

8.34.24

अभियासि महाबाहो भीमसेनं महाबलम्
निरस्य भीमसेनं तु ततः प्राप्स्यसि फल्गुनम्

8.34.25

यस्ते कामोऽभिलषितश्चिरात्प्रभृति हृद्गतः
स वै संपत्स्यते कर्ण सत्यमेतद्ब्रवीमि ते

8.34.26

एवमुक्ते ततः कर्णः शल्यं पुनरभाषत
हन्ताहमर्जुनं संख्ये मां वा हन्ता धनंजयः
युद्धे मनः समाधाय याहि याहीत्यचोदयत्

8.34.27

ततः प्रायाद्रथेनाशु शल्यस्तत्र विशां पते
यत्र भीमो महेष्वासो व्यद्रावयत वाहिनीम्

8.34.28

ततस्तूर्यनिनादश्च भेरीणां च महास्वनः
उदतिष्ठत राजेन्द्र कर्णभीमसमागमे

8.34.29

भीमसेनोऽथ संक्रुद्धस्तव सैन्यं दुरासदम्
नाराचैर्विमलैस्तीक्ष्णैर्दिशः प्राद्रावयद्बली

8.34.30

स संनिपातस्तुमुलो भीमरूपो विशां पते
आसीद्रौद्रो महाराज कर्णपाण्डवयोर्मृधे
ततो मुहूर्ताद्राजेन्द्र पाण्डवः कर्णमाद्रवत्

8.34.31

तमापतन्तं संप्रेक्ष्य कर्णो वैकर्तनो वृषः
आजघानोरसि क्रुद्धो नाराचेन स्तनान्तरे
पुनश्चैनममेयात्मा शरवर्षैरवाकिरत्

8.34.32

स विद्धः सूतपुत्रेण छादयामास पत्रिभिः
विव्याध निशितैः कर्ण नवभिर्नतपर्वभिः

8.34.33

तस्य कर्णो धनुर्मध्ये द्विधा चिच्छेद पत्रिणा
अथ तं छिन्नधन्वानमभ्यविध्यत्स्तनान्तरे
नाराचेन सुतीक्ष्णेन सर्वावरणभेदिना

8.34.34

सोऽन्यत्कार्मुकमादाय सूतपुत्रं वृकोदरः
राजन्मर्मसु मर्मज्ञो विद्ध्वा सुनिशितैः शरैः
ननाद बलवन्नादं कम्पयन्निव रोदसी

8.34.35

तं कर्णः पञ्चविंशत्या नाराचानां समार्दयत्
मदोत्कटं वने दृप्तमुल्काभिरिव कुञ्जरम्

8.34.36

ततः सायकभिन्नाङ्गः पाण्डवः क्रोधमूर्च्छितः
संरम्भामर्षताम्राक्षः सूतपुत्रवधेच्छया

8.34.37

स कार्मुके महावेगं भारसाधनमुत्तमम्
गिरीणामपि भेत्तारं सायकं समयोजयत्

8.34.38

विकृष्य बलवच्चापमा कर्णादतिमारुतिः
तं मुमोच महेष्वासः क्रुद्धः कर्णजिघांसया

8.34.39

स विसृष्टो बलवता बाणो वज्राशनिस्वनः
अदारयद्रणे कर्णं वज्रवेग इवाचलम्

8.34.40

स भीमसेनाभिहतो सूतपुत्रः कुरूद्वह
निषसाद रथोपस्थे विसंज्ञः पृतनापतिः

8.34.41

ततो मद्राधिपो दृष्ट्वा विसंज्ञं सूतनन्दनम्
अपोवाह रथेनाजौ कर्णमाहवशोभिनम्

8.34.42

ततः पराजिते कर्णे धार्तराष्ट्रीं महाचमूम्
व्यद्रावयद्भीमसेनो यथेन्द्रो दानवीं चमूम्

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Beholding the Pandava heroes rushing impetuously towards thy host, Duryodhana, O monarch, endeavoured to check the warriors of his army on all sides, O bull of Bharata race. Although, however, thy son cried at the top of his voice, his flying troops, O king, still refused to stop. Then one of the wings of the army and its further wing, and Shakuni, the son of Subala, and the Kauravas well-armed turned against Bhimasena in that battle. Karna also, beholding the Dhartarashtra force with all its kings flying away, addressed the ruler of the Madras, saying, "Proceed towards the car of Bhima." Thus addressed by Karna, the ruler of the Madras began to urge those foremost of steeds, of the hue of swans, towards the spot where Vrikodara was. Thus urged by Shalya, that ornament of battle, those steeds approaching the car of Bhimasena, mingled in battle. Meanwhile, Bhima, beholding Karna approach, became filled with rage, and set his heart on the destruction of Karna, O bull of Bharata's race. Addressing the heroic Satyaki and Dhrishtadyumna, the son of Prishata, he said, "Go you to protect king Yudhishthira of virtuous soul. With difficulty he escaped from a situation of great peril before my very eyes. In my sight have the armour and robes of the king been cut off and torn, for Duryodhana's gratification, by Radha's son of wicked soul. I shall today reach the end of that woe, O son of Prishata. Today, either I shall slay Karna in battle, or he will slay me in dreadful battle. I tell thee truly. Today I make over the king to you as sacred pledge. With cheerful hearts exert ye today for protecting the king." Having said these words, the mighty-armed Bhima proceeded towards Adhiratha's son, making all the points of the compass resound with a loud leonine shout. Beholding Bhima, that delighter in battle, advancing quickly, the puissant king of the Madras addressed the Suta's son in the following words:

"'Shalya said, "Behold, O Karna, the mighty-armed son of Pandu, who is filled with rage. Without doubt, he is desirous of vomiting upon thee that wrath which he has cherished for many years. Never before did I see him assume such a form, not even when Abhimanyu was slain and the Rakshasa Ghatotkaca. Filled with wrath, the form he hath now assumed, endued with the splendour of the all-destroying fire at the end of the Yuga, is such that it seems he is capable of resisting the three worlds united together.'"

"Sanjaya continued, 'While the ruler of the Madras was saying these words unto the son of Radha, Vrikodara, excited with rage, came upon Karna. Beholding Bhima, that delighter in battle, approaching him in that way, the son of Radha laughingly said unto Shalya these words, "The words that thou, O ruler of the Madras, hast today spoken to me regarding Bhima, O lord, are without doubt all true. This Vrikodara is brave and is a hero full of wrath. He is reckless in protecting his body, and in strength of limbs he is superior to all. While leading a life of concealment in the city of Virata, relying then on the might of his bare arms, for doing what was agreeable to Draupadi, he secretly slew Kichaka with all his relatives. Even he stands today at the head of battle clad in mail and insensate with wrath. He is ready to engage in battle with the Destroyer armed with uplifted mace. This desire, however, hath been cherished through all my days, viz., that either I shall slay Arjuna or Arjuna will slay me. That desire of mine may be fulfilled today in consequence of my encounter with Bhima. If I slay Bhima or make him carless, Partha may come against me. That will be well for me. Settle that without delay which thou thinkest to be suitable to the hour." Hearing these words of Radha's son of immeasurable energy Shalya replied, saying, "O thou of mighty arms, proceed against Bhimasena of great might. Having checked Bhimasena, thou mayst then obtain Phalguna. That which is thy purpose, that desire which for many long years thou hast cherished in thy heart, will be accomplished, O Karna. I tell the truth." Thus addressed, Karna once more said unto Shalya, "Either I shall slay Arjuna in battle, or he will slay me. Setting thy heart on battle proceed to the spot where Vrikodara is.'"

"Sanjaya continued, 'Then, O king, Shalya speedily proceeded on that car to the spot where that great bowman, viz., Bhima, was engaged in routing thy army. There rose then the blare of trumpets and the peal of drums, O monarch, when Bhima and Karna met. The mighty Bhimasena, filled with rage, began to scatter thy troops difficult of defeat, with his sharp and polished shafts, to all sides. That collision in battle, O monarch, between Karna and the son of Pandu became, O king, fierce and awful, and the noise that arose was tremendous. Beholding Bhima coming towards him, Karna, otherwise called Vaikartana or Vrisha, filled with rage, struck him with shafts in the centre of the chest. And once more, Karna of immeasurable soul, covered him with a shower of arrows. Thus pierced by the Suta's son, Bhima covered the former with winged arrows. And he once more pierced Karna with nine straight and keen shafts. Then Karna, with a number of arrows, cut in twain Bhima's bow at the handle. And after cutting off his bow, he pierced him once again in the centre of the chest with a shaft of great keenness and capable of penetrating every kind of armour. Then Vrikodara, taking up another bow, O king, and knowing full well what the vital parts of the body are, pierced the Suta's son with many keen arrows. Then Karna pierced him with five and twenty arrows, like a hunter striking a proud and infuriate elephant in the forest with a number of blazing brands. His limbs mangled with those shafts, his eyes red with rage and the desire of revenge, the son of Pandu, insensate with wrath, and impelled by the desire of slaying the Suta's son, fixed on his bow an excellent shaft of great impetuosity, capable of bearing a great strain, and competent to pierce the very mountains. Forcibly drawing the bow-string to his very ear, the son of the Wind-god, that great bowman, filled with wrath and desirous of making an end of Karna, sped that shaft. Thus sped by the mighty Bhima, that shaft, making a noise loud as that of the thunder, pierced through thunderbolt Karna in that battle, like the thunderbolt itself piercing through a mountain. Struck by Bhimasena, O perpetuator of Kuru's race, the Suta's son, that commander (of thy forces), sat down senseless on the terrace of his car. The ruler of the Madras then, beholding the Suta's son deprived of his senses, bore that ornament of battle away on his car, from that fight. Then after Karna's defeat, Bhimasena began to rout the vast Dhartarashtra host like Indra routing the danavas.'"

8.35.1

धृतराष्ट्र उवाच
सुदुष्करमिदं कर्म कृतं भीमेन संजय
येन कर्णो महाबाहू रथोपस्थे निपातितः

8.35.2

कर्णो ह्येको रणे हन्ता सृञ्जयान्पाण्डवैः सह
इति दुर्योधनः सूत प्राब्रवीन्मां मुहुर्मुहुः

8.35.3

पराजितं तु राधेयं दृष्ट्वा भीमेन संयुगे
ततः परं किमकरोत्पुत्रो दुर्योधनो मम

8.35.4

संजय उवाच
विभ्रान्तं प्रेक्ष्य राधेयं सूतपुत्रं महाहवे
महत्या सेनया राजन्सोदर्यान्समभाषत

8.35.5

शीघ्रं गच्छत भद्रं वो राधेयं परिरक्षत
भीमसेनभयागाधे मज्जन्तं व्यसनार्णवे

8.35.6

ते तु राज्ञा समादिष्टा भीमसेनजिघांसवः
अभ्यवर्तन्त संक्रुद्धाः पतंगा इव पावकम्

8.35.7

श्रुतायुर्दुर्धरः क्राथो विवित्सुर्विकटः समः
निषङ्गी कवची पाशी तथा नन्दोपनन्दकौ

8.35.8

दुष्प्रधर्षः सुबाहुश्च वातवेगसुवर्चसौ
धनुर्ग्राहो दुर्मदश्च तथा सत्त्वसमः सहः

8.35.9

एते रथैः परिवृता वीर्यवन्तो महाबलाः
भीमसेनं समासाद्य समन्तात्पर्यवारयन्
ते व्यमुञ्चञ्शरव्रातान्नानालिङ्गान्समन्ततः

8.35.10

स तैरभ्यर्द्यमानस्तु भीमसेनो महाबलः
तेषामापततां क्षिप्रं सुतानां ते नराधिप
रथैः पञ्चाशता सार्धं पञ्चाशन्न्यहनद्रथान्

8.35.11

विवित्सोस्तु ततः क्रुद्धो भल्लेनापाहरच्छिरः
सकुण्डलशिरस्त्राणं पूर्णचन्द्रोपमं तदा
भीमेन च महाराज स पपात हतो भुवि

8.35.12

तं दृष्ट्वा निहतं शूरं भ्रातरः सर्वतः प्रभो
अभ्यद्रवन्त समरे भीमं भीमपराक्रमम्

8.35.13

ततोऽपराभ्यां भल्लाभ्यां पुत्रयोस्ते महाहवे
जहार समरे प्राणान्भीमो भीमपराक्रमः

8.35.14

तौ धरामन्वपद्येतां वातरुग्णाविव द्रुमौ
विकटश्च समश्चोभौ देवगर्भसमौ नृप

8.35.15

ततस्तु त्वरितो भीमः क्राथं निन्ये यमक्षयम्
नाराचेन सुतीक्ष्णेन स हतो न्यपतद्भुवि

8.35.16

हाहाकारस्ततस्तीव्रः संबभूव जनेश्वर
वध्यमानेषु ते राजंस्तदा पुत्रेषु धन्विषु

8.35.17

तेषां संलुलिते सैन्ये भीमसेनो महाबलः
नन्दोपनन्दौ समरे प्रापयद्यमसादनम्

8.35.18

ततस्ते प्राद्रवन्भीताः पुत्रास्ते विह्वलीकृताः
भीमसेनं रणे दृष्ट्वा कालान्तकयमोपमम्

8.35.19

पुत्रांस्ते निहतान्दृष्ट्वा सूतपुत्रो महामनाः
हंसवर्णान्हयान्भूयः प्राहिणोद्यत्र पाण्डवः

8.35.20

ते प्रेषिता महाराज मद्रराजेन वाजिनः
भीमसेनरथं प्राप्य समसज्जन्त वेगिताः

8.35.21

स संनिपातस्तुमुलो घोररूपो विशां पते
आसीद्रौद्रो महाराज कर्णपाण्डवयोर्मृधे

8.35.22

दृष्ट्वा मम महाराज तौ समेतौ महारथौ
आसीद्बुद्धिः कथं नूनमेतदद्य भविष्यति

8.35.23

ततो मुहूर्ताद्राजेन्द्र नातिकृच्छ्राद्धसन्निव
विरथं भीमकर्माणं भीमं कर्णश्चकार ह

8.35.24

विरथो भरतश्रेष्ठः प्रहसन्ननिलोपमः
गदाहस्तो महाबाहुरपतत्स्यन्दनोत्तमात्

8.35.25

नागान्सप्तशतान्राजन्नीषादन्तान्प्रहारिणः
व्यधमत्सहसा भीमः क्रुद्धरूपः परंतपः

8.35.26

दन्तवेष्टेषु नेत्रेषु कम्भेषु स कटेषु च
मर्मस्वपि च मर्मज्ञो निनदन्व्यधमद्भृशम्

8.35.27

ततस्ते प्राद्रवन्भीताः प्रतीपं प्रहिताः पुनः
महामात्रैस्तमावव्रुर्मेघा इव दिवाकरम्

8.35.28

तान्स सप्तशतान्नागान्सारोहायुधकेतनान्
भूमिष्ठो गदया जघ्ने शरन्मेघानिवानिलः

8.35.29

ततः सुबलपुत्रस्य नागानतिबलान्पुनः
पोथयामास कौन्तेयो द्वापञ्चाशतमाहवे

8.35.30

तथा रथशतं साग्रं पत्तींश्च शतशोऽपरान्
न्यहनत्पाण्डवो युद्धे तापयंस्तव वाहिनीम्

8.35.31

प्रताप्यमानं सूर्येण भीमेन च महात्मना
तव सैन्यं संचुकोच चर्म वह्निगतं यथा

8.35.32

ते भीमभयसंत्रस्तास्तावका भरतर्षभ
विहाय समरे भीमं दुद्रुवुर्वै दिशो दश

8.35.33

रथाः पञ्चशताश्चान्ये ह्रादिनश्चर्मवर्मिणः
भीममभ्यद्रवंस्तूर्णं शरपूगैः समन्ततः

8.35.34

तान्ससूतरथान्सर्वान्सपताकाध्वजायुधान्
पोथयामास गदया भीमो विष्णुरिवासुरान्

8.35.35

ततः शकुनिनिर्दिष्टाः सादिनः शूरसंमताः
त्रिसाहस्रा ययुर्भीमं शक्त्यृष्टिप्रासपाणयः

8.35.36

तान्प्रत्युद्गम्य यवनानश्वारोहान्वरारिहा
विचरन्विविधान्मार्गान्घातयामास पोथयन्

8.35.37

तेषामासीन्महाञ्शब्दस्ताडितानां च सार्वशः
असिभिश्छिद्यमानानां नडानामिव भारत

8.35.38

एवं सुबलपुत्रस्य त्रिसाहस्रान्हयोत्तमान्
हत्वान्यं रथमास्थाय क्रुद्धो राधेयमभ्ययात्

8.35.39

कर्णोऽपि समरे राजन्धर्मपुत्रमरिंदमम्
शरैः प्रच्छादयामास सारथिं चाप्यपातयत्

8.35.40

ततः संप्रद्रुतं संख्ये रथं दृष्ट्वा महारथः
अन्वधावत्किरन्बाणैः कङ्कपत्रैरजिह्मगैः

8.35.41

राजानमभि धावन्तं शरैरावृत्य रोदसी
क्रुद्धः प्रच्छादयामास शरजालेन मारुतिः

8.35.42

संनिवृत्तस्ततस्तूर्णं राधेयः शत्रुकर्शनः
भीमं प्रच्छादयामास समन्तान्निशितैः शरैः

8.35.43

भीमसेनरथव्यग्रं कर्णं भारत सात्यकिः
अभ्यर्दयदमेयात्मा पार्ष्णिग्रहणकारणात्
अभ्यवर्तत कर्णस्तमर्दितोऽपि शरैर्भृशम्

8.35.44

तावन्योन्यं समासाद्य वृषभौ सर्वधन्विनाम्
विसृजन्तौ शरांश्चित्रान्विभ्राजेतां मनस्विनौ

8.35.45

ताभ्यां वियति राजेन्द्र विततं भीमदर्शनम्
क्रौञ्चपृष्ठारुणं रौद्रं बाणजालं व्यदृश्यत

8.35.46

नैव सूर्यप्रभां खं वा न दिशः प्रदिशः कुतः
प्राज्ञासिष्म वयं ताभ्यां शरैर्मुक्तैः सहस्रशः

8.35.47

मध्याह्ने तपतो राजन्भास्करस्य महाप्रभाः
हृताः सर्वाः शरौघैस्तैः कर्णमाधवयोस्तदा

8.35.48

सौबलं कृतवर्माणं द्रौणिमाधिरथिं कृपम्
संसक्तान्पाण्डवैर्दृष्ट्वा निवृत्ताः कुरवः पुनः

8.35.49

तेषामापततां शब्दस्तीव्र आसीद्विशां पते
उद्धूतानां यथा वृष्ट्या सागराणां भयावहः

8.35.50

ते सेने भृशसंविग्ने दृष्ट्वान्योन्यं महारणे
हर्षेण महता युक्ते परिगृह्य परस्परम्

8.35.51

ततः प्रववृते युद्धं मध्यं प्राप्ते दिवाकरे
यादृशं न कदाचिद्धि दृष्टपूर्वं न च श्रुतम्

8.35.52

बलौघस्तु समासाद्य बलौघं सहसा रणे
उपासर्पत वेगेन जलौघ इव सागरम्

8.35.53

आसीन्निनादः सुमहान्बलौघानां परस्परम्
गर्जतां सागरौघाणां यथा स्यान्निस्वनो महान्

8.35.54

ते तु सेने समासाद्य वेगवत्यौ परस्परम्
एकीभावमनुप्राप्ते नद्याविव समागमे

8.35.55

ततः प्रववृते युद्धं घोररूपं विशां पते
कुरूणां पाण्डवानां च लिप्सतां सुमहद्यशः

8.35.56

कुरूणां गर्जतां तत्र अविच्छेदकृता गिरः
श्रूयन्ते विविधा राजन्नामान्युद्दिश्य भारत

8.35.57

यस्य यद्धि रणे न्यङ्गं पितृतो मातृतोऽपि वा
कर्मतः शीलतो वापि स तच्छ्रावयते युधि

8.35.58

तान्दृष्ट्वा समरे शूरांस्तर्जयानान्परस्परम्
अभवन्मे मती राजन्नैषामस्तीति जीवितम्

8.35.59

तेषां दृष्ट्वा तु क्रुद्धानां वपूंष्यमिततेजसाम्
अभवन्मे भयं तीव्रं कथमेतद्भविष्यति

8.35.60

ततस्ते पाण्डवा राजन्कौरवाश्च महारथाः
ततक्षुः सायकैस्तीक्ष्णैर्निघ्नन्तो हि परस्परम्

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Dhritarashtra said, 'Exceedingly difficult of accomplishment was that feat, O Sanjaya, which was achieved by Bhima who caused the mighty-armed Karna himself to measure his length on the terrace of his car. There is only one person, Karna, who will slay the Pandavas along with the Srinjayas--even this is what Duryodhana, O Suta, used very often to say unto me. Beholding, however, that son of Radha now defeated by Bhima in battle, what did my son Duryodhana next do?'

"Sanjaya said, 'Beholding Radha's son of the Suta caste turned back from the fight in that great battle, thy son, O monarch, addressed his uterine brothers, saying, "Go ye quickly, blessed be ye, and protect the son of Radha who is plunged into that fathomless ocean of calamity represented by the fear of Bhimasena." Thus commanded by the king, those princes, excited with wrath and desirous of slaying Bhimasena, rushed towards him like insects towards a blazing fire. They were Srutarvan and Durddhara and Kratha and Vivitsu and Vikata and Soma, and Nishangin and Kavashin and Pasin and Nanda and Upanandaka, and Duspradharsha and Suvahu and Vatavega and Suvarchasas, and Dhanurgraha and Durmada and Jalasandha and Sala and Saha. Surrounded by a large car-force, those princes, endued with great energy and might, approached Bhimasena and encompassed him on all sides. They sped at him from every side showers of arrows of diverse kinds. Thus afflicted by them, Bhima of great strength, O king, quickly slew fifty foremost car-warriors with five hundred others, amongst those sons of thine that advanced against him. Filled with rage, Bhimasena then, O king, with a broad-headed arrow, struck off the head of Vivitsu adorned with earrings and head-gear, and graced with a face resembling the full moon. Thus cut off, that prince fell down on the Earth. Beholding that heroic brother of theirs slain, the (other) brothers there, O lord, rushed in that battle, from every side, upon Bhima of terrible prowess. With two other broad-headed arrows then, Bhima of terrible prowess took the lives of two other sons of thine in that dreadful battle. Those two, Vikata and Saha, looking like a couple of celestial youths, O king, thereupon fell down on the Earth like a couple of trees uprooted by the tempest. Then Bhima, without losing a moment, despatched Kratha to the abode of Yama, with a long arrow of keen point. Deprived of life, that prince fell down on the Earth. Loud cries of woe then, O ruler of men, arose there when those heroic sons of thine, all great bowmen, were being thus slaughtered. When those troops were once more agitated, the mighty Bhima, O monarch, then despatched Nanda and Upananda in that battle to Yama's abode. Thereupon thy sons, exceedingly agitated and inspired with fear, fled away, seeing that Bhimasena in that battle behaved like the Destroyer himself at the end of the Yuga. Beholding those sons of thine slain, the Suta's son with a cheerless heart once more urged his steeds of the hue of swans to that place where the son of Pandu was. Those steeds, O king, urged on by the ruler of Madras, approached with great speed the car of Bhimasena and mingled in battle. The collision, O monarch, that once more took place between Karna and the son of Pandu in battle, became, O king, exceedingly fierce and awful and fraught with a loud din. Beholding, O king, those two mighty car-warriors close with each other, I became very curious to observe the course of the battle. Then Bhima, boasting of his prowess in battle, covered Karna in that encounter, O king, with showers of winged shafts in the very sight of thy sons. Then Karna, that warrior acquainted with the highest of weapons, filled with wrath, pierced Bhima with nine broad-headed and straight arrows made entirely of iron. Thereupon the mighty-armed Bhima of terrible prowess, thus struck by Karna, pierced his assailant in return with seven shafts sped from his bow-string drawn to his ear. Then Karna, O monarch, sighing like a snake of virulent poison, shrouded the son of Pandu with a thick shower of arrows. The mighty Bhima also, shrouding that mighty car-warrior with dense arrowy downpours in the very sight of the Kauravas, uttered a loud shout. Then Karna, filled with rage, grasped his strong bow and pierced Bhima with ten arrows whetted on stone and equipped with kanka feathers. With another broad-headed arrow of great sharpness, he also cut off Bhima's bow. Then the mighty-armed Bhima of great strength, taking up a terrible parigha, twined round with hempen cords and decked with gold and resembling a second bludgeon of Death himself, and desiring to slay Karna outright, hurled it at him with a loud roar. Karna, however, with a number of arrows resembling snakes of virulent poison, cut off into many fragments that spiked mace as it coursed towards him with the tremendous peal of thunder. Then Bhima, that grinder of hostile troops, grasping his bow with greater strength, covered Karna with keen shafts. The battle that took place between Karna and the son of Pandu in that meeting became awful for a moment, like that of a couple of huge lions desirous of slaying each other. Then Karna, O king, drawing the bow with great force and stretching the string to his very ear, pierced Bhimasena with three arrows. Deeply pierced by Karna, that great bowman and foremost of all persons endued with might then took up a terrible shaft capable of piercing through the body of his antagonist. That shaft, cutting through Karna's armour and piercing through his body, passed out and entered the Earth like a snake into ant-hill. In consequence of the violence of that stroke, Karna felt great pain and became exceedingly agitated. Indeed, he trembled on his car like a mountain during an earthquake. Then Karna, O king, filled with rage and the desire to retaliate, struck Bhima with five and twenty shafts, and then with many more. With one arrow he then cut off Bhimasena's standard, and with another broad-headed arrow he despatched Bhima's driver to the presence of Yama. Next quickly cutting off the bow of Pandu's son with another winged arrow, Karna deprived Bhima of terrible feats of his car. Deprived of his car, O chief of Bharata's race, the mighty-armed Bhima, who resembled the Wind-god (in prowess) took up a mace and jumped down from his excellent vehicle. Indeed, jumping down from his car with great fury, Bhima began to slay thy troops, O king, like the wind destroying the clouds of autumn. Suddenly the son of Pandu, that scorcher of foes, filled with wrath, routed seven hundred elephants, O king, endued with tusks as large as plough-shafts, and all skilled in smiting hostile troops. Possessed of great strength and a knowledge of what the vital parts of an elephant are, he struck them on their temples and frontal globes and eyes and the parts above their gums. Thereupon those animals, inspired with fear, ran away. But urged again by their drivers they surrounded Bhimasena once more, like the clouds covering the Sun. Like Indra felling mountains with thunder, Bhima with his mace prostrated those seven hundred elephants with their riders and weapons and standards. That chastiser of foes, the son of Kunti, next pressed down two and fifty elephants of great strength belonging to the son of Subala. Scorching thy army, the son of Pandu then destroyed a century of foremost cars and several hundreds of foot-soldiers in that battle. Scorched by the Sun as also by the high-souled Bhima, thy army began to shrink like a piece of leather spread over a fire. Those troops of thine, O bull of Bharata's race, filled with anxiety through fear of Bhimasena, avoided Bhima in that battle and fled away in all directions. Then five hundred car-warriors, cased in excellent mail, rushed towards Bhima with loud shouts, shooting thick showers of arrows on all sides. Like Vishnu destroying the Asuras, Bhima destroyed with his mace all those brave warriors with their drivers and cars and banners and standards and weapons. Then 3,000 horsemen, despatched by Shakuni, respected by all brave men and armed with darts and swords and lances, rushed towards Bhima. That slayer of foes, advancing impetuously towards them, and coursing in diverse tracks, slew them with his mace. Loud sounds arose from among them while they were being assailed by Bhima, like those that arise from among herd of elephants struck with large pieces of rocks. Having slain those 3,000 excellent horses of Subala's son in that way, he rode upon another car, and filled with rage proceeded against the son of Radha. Meanwhile, Karna also, O king, covered Dharma's son (Yudhishthira) that chastiser of foes, with thick showers of arrows, and felled his driver. Then that mighty car-warrior beholding Yudhishthira fly away in that battle, pursued him, shooting many straight-coursing shafts equipped with Kanka feathers. The son of the Wind-god, filled with wrath, and covering the entire welkin with his shafts, shrouded Karna with thick showers of arrows as the latter pursued the king from behind. The son of Radha then, that crusher of foes, turning back from the pursuit, quickly covered Bhima himself with sharp arrows from every side. Then Satyaki, of immeasurable soul, O Bharata, placing himself on the side of Bhima's car, began to afflict Karna who was in front of Bhima. Though exceedingly afflicted by Satyaki, Karna still approached Bhima. Approaching each other those two bulls among all wielders of bows, those two heroes endued with great energy, looked exceedingly resplendent as they sped their beautiful arrows at each other. Spread by them, O monarch, in the welkin, those flights of arrows, blazing as the backs of cranes, looked exceedingly fierce and terrible. In consequence of those thousands of arrows, O king, neither the rays of the Sun nor the points of the compass, cardinal and subsidiary, could any longer be noticed either by ourselves or by the enemy. Indeed, the blazing effulgence of the Sun shining at mid-day was dispelled by those dense showers of arrows shot by Karna and the son of Pandu. Beholding the son of Subala, and Kritavarma, and Drona's son, and Adhiratha's son, and Kripa, engaged with the Pandavas, the Kauravas rallied and came back to the fight. Tremendous became the din, O monarch, that was made by that host as it rushed impetuously against their foes, resembling that terrible noise that is made by many oceans swollen with rains. Furiously engaged in battle, the two hosts became filled with great joy as the warriors beheld and seized one another in that dreadful melee. The battle that commenced at that hour when the Sun had reached the meridian was such that its like had never been heard or seen by us. One vast host rushed against another, like a vast reservoir of water rushing towards the ocean. The din that arose from the two hosts as they roared at each other, was loud and deep as that which may be heard when several oceans mingle with one another. Indeed, the two furious hosts, approaching each other, mingled into one mass like two furious rivers that run into each other.

"'The battle then commenced, awful and terrible, between the Kurus and the Pandavas, both of whom were inspired with the desire of winning great fame. A perfect Babel of voices of the shouting warriors was incessantly heard there, O royal Bharata, as they addressed one another by name. He who had anything, by his father's or mother's side or in respect of his acts or conduct, that could furnish matter for ridicule, was in that battle made to hear it by his antagonist. Beholding those brave warriors loudly rebuking one another in that battle, I thought, O king, that their periods of life had been run out. Beholding the bodies of those angry heroes of immeasurable energy a great fear entered my heart, respecting the dire consequences that would ensue. Then the Pandavas, O king, and the Kauravas also, mighty car-warriors all, striking one another, began to mangle one another with their keen shafts.'"

8.36.1

संजय उवाच
क्षत्रियास्ते महाराज परस्परवधैषिणः
अन्योन्यं समरे जघ्नुः कृतवैराः परस्परम्

8.36.2

रथौघाश्च हयौघाश्च नरौघाश्च समन्ततः
गजौघाश्च महाराज संसक्ताः स्म परस्परम्

8.36.3

गदानां परिघाणां च कणपानां च सर्पताम्
प्रासानां भिण्डिपालानां भुशुण्डीनां च सर्वशः

8.36.4

संपातं चान्वपश्याम संग्रामे भृशदारुणे
शलभा इव संपेतुः समन्ताच्छरवृष्टयः

8.36.5

नागा नागान्समासाद्य व्यधमन्त परस्परम्
हया हयांश्च समरे रथिनो रथिनस्तथा
पत्तयः पत्तिसंघैश्च हयसंघैर्हयास्तथा

8.36.6

पत्तयो रथमातङ्गान्रथा हस्त्यश्वमेव च
नागाश्च समरे त्र्यङ्गं ममृदुः शीघ्रगा नृप

8.36.7

पततां तत्र शूराणां क्रोशतां च परस्परम्
घोरमायोधनं जज्ञे पशूनां वैशसं यथा

8.36.8

रुधिरेण समास्तीर्णा भाति भारत मेदिनी
शक्रगोपगणाकीर्णा प्रावृषीव यथा धरा

8.36.9

यथा वा वाससी शुक्ले महारजनरञ्जिते
बिभृयाद्युवतिः श्यामा तद्वदासीद्वसुंधरा
मांसशोणितचित्रेव शातकौम्भमयीव च

8.36.10

छिन्नानां चोत्तमाङ्गानां बाहूनां चोरुभिः सह
कुण्डलानां प्रविद्धानां भूषणानां च भारत

8.36.11

निष्काणामधिसूत्राणां शरीराणां च धन्विनाम्
वर्मणां सपताकानां संघास्तत्रापतन्भुवि

8.36.12

गजान्गजाः समासाद्य विषाणाग्रैरदारयन्
विषाणाभिहतास्ते च भ्राजन्ते द्विरदा यथा

8.36.13

रुधिरेणावसिक्ताङ्गा गैरिकप्रस्रवा इव
यथा भ्राजन्ति स्यन्दन्तः पर्वता धातुमण्डिताः

8.36.14

तोमरान्गजिभिर्मुक्तान्प्रतीपानास्थितान्बहून्
हस्तैर्विचेरुस्ते नागा बभञ्जुश्चापरे तथा

8.36.15

नाराचैश्छिन्नवर्माणो भ्राजन्ते स्म गजोत्तमाः
हिमागमे महाराज व्यभ्रा इव महीधराः

8.36.16

शरैः कनकपुङ्खैस्तु चिता रेजुर्गजोत्तमाः
उल्काभिः संप्रदीप्ताग्राः पर्वता इव मारिष

8.36.17

केचिदभ्याहता नागा नागैर्नगनिभा भुवि
निपेतुः समरे तस्मिन्पक्षवन्त इवाद्रयः

8.36.18

अपरे प्राद्रवन्नागाः शल्यार्ता व्रणपीडिताः
प्रतिमानैश्च कुम्भैश्च पेतुरुर्व्यां महाहवे

8.36.19

निषेदुः सिंहवच्चान्ये नदन्तो भैरवान्रवान्
मम्लुश्च बहवो राजंश्चुकूजुश्चापरे तथा

8.36.20

हयाश्च निहता बाणैः स्वर्णभाण्डपरिच्छदाः
निषेदुश्चैव मम्लुश्च बभ्रमुश्च दिशो दश

8.36.21

अपरे कृष्यमाणाश्च विवेष्टन्तो महीतले
भावान्बहुविधांश्चक्रुस्ताडिताः शरतोमरैः

8.36.22

नरास्तु निहता भूमौ कूजन्तस्तत्र मारिष
दृष्ट्वा च बान्धवानन्ये पितॄनन्ये पितामहान्

8.36.23

धावमानान्परांश्चैव दृष्ट्वान्ये तत्र भारत
गोत्रनामानि ख्यातानि शशंसुरितरेतरम्

8.36.24

तेषां छिन्ना महाराज भुजाः कनकभूषणाः
उद्वेष्टन्ते विवेष्टन्ते पतन्ते चोत्पतन्ति च

8.36.25

निपतन्ति तथा भूमौ स्फुरन्ति च सहस्रशः
वेगांश्चान्ये रणे चक्रुः स्फुरन्त इव पन्नगाः

8.36.26

ते भुजा भोगिभोगाभाश्चन्दनाक्ता विशां पते
लोहितार्द्रा भृशं रेजुस्तपनीयध्वजा इव

8.36.27

वर्तमाने तथा घोरे संकुले सर्वतोदिशम्
अविज्ञाताः स्म युध्यन्ते विनिघ्नन्तः परस्परम्

8.36.28

भौमेन रजसा कीर्णे शस्त्रसंपातसंकुले
नैव स्वे न परे राजन्व्यज्ञायन्त तमोवृते

8.36.29

तथा तदभवद्युद्धं घोररूपं भयानकम्
शोणितोदा महानद्यः प्रसस्रुस्तत्र चासकृत्

8.36.30

शीर्षपाषाणसंछन्नाः केशशैवलशाद्वलाः
अस्थिसंघातसंकीर्णा धनुःशरवरोत्तमाः

8.36.31

मांसकर्दमपङ्काश्च शोणितौघाः सुदारुणाः
नदीः प्रवर्तयामासुर्यमराष्ट्रविवर्धनीः

8.36.32

ता नद्यो घोररूपाश्च नयन्त्यो यमसादनम्
अवगाढा मज्जयन्त्यः क्षत्रस्याजनयन्भयम्

8.36.33

क्रव्यादानां नरव्याघ्र नर्दतां तत्र तत्र ह
घोरमायोधनं जज्ञे प्रेतराजपुरोपमम्

8.36.34

उत्थितान्यगणेयानि कबन्धानि समन्ततः
नृत्यन्ति वै भूतगणाः संतृप्ता मांसशोणितैः

8.36.35

पीत्वा च शोणितं तत्र वसां पीत्वा च भारत
मेदोमज्जावसातृप्तास्तृप्ता मांसस्य चैव हि
धावमानाश्च दृश्यन्ते काकगृध्रबलास्तथा

8.36.36

शूरास्तु समरे राजन्भयं त्यक्त्वा सुदुस्त्यजम्
योधव्रतसमाख्याताश्चक्रुः कर्माण्यभीतवत्

8.36.37

शरशक्तिसमाकीर्णे क्रव्यादगणसंकुले
व्यचरन्त गणैः शूराः ख्यापयन्तः स्वपौरुषम्

8.36.38

अन्योन्यं श्रावयन्ति स्म नामगोत्राणि भारत
पितृनामानि च रणे गोत्रनामानि चाभितः

8.36.39

श्रावयन्तो हि बहवस्तत्र योधा विशां पते
अन्योन्यमवमृद्नन्तः शक्तितोमरपट्टिशैः

8.36.40

वर्तमाने तदा युद्धे घोररूपे सुदारुणे
व्यषीदत्कौरवी सेना भिन्ना नौरिव सागरे

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Those Kshatriyas, O monarch, harbouring feelings of animosity against one another and longing to take one another's life, began to slay one another in that battle. Throngs of cars, and large bodies of horses, and teeming divisions of infantry and elephants in large numbers mingled with one another, O king, for battle. We beheld the falling of maces and spiked bludgeons and Kunapas and lances and short arrows and rockets hurled at one another in that dreadful engagement. Arrowy showers terrible to look at coursed like flights of locusts. Elephants approaching elephants routed one another. Horsemen encountering horsemen in that battle, and car-warriors encountering car-warriors, and foot-soldiers encountering foot-soldiers, and foot-soldiers meeting with horsemen, and foot-soldiers meeting with cars and elephants, and cars meeting with elephants and horsemen, and elephants of great speed meeting with the three other kinds of forces, began, O king, to crush and grind one another. In consequence of those brave combatants striking one another and shouting at the top of their voices, the field of battle became awful, resembling the slaughter-ground of creatures (of Rudra himself). The Earth, O Bharata, covered with blood, looked beautiful like a vast plain in the season of rains covered with the red coccinella. Indeed, the Earth assumed the aspect of a youthful maiden of great beauty, attired in white robes dyed with deep red. Variegated with flesh and blood, the field of battle looked as if decked all over with gold. Large numbers of heads severed from trunks and arms and thighs and earrings and other ornaments displaced from the bodies of warriors, O Bharata, and collars and cuirasses and bodies of brave bowmen, and coats of mail, and banners, lay scattered on the ground. Elephants coming against elephants tore one another with their tusks, O king. Struck with the tusks of hostile compeers, elephants looked exceedingly beautiful. Bathed in blood, those huge creatures looked resplendent like moving hills decked with metals, down whose breasts ran streams of liquid chalk. Lances hurled by horsemen, or those held horizontally by hostile combatants, were seized by many of those beasts, while many amongst them twisted and broke those weapons. Many huge elephants, whose armour had been cut off with shafts, looked, O king, like mountains divested of clouds at the advent of winter. Many foremost of elephants pierced with arrows winged with gold, looked beautiful like mountains, O sire, whose summits are lighted with blazing brands. Some of those creatures, huge as hills, struck by hostile compeers, fell down in that battle, like winged mountains (when clipped of their wings). Others, afflicted with arrows and much pained by their wounds, fell down touching the Earth, in that dreadful battle, at their frontal globes or the parts between their tusks. Others roared aloud like lions. And many, uttering terrible sounds, ran hither and thither, and many, O king, uttered cries of pain. Steeds also, in golden trappings, struck with arrows, fell down, or became weak, or ran in all directions. Others, struck with arrows and lances or dragged down, fell on the Earth and writhed in agony, making diverse kinds of motion. Men also, struck down, fell on the Earth, uttering diverse cries of pain, O sire; others, beholding their relatives and sires and grandsires, and others seeing retreating foes, shouted to one another their well-known names and the names of their races. The arms of many combatants, decked with ornaments of gold, cut off, O king, by foes, writhed on the ground, making diverse kinds of motions. Thousands of such arms fell down and sprang up, and many seemed to dart forward like five-headed snakes. Those arms, looking like the tapering bodies of snakes, and smeared with sandal paste, O king, looked beautiful, when drenched with blood, like little standards of gold. When the battle, becoming general, raged so furiously on all sides, the warriors fought with and slew one another without distinct perceptions of those they fought with or struck. A dusty cloud overspread the field of battle, and the weapons used fell in thick showers. The scene being thus darkened, the combatants could no longer distinguish friends from foes. Indeed, that fierce and awful battle proceeded thus. And soon there began to flow many mighty rivers of the bloody currents. And they abounded with the heads of combatants that formed their rocks. And the hair of the warriors constituted their floating weeds and moss. Bones formed the fishes with which they teemed, and bows and arrows and maces formed the rafts by which to cross them. Flesh and blood forming their mire, those terrible and awful rivers, with currents swelled by blood, were thus formed there, enhancing the fears of the timid and the joy of the brave. Those awful rivers led to the abode of Yama. Many plunged into those streams inspiring Kshatriyas with fear, and perished. And in consequence of various carnivorous creatures, O tiger among men, roaring and yelling on all sides, the field of battle became terrible like the domains of the king of the dead. And innumerable headless trunks rose up on all sides. And terrible creatures, gorging on flesh and drinking fat, and blood, O Bharata, began to dance around. And crows and vultures and cranes, gratified with fat and marrow and other animals relishing flesh, were seen to move about in glee. They, however, O king, that were heroes, casting off all fear which is so difficult of being cast off, and observing the vow of warriors, fearlessly did their duty. Indeed, on that field where countless arrows and darts coursed through the air, and which was crowded with carnivorous creatures of diverse kinds, brave warriors careered fearlessly, displaying their prowess. Addressing one another, O Bharata, they declared their names and families. And many amongst them, declaring the names of their sires and families, O lord, began to crush one another, O king, with darts and lances and battle-axes. During the progress of that fierce and awful battle, the Kaurava army became strengthless and unable to bear up any longer like a foundered vessel on the bosom of the ocean.'"

8.37.1

संजय उवाच
वर्तमाने तदा युद्धे क्षत्रियाणां निमज्जने
गाण्डीवस्य महान्घोषः शुश्रुवे युधि मारिष

8.37.2

संशप्तकानां कदनमकरोद्यत्र पाण्डवः
कोसलानां तथा राजन्नारायणबलस्य च

8.37.3

संशप्तकास्तु समरे शरवृष्टिं समन्ततः
अपातयन्पार्थमूर्ध्नि जयगृद्धाः प्रमन्यवः

8.37.4

तां वृष्टिं सहसा राजंस्तरसा धारयन्प्रभुः
व्यगाहत रणे पार्थो विनिघ्नन्रथिनां वरः

8.37.5

निगृह्य तु रथानीकं कङ्कपत्रैः शिलाशितैः
आससाद रणे पार्थः सुशर्माणं महारथम्

8.37.6

स तस्य शरवर्षाणि ववर्ष रथिनां वरः
तथा संशप्तकाश्चैव पार्थस्य समरे स्थिताः

8.37.7

सुशर्मा तु ततः पार्थं विद्ध्वा नवभिराशुगैः
जनार्दनं त्रिभिर्बाणैरभ्यहन्दक्षिणे भुजे
ततोऽपरेण भल्लेन केतुं विव्याध मारिष

8.37.8

स वानरवरो राजन्विश्वकर्मकृतो महान्
ननाद सुमहन्नादं भीषयन्वै ननर्द च

8.37.9

कपेस्तु निनदं श्रुत्वा संत्रस्ता तव वाहिनी
भयं विपुलमादाय निश्चेष्टा समपद्यत

8.37.10

ततः सा शुशुभे सेना निश्चेष्टावस्थिता नृप
नानापुष्पसमाकीर्णं यथा चैत्ररथं वनम्

8.37.11

प्रतिलभ्य ततः संज्ञां योधास्ते कुरुसत्तम
अर्जुनं सिषिचुर्बाणैः पर्वतं जलदा इव
परिवव्रुस्तदा सर्वे पाण्डवस्य महारथम्

8.37.12

ते हयान्रथचक्रे च रथेषाश्चापि भारत
निगृह्य बलवत्तूर्णं सिंहनादमथानदन्

8.37.13

अपरे जगृहुश्चैव केशवस्य महाभुजौ
पार्थमन्ये महाराज रथस्थं जगृहुर्मुदा

8.37.14

केशवस्तु तदा बाहू विधुन्वन्रणमूर्धनि
पातयामास तान्सर्वान्दुष्टहस्तीव हस्तिनः

8.37.15

ततः क्रुद्धो रणे पार्थः संवृतस्तैर्महारथैः
निगृहीतं रथं दृष्ट्वा केशवं चाप्यभिद्रुतम्
रथारूढांश्च सुबहून्पदातींश्चाप्यपातयत्

8.37.16

आसन्नांश्च ततो योधाञ्शरैरासन्नयोधिभिः
च्यावयामास समरे केशवं चेदमब्रवीत्

8.37.17

पश्य कृष्ण महाबाहो संशप्तकगणान्मया
कुर्वाणान्दारुणं कर्म वध्यमानान्सहस्रशः

8.37.18

रथबन्धमिमं घोरं पृथिव्यां नास्ति कश्चन
यः सहेत पुमाँल्लोके मदन्यो यदुपुंगव

8.37.19

इत्येवमुक्त्वा बीभत्सुर्देवदत्तमथाधमत्
पाञ्चजन्यं च कृष्णोऽपि पूरयन्निव रोदसी

8.37.20

तं तु शङ्खस्वनं श्रुत्वा संशप्तकवरूथिनी
संचचाल महाराज वित्रस्ता चाभवद्भृशम्

8.37.21

पदबन्धं ततश्चक्रे पाण्डवः परवीरहा
नागमस्त्रं महाराज संप्रोदीर्य मुहुर्मुहुः

8.37.22

यानुद्दिश्य रणे पार्थः पदबन्धं चकार ह
ते बद्धाः पदबन्धेन पाण्डवेन महात्मना
निश्चेष्टा अभवन्राजन्नश्मसारमया इव

8.37.23

निश्चेष्टांस्तु ततो योधानवधीत्पाण्डुनन्दनः
यथेन्द्रः समरे दैत्यांस्तारकस्य वधे पुरा

8.37.24

ते वध्यमानाः समरे मुमुचुस्तं रथोत्तमम्
आयुधानि च सर्वाणि विस्रष्टुमुपचक्रमुः

8.37.25

ततः सुशर्मा राजेन्द्र गृहीतां वीक्ष्य वाहिनीम्
सौपर्णमस्त्रं त्वरितः प्रादुश्चक्रे महारथः

8.37.26

ततः सुपर्णाः संपेतुर्भक्षयन्तो भुजंगमान्
ते वै विदुद्रुवुर्नागा दृष्ट्वा तान्खचरान्नृप

8.37.27

बभौ बलं तद्विमुक्तं पदबन्धाद्विशां पते
मेघवृन्दाद्यथा मुक्तो भास्करस्तापयन्प्रजाः

8.37.28

विप्रमुक्तास्तु ते योधाः फल्गुनस्य रथं प्रति
ससृजुर्बाणसंघांश्च शस्त्रसंघांश्च मारिष

8.37.29

तां महास्त्रमयीं वृष्टिं संछिद्य शरवृष्टिभिः
व्यवातिष्ठत्ततो योधान्वासविः परवीरहा

8.37.30

सुशर्मा तु ततो राजन्बाणेनानतपर्वणा
अर्जुनं हृदये विद्ध्वा विव्याधान्यैस्त्रिभिः शरैः
स गाढविद्धो व्यथितो रथोपस्थ उपाविशत्

8.37.31

प्रतिलभ्य ततः संज्ञां श्वेताश्वः कृष्णसारथिः
ऐन्द्रमस्त्रममेयात्मा प्रादुश्चक्रे त्वरान्वितः
ततो बाणसहस्राणि समुत्पन्नानि मारिष

8.37.32

सर्वदिक्षु व्यदृश्यन्त सूदयन्तो नृप द्विपान्
हयान्रथांश्च समरे शस्त्रैः शतसहस्रशः

8.37.33

वध्यमाने ततः सैन्ये विपुला भीः समाविशत्
संशप्तकगणानां च गोपालानां च भारत
न हि कश्चित्पुमांस्तत्र योऽर्जुनं प्रत्ययुध्यत

8.37.34

पश्यतां तत्र वीराणामहन्यत महद्बलम्
हन्यमानमपश्यंश्च निश्चेष्टाः स्म पराक्रमे

8.37.35

अयुतं तत्र योधानां हत्वा पाण्डुसुतो रणे
व्यभ्राजत रणे राजन्विधूमोऽग्निरिव ज्वलन्

8.37.36

चतुर्दश सहस्राणि यानि शिष्टानि भारत
रथानामयुतं चैव त्रिसाहस्राश्च दन्तिनः

8.37.37

ततः संशप्तका भूयः परिवव्रुर्धनंजयम्
मर्तव्यमिति निश्चित्य जयं वापि निवर्तनम्

8.37.38

तत्र युद्धं महद्ध्यासीत्तावकानां विशां पते
शूरेण बलिना सार्धं पाण्डवेन किरीटिना

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'During the progress of that battle in which so many Kshatriyas sank down, the loud twang of Gandiva, O sire, was heard above the din on that spot, O king, where the son of Pandu was engaged in slaughtering the samsaptakas, the Kosalas, and the Narayana forces. Filled with rage and longing for victory, the samsaptakas, in that battle, began to pour showers of arrows on Arjuna's head. The puissant Partha, however, quickly checking those arrowy showers, O king, plunged into that battle, and began to slay many foremost of car-warriors. Plunging into the midst of that division of cars with the aid of his whetted shafts equipped with Kanka feathers, Partha came upon Susharma of excellent weapons. That foremost of car-warriors poured on Arjuna thick showers of arrows. Meanwhile the samsaptakas also covered Partha with their shafts. Then Susharma, piercing Partha with ten shafts, struck Janardana with three in the right arm. With a broad-headed arrow then, O sire, he pierced the standard of Arjuna. Thereupon that foremost of apes, of huge dimensions, the handiwork of the celestial artificer himself, began to utter loud sounds and roared very fiercely, affrighting thy troops. Hearing the roars of the ape, thy army became inspired with fear. Indeed, under the influence of a great fear, that army became perfectly inactive. That army then, as it stood inactive, O king, looked beautiful like the Citraratha forest with its flowery burthen of diverse kinds. Then those warriors, recovering their senses, O chief of the Kurus, began to drench Arjuna with their arrowy downpours like the clouds drenching the mountains. Then all of them encompassed the great car of the Pandava. Assailing him, they uttered loud roars although all the while they were being struck and slaughtered with sharp shafts. Assailing his steeds, his car-wheels, his car-shaft, and every other limb of his vehicle, with great force, O sire, they uttered many leonine roars. Some among them seized the massive arms of Keshava, and some among them, O king, seized Partha himself with great joy as he stood on his car. Then Keshava, shaking his arms on the field of battle, threw down all those that had seized them, like a wicked elephant shaking down all the riders from his back. Then Partha, encompassed by those great car-warriors, and beholding his car assailed and Keshava attacked in that manner became filled with rage, and overthrew a large number of car-warriors and foot-soldiers. And he covered all the combatants that were close to him with many arrows, that were fit for close encounters. Addressing Keshava then, he said, "Behold, O Krishna, O thou of mighty arms, these countless samsaptakas engaged in accomplishing a fearful task although slaughtered in thousands. O bull amongst the Yadus, there is none on Earth, save myself, that would be able to bear such a close attack on his car." Having said these words, Vibhatsu blew his conch. Then Krishna also blew his conch filling the welkin with its blare. Hearing that blare the army of the samsaptakas began to waver, O king, and became inspired with great fright. Then that slayer of hostile heroes, viz., the son of Pandu, paralysed the legs of the samsaptakas by repeatedly invoking, O monarch, the weapon called Naga. Thus tied with those foot-tying bands by the high-souled son of Pandu, all of them stood motionless, O king, as if they had been petrified. The son of Pandu then began to slay those motionless warriors like Indra in days of yore slaying the Daityas in the battle with Taraka. Thus slaughtered in that battle, they set the car free, and commenced to throw down all their weapons. Their legs being paralysed, they could not, O king, move a step. Then Partha slew them with his straight arrows. Indeed, all these warriors in that battle, aiming at whom Partha had invoked that foot-tying weapon, had their lower limbs encircled with snakes. Then the mighty car-warrior Susharma, O monarch, beholding his army thus paralysed, quickly invoked the weapon called Sauparna. Thereupon numerous birds began to come down and devour those snakes. The latter again, at the sight of rangers of the sky, began, O king, to fly away. Freed from that foot-tying weapon, the Samsaptaka force, O monarch, looked like the Sun himself giving light unto all creatures, when freed from clouds. Thus liberated, those warriors once more shot their arrows, O sire, and hurled their weapons at Arjuna's car. And all of them pierced Partha with numerous weapons. Cutting off with his own arrowy downpour that shower of mighty weapons Vasava's son, that slayer of hostile heroes, began to slaughter those warriors. Then Susharma, O king, with a straight arrow, pierced Arjuna in the chest, and then he pierced him with three other shafts. Deeply pierced therewith, and feeling great pain, Arjuna sat down on the terrace of his car. Then all the troops loudly cried out, saying, "Partha is slain." At this the blare of conchs, and the peal of drums, and the sound of diverse musical instruments, and loud leonine shouts, arose there. Recovering his senses, Partha of immeasurable soul, owning white steeds and having Krishna for his driver, speedily invoked the Aindra weapon. Then thousands of arrows, O sire, issuing from that weapon, were seen on all sides to slay kings and elephants. And steeds and warriors, in hundreds and thousands, were also seen to be slaughtered in that battle, with these weapons. Then while the troops were thus being slaughtered, a great fear entered the hearts of all the samsaptakas and Gopalas, O Bharata. There was no man amongst them that could fight with Arjuna. There in the very sight of all the heroes, Arjuna began to destroy thy troops. Beholding that slaughter, all of them remained perfectly inactive, without putting forth their prowess. Then the son of Pandu having slain full 10,000 combatants in that battle, looked resplendent, O monarch, like a blazing fire without smoke. And then he slew full 14,000 warriors, and 3,000 warriors, and 3,000 elephants. Then the samsaptakas once more encompassed Dhananjaya, making death or victory their goal. The battle then that took place there between thy warriors and that mighty hero, viz., the diadem-decked son of Pandu became awful.'"

8.38.1

संजय उवाच
कृतवर्मा कृपो द्रौणिः सूतपुत्रश्च मारिष
उलूकः सौबलश्चैव राजा च सह सोदरैः

8.38.2

सीदमानां चमूं दृष्ट्वा पाण्डुपुत्रभयार्दिताम्
समुज्जिहीर्षुर्वेगेन भिन्नां नावमिवार्णवे

8.38.3

ततो युद्धमतीवासीन्मुहूर्तमिव भारत
भीरूणां त्रासजननं शूराणां हर्षवर्धनम्

8.38.4

कृपेण शरवर्षाणि विप्रमुक्तानि संयुगे
सृञ्जयाः शातयामासुः शलभानां व्रजा इव

8.38.5

शिखण्डी तु ततः क्रुद्धो गौतमं त्वरितो ययौ
ववर्ष शरवर्षाणि समन्तादेव ब्राह्मणे

8.38.6

कृपस्तु शरवर्षं तद्विनिहत्य महास्त्रवित्
शिखण्डिनं रणे क्रुद्धो विव्याध दशभिः शरैः

8.38.7

ततः शिखण्डी कुपीतः शरैः सप्तभिराहवे
कृपं विव्याध सुभृशं कङ्कपत्रैरजिह्मगैः

8.38.8

ततः कृपः शरैस्तीक्ष्णैः सोऽतिविद्धो महारथः
व्यश्वसूतरथं चक्रे पार्षतं तु द्विजोत्तमः

8.38.9

हताश्वात्तु ततो यानादवप्लुत्य महारथः
चर्मखड्गे च संगृह्य सत्वरं ब्राह्मणं ययौ

8.38.10

तमापतन्तं सहसा शरैः संनतपर्वभिः
छादयामास समरे तदद्भुतमिवाभवत्

8.38.11

तत्राद्भुतमपश्याम शिलानां प्लवनं यथा
निश्चेष्टो यद्रणे राजञ्शिखण्डी समतिष्ठत

8.38.12

कृपेण छादितं दृष्ट्वा नृपोत्तम शिखण्डिनम्
प्रत्युद्ययौ कृपं तूर्णं धृष्टद्युम्नो महारथः

8.38.13

धृष्टद्युम्नं ततो यान्तं शारद्वतरथं प्रति
प्रतिजग्राह वेगेन कृतवर्मा महारथः

8.38.14

युधिष्ठिरमथायान्तं शारद्वतरथं प्रति
सपुत्रं सहसेनं च द्रोणपुत्रो न्यवारयत्

8.38.15

नकुलं सहदेवं च त्वरमाणौ महारथौ
प्रतिजग्राह ते पुत्रः शरवर्षेण वारयन्

8.38.16

भीमसेनं करूषांश्च केकयान्सहसृञ्जयान्
कर्णो वैकर्तनो युद्धे वारयामास भारत

8.38.17

शिखण्डिनस्ततो बाणान्कृपः शारद्वतो युधि
प्राहिणोत्त्वरया युक्तो दिधक्षुरिव मारिष

8.38.18

ताञ्शरान्प्रेषितांस्तेन समन्ताद्धेमभूषणान्
चिच्छेद खड्गमाविध्य भ्रामयंश्च पुनः पुनः

8.38.19

शतचन्द्रं ततश्चर्म गौतमः पार्षतस्य ह
व्यधमत्सायकैस्तूर्णं तत उच्चुक्रुशुर्जनाः

8.38.20

स विचर्मा महाराज खड्गपाणिरुपाद्रवत्
कृपस्य वशमापन्नो मृत्योरास्यमिवातुरः

8.38.21

शारद्वतशरैर्ग्रस्तं क्लिश्यमानं महाबलम्
चित्रकेतुसुतो राजन्सुकेतुस्त्वरितो ययौ

8.38.22

विकिरन्ब्राह्मणं युद्धे बहुभिर्निशितैः शरैः
अभ्यापतदमेयात्मा गौतमस्य रथं प्रति

8.38.23

दृष्ट्वाविषह्यं तं युद्धे ब्राह्मणं चरितव्रतम्
अपयातस्ततस्तूर्णं शिखण्डी राजसत्तम

8.38.24

सुकेतुस्तु ततो राजन्गौतमं नवभिः शरैः
विद्ध्वा विव्याध सप्तत्या पुनश्चैनं त्रिभिः शरैः

8.38.25

अथास्य सशरं चापं पुनश्चिच्छेद मारिष
सारथिं च शरेणास्य भृशं मर्मण्यताडयत्

8.38.26

गौतमस्तु ततः क्रुद्धो धनुर्गृह्य नवं दृढम्
सुकेतुं त्रिंशता बाणैः सर्वमर्मस्वताडयत्

8.38.27

स विह्वलितसर्वाङ्गः प्रचचाल रथोत्तमे
भूमिचाले यथा वृक्षश्चलत्याकम्पितो भृशम्

8.38.28

चलतस्तस्य कायात्तु शिरो ज्वलितकुण्डलम्
सोष्णीषं सशिरस्त्राणं क्षुरप्रेणान्वपातयत्

8.38.29

तच्छिरः प्रापतद्भूमौ श्येनाहृतमिवामिषम्
ततोऽस्य कायो वसुधां पश्चात्प्राप तदा च्युतः

8.38.30

तस्मिन्हते महाराज त्रस्तास्तस्य पदानुगाः
गौतमं समरे त्यक्त्वा दुद्रुवुस्ते दिशो दश

8.38.31

धृष्टद्युम्नं तु समरे संनिवार्य महाबलः
कृतवर्माब्रवीद्धृष्टस्तिष्ठ तिष्ठेति पार्षतम्

8.38.32

तदभूत्तुमुलं युद्धं वृष्णिपार्षतयो रणे
आमिषार्थे यथा युद्धं श्येनयोर्गृद्धयोर्नृप

8.38.33

धृष्टद्युम्नस्तु समरे हार्दिक्यं नवभिः शरैः
आजघानोरसि क्रुद्धः पीडयन्हृदिकात्मजम्

8.38.34

कृतवर्मा तु समरे पार्षतेन दृढाहतः
पार्षतं सरथं साश्वं छादयामास सायकैः

8.38.35

सरथश्छादितो राजन्धृष्टद्युम्नो न दृश्यते
मेघैरिव परिच्छन्नो भास्करो जलदागमे

8.38.36

विधूय तं बाणगणं शरैः कनकभूषणैः
व्यरोचत रणे राजन्धृष्टद्युम्नः कृतव्रणः

8.38.37

ततस्तु पार्षतः क्रुद्धः शस्त्रवृष्टिं सुदारुणाम्
कृतवर्माणमासाद्य व्यसृजत्पृतनापतिः

8.38.38

तामापतन्तीं सहसा शस्त्रवृष्टिं निरन्तराम्
शरैरनेकसाहस्रैर्हार्दिक्यो व्यधमद्युधि

8.38.39

दृष्ट्वा तु दारितां युद्धे शस्त्रवृष्टिं दुरुत्तराम्
कृतवर्माणमभ्येत्य वारयामास पार्षतः

8.38.40

सारथिं चास्य तरसा प्राहिणोद्यमसादनम्
भल्लेन शितधारेण स हतः प्रापतद्रथात्

8.38.41

धृष्टद्युम्नस्तु बलवाञ्जित्वा शत्रुं महारथम्
कौरवान्समरे तूर्णं वारयामास सायकैः

8.38.42

ततस्ते तावका योधा धृष्टद्युम्नमुपाद्रवन्
सिंहनादरवं कृत्वा ततो युद्धमवर्तत

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Then Kritavarma, and Kripa, and the son of Drona and the Suta's son, O sire, and Uluka, and Subala's son (Shakuni), and the king himself, with his uterine brothers, beholding the (Kuru) army afflicted with the fear of Pandu's son, unable to stand together, like a vessel wrecked on the ocean, endeavoured to rescue it with great speed. For a short space of time, O Bharata, the battle that once more took place became exceedingly fierce, enhancing as it did the fears of timid and the joy of the brave. The dense showers of arrows shot in battle by Kripa, thick, as flights of locusts, covered the Srinjayas. Then Shikhandi, filled with rage, speedily proceeded against the grandson of Gautama (Kripa) and poured upon that bull amongst Brahmanas his arrowy downpours from all sides. Acquainted with the highest weapons Kripa then checked that arrowy downpour, and wrathfully pierced Shikhandi with ten arrows in that battle. Then Shikhandi filled with rage, deeply pierced Kripa, in that encounter, with seven straight arrows equipped with Kanka feathers. The twice-born Kripa then, that great car-warrior, deeply pierced with those keen arrows, deprived Shikhandi of his steeds, driver and car. Jumping down from his steedless vehicle, the mighty car-warrior (Shikhandi) rushed impetuously at the Brahmana, having taken up a sword and a shield. As the Pancala prince advanced, Kripa quickly covered him with many straight arrows in that encounter, which seemed exceedingly wonderful. Indeed, exceedingly wonderful was the sight that we then beheld, even like the flying of rocks, for Shikhandi, O king, (thus assailed) remained perfectly inactive in that battle. Beholding Shikhandi covered (with arrows) by Kripa, O best of the kings, the mighty car-warrior Dhrishtadyumna speedily proceeded against Kripa. The great car-warrior Kritavarma, however, rushing impetuously received Dhrishtadyumna as the latter proceeded against the son of Sharadvata (Kripa). Then Drona's son checked Yudhishthira as the latter, with his son and troops, was rushing towards the car of Sharadvata's son. Thy son Duryodhana, shooting a shower of arrows, received and checked Nakula and Sahadeva, those two great car-warriors endued with celerity. Karna too, otherwise called Vaikartana, O Bharata, in that battle, resisted Bhimasena, and the Karushas, the Kaikayas, and the Srinjayas. Meanwhile Sharadvata's son, in that battle, O sire, with great activity, sped many arrows at Shikhandi, as if for the purpose of burning him outright. The Pancala prince, however, whirling his sword repeatedly, cut off all those arrows, decked with gold, that had been sped at him by Kripa from all sides. The grandson of Gautama (Kripa) then quickly cut off with his arrows the shield of Prishata's son, that was decked with hundred moons. At this feat of his, the troops made a loud uproar. Deprived of his shield, O monarch, and placed under Kripa's power Shikhandi still rushed, sword in hand, (towards Kripa), like a sick man towards the jaws of Death. Then Suketu, the son of Citraketu, O king, quickly proceeded towards the mighty Shikhandi plunged into such distress and assailed in that manner by Kripa with his arrows. Indeed, the young prince of immeasurable soul rushed towards the car of Sharadvata's son and poured upon that Brahmana, in that battle, innumerable shafts of great keenness. Beholding that Brahmana observant of vows thus engaged in battle (with another), Shikhandi, O best of kings, retreated hastily from that spot. Meanwhile Suketu, O king, piercing the son of Gautama with nine arrows, once more pierced him with seventy and again with three. Then the prince, O sire, cut off Kripa's bow with arrow fixed thereon, and with another shaft struck hard the latter's driver in a vital limb. The grandson of Gautama then, filled with rage, took up a new and very strong bow and struck Suketu with thirty arrows in all his vital limbs. All his limbs exceedingly weakened, the prince trembled on his excellent car like a tree trembling exceedingly during an earthquake. With a razor-headed arrow then, Kripa struck off from the prince's trunk, while the latter was still trembling, his head decked with a pair of blazing earrings and head-protector. That head thereupon fell down on the Earth like a piece of meat from the claws of a hawk, and then his trunk also fell down, O thou of great glory. Upon the fall of Suketu, O monarch, his troops became frightened, and avoiding Kripa, fled away on all sides.

"'Encompassing the mighty Dhrishtadyumna, Kritavarma cheerfully addressed him saying, "Wait, Wait!" The encounter then that took place between the Vrishni and the Pancala warriors in that battle became exceedingly fierce, like that between two hawks, O king, for a piece of meat. Filled with rage, Dhrishtadyumna, in that battle, struck the son of Hridika (Kritavarma, the ruler of Bhoja) with nine arrows in the chest, and succeeded in afflicting him greatly. Then Kritavarma, thus deeply struck by Prishata's son in that encounter, covered his assailant, his steeds, and his car with his shafts. Thus shrouded, O king, along with his car, Dhrishtadyumna became invisible, like the Sun shrouded by rain-charged clouds. Baffling all those shafts decked with gold, Dhrishtadyumna, O king, looked resplendent in that battle in his wounds. The commander of the Pandava forces, viz., the son of Prishata, then, filled with rage, approached Kritavarma and poured upon him a fierce shower of arrows. The son of Hridika, however, in that battle, with many thousands of his own arrows, destroyed that fierce arrowy shower coursing towards him with great impetuosity. Beholding his irresistible shower of arrows checked in that battle by Kritavarma, the son of Prishata, approaching his antagonist, began to resist him. And soon he despatched Kritavarma's driver to Yama's abode with a broad-headed arrow of great sharpness. Deprived of life, the driver fell down from the car. The mighty Dhrishtadyumna, having vanquished his mighty antagonist, began then to resist the Kauravas with shafts, without losing a moment. Then thy warriors, O king, rushed towards Dhrishtadyumna, uttering loud leonine roars. At this a battle once more took place between them.'"

8.39.1

संजय उवाच
द्रौणिर्युधिष्ठिरं दृष्ट्वा शैनेयेनाभिरक्षितम्
द्रौपदेयैस्तथा शूरैरभ्यवर्तत हृष्टवत्

8.39.2

किरन्निषुगणान्घोरान्स्वर्णपुङ्खाञ्शिलाशितान्
दर्शयन्विविधान्मार्गाञ्शिक्षार्थं लघुहस्तवत्

8.39.3

ततः खं पूरयामास शरैर्दिव्यास्त्रमन्त्रितैः
युधिष्ठिरं च समरे पर्यवारयदस्त्रवित्

8.39.4

द्रौणायनिशरच्छन्नं न प्राज्ञायत किंचन
बाणभूतमभूत्सर्वमायोधनशिरो हि तत्

8.39.5

बाणजालं दिविष्ठं तत्स्वर्णजालविभूषितम्
शुशुभे भरतश्रेष्ठ वितानमिव विष्ठितम्

8.39.6

तेन छन्ने रणे राजन्बाणजालेन भास्वता
अभ्रच्छायेव संजज्ञे बाणरुद्धे नभस्तले

8.39.7

तत्राश्चर्यमपश्याम बाणभूते तथाविधे
न स्म संपतते भूमौ दृष्ट्वा द्रौणेः पराक्रमम्

8.39.8

लाघवं द्रोणपुत्रस्य दृष्ट्वा तत्र महारथाः
व्यस्मयन्त महाराज न चैनं प्रतिवीक्षितुम्
शेकुस्ते सर्वराजानस्तपन्तमिव भास्करम्

8.39.9

सात्यकिर्यतमानस्तु धर्मराजश्च पाण्डवः
तथेतराणि सैन्यानि न स्म चक्रुः पराक्रमम्

8.39.10

वध्यमाने ततः सैन्ये द्रौपदेया महारथाः
सात्यकिर्धर्मराजश्च पाञ्चालाश्चापि संगताः
त्यक्त्वा मृत्युभयं घोरं द्रौणायनिमुपाद्रवन्

8.39.11

सात्यकिः पञ्चविंशत्या द्रौणिं विद्ध्वा शिलामुखैः
पुनर्विव्याध नाराचैः सप्तभिः स्वर्णभूषितैः

8.39.12

युधिष्ठिरस्त्रिसप्तत्या प्रतिविन्ध्यश्च सप्तभिः
श्रुतकर्मा त्रिभिर्बाणैः श्रुतकीर्तिस्तु सप्तभिः

8.39.13

सुतसोमश्च नवभिः शतानीकश्च सप्तभिः
अन्ये च बहवः शूरा विव्यधुस्तं समन्ततः

8.39.14

सोऽतिक्रुद्धस्ततो राजन्नाशीविष इव श्वसन्
सात्यकिं पञ्चविंशत्या प्राविध्यत शिलाशितैः

8.39.15

श्रुतकीर्तिं च नवभिः सुतसोमं च पञ्चभिः
अष्टभिः श्रुतकर्माणं प्रतिविन्ध्यं त्रिभिः शरैः
शतानीकं च नवभिर्धर्मपुत्रं च सप्तभिः

8.39.16

अथेतरांस्ततः शूरान्द्वाभ्यां द्वाभ्यामताडयत्
श्रुतकीर्तेस्तथा चापं चिच्छेद निशितैः शरैः

8.39.17

अथान्यद्धनुरादाय श्रुतकीर्तिर्महारथः
द्रौणायनिं त्रिभिर्विद्ध्वा विव्याधान्यैः शितैः शरैः

8.39.18

ततो द्रौणिर्महाराज शरवर्षेण भारत
छादयामास तत्सैन्यं समन्ताच्च शरैर्नृपान्

8.39.19

ततः पुनरमेयात्मा धर्मराजस्य कार्मुकम्
द्रौणिश्चिच्छेद विहसन्विव्याध च शरैस्त्रिभिः

8.39.20

ततो धर्मसुतो राजन्प्रगृह्यान्यन्महद्धनुः
द्रौणिं विव्याध सप्तत्या बाह्वोरुरसि चार्दयत्

8.39.21

सात्यकिस्तु ततः क्रुद्धो द्रौणेः प्रहरतो रणे
अर्धचन्द्रेण तीक्ष्णेन धनुश्छित्त्वानदद्भृशम्

8.39.22

छिन्नधन्वा ततो द्रौणिः शक्त्या शक्तिमतां वरः
सारथिं पातयामास शैनेयस्य रथाद्द्रुतम्

8.39.23

अथान्यद्धनुरादाय द्रोणपुत्रः प्रतापवान्
शैनेयं शरवर्षेण छादयामास भारत

8.39.24

तस्याश्वाः प्रद्रुताः संख्ये पतिते रथसारथौ
तत्र तत्रैव धावन्तः समदृश्यन्त भारत

8.39.25

युधिष्ठिरपुरोगास्ते द्रौणिं शस्त्रभृतां वरम्
अभ्यवर्षन्त वेगेन विसृजन्तः शिताञ्शरान्

8.39.26

आगच्छमानांस्तान्दृष्ट्वा रौद्ररूपान्परंतपः
प्रहसन्प्रतिजग्राह द्रोणपुत्रो महारणे

8.39.27

ततः शरशतज्वालः सेनाकक्षं महारथः
द्रौणिर्ददाह समरे कक्षमग्निर्यथा वने

8.39.28

तद्बलं पाण्डुपुत्रस्य द्रोणपुत्रप्रतापितम्
चुक्षुभे भरतश्रेष्ठ तिमिनेव नदीमुखम्

8.39.29

दृष्ट्वा ते च महाराज द्रोणपुत्रपराक्रमम्
निहतान्मेनिरे सर्वान्पाण्डून्द्रोणसुतेन वै

8.39.30

युधिष्ठिरस्तु त्वरितो द्रौणिं श्लिष्य महारथम्
अब्रवीद्द्रोणपुत्रं तु रोषामर्षसमन्वितः

8.39.31

नैव नाम तव प्रीतिर्नैव नाम कृतज्ञता
यतस्त्वं पुरुषव्याघ्र मामेवाद्य जिघांससि

8.39.32

ब्राह्मणेन तपः कार्यं दानमध्ययनं तथा
क्षत्रियेण धनुर्नाम्यं स भवान्ब्राह्मणब्रुवः

8.39.33

मिषतस्ते महाबाहो जेष्यामि युधि कौरवान्
कुरुष्व समरे कर्म ब्रह्मबन्धुरसि ध्रुवम्

8.39.34

एवमुक्तो महाराज द्रोणपुत्रः स्मयन्निव
युक्तत्वं तच्च संचिन्त्य नोत्तरं किंचिदब्रवीत्

8.39.35

अनुक्त्वा च ततः किंचिच्छरवर्षेण पाण्डवम्
छादयामास समरे क्रुद्धोऽन्तक इव प्रजाः

8.39.36

संछाद्यमानस्तु तदा द्रोणपुत्रेण मारिष
पार्थोऽपयातः शीघ्रं वै विहाय महतीं चमूम्

8.39.37

अपयाते ततस्तस्मिन्धर्मपुत्रे युधिष्ठिरे
द्रोणपुत्रः स्थितो राजन्प्रत्यादेशान्महात्मनः

8.39.38

ततो युधिष्ठिरो राजा त्यक्त्वा द्रौणिं महाहवे
प्रययौ तावकं सैन्यं युक्तः क्रूराय कर्मणे

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Meanwhile the son of Drona (Ashvatthama), beholding Yudhishthira protected by the grandson of Sini (Satyaki) and by the heroic sons of Draupadi, cheerfully advanced against the king, scattering many fierce arrows equipped with wings of gold and whetted on stone, and displaying diverse manoeuvres of his car and the great skill he had acquired and his exceeding lightness of hands. He filled the entire welkin with shafts inspired with the force of celestial weapons. Conversant with all weapons, Drona's son encompassed Yudhishthira in that battle. The welkin being covered with the shafts of Drona's son, nothing could be seen. The vast space in front of Ashvatthama became one expanse of arrows. The welkin then, thus covered with that dense shower of arrows decked with gold, looked beautiful, O chief of the Bharatas, as if a canopy embroidered with gold had been spread there. Indeed, the firmament, O king, having been covered with that bright shower of arrows, a shadow, as that of the clouds, appeared there on the occasion. Wonderful was the sight that we then beheld when the sky had thus become one expanse of arrows, for not one creature ranging the sky could course through his element. Then Satyaki, though struggling resolutely, and Pandu's son king Yudhishthira the just, as also all the other warriors, could not display their prowess. Beholding the great lightness of hands displayed by the son of Drona, the mighty car-warriors (of the Pandava army) were filled with wonder. All the kings became incapable of even looking at Ashvatthama, O monarch, who then resembled the scorching Sun himself in the sky. While the Pandava troops were thus being slaughtered, those mighty car-warriors, viz., the sons of Draupadi, and Satyaki, and king Yudhishthira the just, and the Pancala warriors, all uniting together, cast off their fears of death and rushed against the son of Drona. Then Satyaki, piercing the son of Drona with seventy arrows, once more pierced him with seven long shafts decked with gold. And Yudhishthira pierced him with three and seventy arrows, and Prativindya with seven, and Srutakarman pierced him with three arrows and Srutakirti with five. And Sutasoma pierced him with nine arrows, and Satanika with seven. And many other heroes pierced him with many arrows from every side. Filled then with rage and breathing, O king, like a snake of virulent poison, Drona's son pierced Satyaki in return with five and twenty arrows whetted on stone. And he pierced Srutakirti with nine arrows and Sutasoma with five, and with eight arrows he pierced Srutakarman, and Prativindya with three. And he pierced Satanika with nine arrows, and Dharma's son (Yudhishthira) with five. And each of the other warriors he pierced with a couple of shafts. With some keen arrows he then cut off the bow of Srutakirti. The latter then, that great car-warrior, taking up another bow, pierced Drona's son, first with three arrows and then with many others equipped with sharp points. Then, O monarch, the son of Drona covered the Pandava troops, O sire, with thick showers of arrows, O bull of Bharata's race. Of immeasurable soul, the son of Drona, next smiling the while, cut off the bow of king Yudhishthira the just, and then pierced him with three arrows. The son of Dharma then, O king, taking up another formidable bow, pierced Drona's son with seventy arrows in the arms and the chest. Then Satyaki, filled with rage in that battle, cut off the bow of Drona's son, that great smiter, with a sharp crescent-shaped arrow and uttered a loud roar. His bow cut off, that foremost of mighty men viz., the son of Drona, quickly felled Satyaki's driver from his car with a dart. The valiant son of Drona then, taking up another bow, covered the grandson of Sini, O Bharata, with a shower of arrows. His driver having been slain, Satyaki's steeds were seen to run hither and thither, O Bharata, in that battle. Then the Pandava warriors headed by Yudhishthira, shooting sharp shafts, all rushed with impetuosity towards Drona's son, that foremost of all wielders of weapons. That scorcher of foes, however, viz., the son of Drona, beholding those warriors wrathfully advancing against him received them all in that dreadful battle. Then like a fire in the forest consuming heaps of dry grass and straw, that mighty car-warrior, viz., Drona's son, having showers of arrows for his flames, consumed the Pandava troops in that battle, who resembled a heap of dry grass and straw. That army of Pandu's son, thus scorched by the son of Drona, became exceedingly agitated, O chief of the Bharatas, like the mouth of a river by a whale. People then, O monarch, beholding the prowess of Drona's son, regarded all the Pandavas as already slain by him. Then Yudhishthira, that great car-warrior and disciple of Drona, filled with rage and the desire to retaliate, addressed Drona's son, saying "O tiger among men, thou hast no affection, thou hast no gratitude, since thou desirest to slay me today. The duties of a Brahmana are asceticism and gift and study. The bow should be bent by the Kshatriya only. It seems, therefore, that thou art a Brahmana in name only. In thy very sight, however. O thou of mighty arms, I will vanquish the Kauravas in battle. Do what thou canst in battle. I tell thee that thou art a wretch amongst Brahmanas." Thus addressed, the son of Drona. smiling, and reflecting upon what was proper and true, gave no reply. Without saying anything, he covered the son of Pandu in that battle with a shower of arrows like the destroyer himself in wrath while engaged in annihilating creatures. Thus covered by Drona's son. O sire, the son of Pritha quickly went away from that spot, leaving that large division of his. After Yudhishthira, the son of Dharma, had gone away, the high-souled son of Drona also, O king, left that spot. Then Yudhishthira, O king, avoiding the son of Drona in that great battle proceeded against thy army, resolved to achieve the cruel task of slaughter.'"

8.40.1

संजय उवाच
भीमसेनं सपाञ्चाल्यं चेदिकेकयसंवृतम्
वैकर्तनः स्वयं रुद्ध्वा वारयामास सायकैः

8.40.2

ततस्तु चेदिकारूषान्सृञ्जयांश्च महारथान्
कर्णो जघान संक्रुद्धो भीमसेनस्य पश्यतः

8.40.3

भीमसेनस्ततः कर्णं विहाय रथसत्तमम्
प्रययौ कौरवं सैन्यं कक्षमग्निरिव ज्वलन्

8.40.4

सूतपुत्रोऽपि समरे पाञ्चालान्केकयांस्तथा
सृञ्जयांश्च महेष्वासान्निजघान सहस्रशः

8.40.5

संशप्तकेषु पार्थश्च कौरवेषु वृकोदरः
पाञ्चालेषु तथा कर्णः क्षयं चक्रूर्महारथाः

8.40.6

ते क्षत्रिया दह्यमानास्त्रिभिस्तैः पावकोपमैः
जग्मुर्विनाशं समरे राजन्दुर्मन्त्रिते तव

8.40.7

ततो दुर्योधनः क्रुद्धो नकुलं नवभिः शरैः
विव्याध भरतश्रेष्ठ चतुरश्चास्य वाजिनः

8.40.8

ततः पुनरमेयात्मा तव पुत्रो जनाधिपः
क्षुरेण सहदेवस्य ध्वजं चिच्छेद काञ्चनम्

8.40.9

नकुलस्तु ततः क्रुद्धस्तव पुत्रं त्रिसप्तभिः
जघान समरे राजन्सहदेवश्च पञ्चभिः

8.40.10

तावुभौ भरतश्रेष्ठौ श्रेष्ठौ सर्वधनुष्मताम्
विव्याधोरसि संक्रुद्धः पञ्चभिः पञ्चभिः शरैः

8.40.11

ततोऽपराभ्यां भल्लाभ्यां धनुषी समकृन्तत
यमयोः प्रहसन्राजन्विव्याधैव च सप्तभिः

8.40.12

तावन्ये धनुषी श्रेष्ठे शक्रचापनिभे शुभे
प्रगृह्य रेजतुः शूरौ देवपुत्रसमौ युधि

8.40.13

ततस्तौ रभसौ युद्धे भ्रातरौ भ्रातरं नृप
शरैर्ववर्षतुर्घोरैर्महामेघौ यथाचलम्

8.40.14

ततः क्रुद्धो महाराज तव पुत्रो महारथः
पाण्डुपुत्रौ महेष्वासौ वारयामास पत्रिभिः

8.40.15

धनुर्मण्डलमेवास्य दृश्यते युधि भारत
सायकाश्चैव दृश्यन्ते निश्चरन्तः समन्ततः

8.40.16

तस्य सायकसंछन्नौ चकाशेतां च पाण्डवौ
मेघच्छन्नौ यथा व्योम्नि चन्द्रसूर्यौ हतप्रभौ

8.40.17

ते तु बाणा महाराज हेमपुङ्खाः शिलाशिताः
आच्छादयन्दिशः सर्वाः सूर्यस्येवांशवस्तदा

8.40.18

बाणभूते ततस्तस्मिन्संछन्ने च नभस्तले
यमाभ्यां ददृशे रूपं कालान्तकयमोपमम्

8.40.19

पराक्रमं तु तं दृष्ट्वा तव सूनोर्महारथाः
मृत्योरुपान्तिकं प्राप्तौ माद्रीपुत्रौ स्म मेनिरे

8.40.20

ततः सेनापती राजन्पाण्डवस्य महात्मनः
पार्षतः प्रययौ तत्र यत्र राजा सुयोधनः

8.40.21

माद्रीपुत्रौ ततः शूरौ व्यतिक्रम्य महारथौ
धृष्टद्युम्नस्तव सुतं ताडयामास सायकैः

8.40.22

तमविध्यदमेयात्मा तव पुत्रोऽत्यमर्षणः
पाञ्चाल्यं पञ्चविंशत्या प्रहस्य पुरुषर्षभ

8.40.23

ततः पुनरमेयात्मा पुत्रस्ते पृथिवीपते
विद्ध्वा ननाद पाञ्चाल्यं षष्ट्या पञ्चभिरेव च

8.40.24

अथास्य सशरं चापं हस्तावापं च मारिष
क्षुरप्रेण सुतीक्ष्णेन राजा चिच्छेद संयुगे

8.40.25

तदपास्य धनुश्छिन्नं पाञ्चाल्यः शत्रुकर्शनः
अन्यदादत्त वेगेन धनुर्भारसहं नवम्

8.40.26

प्रज्वलन्निव वेगेन संरम्भाद्रुधिरेक्षणः
अशोभत महेष्वासो धृष्टद्युम्नः कृतव्रणः

8.40.27

स पञ्चदश नाराचाञ्श्वसतः पन्नगानिव
जिघांसुर्भरतश्रेष्ठं धृष्टद्युम्नो व्यवासृजत्

8.40.28

ते वर्म हेमविकृतं भित्त्वा राज्ञः शिलाशिताः
विविशुर्वसुधां वेगात्कङ्कबर्हिणवाससः

8.40.29

सोऽतिविद्धो महाराज पुत्रस्तेऽतिव्यराजत
वसन्ते पुष्पशबलः सपुष्प इव किंशुकः

8.40.30

स छिन्नवर्मा नाराचैः प्रहारैर्जर्जरच्छविः
धृष्टद्युम्नस्य भल्लेन क्रुद्धश्चिच्छेद कार्मुकम्

8.40.31

अथैनं छिन्नधन्वानं त्वरमाणो महीपतिः
सायकैर्दशभी राजन्भ्रुवोर्मध्ये समार्दयत्

8.40.32

तस्य तेऽशोभयन्वक्त्रं कर्मारपरिमार्जिताः
प्रफुल्लं चम्पकं यद्वद्भ्रमरा मधुलिप्सवः

8.40.33

तदपास्य धनुश्छिन्नं धृष्टद्युम्नो महामनाः
अन्यदादत्त वेगेन धनुर्भल्लांश्च षोडश

8.40.34

ततो दुर्योधनस्याश्वान्हत्वा सूतं च पञ्चभिः
धनुश्चिच्छेद भल्लेन जातरूपपरिष्कृतम्

8.40.35

रथं सोपस्करं छत्रं शक्तिं खड्गं गदां ध्वजम्
भल्लैश्चिच्छेद नवभिः पुत्रस्य तव पार्षतः

8.40.36

तपनीयाङ्गदं चित्रं नागं मणिमयं शुभम्
ध्वजं कुरुपतेश्छिन्नं ददृशुः सर्वपार्थिवाः

8.40.37

दुर्योधनं तु विरथं छिन्नसर्वायुधं रणे
भ्रातरः पर्यरक्षन्त सोदर्या भरतर्षभ

8.40.38

तमारोप्य रथे राजन्दण्डधारो जनाधिपम्
अपोवाह च संभ्रान्तो धृष्टद्युम्नस्य पश्यतः

8.40.39

कर्णस्तु सात्यकिं जित्वा राजगृद्धी महाबलः
द्रोणहन्तारमुग्रेषुं ससाराभिमुखं रणे

8.40.40

तं पृष्ठतोऽभ्ययात्तूर्णं शैनेयो वितुदञ्शरैः
वारणं जघनोपान्ते विषाणाभ्यामिव द्विपः

8.40.41

स भारत महानासीद्योधानां सुमहात्मनाम्
कर्णपार्षतयोर्मध्ये त्वदीयानां महारणः

8.40.42

न पाण्डवानां नास्माकं योधः कश्चित्पराङ्मुखः
प्रत्यदृश्यत यत्कर्णः पाञ्चालांस्त्वरितो ययौ

8.40.43

तस्मिन्क्षणे नरश्रेष्ठ गजवाजिनरक्षयः
प्रादुरासीदुभयतो राजन्मध्यंगतेऽहनि

8.40.44

पाञ्चालास्तु महाराज त्वरिता विजिगीषवः
सर्वतोऽभ्यद्रवन्कर्णं पतत्रिण इव द्रुमम्

8.40.45

तेषामाधिरथिः क्रुद्धो यतमानान्मनस्विनः
विचिन्वन्नेव बाणाग्रैः समासादयदग्रतः

8.40.46

व्याघ्रकेतुं सुशर्माणं शङ्कुं चोग्रं धनंजयम्
शुक्लं च रोचमानं च सिंहसेनं च दुर्जयम्

8.40.47

ते वीरा रथवेगेन परिवव्रुर्नरोत्तमम्
सृजन्तं सायकान्क्रुद्धं कर्णमाहवशोभिनम्

8.40.48

युध्यमानांस्तु ताञ्शूरान्मनुजेन्द्रः प्रतापवान्
अष्टाभिरष्टौ राधेयो न्यहनन्निशितैः शरैः

8.40.49

अथापरान्महाराज सूतपुत्रः प्रतापवान्
जघान बहुसाहस्रान्योधान्युद्धविशारदः

8.40.50

विष्णुं च विष्णुकर्माणं देवापिं भद्रमेव च
दण्डं च समरे राजंश्चित्रं चित्रायुधं हरिम्

8.40.51

सिंहकेतुं रोचमानं शलभं च महारथम्
निजघान सुसंक्रुद्धश्चेदीनां च महारथान्

8.40.52

तेषामाददतः प्राणानासीदाधिरथेर्वपुः
शोणिताभ्युक्षिताङ्गस्य रुद्रस्येवोर्जितं महत्

8.40.53

तत्र भारत कर्णेन मातङ्गास्ताडिताः शरैः
सर्वतोऽभ्यद्रवन्भीताः कुर्वन्तो महदाकुलम्

8.40.54

निपेतुरुर्व्यां समरे कर्णसायकपीडिताः
कुर्वन्तो विविधान्नादान्वज्रनुन्ना इवाचलाः

8.40.55

गजवाजिमनुष्यैश्च निपतद्भिः समन्ततः
रथैश्चावगतैर्मार्गे पर्यस्तीर्यत मेदिनी

8.40.56

नैव भीष्मो न च द्रोणो नाप्यन्ये युधि तावकाः
चक्रुः स्म तादृशं कर्म यादृशं वै कृतं रणे

8.40.57

सूतपुत्रेण नागेषु रथेषु च हयेषु च
नरेषु च नरव्याघ्र कृतं स्म कदनं महत्

8.40.58

मृगमध्ये यथा सिंहो दृश्यते निर्भयश्चरन्
पाञ्चालानां तथा मध्ये कर्णोऽचरदभीतवत्

8.40.59

यथा मृगगणांस्त्रस्तान्सिंहो द्रावयते दिशः
पाञ्चालानां रथव्रातान्कर्णो द्रावयते तथा

8.40.60

सिंहास्यं च यथा प्राप्य न जीवन्ति मृगाः क्वचित्
तथा कर्णमनुप्राप्य न जीवन्ति महारथाः

8.40.61

वैश्वानरं यथा दीप्तं दह्यन्ते प्राप्य वै जनाः
कर्णाग्निना रणे तद्वद्दग्धा भारत सृञ्जयाः

8.40.62

कर्णेन चेदिष्वेकेन पाञ्चालेषु च भारत
विश्राव्य नाम निहता बहवः शूरसंमताः

8.40.63

मम चासीन्मनुष्येन्द्र दृष्ट्वा कर्णस्य विक्रमम्
नैकोऽप्याधिरथेर्जीवन्पाञ्चाल्यो मोक्ष्यते युधि

8.40.64

पाञ्चालान्विधमन्संख्ये सूतपुत्रः प्रतापवान्
अभ्यधावत संक्रुद्धो धर्मपुत्रं युधिष्ठिरम्

8.40.65

धृष्टद्युम्नश्च राजानं द्रौपदेयाश्च मारिष
परिवव्रुरमित्रघ्नं शतशश्चापरे जनाः

8.40.66

शिखण्डी सहदेवश्च नकुलो नाकुलिस्तथा
जनमेजयः शिनेर्नप्ता बहवश्च प्रभद्रकाः

8.40.67

एते पुरोगमा भूत्वा धृष्टद्युम्नस्य संयुगे
कर्णमस्यन्तमिष्वस्त्रैर्विचेरुरमितौजसः

8.40.68

तांस्तत्राधिरथिः संख्ये चेदिपाञ्चालपाण्डवान्
एको बहूनभ्यपतद्गरुत्मन्पन्नगानिव

8.40.69

भीमसेनस्तु संक्रुद्धः कुरून्मद्रान्सकेकयान्
एकः संख्ये महेष्वासो योधयन्बह्वशोभत

8.40.70

तत्र मर्मसु भीमेन नाराचैस्ताडिता गजाः
प्रपतन्तो हतारोहाः कम्पयन्ति स्म मेदिनीम्

8.40.71

वाजिनश्च हतारोहाः पत्तयश्च गतासवः
शेरते युधि निर्भिन्ना वमन्तो रुधिरं बहु

8.40.72

सहस्रशश्च रथिनः पतिताः पतितायुधाः
अक्षताः समदृश्यन्त भीमाद्भीता गतासवः

8.40.73

रथिभिर्वाजिभिः सूतैः पत्तिभिश्च तथा गजैः
भीमसेनशरच्छिन्नैरास्तीर्णा वसुधाभवत्

8.40.74

तत्स्तम्भितमिवातिष्ठद्भीमसेनबलार्दितम्
दुर्योधनबलं राजन्निरुत्साहं कृतव्रणम्

8.40.75

निश्चेष्टं तुमुले दीनं बभौ तस्मिन्महारणे
प्रसन्नसलिलः काले यथा स्यात्सागरो नृप

8.40.76

मन्युवीर्यबलोपेतं बलात्पर्यवरोपितम्
अभवत्तव पुत्रस्य तत्सैन्यमिषुभिस्तदा
रुधिरौघपरिक्लिन्नं रुधिरार्द्रं बभूव ह

8.40.77

सूतपुत्रो रणे क्रुद्धः पाण्डवानामनीकिनीम्
भीमसेनः कुरूंश्चापि द्रावयन्बह्वशोभत

8.40.78

वर्तमाने तथा रौद्रे संग्रामेऽद्भुतदर्शने
निहत्य पृतनामध्ये संशप्तकगणान्बहून्

8.40.79

अर्जुनो जयतां श्रेष्ठो वासुदेवमथाब्रवीत्
प्रभग्नं बलमेतद्धि योत्स्यमानं जनार्दन

8.40.80

एते धावन्ति सगणाः संशप्तकमहारथाः
अपारयन्तो मद्बाणान्सिंहशब्दान्मृगा इव

8.40.81

दीर्यते च महत्सैन्यं सृञ्जयानां महारणे
हस्तिकक्ष्यो ह्यसौ कृष्ण केतुः कर्णस्य धीमतः
दृश्यते राजसैन्यस्य मध्ये विचरतो मुहुः

8.40.82

न च कर्णं रणे शक्ता जेतुमन्ये महारथाः
जानीते हि भवान्कर्णं वीर्यवन्तं पराक्रमे

8.40.83

तत्र याहि यतः कर्णो द्रावयत्येष नो बलम्

8.40.84

वर्जयित्वा रणे याहि सूतपुत्रं महारथम्
श्रमो मा बाधते कृष्ण यथा वा तव रोचते

8.40.85

एतच्छ्रुत्वा महाराज गोविन्दः प्रहसन्निव
अब्रवीदर्जुनं तूर्णं कौरवाञ्जहि पाण्डव

8.40.86

ततस्तव महत्सैन्यं गोविन्दप्रेरिता हयाः
हंसवर्णाः प्रविविशुर्वहन्तः कृष्णपाण्डवौ

8.40.87

केशवप्रहितैरश्वैः श्वेतैः काञ्चनभूषणैः
प्रविशद्भिस्तव बलं चतुर्दिशमभिद्यत

8.40.88

तौ विदार्य महासेनां प्रविष्टौ केशवार्जुनौ
क्रुद्धौ संरम्भरक्ताक्षौ व्यभ्राजेतां महाद्युती

8.40.89

युद्धशौण्डौ समाहूतावरिभिस्तौ रणाध्वरम्
यज्वभिर्विधिनाहूतौ मखे देवाविवाश्विनौ

8.40.90

क्रुद्धौ तौ तु नरव्याघ्रौ वेगवन्तौ बभूवतुः
तलशब्देन रुषितौ यथा नागौ महाहवे

8.40.91

विगाहन्स रथानीकमश्वसंघांश्च फल्गुनः
व्यचरत्पृतनामध्ये पाशहस्त इवान्तकः

8.40.92

तं दृष्ट्वा युधि विक्रान्तं सेनायां तव भारत
संशप्तकगणान्भूयः पुत्रस्ते समचोदयत्

8.40.93

ततो रथसहस्रेण द्विरदानां त्रिभिः शतैः
चतुर्दशसहस्रैश्च तुरगाणां महाहवे

8.40.94

द्वाभ्यां शतसहस्राभ्यां पदातीनां च धन्विनाम्
शूराणां नामलब्धानां विदितानां समन्ततः
अभ्यवर्तन्त तौ वीरौ छादयन्तो महारथाः

8.40.95

स छाद्यमानः समरे शरैः परबलार्दनः
दर्शयन्रौद्रमात्मानं पाशहस्त इवान्तकः
निघ्नन्संशप्तकान्पार्थः प्रेक्षणीयतरोऽभवत्

8.40.96

ततो विद्युत्प्रभैर्बाणैः कार्तस्वरविभूषितैः
निरन्तरमिवाकाशमासीन्नुन्नैः किरीटिना

8.40.97

किरीटिभुजनिर्मुक्तैः संपतद्भिर्महाशरैः
समाच्छन्नं बभौ सर्वं काद्रवेयैरिव प्रभो

8.40.98

रुक्मपुङ्खान्प्रसन्नाग्राञ्शरान्संनतपर्वणः
अदर्शयदमेयात्मा दिक्षु सर्वासु पाण्डवः

8.40.99

हत्वा दश सहस्राणि पार्थिवानां महारथः
संशप्तकानां कौन्तेयः प्रपक्षं त्वरितोऽभ्ययात्

8.40.100

प्रपक्षं स समासाद्य पार्थः काम्बोजरक्षितम्
प्रममाथ बलाद्बाणैर्दानवानिव वासवः

8.40.101

प्रचिच्छेदाशु भल्लैश्च द्विषतामाततायिनाम्
शस्त्रपाणींस्तथा बाहूंस्तथापि च शिरांस्युत

8.40.102

अङ्गाङ्गावयवैश्छिन्नैर्व्यायुधास्तेऽपतन्क्षितौ
विष्वग्वाताभिसंभग्ना बहुशाखा इव द्रुमाः

8.40.103

हस्त्यश्वरथपत्तीनां व्रातान्निघ्नन्तमर्जुनम्
सुदक्षिणादवरजः शरवृष्ट्याभ्यवीवृषत्

8.40.104

अस्यास्यतोऽर्धचन्द्राभ्यां स बाहू परिघोपमौ
पूर्णचन्द्राभवक्त्रं च क्षुरेणाभ्यहनच्छिरः

8.40.105

स पपात ततो वाहात्स्वलोहितपरिस्रवः
मनःशिलागिरेः शृङ्गं वज्रेणेवावदारितम्

8.40.106

सुदक्षिणादवरजं काम्बोजं ददृशुर्हतम्
प्रांशुं कमलपत्राक्षमत्यर्थं प्रियदर्शनम्
काञ्चनस्तम्भसंकाशं भिन्नं हेमगिरिं यथा

8.40.107

ततोऽभवत्पुनर्युद्धं घोरमद्भुतदर्शनम्
नानावस्थाश्च योधानां बभूवुस्तत्र युध्यताम्

8.40.108

एतेष्वावर्जितैरश्वैः काम्बोजैर्यवनैः शकैः
शोणिताक्तैस्तदा रक्तं सर्वमासीद्विशां पते

8.40.109

रथै रथाश्वसूतैश्च हतारोहैश्च वाजिभिः
द्विरदैश्च हतारोहैर्महामात्रैर्हतद्विपैः
अन्योन्येन महाराज कृतो घोरो जनक्षयः

8.40.110

तस्मिन्प्रपक्षे पक्षे च वध्यमाने महात्मना
अर्जुनं जयतां श्रेष्ठं त्वरितो द्रौणिराययौ

8.40.111

विधुन्वानो महच्चापं कार्तस्वरविभूषितम्
आददानः शरान्घोरान्स्वरश्मीनिव भास्करः

8.40.112

तैः पतद्भिर्महाराज द्रौणिमुक्तैः समन्ततः
संछादितौ रथस्थौ तावुभौ कृष्णधनंजयौ

8.40.113

ततः शरशतैस्तीक्ष्णैर्भारद्वाजः प्रतापवान्
निश्चेष्टौ तावुभौ चक्रे युद्धे माधवपाण्डवौ

8.40.114

हाहाकृतमभूत्सर्वं जङ्गमं स्थावरं तथा
चराचरस्य गोप्तारौ दृष्ट्वा संछादितौ शरैः

8.40.115

सिद्धचारणसंघाश्च संपेतुर्वै समन्ततः
चिन्तयन्तो भवेदद्य लोकानां स्वस्त्यपीत्यह

8.40.116

न मया तादृशो राजन्दृष्टपूर्वः पराक्रमः
संजज्ञे यादृशो द्रौणेः कृष्णौ संछादयिष्यतः

8.40.117

द्रौणेस्तु धनुषः शब्दमहितत्रासनं रणे
अश्रौषं बहुशो राजन्सिंहस्य नदतो यथा

8.40.118

ज्या चास्य चरतो युद्धे सव्यदक्षिणमस्यतः
विद्युदम्बुदमध्यस्था भ्राजमानेव साभवत्

8.40.119

स तथा क्षिप्रकारी च दृढहस्तश्च पाण्डवः
संमोहं परमं गत्वा प्रैक्षत द्रोणजं ततः

8.40.120

स विक्रमं हृतं मेने आत्मनः सुमहात्मना
तथास्य समरे राजन्वपुरासीत्सुदुर्दृशम्

8.40.121

द्रौणिपाण्डवयोरेवं वर्तमाने महारणे
वर्धमाने च राजेन्द्र द्रोणपुत्रे महाबले
हीयमाने च कौन्तेये कृष्णं रोषः समभ्ययात्

8.40.122

स रोषान्निःश्वसन्राजन्निर्दहन्निव चक्षुषा
द्रौणिं ह्यपश्यत्संग्रामे फल्गुनं च मुहुर्मुहुः

8.40.123

ततः क्रुद्धोऽब्रवीत्कृष्णः पार्थं सप्रणयं तदा
अत्यद्भुतमिदं पार्थ तव पश्यामि संयुगे
अतिशेते हि यत्र त्वा द्रोणपुत्रोऽद्य भारत

8.40.124

कच्चित्ते गाण्डिवं हस्ते रथे तिष्ठसि चार्जुन
कच्चित्कुशलिनौ बाहू कच्चिद्वीर्यं तदेव ते

8.40.125

एवमुक्तस्तु कृष्णेन क्षिप्त्वा भल्लांश्चतुर्दश
त्वरमाणस्त्वराकाले द्रौणेर्धनुरथाच्छिनत्
ध्वजं छत्रं पताकां च रथं शक्तिं गदां तथा

8.40.126

जत्रुदेशे च सुभृशं वत्सदन्तैरताडयत्
स मूर्च्छां परमां गत्वा ध्वजयष्टिं समाश्रितः

8.40.127

तं विसंज्ञं महाराज किरीटिभयपीडितम्
अपोवाह रणात्सूतो रक्षमाणो धनंजयात्

8.40.128

एतस्मिन्नेव काले तु विजयः शत्रुतापनः
न्यवधीत्तावकं सैन्यं शतशोऽथ सहस्रशः
पश्यतस्तव पुत्रस्य तस्य वीरस्य भारत

8.40.129

एवमेष क्षयो वृत्तस्तावकानां परैः सह
क्रूरो विशसनो घोरो राजन्दुर्मन्त्रिते तव

8.40.130

संशप्तकांश्च कौन्तेयः कुरूंश्चापि वृकोदरः
वसुषेणं च पाञ्चालः कृत्स्नेन व्यधमद्रणे

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Meanwhile Vikartana himself, resisting Bhimasena supported by the Pancalas and the Cedis and the Kaikayas, covered him with many arrows. In the very sight of Bhimasena, Karna, slew in that battle many mighty car-warriors among the Cedis, the Karushas, and the Srinjayas. Then Bhimasena, avoiding Karna, that best of car-warriors, proceeded against the Kaurava troops like a blazing fire towards a heap of dry grass. The Suta's son also in that battle, began to slay the mighty bowmen amongst the Pancalas, the Kaikayas, and the Srinjayas, in thousands. Indeed, the three mighty car-warriors viz., Partha and Vrikodara and Karna, began to exterminate the samsaptakas, the Kauravas, and the Pancalas, respectively. In consequence of thy evil policy, O king, all these Kshatriyas, scorched with excellent shafts by those three great warriors, began to be exterminated in that battle. Then Duryodhana, O chief of the Bharatas, filled with rage, pierced Nakula and his four steeds with nine arrows. Of immeasurable soul, thy son next, O ruler of men, cut off the golden standard of Sahadeva with a razor-faced shaft. Filled with wrath, Nakula then, O king, struck thy son with three and seventy arrows in that battle, and Sahadeva struck him with five. Each of those foremost warriors of Bharata's race and foremost of all bowmen, was struck by Duryodhana in rage with five arrows. With a couple of broad-headed arrows, then, he cut off the bows of both those warriors; and then he suddenly pierced each of the twins with three and seventy arrows. Taking up then two other beautiful and foremost of bows each of which resembled the bow of Indra himself, those two heroes looked beautiful like a pair of celestial youths in that battle. Then those two brothers, both endued with great activity in battle, poured upon their cousin, O king, ceaseless showers of terrible shafts like two masses of clouds, pouring rain upon a mountain breast. Thereupon thy son, that great car-warrior, O king filled with rage, resisted those two great bowmen, viz., the twin sons of Pandu, with showers of winged arrows. The bow of Duryodhana in that battle, O Bharata, seemed to be continuously drawn into a circle, and shafts seemed to issue from it ceaselessly on all sides. Covered with Duryodhana's shafts the two sons of Pandu ceased to shine brightly, like the Sun and the Moon in the firmament, divested of splendour, when shrouded by masses of clouds. Indeed, those arrows, O king, equipped with wings of gold and whetted on stone, covered all the points of the compass like the rays of the Sun, when the welkin was thus shrouded and all that was seen was one uniform expanse of the Destroyer himself, at the end of the Yuga. Beholding on the other hand, the prowess of thy son, the great car-warriors all regarded the twin sons of Madri to be in the presence of Death. The commander then, O king, of the Pandava army, viz., the mighty car-warrior Parshata (Son of Prishata) proceeded to that spot where Duryodhana was. Transgressing those two great car-warriors, viz., the two brave sons of Madri, Dhrishtadyumna began to resist thy son with his shafts. Of immeasurable soul, that bull among men, viz., thy son, filled with the desire to retaliate, and smiling the while, pierced the prince of Pancala with five and twenty arrows. Of immeasurable soul and filled with the desire to retaliate, thy son once more pierced the prince of Pancala with sixty shafts and once again with five, and uttered a loud roar. Then the king, with a sharp razor-faced arrow, cut off, in that battle, O sire, the bow with arrow fixed thereon and the leathern fence of his antagonist. Casting aside that broken bow, the prince of Pancala, that crusher of foes, quickly took up another bow that was new and capable of bearing a great strain. Blazing with impetuosity, and with eyes red as blood from rage, the great bowman Dhrishtadyumna, with many wounds on his person looked resplendent on his car. Desirous of slaying Duryodhana, O chief of the Bharatas, the Pancala hero sped five and ten cloth-yard shafts that resembled hissing snakes. Those shafts, whetted on stone and equipped with the feathers of Kankas and peacocks, cutting through the armour decked with gold of the king passed through his body and entered the Earth in consequence of the force with which they had been shot. Deeply pierced, O monarch, thy son looked exceedingly beautiful like a gigantic Kinsuka in the season of spring with its flowery weight. His armour pierced with those shafts, and all his limbs rendered exceedingly infirm with wounds, he became filled with rage and cut off Dhrishtadyumna's bow, with a broad-headed arrow. Having cut off his assailant's bow the king then, O monarch, with great speed, struck him with ten shafts on the forehead between the two eyebrows. Those shafts, polished by the hands of the smith, adorned Dhrishtadyumna's face like a number of bees, desirous of honey, adorning a full-blown lotus. Throwing aside that broken bow, the high-souled Dhrishtadyumna quickly took up another, and with it, sixteen broad-headed arrows. With five he slew the four steeds and the driver of Duryodhana, and he cut off with another his bow decked with gold. With the remaining ten shafts, the son of Prishata cut off the car with the upashkara, the umbrella, the dart, the sword, the mace, and the standard of thy son. Indeed, all the kings beheld the beautiful standard of the Kuru king, decked with golden Angadas and bearing the device of an elephant worked in jewels, cut off by the prince of the Pancalas. Then the uterine brothers of Duryodhana, O bull of Bharata's race, rescued the carless Duryodhana who had all his weapons, besides, cut off in that battle. In the very sight of Dhrishtadyumna, Durdhara, O monarch, causing that ruler of men to ride upon his car quickly bore him away from the battle.

"'Meanwhile the mighty Karna, having vanquished Satyaki and desirous of rescuing the (Kuru) king, proceeded straight against the face of Drona's slayer, that warrior of fierce shafts. The grandson of Sini, however, quickly pursued him from behind, striking him with his arrows, like an elephant pursuing a rival and striking him at the hinder limbs with his tusks. Then, O Bharata, fierce became the battle that raged between the high-souled warriors of the two armies, in the space that intervened between Karna and the son of Prishata. Not a single combatant of either the Pandavas nor ourselves turned his face from the battle. Then Karna proceeded against the Pancalas with great speed. At that hour when the Sun had ascended the meridian, great slaughter, O best of men, of elephants and steeds and men, took place on both sides. The Pancalas, O king, inspired with the desire of victory, all rushed with speed against Karna like birds towards a tree. The son of Adhiratha, of great energy, filled with rage, began from their front to strike those Pancalas, with the keen points of his shafts, singling out their leaders, viz., Vyaghraketu and Susharma and Citra and Ugrayudha and Jaya and Sukla and Rochamana and the invincible Singhasena. Those heroes, speedily advancing with their cars, encompassed that foremost of men, and poured their shafts upon that angry warrior, viz., Karna, that ornament of battle. That foremost of men endued with great valour, viz., the son of Radha, afflicted those eight heroes engaged in battle with eight keen shafts. The Suta's son possessed of great prowess, O king, then slew many thousands of other warriors skilled in fight. Filled with rage, the son of Radha then slew Jishnu, and Jishnukarman, and Devapi, O king, in that battle, and Citra, and Citrayudha, and Hari, and Singhaketu and Rochamana and the great car-warrior Salabha, and many car-warriors among the Cedis bathed the form of Adhiratha's son in blood, while he himself was engaged in taking the lives of those heroes. There, O Bharata, elephants, assailed with arrows by Karna, fled away on all sides in fear and caused a great agitation on the field of battle. Others assailed with the shafts of Karna, uttered diverse cries, and fell down like mountains riven with thunder. With the fallen bodies of elephants and steeds and men and with fallen cars, the Earth became strewn along the track of Karna's car. Indeed, neither Bhishma, nor Drona, nor any other warrior of thy army had ever achieved such feats as were then achieved by Karna in that battle. Amongst elephants, amongst steeds, amongst cars and amongst men, the Suta's son caused a very great carnage, O tiger among men. As a lion is seen to career fearlessly among a herd of deer, even so Karna careered fearlessly among the Pancalas. As a lion routeth a herd of terrified deer to all points of the compass, even so Karna routed those throngs of Pancala cars to all sides. As a herd of deer that have approached the jaws of a lion can never escape with life, even so those great car-warriors that approached Karna could not escape with their lives. As people are certainly burnt if they come in contact with a blazing fire, even so the Srinjayas, O Bharata, were burnt by the Karna-fire when they came in contact with it. Many warriors among the Cedis and the Pancalas, O Bharata, that were regarded as heroes, were slain by the single-handed Karna in that battle who fought with them, proclaiming his name, in every instance. Beholding the prowess of Karna, O king, I thought that a single Pancala even would not, in that battle, escape from the son of Adhiratha. Indeed, the Suta's son in that battle repeatedly routed the Pancalas.

"'Beholding Karna thus slaughtering the Pancalas in that dreadful battle, King Yudhishthira the just rushed in wrath towards him; Dhrishtadyumna and the sons of Draupadi also, O sire, and hundreds of warriors, encompassed that slayer of foes viz., the son of Radha. And Shikhandi, and Sahadeva, and Nakula, and Nakula's son, and Janamejaya, and the grandson of Sini, and innumerable Prabhadrakas, all endued with immeasurable energy, advancing with Dhrishtadyumna in their van, looked magnificent as they struck Karna with shafts and diverse weapons. Like Garuda falling upon a large number of snakes, the son of Adhiratha, singlehanded, fell upon all those Cedis and Pancalas and Pandavas in that encounter. The battle that took place between them and Karna, O monarch, became exceedingly fierce like that which had occurred in days of old between the gods and the Danavas. Like the Sun dispelling the surrounding darkness, Karna fearlessly and alone encountered all those great bowmen united together and pouring upon him repeated showers of arrows. While the son of Radha was thus engaged with the Pandavas, Bhimasena, filled with rage, began to slaughter the Kurus with shafts, every one of which resembled the lord of Yama. That great bowman, fighting single-handed with the Bahlikas, and the Kaikayas, the Matsyas, the Vasatas, the Madras, and Saindhavas, looked exceedingly resplendent. There, elephants, assailed in their vital limbs by Bhima with his cloth-yard shafts fell down, with their riders slain, making the Earth tremble with the violence of their fall. Steeds also, with their riders slain, and foot-soldiers deprived of life, lay down, pierced with arrows and vomiting blood in large quantities. Car-warriors in thousands fell down, their weapons loosened from their hands. Inspired with the fear of Bhima, they lay deprived of life, their bodies mangled with sounds. The Earth became strewn with car-warriors and horsemen and elephant-men and drivers and foot-soldiers and steeds and elephants all mangled with the shafts of Bhimasena. The army of Duryodhana, O king, cheerless and mangled and afflicted with the fear of Bhimasena, stood as if stupefied. Indeed that melancholy host stood motionless in that dreadful battle like the Ocean, O king, during a calm in autumn. Stupefied, that host stood even like the Ocean in calm. However endued with wrath and energy and might, the army of thy son then, divested of its pride, lost all its splendour. Indeed, the host, whilst thus being slaughtered became drenched with gore and seemed to bathe in blood. The combatants, O chief of the Bharatas, drenched with blood, were seen to approach and slaughter one another. The Suta's son, filled with rage, routed the Pandava division, while Bhimasena in rage routed the Kurus. And both of them, while thus employed, looked exceedingly resplendent. During the progress of that fierce battle filling the spectators with wonder, Arjuna, that foremost of various persons, having slain a large number of samsaptakas in the midst of their array, addressed Vasudeva, saying, "This struggling force of samsaptakas, O Janardana, is broken. Those great car-warriors amongst the samsaptakas are flying away with their followers, unable to bear my shafts, like deer unable to bear the roar of the lion. The vast force of the Srinjayas also seems to break in this great battle. There that banner of the intelligent Karna, bearing the device of the elephant's rope, O Krishna, is seen in the midst of Yudhishthira's division, where he is careering with activity. The other great car-warriors (of our army) are incapable of vanquishing Karna. Thou knowest that Karna is possessed of great energy as regards prowess in battle. Proceed thither where Karna is routing our force. Avoiding (other warriors) in battle, proceed against the Suta's son, that mighty car-warrior. This is what I wish, O Krishna. Do, however, that which thou likest." Hearing these words of his, Govinda smiled, and addressing Arjuna, said, "Slay the Kauravas, O son of Pandu, without delay." Then those steeds, white as swans, urged by Govinda, and bearing Krishna and the son of Pandu penetrated thy vast force. Indeed, thy host broke on all sides as those white steeds in trappings of gold, urged by Keshava, penetrated into its midst. That ape-bannered car, the clatter of whose wheels resembled the deep roar of the clouds and whose flags waved in the air, penetrated into the host like a celestial car passing through the welkin. Keshava and Arjuna, filled with rage, and with eyes red as blood, as they penetrated, piercing through thy vast host, looked exceedingly resplendent in their splendour. Both delighting in battle, as those two heroes, challenged by the Kurus, came to the field, they looked like the twin Ashvinis invoked with proper rites in a sacrifice by the officiating priests. Filled with rage, the impetuosity of those two tigers among men increased like that of two elephants in a large forest, enraged at the claps of hunters. Having penetrated into the midst of that car-force and those bodies of horse, Phalguna careered within those divisions like the Destroyer himself, armed with the fatal noose. Beholding him put forth such prowess within his army, thy son, O Bharata, once more urged the samsaptakas against him. Thereupon, with a 1,000 cars, and 300 elephants, and 14,000 horses, and 200,00 of foot-soldiers armed with the bow, endued with great courage, of sureness of aim and conversant with all the ways of battle, the leaders of the samsaptakas rushed (from every side) towards the son of Kunti (in the great battle) covering the Pandava, O monarch, with showers of arrows from all sides. Thus covered with shafts in that battle, Partha, that grinder of hostile forces, exhibited himself in a fierce form like the Destroyer himself, armed with the noose. While engaged in slaughtering the samsaptakas, Partha became a worthy object of sight to all. Then the welkin became filled with shafts decked with gold and possessed of the effulgence of lightning that were ceaselessly short by the diadem-decked Arjuna. Indeed, everything completely shrouded with mighty shafts sped from Arjuna's arms and falling ceaselessly all around, looked resplendent, O lord, as if covered with snakes. The son of Pandu, of immeasurable soul, shot on all sides his straight shafts equipped with wings of gold and furnished with keen points. In consequence of the sound of Partha's palms, people thought that the Earth, or the vault of the welkin, or all the points of the compass, or the several oceans, or the mountains seemed to split. Having slain 10,000 kshatriyas, Kunti's son, that mighty car-warrior, then quickly proceeded to the further wing of the samsaptakas. Repairing to that further wing which was protected by the Kambojas, Partha began to grind it forcibly with his arrows like Vasava grinding the Danavas. With broad-headed arrows he began to quickly cut off the arms, with weapons in grasp, and also the heads of foes longing to slay him. Deprived of diverse limbs, and of weapons, they began to fall down on the Earth, like trees of many boughs broken by a hurricane. While he was engaged in thus slaughtering elephants and steeds and car-warriors and foot-soldiers, the younger brother of Sudakshina (the chief of the Kambojas) began to pour showers of arrows on him. With a couple of crescent-shaped arrows, Arjuna cut off the two arms, looking like spiked maces, of his striking assailant, and then his head graced with a face as beautiful as the full moon, with a razor-headed arrow. Deprived of life, he fell down from his vehicle, his body bathed in blood, like the thunder-riven summit of a mountain of red arsenic. Indeed, people saw the tall and exceedingly handsome younger brother of Sudakshina, the chief of the Kambojas, of eyes resembling lotus petals, slain and fall down like a column of gold or like a summit of the golden Sumeru. Then commenced a battle there once more that was fierce and exceedingly wonderful. The condition of the struggling combatants varied repeatedly. Each slain with a single arrow, and combatants of the Kamboja, the Yavana, and the Saka races, fell down bathed in blood, upon which the whole field of battle became one expanse of red, O monarch. In consequence of car-warriors deprived of steeds and drivers, and steeds deprived of riders, and elephants deprived of riders, and riders deprived of elephants, battling with one another, O king, a great carnage took place. When the wing and the further wing of the samsaptakas had thus been exterminated by Savyasaci, the son of Drona quickly proceeded against Arjuna, that foremost of victorious warriors. Indeed, Drona's son rushed, shaking his formidable bow, and taking with him many terrible arrows like the Sun himself appearing with his own rays. With mouth wide open from rage and with the desire to retaliate, and with red eyes, the mighty Ashvatthama looked formidable like death himself, armed with his mace and filled with wrath as at the end of the Yuga. He then shot showers of fierce shafts. With those shafts sped by him, he began to rout the Pandava army. As soon as he beheld him of Dasharha's race (Keshava) on the car, O king, he once more sped at him, and repeated showers of fierce shafts. With those falling shafts, O monarch, sped by Drona's son, both Krishna and Dhananjaya were completely shrouded on the car. Then the valiant Ashvatthama, with hundreds of keen arrows, stupefied both Madhava and the son of Pandu in that battle. Beholding those two protectors of all mobile and immobile creatures thus covered with arrows, the universe of mobile and immobile beings uttered cries of "Oh!" and "Alas!" Crowds of Siddhas and Charanas began to repair to that spot from every side, mentally uttering this prayer, viz., "Let good be to all the worlds." Never before, O king, did I see prowess like that of Drona's son in that battle while he was engaged in shrouding the two Krishnas with shafts. The sound of Ashvatthama's bow, inspiring foes with terror, was repeatedly heard by us in that battle, O king, to resemble that of a roaring lion. While careering in that battle and striking right and left the string of his bow looked beautiful like flashes of lightning in the midst of a mass of clouds. Though endued with great firmness and lightness of hand the son of Pandu, for all that, beholding the son of Drona then, became greatly stupefied. Indeed, Arjuna then regarded his own prowess to be destroyed by his high-souled assailant. The form of Ashvatthama became such in that battle that men could with difficulty gaze at it. During the progress of that dreadful battle between Drona's son and the Pandava, during that time when the mighty son of Drona, O monarch, thus prevailed over his antagonist and the son of Kunti lost his energy, Krishna became filled with rage. Inspired with wrath he drew deep breaths, O king, and seemed to burn with his eyes both Ashvatthama and Phalguna as he looked at them repeatedly. Filled with rage, Krishna addressed Partha in an affectionate tone, saying, "This, O Partha, that I behold in battle regarding thee, is exceedingly strange, since Drona's son, O Partha, surpasseth thee today! Hast thou not now the energy and the might of thy arms thou hadst before? Hast thou not that Gandiva still in thy hands, and dost thou not stay on thy car now? Are not thy two arms sound? Hath thy fist suffered any hurt? Why is it then that I see the son of Drona prevail over thee in battle? Do not, O Partha, spare thy assailant, regarding him as the son of thy preceptor, O bull of Bharata's race. This is not the time for sparing him." Thus addressed by Krishna, Partha speedily took up four and ten broad-headed arrows at a time, when speed was of the highest moment, and with them he cut off Ashvatthama's bow and standard and umbrella and banners and car and dart and mace. With a few calf-toothed arrows he then deeply struck the son of Drona in the latter's shoulder. Thereupon overcome with a deep swoon, Ashvatthama sat down, supporting himself on his flagstaff. The latter's driver then, O monarch, desirous of protecting him from Dhananjaya, bore him away insensible and thus deeply afflicted by the foe. Meanwhile that scorcher of foes, viz., Vijaya, slaughtered thy troops by hundreds and thousands, in the very sight of that hero, viz., thy son, O sire. Thus, O king, in consequence of thy evil counsels, a cruel and awful destruction and carnage commenced as thy warriors were engaged with the enemy. Within a short time Vibhatsu routed the samsaptakas: Vrikodara, the Kurus, and Vasusena, the Pancalas. During the progress of the battle destructive of great heroes, there rose many headless trunks all around. Meanwhile Yudhishthira, O chief of the Bharatas, in great pain owing to his wounds, retreating about two miles from the battle, rested himself for some time.'"

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Then Duryodhana, O chief of Bharatas, repairing to Karna, said unto him as also unto the ruler of the Madras and the other lords of Earth present there, these words, "Without seeking hath this occasion arrived, when the gates of heaven have become wide open. Happy are those Kshatriyas, O Karna, that obtain such a battle. Brave heroes fighting in battle with brave Kshatriyas equal to them in might and prowess, obtain great good, O son of Radha. The occasion that hath come is even such. Either let these brave Kshatriyas, slaying the Pandavas in battle, obtain the broad Earth, or let them, slain in battle by the foe, win the blessed region reserved for heroes." Hearing these words of Duryodhana, those bulls among Kshatriyas cheerfully uttered loud shouts and beat and blew their musical instruments. When Duryodhana's force became thus filled with joy, the son of Drona, gladdening all thy warriors further said, "In the very sight of all the troops, and before the eyes of you all, my father after he had laid aside his weapons, was slain by Dhrishtadyumna. By that wrath which such an act might kindle, and for the sake also of my friend, ye kings, I swear truly before you all. Listen then to that oath of mine. Without slaying Dhrishtadyumna I shall not doff my armour. If this vow of mine be not fulfilled, let me not go to heaven. Be it Arjuna, be it Bhimasena, or be it anybody else, whoever will come against me I will crush him or all of them. There is no doubt in this." After Ashvatthama had uttered these words, the entire Bharata army, united together, rushed against the Pandavas, and the latter also rushed against the former. The collision of brave leaders of car-divisions, O Bharata, became exceedingly awful. A destruction of life then set in at the van of the Kurus and the Srinjayas, that resembled what takes place at the last great universal dissolution. Upon the commencement of that passage-at-arms, various (superior) beings, with the gods, came there accompanied by the Apsaras, for beholding those foremost of men. Filled with joy, the Apsaras began to cover those foremost of men devoted to the duties of their order, with celestial garlands, with diverse kinds of celestial perfumes, and with diverse species of gems. Soft winds bore those excellent odours to the nostrils of all the foremost of warriors. Having smelt those perfumes in consequence of the action of the wind, the warriors once more engaged in battle, and striking one another began to fall down on the Earth. Strewn with celestial flowers, with beautiful shafts equipped with wings of gold, and with many foremost of warriors, the Earth looked beautiful like the firmament bespangled with myriads of stars. Then in consequence of cheers coming from the welkin and the noise of musical instruments, the furious passage-at-arms distinguished by twang of bows and clatter of car-wheels and shouts of warriors became exceedingly fierce.'"

8.41.1

संजय उवाच
त्वरमाणः पुनः कृष्णः पार्थमभ्यवदच्छनैः
पश्य कौरव्य राजानमपयातांश्च पाण्डवान्

8.41.2

कर्णं पश्य महारङ्गे ज्वलन्तमिव पावकम्
असौ भीमो महेष्वासः संनिवृत्तो रणं प्रति

8.41.3

तमेतेऽनु निवर्तन्ते धृष्टद्युम्नपुरोगमाः
पाञ्चालानां सृञ्जयानां पाण्डवानां च यन्मुखम्
निवृत्तैश्च तथा पार्थैर्भग्नं शत्रुबलं महत्

8.41.4

कौरवान्द्रवतो ह्येष कर्णो धारयतेऽर्जुन
अन्तकप्रतिमो वेगे शक्रतुल्यपराक्रमः

8.41.5

असौ गच्छति कौरव्य द्रौणिरस्त्रभृतां वरः
तमेष प्रद्रुतः संख्ये धृष्टद्युम्नो महारथः

8.41.6

सर्वं व्याचष्ट दुर्धर्षो वासुदेवः किरीटिने
ततो राजन्प्रादुरासीन्महाघोरो महारणः

8.41.7

सिंहनादरवाश्चात्र प्रादुरासन्समागमे
उभयोः सेनयो राजन्मृत्युं कृत्वा निवर्तनम्

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Thus raged that great battle between those lords of Earth when Arjuna and Karna and Bhimasena, the son of Pandu became angry. Having vanquished the son of Drona, and other great car-warriors, Arjuna, O king, addressing Vasudeva, said, "Behold, O Krishna of mighty arms, the Pandava army is flying away. Behold, Karna is slaying our great car-warriors in this battle. I do not, O thou of Dasaratha's race, see king Yudhishthira the just. Nor is the standard of Dharma's son, foremost of warriors, visible. The third part of the day still remaineth, Janardana. No one amongst the Dhartarashtras cometh against me for fight. For doing, therefore, what is agreeable to me, proceed to the spot where Yudhishthira is. Beholding Dharma's son safe and sound with his younger brothers in battle, I will again fight with the foe, O thou of Vrishni's race." At these words of Vibhatsu, Hari (Krishna) quickly proceeded on that car to that spot where king Yudhishthira, along with the mighty Srinjaya car-warriors of great strength, were fighting with the foe, making death their goal. During the progress of that great carnage, Govinda, beholding the field of battle, addressed Savyasaci, saying, "Behold, O Partha, how great and awful is this carnage, O Bharata, of Kshatriyas on Earth for the sake of Duryodhana. Behold, O Bharata, the gold-backed bows of slain warriors, as also their costly quivers displaced from their shoulders. Behold those straight shafts equipped with wings of gold, and those clothyard arrows washed with oil and looking like snakes freed from their sloughs. Behold, O Bharata, those scimitars, decked with gold, and having ivory handles, and those displaced shields embossed with gold. Behold those lances decked with gold, those darts having golden ornaments, and those huge maces twined round with gold. Behold those swords adorned with gold, those axes with golden ornaments, and the heads of those battle-axes fallen off from their golden handles. Behold those iron Kuntas, those short clubs exceedingly heavy, those beautiful rockets, those huge bludgeons with spiked heads, those discs displaced from the arms of their wielders, and those spears (that have been used) in this dreadful battle. Endued (while living) with great activity, warriors that came to battle, having taken up diverse weapons, are lying, though deprived of life, as if still alive. Behold, thousands of warriors lying on the field, with limbs crushed by means of maces, or heads broken by means of heavy clubs, or torn and mangled by elephants and steeds and cars. The field of battle is covered with shafts and darts and swords and axes and scimitars and spiked maces and lances and iron Kuntas and battle-axes, and the bodies of men and steeds and elephants, hacked with many wounds and covered with streams of blood and deprived of life, O slayer of foes. The Earth looks beautiful, O Bharata, with arms smeared with sandal, decked with Angadas of gold and with Keyuras, and having their ends cased in leathern fences. With hands cased in leathern fences, with displaced ornaments, with severed thighs looking like elephants' trunks of many active warriors, with fallen heads, decked with costly gems and earrings, of heroes having large expansive eyes, the Earth looks exceedingly beautiful. With headless trunks smeared all over with blood with severed limbs and heads and hips, the Earth looks, O best of the Bharatas, like an altar strewn with extinguished fires. Behold those beautiful cars with rows of golden bells, broken in diverse ways, and those slain steeds lying scattered on the field, with arrows yet sticking to their bodies. Behold those bottoms of cars, those quivers, those banners, those diverse kinds of standards, those gigantic conchs of car-warriors, white in hue and scattered all over the field. Behold those elephants, huge as hills, lying on the Earth, with tongues lolling out, and those other elephants and steeds, deprived of life and decked with triumphal banners. Behold those housings of elephants, and those skins and blankets, and those other beautiful and variegated and torn blankets. Behold those rows of bells torn and broken in diverse ways in consequence of falling elephants of gigantic size, and those beautiful goads set with stones of lapis lazuli, and those hooks falling upon the ground. Behold those whips, adorned with gold, and variegated with gems, still in the grasp of (slain) horsemen, and those blankets and skins of the Ranku deer falling on the ground but which had served for seats on horse back. Behold those gems for adorning the diadems of kings, and those beautiful necklaces of gold, and those displaced umbrellas and yak-tails for fanning. Behold the Earth, miry with blood, strewn with the faces of heroes, decked with beautiful earrings and well-cut beards and possessed of the splendour of the moon and stars. Behold those wounded warriors in whom life is not yet extinct and who, lying all around, are uttering wails of woe. Their relatives, O prince, casting aside their weapons are tending them, weeping incessantly. Having covered many warriors with arrows and deprived them of life, behold those combatants, endued with activity longing for victory, and swelling with rage, are once more proceeding for battle against their antagonists. Others are running hither and thither on the field. Being begged for water by fallen heroes, others related to them have gone in quest of drink. Many, O Arjuna, are breathing their last meanwhile. Returning their brave relatives, seeing them become senseless are throwing down the water they brought and are running wildly, shouting at one another. Behold, many have died after having slaked their thirst, and many, O Bharata, are dying while drinking. Others, though affectionate towards relatives, are still seen to rush towards foes in great battle deserting their dear relatives. Others, again, O best of men, biting their nether lips, and with faces rendered terrible in consequence of the contraction of their brows, are surveying the field all around." While saying these words unto Arjuna, Vasudeva proceeded towards Yudhishthira. Arjuna also, beholding the king in that great battle, repeatedly urged Govinda, saying, "Proceed, Proceed." Having shown the field of battle to Partha, Madhava, while proceeding quickly, slowly said unto Partha once more, "Behold those kings rushing towards king Yudhishthira. Behold Karna, who resembles a blazing fire, on the arena of the battle. Yonder the mighty-bowman Bhima is proceeding to battle. They that are the foremost among the Pancalas, the Srinjayas, and the Pandavas--they, that is, that have Dhrishtadyumna for their head, are following Bhima. The vast army of the enemy is again broken by the rushing Parthas. Behold, O Arjuna, Karna is trying to rally the flying Kauravas. Resembling the Destroyer himself in impetuosity and Indra himself in prowess, yonder proceedeth Drona's son, O thou of Kuru's race, that hero who is the foremost of all wielders of weapons. The mighty carwarrior Dhrishtadyumna is rushing against that hero. The Srinjayas are following the lead of Dhristadyumna. Behold, the Srinjayas are falling." Thus did the invincible Vasudeva describe everything unto the diadem-decked Arjuna. Then, O king, commenced a terrible and awful battle. Loud leonine shouts arose as the two hosts encountered each other, O monarch, making death their goal. Even thus, O king, in consequence of thy evil counsels, did that destruction set in on Earth, O lord of Earth, of both thy warriors and those of the enemy.'"

8.42.1

संजय उवाच
ततः पुनः समाजग्मुरभीताः कुरुसृञ्जयाः
युधिष्ठिरमुखाः पार्था वैकर्तनमुखा वयम्

8.42.2

ततः प्रववृते भीमः संग्रामो लोमहर्षणः
कर्णस्य पाण्डवानां च यमराष्ट्रविवर्धनः

8.42.3

तस्मिन्प्रवृत्ते संग्रामे तुमुले शोणितोदके
संशप्तकेषु शूरेषु किंचिच्छिष्टेषु भारत

8.42.4

धृष्टद्युम्नो महाराज सहितः सर्वराजभिः
कर्णमेवाभिदुद्राव पाण्डवाश्च महारथाः

8.42.5

आगच्छमानांस्तान्संख्ये प्रहृष्टान्विजयैषिणः
दधारैको रणे कर्णो जलौघानिव पर्वतः

8.42.6

तमासाद्य तु ते कर्णं व्यशीर्यन्त महारथाः
यथाचलं समासाद्य जलौघाः सर्वतोदिशम्
तयोरासीन्महाराज संग्रामो लोमहर्षणः

8.42.7

धृष्टद्युम्नस्तु राधेयं शरेण नतपर्वणा
ताडयामास संक्रुद्धस्तिष्ठ तिष्ठेति चाब्रवीत्

8.42.8

विजयं तु धनुःश्रेष्ठं विधुन्वानो महारथः
पार्षतस्य धनुश्छित्त्वा शरानाशीविषोपमान्
ताडयामास संक्रुद्धः पार्षतं नवभिः शरैः

8.42.9

ते वर्म हेमविकृतं भित्त्वा तस्य महात्मनः
शोणिताक्ता व्यराजन्त शक्रगोपा इवानघ

8.42.10

तदपास्य धनुश्छिन्नं धृष्टद्युम्नो महारथः
अन्यद्धनुरुपादाय शरांश्चाशीविषोपमान्
कर्णं विव्याध सप्तत्या शरैः संनतपर्वभिः

8.42.11

तथैव राजन्कर्णोऽपि पार्षतं शत्रुतापनम्
द्रोणशत्रुं महेष्वासो विव्याध निशितैः शरैः

8.42.12

तस्य कर्णो महाराज शरं कनकभूषणम्
प्रेषयामास संक्रुद्धो मृत्युदण्डमिवापरम्

8.42.13

तमापतन्तं सहसा घोररूपं विशां पते
चिच्छेद सप्तधा राजञ्शैनेयः कृतहस्तवत्

8.42.14

दृष्ट्वा विनिहितं बाणं शरैः कर्णो विशां पते
सात्यकिं शरवर्षेण समन्तात्पर्यवारयत्

8.42.15

विव्याध चैनं समरे नाराचैस्तत्र सप्तभिः
तं प्रत्यविध्यच्छैनेयः शरैर्हेमविभूषितैः

8.42.16

ततो युद्धमतीवासीच्चक्षुःश्रोत्रभयावहम्
राजन्घोरं च चित्रं च प्रेक्षणीयं समन्ततः

8.42.17

सर्वेषां तत्र भूतानां लोमहर्षो व्यजायत
तद्दृष्ट्वा समरे कर्म कर्णशैनेययोर्नृप

8.42.18

एतस्मिन्नन्तरे द्रौणिरभ्ययात्सुमहाबलम्
पार्षतं शत्रुदमनं शत्रुवीर्यासुनाशनम्

8.42.19

अभ्यभाषत संक्रुद्धो द्रौणिर्दूरे धनंजये
तिष्ठ तिष्ठाद्य ब्रह्मघ्न न मे जीवन्विमोक्ष्यसे

8.42.20

इत्युक्त्वा सुभृशं वीरः शीघ्रकृन्निशितैः शरैः
पार्षतं छादयामास घोररूपैः सुतेजनैः
यतमानं परं शक्त्या यतमानो महारथः

8.42.21

यथा हि समरे द्रौणिः पार्षतं वीक्ष्य मारिष
तथा द्रौणिं रणे दृष्ट्वा पार्षतः परवीरहा
नातिहृष्टमना भूत्वा मन्यते मृत्युमात्मनः

8.42.22

द्रौणिस्तु दृष्ट्वा राजेन्द्र धृष्टद्युम्नं रणे स्थितम्
क्रोधेन निःश्वसन्वीरः पार्षतं समुपाद्रवत्
तावन्योन्यं तु दृष्ट्वैव संरम्भं जग्मतुः परम्

8.42.23

अथाब्रवीन्महाराज द्रोणपुत्रः प्रतापवान्
धृष्टद्युम्नं समीपस्थं त्वरमाणो विशां पते
पाञ्चालापसदाद्य त्वां प्रेषयिष्यामि मृत्यवे

8.42.24

पापं हि यत्त्वया कर्म घ्नता द्रोणं पुरा कृतम्
अद्य त्वा पत्स्यते तद्वै यथा ह्यकुशलं तथा

8.42.25

अरक्ष्यमाणः पार्थेन यदि तिष्ठसि संयुगे
नापक्रमसि वा मूढ सत्यमेतद्ब्रवीमि ते

8.42.26

एवमुक्तः प्रत्युवाच धृष्टद्युम्नः प्रतापवान्
प्रतिवाक्यं स एवासिर्मामको दास्यते तव
येनैव ते पितुर्दत्तं यतमानस्य संयुगे

8.42.27

यदि तावन्मया द्रोणो निहतो ब्राह्मणब्रुवः
त्वामिदानीं कथं युद्धे न हनिष्यामि विक्रमात्

8.42.28

एवमुक्त्वा महाराज सेनापतिरमर्षणः
निशितेनाथ बाणेन द्रौणिं विव्याध पार्षतः

8.42.29

ततो द्रौणिः सुसंक्रुद्धः शरैः संनतपर्वभिः
प्राच्छादयद्दिशो राजन्धृष्टद्युम्नस्य संयुगे

8.42.30

नैवान्तरिक्षं न दिशो नैव योधाः समन्ततः
दृश्यन्ते वै महाराज शरैश्छन्नाः सहस्रशः

8.42.31

तथैव पार्षतो राजन्द्रौणिमाहवशोभिनम्
शरैः संछादयामास सूतपुत्रस्य पश्यतः

8.42.32

राधेयोऽपि महाराज पाञ्चालान्सह पाण्डवैः
द्रौपदेयान्युधामन्युं सात्यकिं च महारथम्
एकः स वारयामास प्रेक्षणीयः समन्ततः

8.42.33

धृष्टद्युम्नोऽपि समरे द्रौणेश्चिच्छेद कार्मुकम्
तदपास्य धनुश्छिन्नमन्यदादत्त कार्मुकम्
वेगवत्समरे घोरं शरांश्चाशीविषोपमान्

8.42.34

स पार्षतस्य राजेन्द्र धनुः शक्तिं गदां ध्वजम्
हयान्सूतं रथं चैव निमेषाद्व्यधमच्छरैः

8.42.35

स छिन्नधन्वा विरथो हताश्वो हतसारथिः
खड्गमादत्त विपुलं शतचन्द्रं च भानुमत्

8.42.36

द्रौणिस्तदपि राजेन्द्र भल्लैः क्षिप्रं महारथः
चिच्छेद समरे वीरः क्षिप्रहस्तो दृढायुधः
रथादनवरूढस्य तदद्भुतमिवाभवत्

8.42.37

धृष्टद्युम्नं तु विरथं हताश्वं छिन्नकार्मुकम्
शरैश्च बहुधा विद्धमस्त्रैश्च शकलीकृतम्
नातरद्भरतश्रेष्ठ यतमानो महारथः

8.42.38

तस्यान्तमिषुभी राजन्यदा द्रौणिर्न जग्मिवान्
अथ त्यक्त्वा धनुर्वीरः पार्षतं त्वरितोऽन्वगात्

8.42.39

आसीदाद्रवतो राजन्वेगस्तस्य महात्मनः
गरुडस्येव पततो जिघृक्षोः पन्नगोत्तमम्

8.42.40

एतस्मिन्नेव काले तु माधवोऽर्जुनमब्रवीत्
पश्य पार्थ यथा द्रौणिः पार्षतस्य वधं प्रति
यत्नं करोति विपुलं हन्याच्चैनमसंशयम्

8.42.41

तं मोचय महाबाहो पार्षतं शत्रुतापनम्
द्रौणेरास्यमनुप्राप्तं मृत्योरास्यगतं यथा

8.42.42

एवमुक्त्वा महाराज वासुदेवः प्रतापवान्
प्रैषयत्तत्र तुरगान्यत्र द्रौणिर्व्यवस्थितः

8.42.43

ते हयाश्चन्द्रसंकाशाः केशवेन प्रचोदिताः
पिबन्त इव तद्व्योम जग्मुर्द्रौणिरथं प्रति

8.42.44

दृष्ट्वायान्तौ महावीर्यावुभौ कृष्णधनंजयौ
धृष्टद्युम्नवधे राजंश्चक्रे यत्नं महाबलः

8.42.45

विकृष्यमाणं दृष्ट्वैव धृष्टद्युम्नं जनेश्वर
शरांश्चिक्षेप वै पार्थो द्रौणिं प्रति महाबलः

8.42.46

ते शरा हेमविकृता गाण्डीवप्रेषिता भृशम्
द्रौणिमासाद्य विविशुर्वल्मीकमिव पन्नगाः

8.42.47

स विध्वस्तैः शरैर्घोरैर्द्रोणपुत्रः प्रतापवान्
रथमारुरुहे वीरो धनंजयशरार्दितः
प्रगृह्य च धनुः श्रेष्ठं पार्थं विव्याध सायकैः

8.42.48

एतस्मिन्नन्तरे वीरः सहदेवो जनाधिप
अपोवाह रथेनाजौ पार्षतं शत्रुतापनम्

8.42.49

अर्जुनोऽपि महाराज द्रौणिं विव्याध पत्रिभिः
तं द्रोणपुत्रः संक्रुद्धो बाह्वोरुरसि चार्दयत्

8.42.50

क्रोधितस्तु रणे पार्थो नाराचं कालसंमितम्
द्रोणपुत्राय चिक्षेप कालदण्डमिवापरम्
स ब्राह्मणस्यांसदेशे निपपात महाद्युतिः

8.42.51

स विह्वलो महाराज शरवेगेन संयुगे
निषसाद रथोपस्थे वैक्लव्यं च परं ययौ

8.42.52

ततः कर्णो महाराज व्याक्षिपद्विजयं धनुः
अर्जुनं समरे क्रुद्धः प्रेक्षमाणो मुहुर्मुहुः
द्वैरथं चापि पार्थेन कामयानो महारणे

8.42.53

तं तु हित्वा हतं वीरं सारथिः शत्रुकर्शनम्
अपोवाह रथेनाजौ त्वरमाणो रणाजिरात्

8.42.54

अथोत्क्रुष्टं महाराज पाञ्चालैर्जितकाशिभिः
मोक्षितं पार्षतं दृष्ट्वा द्रोणपुत्रं च पीडितम्

8.42.55

वादित्राणि च दिव्यानि प्रावाद्यन्त सहस्रशः
सिंहनादश्च संजज्ञे दृष्ट्वा घोरं महाद्भुतम्

8.42.56

एवं कृत्वाब्रवीत्पार्थो वासुदेवं धनंजयः
याहि संशप्तकान्कृष्ण कार्यमेतत्परं मम

8.42.57

ततः प्रयातो दाशार्हः श्रुत्वा पाण्डवभाषितम्
रथेनातिपताकेन मनोमारुतरंहसा

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Then the Kurus and the Srinjayas once more fearlessly encountered each other in battle, the Parthas being headed by Yudhishthira, and ourselves headed by the Suta's son. Then commenced a terrible battle, making the hair to stand on end, between Karna and the Pandavas, that increased the population of Yama's kingdom. After that furious battle, producing rivers of blood, had commenced, and when a remnant only of the brave samsaptakas, O Bharata, were left unslaughtered, Dhrishtadyumna, O monarch, with all the kings (on the Pandava side) and those mighty car-warriors--the Pandavas themselves, all rushed against Karna only. Like the mountain receiving a vast body of water, Karna, unaided by anyone, received in that battle all those advancing warriors filled with joy and longing for victory. Those mighty car-warriors encountering Karna, were beat off and broken like a mass of water, and beat back on all sides when it encounters a mountain. The battle, however, that took place between them and Karna made the hair stand on end. Then Dhrishtadyumna assailed the son of Radha with a straight shaft in that battle, and addressing him said, "Wait, Wait." The mighty car-warrior Karna, filled with rage, shook his foremost of bows called Vijaya, and cutting off the bow of Dhrishtadyumna, as also his arrows resembling snakes of virulent poison assailed Dhrishtadyumna himself with nine arrows. Those arrows, O sinless one, piercing through the gold-decked armour of the high-souled son of Prishata, became bathed in blood and looked beautiful like so many cochineal. The mighty car-warrior Dhrishtadyumna, casting aside that broken bow, took up another bow and a number of shafts resembling snakes of virulent poison. With those straight shafts numbering seventy, he pierced Karna. Similarly, O king, Karna, in that battle, covered Prishata's son, that scorcher of foes, with many shafts resembling snakes of virulent poison. The slayer of Drona, that great bowman, retaliated by piercing Karna with many keen shafts. Filled with rage, Karna then, O monarch, sped at his antagonist a gold-decked shaft that resembled a second rod of death. That terrible shaft, O monarch, as it coursed impetuously towards Prishata's son, the grandson of Sini, O king, cut off into seven fragments, displaying great lightness of hand. Beholding his shaft baffled by the arrows of Satyaki, O king, Karna resisted Satyaki with showers of arrows from every side. And he pierced Satyaki in that encounter with seven clothyard shafts. The grandson of Sini, however, pierced him in return with many arrows decked with gold. The battle then that took place, O king, between those two warriors was such as to fill both spectators and listeners with fear. Though awful, soon it became beautiful and deserving objects of sight. Beholding the feats, in that encounter, of Karna and the grandson of Sini, the hair of all the creatures there present seemed to stand on end. Meanwhile the mighty son of Drona rushed against Prishata's son, that chastiser of foes and queller of the prowess of all enemies. Filled with rage, Drona's son, that subjugator of hostile towns, addressing Dhrishtadyumna, said, "Wait, wait, O slayer of a Brahmana, thou shalt not escape me today with life." Having said these words, that mighty car-warrior of great lightness of hand striving resolutely, deeply pierced the brave son of Prishata, who also strove to the utmost of his prowess, with many keen and terrible shafts endued with great impetuosity. As Drona (while alive), beholding the son of Prishata, O sire, had become cheerless and regarded him as his death, even so the son of Prishata, that slayer of hostile heroes, beholding Drona's son in that battle, now regarded him as his death. Soon, however, remembering that he was unslayable in battle by means of weapons, he rushed with great speed against Drona's son, like the Destroyer running against the Destroyer at the time of the universal dissolution. Drona's heroic son, however, O monarch, beholding Dhrishtadyumna stationed before him, drew deep breaths, in wrath, and rushed towards him. Both of them were filled with great rage at the sight of each other. Endued with great activity, the valiant son of Drona then, O monarch, said these words unto Dhrishtadyumna staying not far from him, "O wretch amongst the Pancalas, I shall today despatch thee to Yama. The sin thou hast committed before by slaying Drona will fill thee today with regret, to thy great evil, if thou stayest in battle without being protected by Partha, or if thou dost not fly away, O fool, I tell thee truly." Thus addressed, the valiant Dhrishtadyumna replied, saying, "That same sword of mine which answered thy sire, resolutely engaged in battle, will today answer this speech of thine. If Drona could be slain by me, O thou that art a Brahmana in name only, why should I not then, putting forth my prowess, slay thee also in battle today?" Having said these words, the wrathful commander of the Pandava forces, viz., the son of Prishata, pierced Drona's son with a keen arrow. Then Drona's son filled with great rage, shrouded every side of Dhrishtadyumna, O king, in that battle, with straight arrows. Shrouded with thousands of arrows, neither the welkin, nor the points of the compass, nor the combatants all around, could, O monarch, be any longer seen. Similarly, the son of Prishata, O king, shrouded Drona's son, that ornament of battle, with arrows, in the very sight of Karna. The son of Radha, too, O monarch, singly resisted the Pancalas and the Pandavas and the (five) sons of Draupadi and Yudhamanyu and the mighty car-warrior Satyaki, in consequence of which feat he became the cynosure of all eyes. Then Dhrishtadyumna in that battle cut off the very tough and formidable bow of Drona's son, as also all his arrows resembling snakes of virulent poison. Drona's son, however, with his arrows, destroyed within the twinkling of an eye the bow, the dart, the mace, the standard, the steeds, the driver, and the car of Prishata's son. Bowless and carless and steedless and driverless, the son of Prishata then took up a huge scimitar and a blazing shield decked with a hundred moons. Endued with great lightness of hand, and possessed of mighty weapons, that mighty car-warrior, viz., the heroic son of Drona, O king, quickly cut off, in that battle, with many broad-headed arrows, those weapons also of Dhrishtadyumna before the latter could come down from his car. All this seemed exceedingly wonderful. The mighty car-warrior Ashvatthama, however, though struggling vigorously, could not, O chief of the Bharatas, slay the carless and steedless and bowless Dhrishtadyumna, although pierced and exceedingly mangled with many arrows. When, therefore, O king, the son of Drona found that he could not slay his enemy with arrows, he laid aside his bow and quickly proceeded towards the son of Prishata. The impetuosity of that high-souled one, as he rushed towards his foe, resembled that of Garuda swooping down for seizing a large snake. Meanwhile Madhava, addressing Arjuna, said, "Behold, O Partha, how the son of Drona is rushing with great speed towards the car of Prishata's son. Without doubt, he will slay the prince. O mighty-armed one, O crusher of foes, rescue the son of Prishata, who is now within the jaws of Drona's son as if within the jaws of Death himself." Having said these words, the valiant Vasudeva urged the steeds towards that spot where Drona's son was. Those steeds, of the splendour of the moon, urged by Keshava, proceeded towards the car of Drona's son, devouring the very skies. Beholding those two of great energy, viz., Krishna and Dhananjaya, coming towards him, the mighty Ashvatthama made great efforts for slaying Dhrishtadyumna soon. Seeing Dhrishtadyumna dragged, O ruler of men by his enemy, the mighty Partha sped many arrows at the son of Drona. Those arrows, decked with gold and sped from Gandiva, approached the son of Drona and pierced him deeply like snakes penetrating into an ant-hill. Thus pierced with those terrible arrows, the valiant son of Drona, O king, abandoned the Pancala prince of immeasurable energy. Indeed, the hero, thus afflicted with Dhananjaya's shafts, mounted on his car, and taking up his own excellent bow, began to pierce Partha with many shafts. Meanwhile, the heroic Sahadeva, O ruler of men, bore away on his car the son of Prishata, that scorcher of foes. Arjuna then, O king, pierced Drona's son with many arrows. Filled with rage, Drona's son struck Arjuna in the arms and the chest. Thus provoked, Partha, in that battle, sped at Drona's son, a long shaft that resembled a second rod of Death, or rather, Death himself. That arrow of great splendour fell upon the shoulder of the Brahmana hero. Exceedingly agitated, O monarch, in that battle, by the violence of the stroke, he sat down on the terrace of his car and swooned away. Then Karna, O monarch, shook his bow Vijaya and, filled with rage, repeatedly eyed Arjuna in that battle, desiring a single combat with him. Meanwhile the driver of Drona's son, beholding the latter senseless, quickly bore him away on his car from the field of battle. Beholding Prishata's son rescued and Drona's son afflicted, the Pancalas, O king, expectant of victory, began to utter loud shouts. Thousands of sweet instruments began to be sounded. Seeing such wonderful feats in battle, the combatants uttered leonine roars. Having achieved that feat, Partha addressed Vasudeva, saying "Proceed, O Krishna, towards the samsaptakas, for this is greatly desired by me." Hearing those words of Pandu's son, he of Dasharha's race proceeded on that car graced with many banners and whose speed resembled that of the wind or the mind.'"

8.43.1

संजय उवाच
एतस्मिन्नन्तरे कृष्णः पार्थं वचनमब्रवीत्
दर्शयन्निव कौन्तेयं धर्मराजं युधिष्ठिरम्

8.43.2

एष पाण्डव ते भ्राता धार्तराष्ट्रैर्महाबलैः
जिघांसुभिर्महेष्वासैर्द्रुतं पार्थानुसर्यते

8.43.3

तथानुयान्ति संरब्धाः पाञ्चाला युद्धदुर्मदाः
युधिष्ठिरं महात्मानं परीप्सन्तो महाजवाः

8.43.4

एष दुर्योधनः पार्थ रथानीकेन दंशितः
राजा सर्वस्य लोकस्य राजानमनुधावति

8.43.5

जिघांसुः पुरुषव्याघ्रं भ्रातृभिः सहितो बली
आशीविषसमस्पर्शैः सर्वयुद्धविशारदैः

8.43.6

एते जिघृक्षवो यान्ति द्विपाश्वरथपत्तयः
युधिष्ठिरं धार्तराष्ट्रा रत्नोत्तममिवार्थिनः

8.43.7

पश्य सात्वतभीमाभ्यां निरुद्धाधिष्ठितः प्रभुः
जिहीर्षवोऽमृतं दैत्याः शक्राग्निभ्यामिवावशाः

8.43.8

एते बहुत्वात्त्वरिताः पुनर्गच्छन्ति पाण्डवम्
समुद्रमिव वार्योघाः प्रावृट्काले महारथाः

8.43.9

नदन्तः सिंहनादांश्च धमन्तश्चापि वारिजान्
बलवन्तो महेष्वासा विधुन्वन्तो धनूंषि च

8.43.10

मृत्योर्मुखगतं मन्ये कुन्तीपुत्रं युधिष्ठिरम्
हुतमग्नौ च भद्रं ते दुर्योधनवशं गतम्

8.43.11

यथायुक्तमनीकं हि धार्तराष्ट्रस्य पाण्डव
नास्य शक्रोऽपि मुच्येत संप्राप्तो बाणगोचरम्

8.43.12

दुर्योधनस्य शूरस्य द्रौणेः शारद्वतस्य च
कर्णस्य चेषुवेगो वै पर्वतानपि दारयेत्

8.43.13

दुर्योधनस्य शूरस्य शरौघाञ्शीघ्रमस्यतः
संक्रुद्धस्यान्तकस्येव को वेगं संसहेद्रणे

8.43.14

कर्णेन च कृतो राजा विमुखः शत्रुतापनः
बलवाँल्लघुहस्तश्च कृती युद्धविशारदः

8.43.15

राधेयः पाण्डवश्रेष्ठं शक्तः पीडयितुं रणे
सहितो धृतराष्ट्रस्य पुत्रैः शूरो महात्मभिः

8.43.16

तस्यैवं युध्यमानस्य संग्रामे संयतात्मनः
अन्यैरपि च पार्थस्य हृतं वर्म महारथैः

8.43.17

उपवासकृशो राजा भृशं भरतसत्तम
ब्राह्मे बले स्थितो ह्येष न क्षत्रेऽतिबले विभो

8.43.18

न जीवति महाराजो मन्ये पार्थ युधिष्ठिरः
यद्भीमसेनः सहते सिंहनादममर्षणः

8.43.19

नर्दतां धार्तराष्ट्राणां पुनः पुनररिंदम
धमतां च महाशङ्खान्संग्रामे जितकाशिनाम्

8.43.20

युधिष्ठिरं पाण्डवेयं हतेति भरतर्षभ
संचोदयत्यसौ कर्णो धार्तराष्ट्रान्महाबलान्

8.43.21

स्थूणाकर्णेन्द्रजालेन पार्थ पाशुपतेन च
प्रच्छादयन्तो राजानमनुयान्ति महारथाः
आतुरो मे मतो राजा संनिषेव्यश्च भारत

8.43.22

यथैनमनुवर्तन्ते पाञ्चालाः सह पाण्डवैः
त्वरमाणास्त्वराकाले सर्वशस्त्रभृतां वराः
मज्जन्तमिव पाताले बलिनोऽप्युज्जिहीर्षवः

8.43.23

न केतुर्दृश्यते राज्ञः कर्णेन निहतः शरैः
पश्यतोर्यमयोः पार्थ सात्यकेश्च शिखण्डिनः

8.43.24

धृष्टद्युम्नस्य भीमस्य शतानीकस्य वा विभो
पाञ्चालानां च सर्वेषां चेदीनां चैव भारत

8.43.25

एष कर्णो रणे पार्थ पाण्डवानामनीकिनीम्
शरैर्विध्वंसयति वै नलिनीमिव कुञ्जरः

8.43.26

एते द्रवन्ति रथिनस्त्वदीयाः पाण्डुनन्दन
पश्य पश्य यथा पार्थ गच्छन्त्येते महारथाः

8.43.27

एते भारत मातङ्गाः कर्णेनाभिहता रणे
आर्तनादान्विकुर्वाणा विद्रवन्ति दिशो दश

8.43.28

रथानां द्रवतां वृन्दं पश्य पार्थ समन्ततः
द्राव्यमाणं रणे चैव कर्णेनामित्रकर्शिना

8.43.29

हस्तिकक्ष्यां रणे पश्य चरन्तीं तत्र तत्र ह
रथस्थं सूतपुत्रस्य केतुं केतुमतां वर

8.43.30

असौ धावति राधेयो भीमसेनरथं प्रति
किरञ्शरशतानीव विनिघ्नंस्तव वाहिनीम्

8.43.31

एतान्पश्य च पाञ्चालान्द्राव्यमाणान्महात्मना
शक्रेणेव यथा दैत्यान्हन्यमानान्महाहवे

8.43.32

एष कर्णो रणे जित्वा पाञ्चालान्पाण्डुसृञ्जयान्
दिशो विप्रेक्षते सर्वास्त्वदर्थमिति मे मतिः

8.43.33

पश्य पार्थ धनुः श्रेष्ठं विकर्षन्साधु शोभते
शत्रूञ्जित्वा यथा शक्रो देवसंघैः समावृतः

8.43.34

एते नदन्ति कौरव्या दृष्ट्वा कर्णस्य विक्रमम्
त्रासयन्तो रणे पार्थान्सृञ्जयांश्च सहस्रशः

8.43.35

एष सर्वात्मना पाण्डूंस्त्रासयित्वा महारणे
अभिभाषति राधेयः सर्वसैन्यानि मानदः

8.43.36

अभिद्रवत गच्छध्वं द्रुतं द्रवत कौरवाः
यथा जीवन्न वः कश्चिन्मुच्यते युधि सृञ्जयः

8.43.37

तथा कुरुत संयत्ता वयं यास्याम पृष्ठतः
एवमुक्त्वा ययावेष पृष्ठतो विकिरञ्शरैः

8.43.38

पश्य कर्णं रणे पार्थ श्वेतच्छविविराजितम्
उदयं पर्वतं यद्वच्छोभयन्वै दिवाकरः

8.43.39

पूर्णचन्द्रनिकाशेन मूर्ध्नि छत्रेण भारत
ध्रियमाणेन समरे तथा शतशलाकिना

8.43.40

एष त्वां प्रेक्षते कर्णः सकटाक्षो विशां पते
उत्तमं यत्नमास्थाय ध्रुवमेष्यति संयुगे

8.43.41

पश्य ह्येनं महाबाहो विधुन्वानं महद्धनुः
शरांश्चाशीविषाकारान्विसृजन्तं महाबलम्

8.43.42

असौ निवृत्तो राधेयो दृश्यते वानरध्वज
वधाय चात्मनोऽभ्येति दीपस्य शलभो यथा

8.43.43

कर्णमेकाकिनं दृष्ट्वा रथानीकेन भारत
रिरक्षिषुः सुसंयत्तो धार्तराष्ट्रोऽभिवर्तते

8.43.44

सार्वैः सहैभिर्दुष्टात्मा वध्य एष प्रयत्नतः
त्वया यशश्च राज्यं च सुखं चोत्तममिच्छता

8.43.45

आत्मानं च कृतात्मानं समीक्ष्य भरतर्षभ
कृतागसं च राधेयं धर्मात्मनि युधिष्ठिरे

8.43.46

प्रतिपद्यस्व राधेयं प्राप्तकालमनन्तरम्
आर्यां युद्धे मतिं कृत्वा प्रत्येहि रथयूथपम्

8.43.47

पञ्च ह्येतानि मुख्यानां रथानां रथसत्तम
शतान्यायान्ति वेगेन बलिनां भीमतेजसाम्

8.43.48

पञ्च नागसहस्राणि द्विगुणा वाजिनस्तथा
अभिसंहत्य कौन्तेय पदातिप्रयुतानि च
अन्योन्यरक्षितं वीर बलं त्वामभिवर्तते

8.43.49

सूतपुत्रे महेष्वासे दर्शयात्मानमात्मना
उत्तमं यत्नमास्थाय प्रत्येहि भरतर्षभ

8.43.50

असौ कर्णः सुसंरब्धः पाञ्चालानभिधावति
केतुमस्य हि पश्यामि धृष्टद्युम्नरथं प्रति
समुच्छेत्स्यति पाञ्चालानिति मन्ये परंतप

8.43.51

आचक्षे ते प्रियं पार्थ तदेवं भरतर्षभ
राजा जीवति कौरव्यो धर्मपुत्रो युधिष्ठिरः

8.43.52

असौ भीमो महाबाहुः संनिवृत्तश्चमूमुखे
वृतः सृञ्जयसैन्येन सात्यकेन च भारत

8.43.53

वध्यन्त एते समरे कौरवा निशितैः शरैः
भीमसेनेन कौन्तेय पाञ्चालैश्च महात्मभिः

8.43.54

सेना हि धार्तराष्ट्रस्य विमुखा चाभवद्रणात्
विप्रधावति वेगेन भीमस्य निहता शरैः

8.43.55

विपन्नसस्येव मही रुधिरेण समुक्षिता
भारती भरतश्रेष्ठ सेना कृपणदर्शना

8.43.56

निवृत्तं पश्य कौन्तेय भीमसेनं युधां पतिम्
आशीविषमिव क्रुद्धं तस्माद्द्रवति वाहिनी

8.43.57

पीतरक्तासितसितास्ताराचन्द्रार्कमण्डिताः
पताका विप्रकीर्यन्ते छत्राण्येतानि चार्जुन

8.43.58

सौवर्णा राजताश्चैव तैजसाश्च पृथग्विधाः
केतवो विनिपात्यन्ते हस्त्यश्वं विप्रकीर्यते

8.43.59

रथेभ्यः प्रपतन्त्येते रथिनो विगतासवः
नानावर्णैर्हता बाणैः पाञ्चालैरपलायिभिः

8.43.60

निर्मनुष्यान्गजानश्वान्रथांश्चैव धनंजय
समाद्रवन्ति पाञ्चाला धार्तराष्ट्रांस्तरस्विनः

8.43.61

मृद्नन्ति च नरव्याघ्रा भीमसेनव्यपाश्रयात्
बलं परेषां दुर्धर्षं त्यक्त्वा प्राणानरिंदम

8.43.62

एते नदन्ति पाञ्चाला धमन्त्यपि च वारिजान्
अभिद्रवन्ति च रणे निघ्नन्तः सायकैः परान्

8.43.63

पश्य स्वर्गस्य माहात्म्यं पाञ्चाला हि परंतप
धार्तराष्ट्रान्विनिघ्नन्ति क्रुद्धाः सिंहा इव द्विपान्

8.43.64

सर्वतश्चाभिपन्नैषा धार्तराष्ट्री महाचमूः
पाञ्चालैर्मानसादेत्य हंसैर्गङ्गेव वेगितैः

8.43.65

सुभृशं च पराक्रान्ताः पाञ्चालानां निवारणे
कृपकर्णादयो वीरा ऋषभाणामिवर्षभाः

8.43.66

सुनिमग्नांश्च भीमास्त्रैर्धार्तराष्ट्रान्महारथान्
धृष्टद्युम्नमुखा वीरा घ्नन्ति शत्रून्सहस्रशः
विषण्णभूयिष्ठरथा धार्तराष्ट्री महाचमूः

8.43.67

पश्य भीमेन नाराचैश्छिन्ना नागाः पतन्त्यमी
वज्रिवज्राहतानीव शिखराणि महीभृताम्

8.43.68

भीमसेनस्य निर्विद्धा बाणैः संनतपर्वभिः
स्वान्यनीकानि मृद्नन्तो द्रवन्त्येते महागजाः

8.43.69

नाभिजानासि भीमस्य सिंहनादं दुरुत्सहम्
नदतोऽर्जुन संग्रामे वीरस्य जितकाशिनः

8.43.70

एष नैषादिरभ्येति द्विपमुख्येन पाण्डवम्
जिघांसुस्तोमरैः क्रुद्धो दण्डपाणिरिवान्तकः

8.43.71

सतोमरावस्य भुजौ छिन्नौ भीमेन गर्जतः
तीक्ष्णैरग्निशिखाप्रख्यैर्नाराचैर्दशभिर्हतः

8.43.72

हत्वैनं पुनरायाति नागानन्यान्प्रहारिणः
पश्य नीलाम्बुदनिभान्महामात्रैरधिष्ठितान्
शक्तितोमरसंकाशैर्विनिघ्नन्तं वृकोदरम्

8.43.73

सप्त सप्त च नागांस्तान्वैजयन्तीश्च सध्वजाः
निहत्य निशितैर्बाणैश्छिन्नाः पार्थाग्रजेन ते
दशभिर्दशभिश्चैको नाराचैर्निहतो गजः

8.43.74

न चासौ धार्तराष्ट्राणां श्रूयते निनदस्तथा
पुरंदरसमे क्रुद्धे निवृत्ते भरतर्षभे

8.43.75

अक्षौहिण्यस्तथा तिस्रो धार्तराष्ट्रस्य संहताः
क्रुद्धेन नरसिंहेन भीमसेनेन वारिताः

8.43.76

संजय उवाच
भीमसेनेन तत्कर्म कृतं दृष्ट्वा सुदुष्करम्
अर्जुनो व्यधमच्छिष्टानहितान्निशितैः शरैः

8.43.77

ते वध्यमानाः समरे संशप्तकगणाः प्रभो
शक्रस्यातिथितां गत्वा विशोका ह्यभवन्मुदा

8.43.78

पार्थश्च पुरुषव्याघ्रः शरैः संनतपर्वभिः
जघान धार्तराष्ट्रस्य चतुर्विधबलां चमूम्

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Meanwhile Krishna, pointing out king Yudhishthira the just, unto Kunti's son Partha, addressed him in these words: "Yonder, O son of Pandu, your brother (Yudhishthira) is being pursued by many mighty and great bowmen amongst the Dhartarashtras, all inspired with the desire of slaughtering him. The mighty Pancalas, difficult of defeat in battle, are proceeding after the high-souled Yudhishthira from desire of rescuing him. Yonder, Duryodhana, O Partha, the king of the whole world, clad in mail and accompanied by a large car force, is pursuing the Pandava king. Impelled by the desire of slaughtering his rival, the mighty Duryodhana, O tiger among men, is pursuing him, accompanied by his brothers, the touch of whose weapons is as fatal as that of poisonous snakes and who are all conversant with every mode of warfare. Those Dhartarashtra elephants and horses and car-warriors and foot-soldiers are advancing to seize Yudhishthira like poor men after a precious gem. Behold, checked by Satyaki and Bhima, they have again been stupefied, like the Daityas, that desired to take away the Amrita, made motionless by Sakra and Agni. The mighty car-warriors (of the Kuru army), however, in consequence of the vastness of their numbers, are again proceeding towards Yudhishthira like a vast quantity of water in the season of rains rushing towards the ocean. Those mighty bowmen are uttering leonine roars, blowing their conchs, and shaking their bows. I regard Kunti's son Yudhishthira, thus brought under the influence of Duryodhana, to be already within the jaws of Death or already poured as a libation on the sacrificial fire. The army of Dhritarashtra's son, O Pandava, is arrayed and equipped duly. Sakra himself, coming within the range of its arrows, can scarcely escape. Who will in battle bear the impetuosity of the heroic Duryodhana who shoots showers of arrows with the greatest celerity and who, when angry, resembles the Destroyer himself? The force of the heroic Duryodhana's shafts, or Drona's son's or Kripa's or Karna's would break down the very mountains. That scorcher of foes, viz., king Yudhishthira, was once compelled by Karna to turn his back upon the field. The son of Radha is endued with great might and great lightness of hand. Possessed of great skill, he is accomplished in battle. He is competent to afflict the eldest son of Pandu in fight, specially when he is united with the mighty and brave son of Dhritarashtra. Of rigid vows, when the son of Pritha (Yudhishthira) had been engaged in battle with all those warriors, other great car-warriors had struck him and contributed to his defeat. The king, O best of the Bharatas, is exceedingly emaciated in consequence of his fasts. He is endued with Brahma-force, but the puissant one is not endued with much of Kshatriya-might. Assailed, however, by Karna, the royal son of Pandu, Yudhishthira, that scorcher of foes, hath been placed in a situation of great peril. I think, O Partha, that king Yudhishthira has fallen. Indeed, since that chastiser of foes, the wrathful Bhimasena, coolly heareth the leonine roars of the frequently shouting Dhartarashtra's longing for victory and blowing their conchs, I think, O bull among men, that Pandu's son Yudhishthira is dead. Yonder Karna urges forward the mighty car-warriors of the Dhartarashtras towards the son of Pritha with the weapons called Sthunakarna, Indrasjaha and Pasupata, and with clubs and other weapons. The king, O Bharata, must be deeply afflicted and exceedingly weakened, because the Pancalas and the Pandavas, those foremost of all wielders of weapons, are seen to proceed with great speed towards him at a time when speed is of the highest moment like strong men rushing to the rescue of a person sinking in a bottomless sea. The king's standard is no longer visible. It has probably been struck down by Karna with his shafts. In the very sight of the twins, O Partha, and of Satyaki and Shikhandi, and Dhrishtadyumna and Bhima and Satanika, O lord, as also of all the Pancalas and the Cedis, O Bharata, yonder Karna is destroying the Pandava division with his arrows, like an elephant destroying an assemblage of lotuses. There, those car-warriors of thy army, O son of Pandu, are flying away. See, see, O Partha, how those great warriors are retreating. Those elephants, O Bharata, assailed by Karna in battle, are flying away in all directions, uttering cries of pain. There those crowds of car-warriors, routed in battle, O Partha, by Karna, that crusher of foes, are flying away in all directions. Behold, O Partha, that foremost of standards, of the Suta's son, on his car, bearing the device of the elephant's rope, is seen to move all over the field. There, the son of Radha is now rushing against Bhimasena, scattering hundreds of shafts as he proceeds and slaughtering thy army therewith. There, those mighty car-warriors of the Pancalas are being routed (by Karna) even as the Daityas had been routed by Sakra in dreadful battle. There, Karna, having vanquished the Pancalas, the Pandus, and the Srinjayas, is casting his eyes on all sides, I think, for seeking thee. Behold, O Partha, Karna, as he beautifully draws his foremost of bows, looketh exceedingly beautiful even as Sakra in the midst of the celestials, after vanquishing his foes. There the Kauravas, beholding the prowess of Karna, are roaring and inspiring the Pandus and the Srinjayas with fear on every side. There, Karna himself, terrifying the Pandus with his whole soul, in dreadful battle, is addressing all the troops, O giver of honours, saying, 'Blessed be ye, advance, ye Kauravas and rush with such speed that no Srinjaya may, in this battle escape with life. United together, do this all of you. As regards ourselves, we will follow behind you.' Saying these words, he is advancing behind (his troops), scattering his shafts. Behold Karna, adorned with his white umbrella in this battle and looking like the Udaya hills adorned by the moon. With his beautiful umbrella of a hundred ribs, resembling the moon in full, held over his head, O Bharata, in this battle, Karna, O prince, is casting his glances after thee. Without doubt, he will, in this battle, come hither, with great speed. Behold him, O mighty-armed one, as he shaketh his formidable bow and shooteth, in this dreadful battle, his shafts resembling snakes of virulent poison. There, the son of Radha turneth towards this direction, beholding thy banner bearing the ape, and desiring, O Partha, an encounter with thee, O scorcher of foes. Indeed, he cometh for his own destruction, even like an insect into the mouth of a lamp. Wrathful and brave, he is ever engaged in the good of Dhritarashtra's son. Of wicked understanding, he is always unable to put up with thee. Beholding Karna alone and unsupported, Dhritarashtra's son, O Bharata, turneth towards him with great resolution, accompanied by his car-force, for protecting him. Let that wicked-souled one, along with all those allies of his, be slain by thee, putting forth thy vigour, from desire of winning fame, kingdom and happiness. Both of you are endued with great strength. Both of you are possessed of great celebrity. When encountering each other in battle, O Partha, like a celestial and a Danava in the great battle between the gods and the Asuras, let all the Kauravas behold thy prowess. Beholding thee filled with great rage and Karna also excited to fury, O bull of Bharata's race, Duryodhana in wrath will not be able to do anything. Remembering thyself to be of purified soul, O bull of Bharata's race, and remembering also that the son of Radha harboureth a great animosity for the virtuous Yudhishthira, achieve that, O son of Kunti, which should now be achieved. Righteously setting thy heart on battle, advance against that leader of car-warriors. There, five hundred foremost of car-warriors, O thou best of car-warriors, that are endued with great might and fierce energy, and 5,000 elephants, and twice as many horses, and innumerable foot-soldiers, all united together, O son of Kunti, and protecting one another, O hero, are advancing against thee. Show thyself, of thy own will, unto that great bowman, viz., the Suta's son. Advance, O bull of Bharata's race, towards him with great speed. There, Karna, filled with great wrath is rushing against the Pancalas. I see his standard approaching towards the car of Dhrishtadyumna. I think he will exterminate the Pancalas. I will tell thee, O bull of Bharata's race, some good news, O Partha. King Yudhishthira the just is living. There, the mighty-armed Bhima, having returned, is stationed at the head of the army, supported by the Srinjayas and by Satyaki, O Bharata. There, the Kauravas are being slaughtered with keen shafts by Bhimasena, O son of Kunti, and the high-souled Pancalas. The troops of Dhritarashtra's son, with their faces turned from the field, and with blood streaming down from their wounds, are speedily flying away from battle, struck by Bhima with his shafts. Bathed in blood, the Bharata army, O chief of Bharata's race, presents an exceedingly cheerless aspect like that of the Earth when divested of crops. Behold, O son of Kunti, Bhimasena, that foremost of combatants, filled with rage like a snake of virulent poison, and engaged in routing the (Kaurava) host. Yellow and red and black and white banners, adorned with stars and moons and suns as also many umbrellas, O Arjuna, lie scattered about. Made of gold or silver or brass and other metals, standards are lying about, and elephants and steeds also, scattered all over the field. There, those car-warriors are falling from their cars, deprived of life by the unreturning Pancalas with shafts of diverse kinds. There the Pancalas of great speed, O Dhananjaya, are rushing against the riderless Dhartarashtra elephants and steeds and cars. Reckless of their very lives, O chastiser of foes, those warriors, difficult of defeat in battle aided by the might of Bhimasena are crushing, O tiger among men, the hostile force. There, the Pancalas are uttering loud roars and blowing their conchs as they are rushing against their foes and crushing them with their shafts in battle. Behold their great energy and power. Through sheer valour, the Pancalas are slaughtering the Dhartarashtras like angry lions slaying elephants. Unarmed they are snatching the weapons of their armed foes and with those weapons thus snatched, they are slaying their foes that are effectual smiters, and uttering loud roars. The heads and arms of their foes are being struck off and felled on the field. The Pancala cars and elephants and horses are all worthy of the highest praise. Like swans of great speed leaving the Manasa lake and rushing into the Ganga, the Pancalas are rushing against the Kauravas, and every part of the vast Dhartarashtra force is assailed by them. Like bulls resisting bulls, the heroic Kripa and Karna and other leaders are putting forth all their valour for resisting the Pancalas. The Pancala heroes headed by Dhrishtadyumna are slaying thousands of their foes, viz., the great car-warriors of the Dhartarashtra army already sinking in the ocean of Bhima's weapons. Beholding the Pancalas overwhelmed by their foes, the fearless son of the Wind-god, assailing the hostile force, is shooting his shafts and uttering loud roars. The greater portion of the vast Dhartarashtra army has become exceedingly frightened. Behold those elephants, pierced by Bhima with his cloth-yard shafts, are falling down like mountain summits riven by the thunderbolt of Indra. There, those huge elephants, deeply pierced with the straight shafts of Bhimasena are flying away, crushing their own ranks. Dost thou not recognise the unbearable leonine shouts, O Arjuna, of the terribly-roaring Bhimasena inspired with desire of victory in battle? There, the prince of the Nishadas, filled with rage, is coming against the son of Pandu, on his foremost of elephants, from desire of slaying him with his lances, even like Destroyer himself armed with his bludgeon. Struck by Bhima with ten keen cloth-yard shafts endued with the splendour of the fire or the Sun, the two arms of the roaring prince, with lances in grasp, are lopped off. Staying the prince, Bhima proceedeth against other elephants looking like masses of blue clouds and ridden by riders guiding them with skill. Behold those riders striking Vrikodara with darts and lances in profusion. Slaying with his keen shafts those elephants, seven at a time, their triumphal standards also, O Partha, are cut down by thy elder brother. As regards those other elephants, each of them is being slain with ten shafts by him. The shouts of the Dhartarashtras are no longer heard, now that Bhima, O bull of Bharata's race, who is equal to Purandara himself, is engaged in battle. Full three akshauhinis of Duryodhana's soldiers had been assembled together (in front of Bhima). They have all been checked by that lion among men, Bhimasena, in wrath.'"

"Sanjaya continued, 'Behold that feat, difficult of accomplishment, achieved by Bhimasena. Arjuna, with his keen shafts, destroyed the remnant of his foes. The mighty samsaptakas, O lord, slaughtered in battle and routed (by Arjuna), fled away in all directions, overcome with fear. Many amongst them (that fell) became the guests of Shakra and attained to great happiness. As regards Partha, that tiger among men, he continued, with his straight shafts, to slaughter the Dhartarashtra host consisting of four kinds of forces.'"

8.44.1

धृतराष्ट्र उवाच
निवृत्ते भीमसेने च पाण्डवे च युधिष्ठिरे
वध्यमाने बले चापि मामके पाण्डुसृञ्जयैः

8.44.2

द्रवमाणे बलौघे च निराक्रन्दे मुहुर्मुहुः
किमकुर्वन्त कुरवस्तन्ममाचक्ष्व संजय

8.44.3

संजय उवाच
दृष्ट्वा भीमं महाबाहुं सूतपुत्रः प्रतापवान्
क्रोधरक्तेक्षणो राजन्भीमसेनमुपाद्रवत्

8.44.4

तावकं च बलं दृष्ट्वा भीमसेनात्पराङ्मुखम्
यत्नेन महता राजन्पर्यवस्थापयद्बली

8.44.5

व्यवस्थाप्य महाबाहुस्तव पुत्रस्य वाहिनीम्
प्रत्युद्ययौ तदा कर्णः पाण्डवान्युद्धदुर्मदान्

8.44.6

प्रत्युद्ययुस्तु राधेयं पाण्डवानां महारथाः
धुन्वानाः कार्मुकाण्याजौ विक्षिपन्तश्च सायकान्

8.44.7

भीमसेनः शिनेर्नप्ता शिखण्डी जनमेजयः
धृष्टद्युम्नश्च बलवान्सर्वे चापि प्रभद्रकाः

8.44.8

पाञ्चालाश्च नरव्याघ्राः समन्तात्तव वाहिनीम्
अभ्यद्रवन्त संक्रुद्धाः समरे जितकाशिनः

8.44.9

तथैव तावका राजन्पाण्डवानामनीकिनीम्
अभ्यद्रवन्त त्वरिता जिघांसन्तो महारथाः

8.44.10

रथनागाश्वकलिलं पत्तिध्वजसमाकुलम्
बभूव पुरुषव्याघ्र सैन्यमद्भुतदर्शनम्

8.44.11

शिखण्डी च ययौ कर्णं धृष्टद्युम्नः सुतं तव
दुःशासनं महाराज महत्या सेनया वृतम्

8.44.12

नकुलो वृषसेनं च चित्रसेनं युधिष्ठिरः
उलूकं समरे राजन्सहदेवः समभ्ययात्

8.44.13

सात्यकिः शकुनिं चापि भीमसेनश्च कौरवान्
अर्जुनं च रणे यत्तं द्रोणपुत्रो महारथः

8.44.14

युधामन्युं महेष्वासं गौतमोऽभ्यपतद्रणे
कृतवर्मा च बलवानुत्तमौजसमाद्रवत्

8.44.15

भीमसेनः कुरून्सर्वान्पुत्रांश्च तव मारिष
सहानीकान्महाबाहुरेक एवाभ्यवारयत्

8.44.16

शिखण्डी च ततः कर्णं विचरन्तमभीतवत्
भीष्महन्ता महाराज वारयामास पत्रिभिः

8.44.17

प्रतिरब्धस्ततः कर्णो रोषात्प्रस्फुरिताधरः
शिखण्डिनं त्रिभिर्बाणैर्भ्रुवोर्मध्ये व्यताडयत्

8.44.18

धारयंस्तु स तान्बाणाञ्शिखण्डी बह्वशोभत
राजतः पर्वतो यद्वत्त्रिभिः शृङ्गैः समन्वितः

8.44.19

सोऽतिविद्धो महेष्वासः सूतपुत्रेण संयुगे
कर्णं विव्याध समरे नवत्या निशितैः शरैः

8.44.20

तस्य कर्णो हयान्हत्वा सारथिं च त्रिभिः शरैः
उन्ममाथ ध्वजं चास्य क्षुरप्रेण महारथः

8.44.21

हताश्वात्तु ततो यानादवप्लुत्य महारथः
शक्तिं चिक्षेप कर्णाय संक्रुद्धः शत्रुतापनः

8.44.22

तां छित्त्वा समरे कर्णस्त्रिभिर्भारत सायकैः
शिखण्डिनमथाविध्यन्नवभिर्निशितैः शरैः

8.44.23

कर्णचापच्युतान्बाणान्वर्जयंस्तु नरोत्तमः
अपयातस्ततस्तूर्णं शिखण्डी जयतां वरः

8.44.24

ततः कर्णो महाराज पाण्डुसैन्यान्यशातयत्
तूलराशिं समासाद्य यथा वायुर्महाजवः

8.44.25

धृष्टद्युम्नो महाराज तव पुत्रेण पीडितः
दुःशासनं त्रिभिर्बाणैरभ्यविध्यत्स्तनान्तरे

8.44.26

तस्य दुःशासनो बाहुं सव्यं विव्याध मारिष
शितेन रुक्मपुङ्खेन भल्लेन नतपर्वणा

8.44.27

धृष्टद्युम्नस्तु निर्विद्धः शरं घोरममर्षणः
दुःशासनाय संक्रुद्धः प्रेषयामास भारत

8.44.28

आपतन्तं महावेगं धृष्टद्युम्नसमीरितम्
शरैश्चिच्छेद पुत्रस्ते त्रिभिरेव विशां पते

8.44.29

अथापरैः सप्तदशैर्भल्लैः कनकभूषणैः
धृष्टद्युम्नं समासाद्य बाह्वोरुरसि चार्दयत्

8.44.30

ततः स पार्षतः क्रुद्धो धनुश्चिच्छेद मारिष
क्षुरप्रेण सुतीक्ष्णेन तत उच्चुक्रुशुर्जनाः

8.44.31

अथान्यद्धनुरादाय पुत्रस्ते भरतर्षभ
धृष्टद्युम्नं शरव्रातैः समन्तात्पर्यवारयत्

8.44.32

तव पुत्रस्य ते दृष्ट्वा विक्रमं तं महात्मनः
व्यहसन्त रणे योधाः सिद्धाश्चाप्सरसां गणाः

8.44.33

ततः प्रववृते युद्धं तावकानां परैः सह
घोरं प्राणभृतां काले घोररूपं परंतप

8.44.34

नकुलं वृषसेनस्तु विद्ध्वा पञ्चभिरायसैः
पितुः समीपे तिष्ठन्तं त्रिभिरन्यैरविध्यत

8.44.35

नकुलस्तु ततः क्रुद्धो वृषसेनं स्मयन्निव
नाराचेन सुतीक्ष्णेन विव्याध हृदये दृढम्

8.44.36

सोऽतिविद्धो बलवता शत्रुणा शत्रुकर्शनः
शत्रुं विव्याध विंशत्या स च तं पञ्चभिः शरैः

8.44.37

ततः शरसहस्रेण तावुभौ पुरुषर्षभौ
अन्योन्यमाच्छादयतामथाभज्यत वाहिनी

8.44.38

दृष्ट्वा तु प्रद्रुतां सेनां धार्तराष्ट्रस्य सूतजः
निवारयामास बलादनुपत्य विशां पते
निवृत्ते तु ततः कर्णे नकुलः कौरवान्ययौ

8.44.39

कर्णपुत्रस्तु समरे हित्वा नकुलमेव तु
जुगोप चक्रं त्वरितं राधेयस्यैव मारिष

8.44.40

उलूकस्तु रणे क्रुद्धः सहदेवेन वारितः
तस्याश्वांश्चतुरो हत्वा सहदेवः प्रतापवान्
सारथिं प्रेषयामास यमस्य सदनं प्रति

8.44.41

उलूकस्तु ततो यानादवप्लुत्य विशां पते
त्रिगर्तानां बलं पूर्णं जगाम पितृनन्दनः

8.44.42

सात्यकिः शकुनिं विद्ध्वा विंशत्या निशितैः शरैः
ध्वजं चिच्छेद भल्लेन सौबलस्य हसन्निव

8.44.43

सौबलस्तस्य समरे क्रुद्धो राजन्प्रतापवान्
विदार्य कवचं भूयो ध्वजं चिच्छेद काञ्चनम्

8.44.44

अथैनं निशितैर्बाणैः सात्यकिः प्रत्यविध्यत
सारथिं च महाराज त्रिभिरेव समार्दयत्
अथास्य वाहांस्त्वरितः शरैर्निन्ये यमक्षयम्

8.44.45

ततोऽवप्लुत्य सहसा शकुनिर्भरतर्षभ
आरुरोह रथं तूर्णमुलूकस्य महारथः
अपोवाहाथ शीघ्रं स शैनेयाद्युद्धशालिनः

8.44.46

सात्यकिस्तु रणे राजंस्तावकानामनीकिनीम्
अभिदुद्राव वेगेन ततोऽनीकमभिद्यत

8.44.47

शैनेयशरनुन्नं तु ततः सैन्यं विशां पते
भेजे दश दिशस्तूर्णं न्यपतच्च गतासुवत्

8.44.48

भीमसेनं तव सुतो वारयामास संयुगे
तं तु भीमो मुहूर्तेन व्यश्वसूतरथध्वजम्
चक्रे लोकेश्वरं तत्र तेनातुष्यन्त चारणाः

8.44.49

ततोऽपायान्नृपस्तत्र भीमसेनस्य गोचरात्
कुरुसैन्यं ततः सर्वं भीमसेनमुपाद्रवत्
तत्र रावो महानासीद्भीममेकं जिघांसताम्

8.44.50

युधामन्युः कृपं विद्ध्वा धनुरस्याशु चिच्छिदे
अथान्यद्धनुरादाय कृपः शस्त्रभृतां वरः

8.44.51

युधामन्योर्ध्वजं सूतं छत्रं चापातयत्क्षितौ
ततोऽपायाद्रथेनैव युधामन्युर्महारथः

8.44.52

उत्तमौजास्तु हार्दिक्यं शरैर्भीमपराक्रमम्
छादयामास सहसा मेघो वृष्ट्या यथाचलम्

8.44.53

तद्युद्धं सुमहच्चासीद्घोररूपं परंतप
यादृशं न मया युद्धं दृष्टपूर्वं विशां पते

8.44.54

कृतवर्मा ततो राजन्नुत्तमौजसमाहवे
हृदि विव्याध स तदा रथोपस्थ उपाविशत्

8.44.55

सारथिस्तमपोवाह रथेन रथिनां वरम्
ततस्तु सत्वरं राजन्पाण्डुसैन्यमुपाद्रवत्

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Dhritarashtra said, 'When Bhima and Pandu's son Yudhishthira were engaged in battle, when my troops were being slaughtered by the Pandus and the Srinjayas, when, indeed, my vast army being broken and routed repeatedly became cheerless, tell me, O Sanjaya, what the Kauravas did.'

"Sanjaya said, 'Beholding the mighty-armed Bhima, the Suta's son of great valour, with eyes red in wrath, O king, rushed towards him. Seeing thy army fly away from Bhimasena, the mighty Karna, O king, rallied it with great efforts. The mighty-armed Karna, having rallied thy son's host, proceeded against the Pandavas, those heroes difficult of defeat in battle. The great car-warriors of the Pandavas also, shaking their bows and shooting their shafts, proceeded against the son of Radha. Bhimasena, and the grandson of Sini, and Shikhandi and Janamejaya, and Dhrishtadyumna of great strength, and all the Prabhadrakas, and those tigers among men, the Pancalas, filled with rage and inspired with desire of victory, rushed in that battle from every side against thy army. Similarly, the great car-warriors of thy army, O king, quickly proceeded against the Pandava host, desirous of slaughtering it. Teeming with cars and elephants and horses, and abounding with foot-soldiers and standards, the two armies then, O tiger among men, assumed a wonderful aspect. Shikhandi proceeded against Karna, and Dhrishtadyumna proceeded against thy son Duhshasana, accompanied by a large force. Nakula proceeded against Vrishasena, while Yudhishthira against Citrasena. Sahadeva, O king, in that battle, proceeded against Uluka. Satyaki proceeded against Shakuni, and the sons of Draupadi against the other Kauravas. The mighty car-warrior Ashvatthama proceeded, with great care, against Arjuna. Sharadvata's son Kripa proceeded against the mighty bowman Yudhamanyu, while Kritavarma of great strength proceeded against Uttamauja. The mighty-armed Bhimasena, O sire, alone and unsupported, resisted all the Kurus and thy sons at the head of their division. The slayer of Bhishma, Shikhandi, then, O monarch, with his winged arrows, resisted Karna, careering fearlessly in that battle. Held in check, Karna then, his lips trembling in rage, assailed Shikhandi with three arrows in the midst of his eyebrows. With those three arrows sticking on his forehead, Shikhandi looked highly beautiful like a silver mountain with three elevated crests. Deeply pierced by the Suta's son in that encounter, the mighty bowman Shikhandi pierced Karna, in return, with ninety keen shafts. The mighty car-warrior Karna then, slaying Shikhandi's steeds and next his driver with three arrows, cut off his standard with a razor-faced arrow. That mighty car-warrior then, that scorcher of foes, filled with rage, jumped down from his steedless car and hurled a dart at Karna. Cutting off that dart with three shafts in that encounter, Karna then, O Bharata, pierced Shikhandi with nine keen arrows. Avoiding then the shafts sped from Karna's bow, that best of men, Shikhandi, exceedingly mangled, retreated speedily from that spot. Then Karna, O monarch, began to scatter the troops of the Pandavas, like a mighty wind scattering a heap of cotton. Meanwhile Dhrishtadyumna, O monarch, afflicted by thy son, pierced Duhshasana, in return, with three arrows in the centre of the chest. Then Duhshasana, O sire, pierced his assailant's left arm with a broad-headed shaft, sharp and straight and equipped with wings of gold. Thus pierced, Dhrishtadyumna, filled with wrath and the desire to retaliate, sped a terrible shaft, O Bharata, at Duhshasana. Thy son, however, O king, with three shafts of his, cut off that impetuous arrow sped by Dhrishtadyumna as it coursed towards him. Approaching Dhrishtadyumna then, he struck him in the arms and the chest with seventeen other broad-headed shafts adorned with gold. Thereat Prishata's son, filled with rage, cut off Duhshasana's bow, O sire, with a sharp razor-headed arrow, at which all the troops there uttered a loud shout. Taking up then another bow, thy son, as if smiling, held Dhrishtadyumna in check with showers of arrows from every side. Beholding the prowess of that high-souled son of thine, the combatants, as also the siddhas and the apsaras, became all filled with wonder. We then saw the mighty Dhrishtadyumna thus assailed by Duhshasana to resemble a huge elephant, held in check by a lion. Then many Pancala car-warriors and elephants and horses, O elder brother of Pandu, desirous of rescuing the commander (of the Pandava army) encompassed thy son. The battle that commenced, O scorcher of foes, between thy warriors and the enemy, presented as frightful a sight as that which may be seen at the destruction of all creatures at the end of the Yuga.

"'Vrishasena, staying by the side of his father, having pierced Nakula with five arrows made wholly of iron, pierced him once again with three other arrows. The heroic Nakula then, as if smiling, deeply pierced Vrishasena in the chest with a cloth-yard shaft of great keenness. Thus pierced by his mighty foe, that scorcher of foes, viz., Vrishasena, pierced his assailant with twenty arrows and was himself pierced by him with five. Then those two bulls among men shrouded each other with thousands of arrows, at which the divisions that supported them broke. Beholding the troops of Dhritarashtra's son flying away, the Suta's son, following them, O king, began to forcibly stop them. After Karna had gone away, Nakula proceeded against the Kauravas. Karna's son also, avoiding Nakula, proceeded quickly, O sire, to where his father, the son of Radha, was for protecting his car-wheel.

"'The angry Uluka was held in check by Sahadeva. Having slain his four steeds, the valiant Sahadeva then despatched his foe's driver to the abode of Yama. Uluka then, that delighter of his father, jumping down from his car, O king, quickly proceeded and entered the division of the Trigartas. Satyaki, having pierced Shakuni with twenty keen arrows, easily cut off the standard of Subala's son with a broad-headed arrow. The valiant son of Subala, filled with rage, O king, in that encounter, pierced Satyaki's armour and then cut off his golden standard. Then Satyaki pierced him in return with many keen arrows, and struck his driver, O monarch, with three arrows. With great speed then, he despatched with other shafts the steeds of Shakuni to Yama's abode. Speedily alighting then, O bull among men, from his car, Shakuni, that mighty car-warrior, quickly ascended the car of Uluka. The latter then bore away with great speed his father from Sini's grandson, that warrior skilled in battle. Then Satyaki, O king, rushed in that battle against thy army with great impetuosity, at which that army broke. Shrouded with the arrows of Sini's grandson, thy army, O monarch, fled away on all sides with great speed, and fell down deprived of life.

"'Thy son resisted Bhimasena in that battle, in a trice Bhima made that ruler of men steedless and driverless and carless and standardless, at which the (Pandava) troops became highly glad. Then thy son, O king, went away from Bhimasena's presence. The whole Kuru army, at this, rushed against Bhimasena. Tremendous became the din made by those combatants inspired with the desire of slaying Bhimasena. Yudhamanyu, piercing Kripa, quickly cut off his bow. Then Kripa, that foremost of all wielders of weapons, taking up another bow, felled Yudhamanyu's standard and driver and umbrella on the Earth. At this, the mighty car-warrior Yudhamanyu retreated on his car, driving it himself. Uttamauja covered the terrible son of Hridika, endued with terrible prowess, with a thick shower of arrows like a cloud pouring torrents of rain on a mountain. The battle between them, O scorcher of foes, became so awful that its like, O monarch, I had never seen before. Then Kritavarma, O king, in that encounter, suddenly pierced Uttamauja in the chest, at which the latter sat down on the terrace of his car. His driver then bore away that foremost of car-warriors. Then the whole Kuru army rushed at Bhimasena. Duhshasana and Subala's son, encompassing the son of Pandu with a large elephant force, began to strike him with small arrows. Then Bhima, causing the wrathful Duryodhana to turn his back on the field by means of hundreds of arrows, quickly rushed towards that elephant force. Beholding that elephant-force advance impetuously against him, Vrikodara became filled with great rage and invoked his celestial weapons. And he began to strike elephants with elephants like Indra striking the Asuras. While engaged in slaughtering those elephants, Vrikodara, in that battle, covered the welkin with his shafts like myriads of insects covering a fire. Like the wind scattering masses of clouds, Bhima quickly scattered and destroyed crowds of elephants united together in thousands. Covered all over with networks of gold, as also with many gems, the elephants looked exceedingly beautiful in that battle like clouds charged with lightning. Slaughtered by Bhima, those elephants, O king, began to fly away. Some amongst them, with their hearts pierced, fell down on the Earth. With those fallen and failing elephants adorned with gold, the Earth looked beautiful there, as if strewn with broken mountains. With the fallen elephant-warriors of blazing resplendence and adorned with gems, the Earth looked beautiful as if strewn with planets of exhausted merit. Then elephants, with their temples, frontal globes, and trunks deeply pierced, fled in hundreds in that battle, afflicted with the shafts of Bhimasena. Some amongst them, huge as hills, afflicted with fear and vomiting blood, ran away, their limbs mangled with arrows, and looked on that account, like mountains with liquid metals running down their sides. People then beheld the two arms of Bhima, resembling two mighty snakes, smeared with sandal-paste and other pounded unguents, continually employed in drawing the bow. Hearing the sound of his bow-string and palms that resembled the peal of thunder, those elephants, ejecting urine and excreta, ran away in fear. The feats of the single-handed Bhima of great intelligence, on that occasion, shone like those of Rudra, himself, while engaged in destroying all creatures.'"

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'The handsome Arjuna then, on that foremost car of his, unto which were yoked white steeds, and which was urged by Narayana himself, appeared on the scene. Like the tempest agitating the ocean, Vijaya, O foremost of kings, in that battle, agitated that host of thine teeming with horsemen. When the white-steeded Arjuna was otherwise engaged, thy son Duryodhana, filled with rage and surrounded by half his troops, approached suddenly, and encompassed the advancing Yudhishthira inspired with the desire of revenge. The Kuru king then pierced the son of Pandu with three and seventy razor-headed arrows. At this, Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, became inflamed with ire, and quickly struck thy son with thirty broad-headed arrows. The Kaurava troops then rushed impetuously for seizing Yudhishthira. Understanding the wicked intentions of the enemy, the great car-warriors of the Pandava army, uniting together, rushed towards Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, for rescuing him. Indeed, Nakula and Sahadeva and Dhrishtadyumna, the son of Prishata, surrounded by a full Akshauhini of troops, thus proceeded towards Yudhishthira. Bhimasena also, in that battle, crushing the great car-warriors of thy army, proceeded towards the king surrounded by foes. Karna, otherwise called Vaikartana, O king, shooting dense showers of arrows, checked, single-handed, all those mighty bowmen thus advancing (to the rescue). Though they shot dense showers of arrows and hurled innumerable lances, fighting with determination, yet they were unable even to look at the son of Radha. Indeed, the son of Radha, that master of all weapons offensive and defensive, by shooting dense showers of shafts checked all those great bowmen. The high-souled Sahadeva, however, quickly approaching (the spot where Duryodhana was), and invoking without loss of time a (celestial) weapon, pierced Duryodhana with twenty arrows. Thus pierced by Sahadeva, the Kuru king, covered with blood, looked beautiful, like a huge elephant of split temples. Beholding thy son deeply pierced with many arrows of great energy, that foremost of car-warriors, viz., the son of Radha, filled with rage, rushed to that spot. Seeing Duryodhana reduced to that plight, Karna, invoking his weapons quickly, began to slaughter the troops of Yudhishthira and Prishata's son. Thus slaughtered by the high-souled Karna, Yudhishthira's troops, O king, afflicted with the arrows of the Suta's son, soon fled away. Showers of shafts fell together. Indeed, those sped subsequently from the bow of the Suta's son touched with their heads the wings of those sped before. In consequence of those falling showers, of shafts, O monarch, colliding with one another, a conflagration seemed to blaze forth in the welkin. Soon Karna shrouded the ten points of the compass, O king, with arrows capable of piercing the bodies of foes, as if with advancing flights of locusts. Displaying the highest weapons, Karna began to wave with great force his two arms smeared with red sandal-paste and adorned with jewels and gold. Then stupefying all sides, O king, with his shafts, Karna deeply afflicted Yudhishthira the just. Filled with rage at this, Dharma's son Yudhishthira struck Karna with fifty keen shafts. In consequence then of the darkness caused by those showers of arrows, the battle became awful to look at. Loud cries of woe arose from among thy troops, O monarch, whilst they were being slaughtered by Dharma's son, O sire, with diverse kinds of keen shafts equipped with Kanka feathers and whetted on stone, with numerous broad-headed arrows, and with diverse kinds of darts and swords and clubs. Thither where Pandu's son of virtuous soul cast his eyes with the desire of producing evil, thither thy army broke, O bull of Bharata's race. Inflamed with great rage, Karna also, of immeasurable soul, inspired with the desire of retaliating, his face flushed in anger, rushed in that battle against Pandu's son, king Yudhishthira the just, shooting cloth-yard shafts and crescent-shaped arrows and those equipped with heads like the calf's tooth. Yudhishthira also pierced him with many whetted arrows equipped with wings of gold. As if smiling the while, Karna pierced the royal son of Pandu in the chest with three broad-headed arrows, whetted on stone, and equipped with Kanka feathers. Deeply afflicted therewith, king Yudhishthira the just, sitting down on the terrace of his car, ordered his driver to retreat. Thereupon all the Dhartarashtras, with their king, set up a loud shout, saying, "Seize! Seize!" and all of them then pursued the (Pandava) king. Then seventeen hundred Kekaya troops, skilled in smiting, united with a body of the Pancala troops, O king, checked the Dhartarashtras. During the progress of that fierce and terrible battle, Duryodhana and Bhima, those two warriors endued with great might, encountered each other.'"

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Meanwhile Karna also began, with his arrowy showers, to afflict the mighty car-warriors of the Kaikayas, viz., those great bowmen that stood before him. Indeed, the son of Radha despatched to Yama's abode full five hundred of those warriors that were employed in checking him in that battle. Beholding the son of Radha to be irresistible in that battle, those warriors, afflicted with the arrows of their assailant, repaired to the presence of Bhimasena. Breaking that car-force into many parts by means of his arrows, Karna, singly and riding on that same car of his, pursued Yudhishthira, who then, exceedingly mangled with arrows and almost insensible, was proceeding slowly for reaching the Pandava encampment with Nakula and Sahadeva on his two sides. Having approached the king, the Suta's son, from desire of doing good to Duryodhana, pierced the son of Pandu with three formidable arrows. In return, the king pierced Radha's son in the centre of the chest and then his driver with three shafts. Then those two scorchers of foes, viz., the twin sons of Madri, those two protectors of Yudhishthira's car-wheels, rushed towards Karna so that the latter might not succeed in slaying the king. Then Nakula and Sahadeva, both shooting showers of shafts with great care, covered the son of Radha therewith. The valiant son of the Suta, however, in return, pierced those two high-souled chastisers of foes with two broad-headed arrows of great sharpness. The son of Radha then slew Yudhishthira's excellent steeds, white as ivory and fleet as the mind, and having black hair in their tails. Then, smiling the while, the Suta's son, that great bowman, with another broadheaded shaft, felled the head-gear of Kunti's son. Similarly, the valiant Karna, having slain the steeds of Nakula, cut off the car shafts and bow of that intelligent son of Madri. Those two steedless and carless sons of Pandu,--those two brothers,--thereupon ascended the car of Sahadeva. Beholding those two brothers made carless, that slayer of hostile heroes, viz., their maternal uncle, the ruler of the Madras, moved by compassion, addressed the son of Radha and said, "Thou art to fight today with Pritha's son Phalguna. Why dost thou then, with rage inflamed to such a pitch, battle with Dharma's royal son? Thou art suffering thy weapons to be exhausted. Thy own armour is being weakened. With thy shafts reduced, and without quivers, with thy driver and steeds fatigued, and thyself mangled by foes with weapons, when thou wilt approach Partha, O son of Radha, thou wilt be an object of derision and mirth." Though thus addressed by the ruler of the Madras, Karna still, filled with rage, continued to assail Yudhishthira in battle. And he continued to pierce the two sons of Madri by Pandu with many keen arrows. Smiling the while, by means of his shafts he made Yudhishthira turn his face from the battle. Then Shalya, laughing, once more said unto Karna as the latter, excited with great wrath and resolved upon Yudhishthira's destruction stood on his car, these words, "Him for whose sake Dhritarashtra's son always honours thee, slay that Partha, O son of Radha. What wouldst thou gain by slaying Yudhishthira? The two Krishnas are blowing their conchs, whose loud blare is being heard. The twang also of Arjuna's bow is being heard, like the roar of the clouds in the season of rains. There, Arjuna, striking down the foremost of our car-warriors with his arrowy down-pours, is devouring all our troops. Behold him, O Karna, in this battle. The two that are protecting his rear are Yudhamanyu and Uttamauja. The brave Satyaki is protecting his left wheel, and Dhrishtadyumna is protecting his right wheel. There, Bhimasena is fighting with the royal son of Dhritarashtra. Act in such way, O son of Radha, that Bhima may not be able to slay the king today in the sight of us all,--that the king may, indeed, escape him. Behold, Duryodhana is brought under the power of Bhimasena, that ornament of battle. Approaching if thou canst rescue him, it will, indeed, be a very wonderful feat. Going thither, rescue the king, for a great peril has overtaken him. What wilt thou gain by slaying the sons of Madri or king Yudhishthira?" Hearing these words of Shalya, O lord of Earth, and beholding Duryodhana overpowered by Bhima in that dreadful battle, the valiant son of Radha, thus urged by the words of Shalya and exceedingly desirous of rescuing the king, left Ajatasatru and the twin sons of Madri by Pandu, and rushed for rescuing thy son. He was borne by his steeds that were fleet as birds and that were urged by the ruler of the Madras. After Karna had gone away, Kunti's son Yudhishthira retreated, borne, O sire, by the fleet steeds of Sahadeva. With his twin brothers accompanying him, that ruler of men, quickly repairing in shame to the (Pandava) camp, his body exceedingly mangled with shafts, alighted from the car and hastily sat down on an excellent bed. The, arrows then being extracted from his body, the royal son of Pandu, his heart exceedingly afflicted with sorrow's dart, addressed his two brothers, viz., those two mighty car-warriors, the sons of Madri, saying, "Repair quickly to the division of Bhimasena. Roaring like a cloud, Vrikodara is engaged in battle." Riding another car, Nakula, that bull among car-warriors, and Sahadeva of great energy,--those two brothers, those two crushers of foes,--both endued with great might, then proceeded towards Bhima, borne by steeds of the utmost fleetness. Indeed, the brothers having together repaired to Bhimasena's division, took up their places there.'"

8.45.1

संजय उवाच
द्रौणिस्तु रथवंशेन महता परिवारितः
आपतत्सहसा राजन्यत्र राजा व्यवस्थितः

8.45.2

तमापतन्तं सहसा शूरः शौरिसहायवान्
दधार सहसा पार्थो वेलेव मकरालयम्

8.45.3

ततः क्रुद्धो महाराज द्रोणपुत्रः प्रतापवान्
अर्जुनं वासुदेवं च छादयामास पत्रिभिः

8.45.4

अवच्छन्नौ ततः कृष्णौ दृष्ट्वा तत्र महारथाः
विस्मयं परमं गत्वा प्रैक्षन्त कुरवस्तदा

8.45.5

अर्जुनस्तु ततो दिव्यमस्त्रं चक्रे हसन्निव
तदस्त्रं ब्राह्मणो युद्धे वारयामास भारत

8.45.6

यद्यद्धि व्याक्षिपद्युद्धे पाण्डवोऽस्त्रं जिघांसया
तत्तदस्त्रं महेष्वासो द्रोणपुत्रो व्यशातयत्

8.45.7

अस्त्रयुद्धे ततो राजन्वर्तमाने भयावहे
अपश्याम रणे द्रौणिं व्यात्ताननमिवान्तकम्

8.45.8

स दिशो विदिशश्चैव छादयित्वा विजिह्मगैः
वासुदेवं त्रिभिर्बाणैरविध्यद्दक्षिणे भुजे

8.45.9

ततोऽर्जुनो हयान्हत्वा सर्वांस्तस्य महात्मनः
चकार समरे भूमिं शोणितौघतरङ्गिणीम्

8.45.10

निहता रथिनः पेतुः पार्थचापच्युतैः शरैः
हयाश्च पर्यधावन्त मुक्तयोक्त्रास्ततस्ततः

8.45.11

तद्दृष्ट्वा कर्म पार्थस्य द्रौणिराहवशोभिनः
अवाकिरद्रणे कृष्णं समन्तान्निशितैः शरैः

8.45.12

ततोऽर्जुनं महाराज द्रौणिरायम्य पत्रिणा
वक्षोदेशे समासाद्य ताडयामास संयुगे

8.45.13

सोऽतिविद्धो रणे तेन द्रोणपुत्रेण भारत
आदत्त परिघं घोरं द्रौणेश्चैनमवाक्षिपत्

8.45.14

तमापतन्तं परिघं कार्तस्वरविभूषितम्
द्रौणिश्चिच्छेद सहसा तत उच्चुक्रुशुर्जनाः

8.45.15

सोऽनेकधापतद्भूमौ भारद्वाजस्य सायकैः
विशीर्णः पर्वतो राजन्यथा स्यान्मातरिश्वना

8.45.16

ततोऽर्जुनो रणे द्रौणिं विव्याध दशभिः शरैः
सारथिं चास्य भल्लेन रथनीडादपाहरत्

8.45.17

स संगृह्य स्वयं वाहान्कृष्णौ प्राच्छादयच्छरैः
तत्राद्भुतमपश्याम द्रौणेराशु पराक्रमम्

8.45.18

अयच्छत्तुरगान्यच्च फल्गुनं चाप्ययोधयत्
तदस्य समरे राजन्सर्वे योधा अपूजयन्

8.45.19

यदा त्वग्रस्यत रणे द्रोणपुत्रेण फल्गुनः
ततो रश्मीन्रथाश्वानां क्षुरप्रैश्चिच्छिदे जयः

8.45.20

प्राद्रवंस्तुरगास्ते तु शरवेगप्रबाधिताः
ततोऽभून्निनदो भूयस्तव सैन्यस्य भारत

8.45.21

पाण्डवास्तु जयं लब्ध्वा तव सैन्यमुपाद्रवन्
समन्तान्निशितान्बाणान्विमुञ्चन्तो जयैषिणः

8.45.22

पाण्डवैस्तु महाराज धार्तराष्ट्री महाचमूः
पुनः पुनरथो वीरैरभज्यत जयोद्धतैः

8.45.23

पश्यतां ते महाराज पुत्राणां चित्रयोधिनाम्
शकुनेः सौबलेयस्य कर्णस्य च महात्मनः

8.45.24

वार्यमाणा महासेना पुत्रैस्तव जनेश्वर
नावतिष्ठत संग्रामे ताड्यमाना समन्ततः

8.45.25

ततो योधैर्महाराज पलायद्भिस्ततस्ततः
अभवद्व्याकुलं भीतैः पुत्राणां ते महद्बलम्

8.45.26

तिष्ठ तिष्ठेति सततं सूतपुत्रस्य जल्पतः
नावतिष्ठत सा सेना वध्यमाना महात्मभिः

8.45.27

अथोत्क्रुष्टं महाराज पाण्डवैर्जितकाशिभिः
धार्तराष्ट्रबलं दृष्ट्वा द्रवमाणं समन्ततः

8.45.28

ततो दुर्योधनः कर्णमब्रवीत्प्रणयादिव
पश्य कर्ण यथा सेना पाण्डवैरर्दिता भृशम्

8.45.29

त्वयि तिष्ठति संत्रासात्पलायति समन्ततः
एतज्ज्ञात्वा महाबाहो कुरु प्राप्तमरिंदम

8.45.30

सहस्राणि च योधानां त्वामेव पुरुषर्षभ
क्रोशन्ति समरे वीर द्राव्यमाणानि पाण्डवैः

8.45.31

एतच्छ्रुत्वा तु राधेयो दुर्योधनवचो महत्
मद्रराजमिदं वाक्यमब्रवीत्सूतनन्दनः

8.45.32

पश्य मे भुजयोर्वीर्यमस्त्राणां च जनेश्वर
अद्य हन्मि रणे सर्वान्पाञ्चालान्पाण्डुभिः सह
वाहयाश्वान्नरव्याघ्र भद्रेणैव जनेश्वर

8.45.33

एवमुक्त्वा महाराज सूतपुत्रः प्रतापवान्
प्रगृह्य विजयं वीरो धनुःश्रेष्ठं पुरातनम्
सज्यं कृत्वा महाराज संमृज्य च पुनः पुनः

8.45.34

संनिवार्य च योधान्स्वान्सत्येन शपथेन च
प्रायोजयदमेयात्मा भार्गवास्त्रं महाबलः

8.45.35

ततो राजन्सहस्राणि प्रयुतान्यर्बुदानि च
कोटिशश्च शरास्तीक्ष्णा निरगच्छन्महामृधे

8.45.36

ज्वलितैस्तैर्महाघोरैः कङ्कबर्हिणवाजितैः
संछन्ना पाण्डवी सेना न प्राज्ञायत किंचन

8.45.37

हाहाकारो महानासीत्पाञ्चालानां विशां पते
पीडितानां बलवता भार्गवास्त्रेण संयुगे

8.45.38

निपतद्भिर्गजै राजन्नरैश्चापि सहस्रशः
रथैश्चापि नरव्याघ्र हयैश्चापि समन्ततः

8.45.39

प्राकम्पत मही राजन्निहतैस्तैस्ततस्ततः
व्याकुलं सर्वमभवत्पाण्डवानां महद्बलम्

8.45.40

कर्णस्त्वेको युधां श्रेष्ठो विधूम इव पावकः
दहञ्शत्रून्नरव्याघ्र शुशुभे स परंतपः

8.45.41

ते वध्यमानाः कर्णेन पाञ्चालाश्चेदिभिः सह
तत्र तत्र व्यमुह्यन्त वनदाहे यथा द्विपाः
चुक्रुशुस्ते नरव्याघ्र यथाप्राग्वा नरोत्तमाः

8.45.42

तेषां तु क्रोशतां श्रुत्वा भीतानां रणमूर्धनि
धावतां च दिशो राजन्वित्रस्तानां समन्ततः
आर्तनादो महांस्तत्र प्रेतानामिव संप्लवे

8.45.43

वध्यमानांस्तु तान्दृष्ट्वा सूतपुत्रेण मारिष
वित्रेसुः सर्वभूतानि तिर्यग्योनिगतान्यपि

8.45.44

ते वध्यमानाः समरे सूतपुत्रेण सृञ्जयाः
अर्जुनं वासुदेवं च व्याक्रोशन्त मुहुर्मुहुः
प्रेतराजपुरे यद्वत्प्रेतराजं विचेतसः

8.45.45

अथाब्रवीद्वासुदेवं कुन्तीपुत्रो धनंजयः
भार्गवास्त्रं महाघोरं दृष्ट्वा तत्र सभीरितम्

8.45.46

पश्य कृष्ण महाबाहो भार्गवास्त्रस्य विक्रमम्
नैतदस्त्रं हि समरे शक्यं हन्तुं कथंचन

8.45.47

सूतपुत्रं च संरब्धं पश्य कृष्ण महारणे
अन्तकप्रतिमं वीरं कुर्वाणं कर्म दारुणम्

8.45.48

सुतीक्ष्णं चोदयन्नश्वान्प्रेक्षते मां मुहुर्मुहुः
न च पश्यामि समरे कर्णस्य प्रपलायितम्

8.45.49

जीवन्प्राप्नोति पुरुषः संख्ये जयपराजयौ
जितस्य तु हृषीकेश वध एव कुतो जयः

8.45.50

ततो जनार्दनः प्रायाद्द्रष्टुमिच्छन्युधिष्ठिरम्
श्रमेण ग्राहयिष्यंश्च कर्णं युद्धेन मारिष

8.45.51

अर्जुनं चाब्रवीत्कृष्णो भृशं राजा परिक्षतः
तमाश्वास्य कुरुश्रेष्ठ ततः कर्णं हनिष्यसि

8.45.52

ततो धनंजयो द्रष्टुं राजानं बाणपीडितम्
रथेन प्रययौ क्षिप्रं संग्रामे केशवाज्ञया

8.45.53

गच्छन्नेव तु कौन्तेयो धर्मराजदिदृक्षया
सैन्यमालोकयामास नापश्यत्तत्र चाग्रजम्

8.45.54

युद्धं कृत्वा तु कौन्तेयो द्रोणपुत्रेण भारत
दुःसहं वज्रिणा संख्ये पराजिग्ये भृगोः सुतम्

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Meanwhile Drona's son, surrounded by a large car-force, O king, suddenly proceeded to that spot where Partha was. Like the continent withstanding the surging ocean, the heroic Partha having Saurin (Krishna) for his help-mate withstood the impetuously rushing Ashvatthama. Then, O monarch, the valiant son of Drona, filled with rage, covered both Arjuna and Vasudeva with his shafts. Beholding the two Krishnas shrouded with arrows, the great car-warriors (of the Pandava army), as also the Kurus that witnessed it, wondered exceedingly. Then Arjuna, as if smiling, invoked into existence a celestial weapon. The brahmana Ashvatthama, however, O Bharata, baffled that weapon in that battle. Indeed, all those weapons that Arjuna sped from desire of slaying the son of Drona were baffled by the latter, that great bowman, in that encounter. During the progress of that awful encounter of weapons, O king, we beheld the son of Drona to resemble the Destroyer himself, with gaping mouth. Having covered all the points of the compass, cardinal and subsidiary, with straight arrows, he pierced Vasudeva with three arrows in the right arm. Then Arjuna, slaying all the steeds of his high-souled assailant, caused the Earth in that battle to be covered with a river of blood that was exceedingly awful that led towards the other world, and that had diverse kinds of creatures floating on it. All the spectators beheld a large number of car-warriors along with their cars, belonging to the division of Ashvatthama, slain and destroyed by means of the arrows sped from Partha's bow. Ashvatthama also, slaying his enemies, caused a terrible river of blood to flow there that led to Yama's domains. During the progress of that fierce and awful battle between Drona's son and Partha, the combatants fought without showing any regard for one another, and rushed hither and thither. In consequence of cars having their steeds and drivers slain, and steeds having their riders slain, and elephants having their riders and guides slain, an awful carnage, O king, was made by Partha in that battle! Car-warriors, deprived of life with shafts sped from Partha's bow, fell down. Steeds freed from their trappings ran hither and thither. Beholding those feats of Partha, that ornament of battle, that valiant son of Drona quickly approached the former, that foremost of victorious men, shook his formidable bow decked with gold, and then pierced him from every side with many sharp arrows. Once more bending the bow, O king, the son of Drona cruelly struck Arjuna, aiming at the chest, with a winged arrow. Deeply pierced by Drona's son, O Bharata, in that encounter, the wielder of gandiva, that hero of great intelligence forcibly covered the son of Drona with showers of arrows, and then cut off his bow. His bow cut off Drona's son then, taking up a spiked mace whose touch resembled that of thunder's, hurled it, in that encounter, at the diadem-decked Arjuna. The son of Pandu, however, O king, as if smiling the while, suddenly cut off that spiked mace decked with gold, as it advanced towards him. Thus cut off with Partha's shafts, it fell down on the Earth, like a mountain, O king, broken into pieces, struck with the thunderbolt. Filled with rage at this, Drona's son, that great car-warrior, began to cover Vibhatsu, aided by the energy of the aindra weapon. Beholding that shower of arrows spread over the welkin through the aindra weapon, Partha, endued with great activity, O king, taking up his bow gandiva, and fixing on his bowstring a mighty weapon created by Indra, destroyed that aindra-shower of arrows. Having baffled that arrowy shower caused by the aindra weapon, Partha soon covered the car of Drona's son (with his own arrows). The son of Drona, however, overwhelmed with Partha's shafts, penetrated through that shower of arrows shot by the son of Pandu, and approaching the latter, invoked a mighty weapon and suddenly pierced Krishna with hundred shafts and Arjuna with three hundred small arrows. Then Arjuna pierced the son of his preceptor with a hundred arrows in all his vital limbs. And then he poured many arrows on the steeds and driver and the bowstring of Drona's son in the very sight of thy warriors. Having pierced Drona's son in every vital part, Pandu's son, that slayer of hostile heroes, then felled his adversary's driver from the car-niche with a broad-headed arrow. Drona's son, however, himself, taking up the reins, covered Krishna with many arrows. The activity of prowess that we then beheld in Drona's son was exceedingly wonderful, since he guided his steeds while he fought with Phalguni. That feat of his in battle, O king, was applauded by all the warriors. Then Vibhatsu, otherwise called Jaya, smiling the while, quickly cut off the traces of Ashvatthama's steeds in that battle, with a razor-faced arrow. Already afflicted by the energy of Arjuna's shafts, the steeds of Drona's son thereupon ran away. Then a loud noise arose from thy troops, O Bharata! Meanwhile the Pandavas, having obtained the victory, and desiring to improve it, rushed against thy troops, shooting from all sides sharp arrows at them. The vast Dhartarashtra host, then, O king, was repeatedly broken by the heroic Pandavas inspired with desire of victory, in the very sight, O monarch, of thy sons, conversant with all modes of warfare, and of, Shakuni the son of Subala, and of Karna, O king! Though sought to be stopped, O king, by thy sons, that great army, afflicted on all sides, stayed not on the field. Indeed, a confusion set in among the vast terrified host of thy son in consequence of many warriors flying away on all sides. The Suta's son loudly cried out, saying "Stay, Stay!" but thy army, slaughtered by many high-souled warriors, did not stay on the field. Loud shouts were uttered then, O monarch, by the Pandavas, inspired with this desire of victory, on beholding the Dhartarashtra host flying away on all sides. Then Duryodhana addressing Karna from affection, "Behold, O Karna, how our army, exceedingly afflicted by the Pandavas, though thou art here, is flying away from battle! Knowing this, O thou of mighty arms, do that which is suited to the hour, O chastiser of foes! Thousands of (our) warriors, routed by the Pandavas, are O hero, calling after thee only, O best of men!" Hearing these grave words of Duryodhana, the son of Radha, as if smiling, said these words unto the ruler of the Madras, "Behold the prowess of my arms and the energy of my weapons, O ruler of men! Today I will slay all the Pancalas and the Pandavas in battle! Cause the steeds to proceed with my car, O tiger among men! Without doubt, everything will be as I have said!" Having said these words, the Suta's son of great valour, that hero, taking up his ancient and foremost of bows called Vijaya, stringed it and rubbed the string repeatedly. Bidding the troops stay on the field after having assured them upon his truth and by an oath, the mighty Karna of immeasurable soul fixed on his bow-string the weapon known by the name of Bhargava. From that weapon flowed, O king, millions and millions of keen arrows in that great battle. Entirely shrouded with those blazing and terrible arrows winged with feathers of Kankas and peacocks, the Pandava army could not see anything. Loud wails of woe arose from among the Pancalas, O king, afflicted, in that battle, with the mighty Bhargava weapon. In consequence then of elephants, O king, and steeds, by thousands, and cars, O monarch, and men, falling on all sides, deprived of life, the Earth began to tremble. The vast force of the Pandavas became agitated from one extremity to another. Meanwhile Karna, that scorcher of foes, that foremost of warriors, that tiger among men, while consuming his foes, looked resplendent like a smokeless fire. Thus slaughtered by Karna, the Pancalas and the Cedis began to lose their senses all over the field like elephants during the conflagration in a forest. Those foremost of men, O tiger among men, uttered loud roars like those of the tiger. Loud became the wails of woe, like those of living creatures at the universal dissolution that were uttered by those crying combatants struck with panic and running wildly on all sides, O king, of the field of battle and trembling with fear. Beholding them thus slaughtered, O sire, by the Suta's son, all creatures, even beasts and birds, were filled with fear. The Srinjayas then, thus slaughtered in battle by the Suta's son, repeatedly called upon Arjuna and Vasudeva like the spirits of the dead within Yama's dominions calling upon Yama to rescue them. Hearing those wails of the troops slaughtered with Karna's shafts, and beholding the terrible bhargava weapon invoked into existence Kunti's son Dhananjaya said unto Vasudeva these words, "Behold, O Krishna of mighty arms, the prowess of the bhargava weapon! It cannot, by any means, be baffled! Behold the Suta's son also, O Krishna, filled with rage in this great battle and resembling the Destroyer himself, in prowess and employed in achieving such a fierce feat! Urging his steeds incessantly, he is repeatedly casting angry glances upon me! I will never be able to fly away from Karna in battle! The person that is living, may, in battle, meet with either victory or defeat. To the man, however, that is dead, O Hrishikesha, even death is victory. How can defeat be his that is dead?" Thus addressed by Partha, Krishna replied unto that foremost of intelligent men and chastiser of foes, these words that were suitable to the occasion, "The royal son of Kunti hath been deeply wounded and mangled by Karna. Having seen him first and comforted him, thou wilt then, O Partha, slay Karna?" Then Keshava proceeded, desirous of beholding Yudhishthira, thinking that Karna meanwhile, O monarch, would be overwhelmed with fatigue! Then Dhananjaya, himself desirous of beholding the king afflicted with arrows, quickly proceeded on that car, avoiding the battle, at Keshava's command. While the son of Kunti was thus proceeding from desire of seeing king Yudhishthira the just, he cast his eyes on every part of the army but failed to find his eldest brother anywhere on the field. The son of Kunti proceeded, O Bharata, having fought with the son of his preceptor Drona, and having vanquished that hero incapable of being resisted by the wielder of the thunderbolt himself.'"

8.45.55

द्रौणिं पराजित्य ततोग्रधन्वा; कृत्वा महद्दुष्करमार्यकर्म
आलोकयामास ततः स्वसैन्यं; धनंजयः शत्रुभिरप्रधृष्यः

8.45.56

स युध्यमानः पृतनामुखस्था;ञ्शूराञ्शूरो हर्षयन्सव्यसाची
पूर्वापदानैः प्रथितैः प्रशंस;न्स्थिरांश्चकारात्मरथाननीके

8.45.57

अपश्यमानस्तु किरीटमाली; युधि ज्येष्ठं भ्रातरमाजमीढम्
उवाच भीमं तरसाभ्युपेत्य; राज्ञः प्रवृत्तिस्त्विह केति राजन्

8.45.58

भीम उवाच
अपयात इतो राजा धर्मपुत्रो युधिष्ठिरः
कर्णबाणविभुग्नाङ्गो यदि जीवेत्कथंचन

8.45.59

अर्जुन उवाच
तस्माद्भवाञ्शीघ्रमितः प्रयातु; राज्ञः प्रवृत्त्यै कुरुसत्तमस्य
नूनं हि विद्धोऽतिभृशं पृषत्कैः; कर्णेन राजा शिबिरं गतोऽसौ

8.45.60

यः संप्रहारे निशि संप्रवृत्ते; द्रोणेन विद्धोऽतिभृशं तरस्वी
तस्थौ च तत्रापि जयप्रतीक्षो; द्रोणेन यावन्न हतः किलासीत्

8.45.61

स संशयं गमितः पाण्डवाग्र्यः; संख्येऽद्य कर्णेन महानुभावः
ज्ञातुं प्रयाह्याशु तमद्य भीम; स्थास्याम्यहं शत्रुगणान्निरुध्य

8.45.62

भीम उवाच
त्वमेव जानीहि महानुभाव; राज्ञः प्रवृत्तिं भरतर्षभस्य
अहं हि यद्यर्जुन यामि तत्र; वक्ष्यन्ति मां भीत इति प्रवीराः

8.45.63

ततोऽब्रवीदर्जुनो भीमसेनं; संशप्तकाः प्रत्यनीकं स्थिता मे
एतानहत्वा न मया तु शक्य;मितोऽपयातुं रिपुसंघगोष्ठात्

8.45.64

अथाब्रवीदर्जुनं भीमसेनः; स्ववीर्यमाश्रित्य कुरुप्रवीर
संशप्तकान्प्रतियोत्स्यामि संख्ये; सर्वानहं याहि धनंजयेति

8.45.65

तद्भीमसेनस्य वचो निशम्य; सुदुर्वचं भ्रातुरमित्रमध्ये
द्रष्टुं कुरुश्रेष्ठमभिप्रयातुं; प्रोवाच वृष्णिप्रवरं तदानीम्

8.45.66

चोदयाश्वान्हृषीकेश विगाह्यैतं रथार्णवम्
अजातशत्रुं राजानं द्रष्टुमिच्छामि केशव

8.45.67

ततो हयान्सर्वदाशार्हमुख्यः; प्राचोदयद्भीममुवाच चेदम्
नैतच्चित्रं तव कर्माद्य वीर; यास्यामहे जहि भीमारिसंघान्

8.45.68

ततो ययौ हृषीकेशो यत्र राजा युधिष्ठिरः
शीघ्राच्छीघ्रतरं राजन्वाजिभिर्गरुडोपमैः

8.45.69

प्रत्यनीके व्यवस्थाप्य भीमसेनमरिंदमम्
संदिश्य चैव राजेन्द्र युद्धं प्रति वृकोदरम्

8.45.70

ततस्तु गत्वा पुरुषप्रवीरौ; राजानमासाद्य शयानमेकम्
रथादुभौ प्रत्यवरुह्य तस्मा;द्ववन्दतुर्धर्मराजस्य पादौ

8.45.71

तौ दृष्ट्वा पुरुषव्याघ्रौ क्षेमिणौ पुरुषर्षभ
मुदाभ्युपगतौ कृष्णावश्विनाविव वासवम्

8.45.72

तावभ्यनन्दद्राजा हि विवस्वानश्विनाविव
हते महासुरे जम्भे शक्रविष्णू यथा गुरुः

8.45.73

मन्यमानो हतं कर्णं धर्मराजो युधिष्ठिरः
हर्षगद्गदया वाचा प्रीतः प्राह परंतपौ

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Having vanquished the son of Drona and achieved a mighty and heroic feat that is exceedingly difficult of accomplishment, Dhananjaya, irresistible by foes, and with bow outstretched in his hands, cast his eyes among his own troops. The brave Savyasaci, gladdening those warriors of his that were still battling at the head of their divisions and applauding those among them that were celebrated for their former achievements, caused the carwarriors of his own army to continue to stand in their posts. Not seeing his brother Yudhishthira of Ajamida's race, the diadem-decked Arjuna, adorned, besides, with a necklace of gold, speedily approached Bhima and enquired of him the whereabouts of the king, saying, "Tell me, where is the king?" Thus asked, Bhima said, "King Yudhishthira the just, hath gone away from this place, his limbs scorched with Karna's shafts. It is doubtful whether he still liveth!" Hearing those words, Arjuna said, "For this reason go thou quickly from the spot for bringing intelligence of the king, that best of all the descendants of Kuru! Without doubt, deeply pierced by Karna with shafts, the king hath gone to the camp! In that fierce passage at arms, though deeply pierced by Drona with keen shafts, the king endued with great activity, had still stayed in battle, expectant of victory, until Drona was slain! That foremost one among the Pandavas, possessed of great magnanimity, was greatly imperilled by Karna in today's battle! For ascertaining his condition, quickly go hence, O Bhima! I will stay here, checking all our foes!" Thus addressed, Bhima said, "O thou of great glory, go thyself for ascertaining the condition of the king, that bull amongst the Bharatas! If, O Arjuna, I go there, many foremost of heroes will then say that I am frightened in battle!" Then Arjuna said unto Bhimasena, "The samsaptakas are before my division! Without slaying those assembled foes first, it is impossible for me to stir from this place!' Then Bhimasena said unto Arjuna, 'Relying upon my own might, O foremost one among the Kurus, I will fight with all the samsaptakas in battle! Therefore, O Dhananjaya, do thou go thyself!'"

"Sanjaya continued, 'Hearing in the midst of foes, those words of his brother Bhimasena that were difficult of accomplishment, Arjuna, desiring to see the king, addressed the Vrishni hero, saying, "Urge the steeds, O Hrishikesha, leaving this sea of troops! I desire, O Keshava to see king Ajatasatru!'"

"Sanjaya continued, 'Just as he was on the point of urging the steeds, Keshava, that foremost one of the Dasharhas, addressed Bhima, saying, "This feat is not at all wonderful for thee, O Bhima! I am about to go (hence). Slay these assembled foes of Partha!" Then Hrishikesha proceeded with very great speed to the spot where king Yudhishthira was, O king, borne by those steeds that resembled Garuda, having stationed Bhima, that chastiser of foes, at the head of the army and having commanded him, O monarch, to fight (with the samsaptakas). Then those two foremost of men, (Krishna and Arjuna), proceeding on their car, approached the king who was lying alone on his bed. Both of them, alighting from that car, worshipped the feet of king Yudhishthira the just. Beholding that bull of tigers among men safe and sound, the two Krishnas became filled with joy, like the twin Ashvinis on seeing Vasava. The king then congratulated them both like Vivasvat congratulating the twin Ashvinis, or like Brihaspati congratulating Sankara and Vishnu after the slaughter of the mighty asura Jambha. King Yudhishthira the just, thinking that Karna had been slain, became filled with joy, and that scorcher of foes thereupon addressed them in these words in a voice choked with delight.'"

8.46.1

संजय उवाच
महासत्त्वौ तु तौ दृष्ट्वा सहितौ केशवार्जुनौ
हतमाधिरथिं मेने संख्ये गाण्डीवधन्वना

8.46.2

तावभ्यनन्दत्कौन्तेयः साम्ना परमवल्गुना
स्मितपूर्वममित्रघ्नः पूजयन्भरतर्षभ

8.46.3

युधिष्ठिर उवाच
स्वागतं देवकीपुत्र स्वागतं ते धनंजय
प्रियं मे दर्शनं बाढं युवयोरच्युतार्जुनौ

8.46.4

अक्षताभ्यामरिष्टाभ्यां कथं युध्य महारथम्
आशीविषसमं युद्धे सर्वशस्त्रविशारदम्

8.46.5

अग्रगं धार्तराष्ट्राणां सर्वेषां शर्म वर्म च
रक्षितं वृषसेनेन सुषेणेन च धन्विना

8.46.6

अनुज्ञातं महावीर्यं रामेणास्त्रेषु दुर्जयम्
त्रातारं धार्तराष्ट्राणां गन्तारं वाहिनीमुखे

8.46.7

हन्तारमरिसैन्यानाममित्रगणमर्दनम्
दुर्योधनहिते युक्तमस्मद्युद्धाय चोद्यतम्

8.46.8

अप्रधृष्यं महायुद्धे देवैरपि सवासवैः
अनलानिलयोस्तुल्यं तेजसा च बलेन च

8.46.9

पातालमिव गम्भीरं सुहृदानन्दवर्धनम्
अन्तकाभममित्राणां कर्णं हत्वा महाहवे
दिष्ट्या युवामनुप्राप्तौ जित्वासुरमिवामरौ

8.46.10

तेन युद्धमदीनेन मया ह्यद्याच्युतार्जुनौ
कुपितेनान्तकेनेव प्रजाः सर्वा जिघांसता

8.46.11

तेन केतुश्च मे छिन्नो हतौ च पार्ष्णिसारथी
हतवाहः कृतश्चास्मि युयुधानस्य पश्यतः

8.46.12

धृष्टद्युम्नस्य यमयोर्वीरस्य च शिखण्डिनः
पश्यतां द्रौपदेयानां पाञ्चालानां च सर्वशः

8.46.13

एताञ्जित्वा महावीर्यान्कर्णः शत्रुगणान्बहून्
जितवान्मां महाबाहो यतमानं महारणे

8.46.14

अनुसृत्य च मां युद्धे परुषाण्युक्तवान्बहु
तत्र तत्र युधां श्रेष्ठः परिभूय न संशयः

8.46.15

भीमसेनप्रभावात्तु यज्जीवामि धनंजय
बहुनात्र किमुक्तेन नाहं तत्सोढुमुत्सहे

8.46.16

त्रयोदशाहं वर्षाणि यस्माद्भीतो धनंजय
न स्म निद्रां लभे रात्रौ न चाहनि सुखं क्वचित्

8.46.17

तस्य द्वेषेण संयुक्तः परिदह्ये धनंजय
आत्मनो मरणं जानन्वाध्रीणस इव द्विपः

8.46.18

यस्यायमगमत्कालश्चिन्तयानस्य मे विभो
कथं शक्यो मया कर्णो युद्धे क्षपयितुं भवेत्

8.46.19

जाग्रत्स्वपंश्च कौन्तेय कर्णमेव सदा ह्यहम्
पश्यामि तत्र तत्रैव कर्णभूतमिदं जगत्

8.46.20

यत्र यत्र हि गच्छामि कर्णाद्भीतो धनंजय
तत्र तत्र हि पश्यामि कर्णमेवाग्रतः स्थितम्

8.46.21

सोऽहं तेनैव वीरेण समरेष्वपलायिना
सहयः सरथः पार्थ जित्वा जीवन्विसर्जितः

8.46.22

को नु मे जीवितेनार्थो राज्येनार्थोऽथ वा पुनः
ममैवं धिक्कृतस्येह कर्णेनाहवशोभिना

8.46.23

न प्राप्तपूर्वं यद्भीष्मात्कृपाद्द्रोणाच्च संयुगे
तत्प्राप्तमद्य मे युद्धे सूतपुत्रान्महारथात्

8.46.24

तत्त्वा पृच्छामि कौन्तेय यथा ह्यकुशलस्तथा
तन्ममाचक्ष्व कार्त्स्न्येन यथा कर्णस्त्वया हतः

8.46.25

शक्रवीर्यसमो युद्धे यमतुल्यपराक्रमः
रामतुल्यस्तथास्त्रे यः स कथं वै निषूदितः

8.46.26

महारथः समाख्यातः सर्वयुद्धविशारदः
धनुर्धराणां प्रवरः सर्वेषामेकपूरुषः

8.46.27

पूजितो धृतराष्ट्रेण सपुत्रेण विशां पते
सदा त्वदर्थं राधेयः स कथं निहतस्त्वया

8.46.28

धृतराष्ट्रो हि योधेषु सर्वेष्वेव सदार्जुन
तव मृत्युं रणे कर्णं मन्यते पुरुषर्षभः

8.46.29

स त्वया पुरुषव्याघ्र कथं युद्धे निषूदितः
तं ममाचक्ष्व बीभत्सो यथा कर्णो हतस्त्वया

8.46.30

सोत्सेधमस्य च शिरः पश्यतां सुहृदां हृतम्
त्वया पुरुषशार्दूल शार्दूलेन यथा रुरोः

8.46.31

यः पर्युपासीत्प्रदिशो दिशश्च; त्वां सूतपुत्रः समरे परीप्सन्
दित्सुः कर्णः समरे हस्तिपूगं; स हीदानीं कङ्कपत्रैः सुतीक्ष्णैः

8.46.32

त्वया रणे निहतः सूतपुत्रः; कच्चिच्छेते भूमितले दुरात्मा
कच्चित्प्रियं मे परमं त्वयाद्य; कृतं रणे सूतपुत्रं निहत्य

8.46.33

यः सर्वतः पर्यपतत्त्वदर्थे; मदान्वितो गर्वितः सूतपुत्रः
स शूरमानी समरे समेत्य; कच्चित्त्वया निहतः संयुगेऽद्य

8.46.34

रौक्मं रथं हस्तिवरैश्च युक्तं; रथं दित्सुर्यः परेभ्यस्त्वदर्थे
सदा रणे स्पर्धते यः स पापः; कच्चित्त्वया निहतस्तात युद्धे

8.46.35

योऽसौ नित्यं शूरमदेन मत्तो; विकत्थते संसदि कौरवाणाम्
प्रियोऽत्यर्थं तस्य सुयोधनस्य; कच्चित्स पापो निहतस्त्वयाद्य

8.46.36

कच्चित्समागम्य धनुःप्रमुक्तै;स्त्वत्प्रेषितैर्लोहितार्थैर्विहंगैः
शेतेऽद्य पापः स विभिन्नगात्रः; कच्चिद्भग्नो धार्तराष्ट्रस्य बाहुः

8.46.37

योऽसौ सदा श्लाघते राजमध्ये; दुर्योधनं हर्षयन्दर्पपूर्णः
अहं हन्ता फल्गुनस्येति मोहा;त्कच्चिद्धतस्तस्य न वै तथा रथः

8.46.38

नाहं पादौ धावयिष्ये कदाचि;द्यावत्स्थितः पार्थ इत्यल्पबुद्धिः
व्रतं तस्यैतत्सर्वदा शक्रसूनो; कच्चित्त्वया निहतः सोऽद्य कर्णः

8.46.39

योऽसौ कृष्णामब्रवीद्दुष्टबुद्धिः; कर्णः सभायां कुरुवीरमध्ये
किं पाण्डवांस्त्वं न जहासि कृष्णे; सुदुर्बलान्पतितान्हीनसत्त्वान्

8.46.40

यत्तत्कर्णः प्रत्यजानात्त्वदर्थे; नाहत्वाहं सह कृष्णेन पार्थम्
इहोपयातेति स पापबुद्धिः; कच्चिच्छेते शरसंभिन्नगात्रः

8.46.41

कच्चित्संग्रामे विदितो वा तदायं; समागमः सृञ्जयकौरवाणाम्
यत्रावस्थामीदृशीं प्रापितोऽहं; कच्चित्त्वया सोऽद्य हतः समेत्य

8.46.42

कच्चित्त्वया तस्य सुमन्दबुद्धे;र्गाण्डीवमुक्तैर्विशिखैर्ज्वलद्भिः
सकुण्डलं भानुमदुत्तमाङ्गं; कायात्प्रकृत्तं युधि सव्यसाचिन्

8.46.43

यत्तन्मया बाणसमर्पितेन; ध्यातोऽसि कर्णस्य वधाय वीर
तन्मे त्वया कच्चिदमोघमद्य; ध्यातं कृतं कर्णनिपातनेन

8.46.44

यद्दर्पपूर्णः स सुयोधनोऽस्मा;नवेक्षते कर्णसमाश्रयेण
कच्चित्त्वया सोऽद्य समाश्रयोऽस्य; भग्नः पराक्रम्य सुयोधनस्य

8.46.45

यो नः पुरा षण्ढतिलानवोच;त्सभामध्ये पार्थिवानां समक्षम्
स दुर्मतिः कच्चिदुपेत्य संख्ये; त्वया हतः सूतपुत्रोऽत्यमर्षी

8.46.46

यः सूतपुत्रः प्रहसन्दुरात्मा; पुराब्रवीन्निर्जितां सौबलेन
स्वयं प्रसह्यानय याज्ञसेनी;मपीह कच्चित्स हतस्त्वयाद्य

8.46.47

यः शस्त्रभृच्छ्रेष्ठतमं पृथिव्यां; पितामहं व्याक्षिपदल्पचेताः
संख्यायमानोऽर्धरथः स कच्चि;त्त्वया हतोऽद्याधिरथिर्दुरात्मा

8.46.48

अमर्षणं निकृतिसमीरणेरितं; हृदि श्रितं ज्वलनमिमं सदा मम
हतो मया सोऽद्य समेत्य पापधी;रिति ब्रुवन्प्रशमय मेऽद्य फल्गुन

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"'Yudhishthira said, "Welcome, O thou that hast Devaki for thy mother, and welcome to thee, O Dhananjaya! The sight of both of you, O Acyuta and Arjuna, is exceedingly agreeable! I see that without being wounded yourselves, you two, his foes, have slain the mighty car-warrior Karna! He was in battle like unto a snake of virulent poison. He was accomplished in all weapons. The leader of all the Dhartarashtras, he was their armour and protector! While fighting he was always protected by Vrishasena and by Sushena, both of whom are great bowmen! Of great energy, he had received lessons from Rama in weapons! He was invincible in battle! The foremost one in all the world, as a car-warrior he was celebrated throughout all the worlds. He was the saviour of the Dhartarashtras, and the proceeder in their van! A slayer of hostile troops, he was the crusher of large bands of foes. Ever engaged in Duryodhana's good, he was always prepared to inflict woe on us! He was invincible in battle by the very gods with Vasava at their head. In energy and might he was equal unto the god of fire and the god of wind. In gravity he was unfathomable as the Nether world. The enhancer of the joys of friends, he was like the Destroyer himself unto foes! Having slain Karna (who was even so) in dreadful battle, by good luck it is that you two have come, like a couple of celestials after vanquishing an Asura! Today, O Acyuta and Arjuna, a great battle was fought between myself exerting with might and that hero resembling the Destroyer himself, while seeking to exterminate all creatures! My standard was cut down, and my two Parshni drivers also were slain by him. I was also made steedless and carless by him in the very sight of Yuyudhana, of Dhrishtadyumna, of the twins (Nakula and Sahadeva), of the heroic Shikhandi, as also in the very sight of the sons of Draupadi, and all the Pancalas! Having vanquished those innumerable foes, Karna of mighty energy then vanquished me, O thou of mighty arms, although I exerted myself resolutely in battle! Pursuing me then and without doubt, vanquishing all my protectors, that foremost of warriors addressed me in diverse harsh speeches. That I am still alive, O Dhananjaya, is due to the prowess of Bhimasena. What more need I say? I am unable to bear that humiliation! For thirteen years, O Dhananjaya, through fear of Karna, I did not obtain any sleep by night or any comfort by day! Filled with hatred of Karna, I burn, O Dhananjaya! Like the bird Vaddhrinasa I fled from Karna, knowing that the time for my own destruction had come. The whole of my time had passed in the thought as to how I would accomplish the destruction of Karna in battle! Awake or asleep, O son of Kunti, I always beheld Karna (with my mind's eye). Wherever I was, the universe appeared to me to be full of Karna! Inspired with the fear of Karna, wherever I used to go, O Dhananjaya, thither I beheld Karna standing before my eyes! Vanquished in battle, with my steeds and car, by that hero who never retreated from battle, alive I was let off by him! What use have I of life or of kingdom either, since Karna, that ornament of battle, today cried fie on me? That which I had never before met with at the hands of Bhishma or Kripa or Drona in battle, that I met with today at the hands of the Suta's son, that mighty car-warrior! It is for this, O son of Kunti, that I ask thee today about thy welfare! Tell me in detail how thou hast slain Karna today! In battle Karna was equal unto Sakra himself. In prowess he was equal unto Yama. In weapons he was equal unto Rama. How then hath he been slain? He was regarded as a mighty car-warrior, conversant with all modes of warfare. He was the foremost of all bowmen, and the one man amongst all men! O prince, the son of Radha was always worshipped by Dhritarashtra and his son, for thy sake! How then hath he been slain by thee? In all engagements, Dhritarashtra's son, O Arjuna, used to regard Karna as thy death, O bull among men! How then, O tiger among men, hath that Karna been slain by thee in battle? Tell me, O son of Kunti, how that Karna hath been slain by thee! How, while he was engaged in battle, didst thou, O tiger among men, strike off his head in the very sight of all his friends like a tiger tearing off the head of a ruru deer? That Suta's son who in battle searched all the points of the compass for finding thee, that Karna who had promised to give a car with six bulls of elephantine proportions unto him that would point thee out, I ask: doth that Karna of wicked soul lie today on the bare ground, slain with thy keen arrows equipped with kanka feathers? Having slain the Suta's son in battle, thou hast accomplished a deed highly agreeable to me! Encountering him in battle, hast thou really slain that Suta's son, who, filled with arrogance and pride and bragging of his heroism, used to search everywhere on the field of battle for thee? Hast thou, O sire, really slain in battle that sinful wretch who used to always challenge thee and who was desirous for thy sake of giving unto others a magnificent car, made of gold along with a number of elephants and bulls and steeds? Hast thou really slain today that sinful wight who was exceedingly dear to Suyodhana, and who, intoxicated with pride of heroism, used always to brag in the assembly of the Kurus? Encountered in battle, doth that wretch lie today on the field, his limbs exceedingly mangled with sky-ranging shafts sped by thee from thy bow and all steeped in blood? Have the two arms of Dhritarashtra's son been (at last) broken? Have those words been unfulfilled, uttered from folly by him who, filled with pride, used to always boast in the midst of the kings for gladdening Duryodhana, saying, 'I will slay Phalguna'? O son of Indra, hath that Karna of little understanding been slain by thee today, that Suta's son who made the vow that he would not wash his feet as long as Partha lived? That Karna of wicked understanding who in the assembly; before the Kuru chiefs, had addressed Krishna, saying, 'Why, O Krishna, dost thou not abandon the Pandavas that are divested of might, exceedingly weak, and fallen?' That Karna who had vowed for thy sake, saying that he would not return from battle without having slain Krishna and Partha. I ask, doth that Karna of sinful understanding lie today on the field, his body pierced with shafts? Thou knowest the nature of the battle that took place when the Srinjayas and the Kauravas encountered each other, the battle in which I was brought to that distressful plight. Encountering that Karna, hast thou slain him today? O Savyasaci, hast thou today, with blazing shafts sped from gandiva, cut off from the trunk of that Karna of wicked understanding his resplendent head decked with earrings? Pierced with Karna's shafts today, I had, O hero, thought of thee (that thou wouldst slay him)! Hast thou then, by the slaughter of Karna, made that thought of mine true? In consequence of the protection granted him by Karna, Suyodhana, filled with pride, always recked us little. Displaying thy prowess, hast then today destroyed that refuge of Suyodhana? That Suta's son of wicked soul, that Karna of great wrath, who had formerly, in the presence of the Kauravas and in the midst of the assembly called us sesame seeds without kernel, encountering that Karna in battle, hast thou slain him today? That Suta's son of wicked soul who had, laughing the while, commanded Duhshasana to forcibly drag Yajnasena's daughter won in gambling by Subala's son, hath he been slain today by thee? That Karna of little understanding who, having been counted as only half a car-warrior during the tale of rathas and atirathas, had upbraided that foremost of all wielders of weapons on Earth, our grandsire Bhishma, hath he been slain by thee? Extinguish, O Phalguna, this fire in my heart that is born of vindictiveness and is fanned by the wind of humiliation, by telling me that thou hast slain Karna today, having encountered him in battle! The news of Karna's slaughter is exceedingly agreeable to me. Tell me, therefore, how the Suta's son hath been slain! Like the divine Vishnu waiting for the arrival of Indra with the intelligence of Vritra's slaughter, I had so long waited for thee, O hero!"'"

8.47.1

संजय उवाच
तद्धर्मशीलस्य वचो निशम्य; राज्ञः क्रुद्धस्याधिरथौ महात्मा
उवाच दुर्धर्षमदीनसत्त्वं; युधिष्ठिरं जिष्णुरनन्तवीर्यः

8.47.2

संशप्तकैर्युध्यमानस्य मेऽद्य; सेनाग्रयायी कुरुसैन्यस्य राजन्
आशीविषाभान्खगमान्प्रमुञ्च;न्द्रौणिः पुरस्तात्सहसा व्यतिष्ठत्

8.47.3

दृष्ट्वा रथं मेघनिभं ममेम;मम्बष्ठसेना मरणे व्यतिष्ठत्
तेषामहं पञ्च शतानि हत्वा; ततो द्रौणिमगमं पार्थिवाग्र्य

8.47.4

ततोऽपरान्बाणसंघाननेका;नाकर्णपूर्णायतविप्रमुक्तान्
ससर्ज शिक्षास्त्रबलप्रयत्नै;स्तथा यथा प्रावृषि कालमेघः

8.47.5

नैवाददानं न च संदधानं; जानीमहे कतरेणास्यतीति
वामेन वा यदि वा दक्षिणेन; स द्रोणपुत्रः समरे पर्यवर्तत्

8.47.6

अविध्यन्मां पञ्चभिर्द्रोणपुत्रः; शितैः शरैः पञ्चभिर्वासुदेवम्
अहं तु तं त्रिंशता वज्रकल्पैः; समार्दयं निमिषस्यान्तरेण

8.47.7

स विक्षरन्रुधिरं सर्वगात्रै; रथानीकं सूतसूनोर्विवेश
मयाभिभूतः सैनिकानां प्रबर्हा;नसावपश्यन्रुधिरेण प्रदिग्धान्

8.47.8

ततोऽभिभूतं युधि वीक्ष्य सैन्यं; विध्वस्तयोधं द्रुतवाजिनागम्
पञ्चाशता रथमुख्यैः समेतः; कर्णस्त्वरन्मामुपायात्प्रमाथी

8.47.9

तान्सूदयित्वाहमपास्य कर्णं; द्रष्टुं भवन्तं त्वरयाभियातः
सर्वे पाञ्चाला ह्युद्विजन्ते स्म कर्णा;द्गन्धाद्गावः केसरिणो यथैव

8.47.10

महाझषस्येव मुखं प्रपन्नाः; प्रभद्रकाः कर्णमभि द्रवन्ति
मृत्योरास्यं व्यात्तमिवान्वपद्य;न्प्रभद्रकाः कर्णमासाद्य राजन्

8.47.11

आयाहि पश्याद्य युयुत्समानं; मां सूतपुत्रं च वृतौ जयाय
षट्साहस्रा भारत राजपुत्राः; स्वर्गाय लोकाय रथा निमग्नाः

8.47.12

समेत्याहं सूतपुत्रेण संख्ये; वृत्रेण वज्रीव नरेन्द्रमुख्य
योत्स्ये भृशं भारत सूतपुत्र;मस्मिन्संग्रामे यदि वै दृश्यतेऽद्य

8.47.13

कर्णं न चेदद्य निहन्मि राज;न्सबान्धवं युध्यमानं प्रसह्य
प्रतिश्रुत्याकुर्वतां वै गतिर्या; कष्टां गच्छेयं तामहं राजसिंह

8.47.14

आमन्त्रये त्वां ब्रूहि जयं रणे मे; पुरा भीमं धार्तराष्ट्रा ग्रसन्ते
सौतिं हनिष्यामि नरेन्द्रसिंह; सैन्यं तथा शत्रुगणांश्च सर्वान्

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Hearing these words of the righteous king who had been filled with anger, that high-souled atiratha, Jishnu of infinite energy, replied unto the invincible Yudhishthira of great might, saying, "While battling with the samsaptakas today, Drona's son who always proceedeth at the head of the Kuru troops, O king, suddenly came before me, shooting shafts that resembled snakes of virulent poison. Beholding my car, of rattle deep as the roar of clouds, all the troops began to encompass it. Slaying full five hundred of those, I then, O foremost of kings, proceeded against Drona's son. Approaching me, O king, that hero with great resolution rushed against me like a prince of elephants against a lion, and desired to rescue, O monarch, the Kaurava car-warriors that were being slaughtered by me. Then, in that battle, O Bharata, the preceptor's son, that foremost of heroes among the Kurus, incapable of being made to tremble, began to afflict me and Janardana with whetted shafts resembling poison or fire. While engaged in battle with me, eight carts, each drawn by eight bullocks, carried his hundreds of arrows. He shot them all at me, but like a wind destroying the clouds I destroyed with my shafts that arrowy shower of his. He then shot at me, with skill and force and resolution, thousands of other arrows, all sped from his bow-string stretched to his very ear, even like a black cloud in the season of rains pouring in torrents the water with which it is charged. So quickly did Drona's son career in that battle that we could not discern from which side, the left or the right, he shot his arrows, nor could we notice when he took up his arrows and when he let them off. Indeed, the bow of Drona's son was seen by us to be incessantly drawn to a circle. At last, the son of Drona pierced me with five whetted arrows and Vasudeva also with five whetted arrows. Within the twinkling of an eye, however, I afflicted him with the force of thunderbolts. Exceedingly afflicted with those shafts sped by me, he soon assumed the form of a porcupine. All his limbs became bathed in blood. Beholding his troops, those foremost of warriors all covered with blood and overwhelmed by me, he then entered the car-division of the Suta's son. Seeing the troops overwhelmed by me in battle, and struck with fear, and beholding the elephants and steeds flying away, that grinder (of hostile hosts), viz., Karna approached me quickly with fifty great carwarriors. Slaying them all and avoiding Karna, I have quickly come hither for seeing thee. All the Pancalas are afflicted with fear at sight of Karna like kine at the scent of a lion. The Prabhadrakas also, O king, having approached Karna, are like persons that have entered the wide open jaws of Death. Karna has already despatched to Yama's abode full seventeen hundred of those distressed car-warriors. Indeed, O king, the Suta's son did not become cheerless till he had a sight of us. Thou hadst first been engaged with Ashvatthama and exceedingly mangled by him. I heard that after that thou wert seen by Karna. O thou of inconceivable feats, I thought that thou must have, O king, been enjoying rest (in the camp), having come away from the cruel Karna. I have seen, O son of Pandu, the great and wonderful (Bhargava) weapon of Karna displayed in the van of battle. There is now no other warrior among the Srinjayas that is able to resist the mighty car-warrior Karna. Let Sini's grandson Satyaki and Dhrishtadyumna, O king, be the protectors of my car-wheels. Let the heroic princes Yudhamanyu and Uttamauja protect my rear. O thou of great glory, encountering that heroic and invincible car-warrior, viz., the Suta's son, staying in the hostile army, like Sakra encountering Vritra, O foremost of kings, I will, O Bharata, fight with the Suta's son if he can be found in this battle today. Come and behold me and the Suta's son contending with each other in battle for victory. There, the Prabhadrakas are rushing towards the face of a mighty bull. There, O Bharata, 6,000 princes are sacrificing themselves in battle today, for the sake of heaven. If, putting forth my strength, I do not, O king, slay Karna today with all his relatives while engaged in battle with him, then that end will be mine, O lion among kings, which is his that does not accomplish a vow taken by him. I beg of thee, bless me, saying that victory will be mine in battle. Yonder, the Dhartarashtras are about to devour Bhima. I will, O lion among kings, slay the Suta's son and his troops and all our foes!"'"

8.48.1

संजय उवाच
श्रुत्वा कर्णं कल्यमुदारवीर्यं; क्रुद्धः पार्थः फल्गुनस्यामितौजाः
धनंजयं वाक्यमुवाच चेदं; युधिष्ठिरः कर्णशराभितप्तः

8.48.2

इदं यदि द्वैतवने ह्यवक्ष्यः; कर्णं योद्धुं न प्रसहे नृपेति
वयं तदा प्राप्तकालानि सर्वे; वृत्तान्युपैष्याम तदैव पार्थ

8.48.3

मयि प्रतिश्रुत्य वधं हि तस्य; बलस्य चाप्तस्य तथैव वीर
आनीय नः शत्रुमध्यं स कस्मा;त्समुत्क्षिप्य स्थण्डिले प्रत्यपिंष्ठाः

8.48.4

अन्वाशिष्म वयमर्जुन त्वयि; यियासवो बहु कल्याणमिष्टम्
तन्नः सर्वं विफलं राजपुत्र; फलार्थिनां निचुल इवातिपुष्पः

8.48.5

प्रच्छादितं बडिशमिवामिषेण; प्रच्छादितो गवय इवापवाचा
अनर्थकं मे दर्शितवानसि त्वं; राज्यार्थिनो राज्यरूपं विनाशम्

8.48.6

यत्तत्पृथां वागुवाचान्तरिक्षे; सप्ताहजाते त्वयि मन्दबुद्धौ
जातः पुत्रो वासवविक्रमोऽयं; सर्वाञ्शूराञ्शात्रवाञ्जेष्यतीति

8.48.7

अयं जेता खाण्डवे देवसंघा;न्सर्वाणि भूतान्यपि चोत्तमौजाः
अयं जेता मद्रकलिङ्गकेकया;नयं कुरून्हन्ति च राजमध्ये

8.48.8

अस्मात्परो न भविता धनुर्धरो; न वै भूतः कश्चन जातु जेता
इच्छन्नार्यः सर्वभूतानि कुर्या;द्वशे वशी सर्वसमाप्तविद्यः

8.48.9

कान्त्या शशाङ्कस्य जवेन वायोः; स्थैर्येण मेरोः क्षमया पृथिव्याः
सूर्यस्य भासा धनदस्य लक्ष्म्या; शौर्येण शक्रस्य बलेन विष्णोः

8.48.10

तुल्यो महात्मा तव कुन्ति पुत्रो; जातोऽदितेर्विष्णुरिवारिहन्ता
स्वेषां जयाय द्विषतां वधाय; ख्यातोऽमितौजाः कुलतन्तुकर्ता

8.48.11

इत्यन्तरिक्षे शतशृङ्गमूर्ध्नि; तपस्विनां शृण्वतां वागुवाच
एवंविधं त्वां तच्च नाभूत्तवाद्य; देवा हि नूनमनृतं वदन्ति

8.48.12

तथापरेषामृषिसत्तमानां; श्रुत्वा गिरं पूजयतां सदैव
न संनतिं प्रैमि सुयोधनस्य; न त्वा जानाम्याधिरथेर्भयार्तम्

8.48.13

त्वष्ट्रा कृतं वाहमकूजनाक्षं; शुभं समास्थाय कपिध्वजं त्वम्
खड्गं गृहीत्वा हेमचित्रं समिद्धं; धनुश्चेदं गाण्डिवं तालमात्रम्
स केशवेनोह्यमानः कथं नु; कर्णाद्भीतो व्यपयातोऽसि पार्थ

8.48.14

धनुश्चैतत्केशवाय प्रदाय; यन्ताभविष्यस्त्वं रणे चेद्दुरात्मन्
ततोऽहनिष्यत्केशवः कर्णमुग्रं; मरुत्पतिर्वृत्रमिवात्तवज्रः

8.48.15

मासेऽपतिष्यः पञ्चमे त्वं प्रकृच्छ्रे; न वा गर्भोऽप्यभविष्यः पृथायाः
तत्ते श्रमो राजपुत्राभविष्य;न्न संग्रामादपयातुं दुरात्मन्

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Hearing that Karna of mighty energy was still alive, Pritha's son Yudhishthira of immeasurable energy, exceedingly angry with Phalguna and burning with the shafts of Karna, said these words unto Dhananjaya, "O sire, thy army is fled and hath been beaten in a way that is scarcely honourable! Inspired with fear and deserting Bhima, thou hast come hither since thou hast been unable to slay Karna. Thou hast, by entering her womb, rendered the conception of Kunti abortive. Thou hast acted improperly by deserting Bhima, because thou wert unable to slay the Suta's son. Thou hadst, O Partha, said unto me in the Dwaita woods that thou wouldst, on a single car, slay Karna. Why, then, through fear of Karna hast come hither, avoiding Karna and deserting Bhima? If in the Dwaita woods thou hadst said unto me, 'O king, I shall not be able to fight with Karna,' we would then, O Partha, have made other arrangements suitable to the circumstances. Having promised me the slaughter of Karna, thou hast not, O hero, kept that promise. Bringing us into the midst of foes, why hast thou broken us into pieces by throwing us down on a hard soil? Expecting diverse good things and benefits from thee, O Arjuna, we have always uttered blessings on thee. All those expectations, however, O prince, have proved vain like those of persons expectant of fruit getting instead of a tree burthened only with flowers! Like a fish-hook hid within a piece of meat, or poison overlaid with food, thou didst, for disappointing us at last, point out destruction in the shape of kingdom unto ourselves covetous of kingdom! For these thirteen years, O Dhananjaya, we have, from hope, lived relying on thee, like seeds sown on earth in expectation of the showers sent by the gods in season! Even these were the words that a voice in the skies had said unto Pritha on the seventh day after thy birth, O thou of foolish understanding! 'This son of thine that is born will have the prowess of Vasava himself! He will vanquish all his heroic foes! Endued with superior energy, he will at Khandava vanquish all the celestials united together and diverse other creatures. This one will subjugate the Madras, the Kalingas, and the Kaikeyas. This one will, in the midst of many kings, slay the Kurus. There will be no bowman superior to him, and no creature will ever be able to vanquish him. With his senses under control, and having obtained mastery over all branches of knowledge, this one, by merely desiring it, will bring all creatures under subjection to himself. This high-souled son that is born of thee, O Kunti, will in beauty be the rival of Soma, in speed of the god of wind, in patience of Meru, in forgiveness of Earth, in splendour of Surya, in prosperity of the Lord of treasures, in courage of Sakra, and in might of Vishnu. He will be the slayer of all foes like Vishnu, the son of Aditi. Endued with immeasurable energy, he will be celebrated for the destruction he will deal to foes and the success he will win for friends. He will, besides, be the founder of a race!' Even thus, in the skies, on the summit of the Satasringa mountains, in the hearing of many ascetics, that voice spoke. All that, however, hath not come to pass. Alas, it shows that the gods even may speak untruths! Hearing also the words of praise always uttered about thee by many foremost of Rishis, I never expected that Suyodhana would win success and prosperity or that thou thyself wouldst be afflicted with the fear of Karna! Thou ridest upon an excellent car constructed by the celestial artificer himself, with axles that do not creak, and with standard that bears the ape. Thou bearest a sword attached to thy belt of gold and silk. This thy bow Gandiva is full six cubits long. Thou hast Keshava for thy driver. Why, then, through fear of Karna hast thou come away from battle, O Partha? If, O thou of wicked soul, thou hadst given this bow to Keshava and become his driver, then Keshava could have (by this time) slain the fierce Karna like the lord of the Maruts (Sakra) slaying with his thunder the Asura Vritra. If thou art unable to resist the fierce son of Radha today, as he is careering in battle, give this thy Gandiva today to some other king, that may be thy superior in (the use and knowledge of) weapons. If that be done, the world will not then behold us bereft of sons and wives, deprived of happiness in consequence of the loss of kingdom, and sunk, O son of Pandu, in an unfathomable hell of great misery. It would have been better for thee if thou hadst never been born in the womb of Kunti, or having taken thy birth there, if thou hadst come out on the fifth month an abortion, than to have, O prince, thus come away from battle, O thou of wicked soul! Fie on thy Gandiva, fie on the might of thy arms, fie on thy inexhaustible arrows! Fie on thy banner with the gigantic ape on it, and fie on thy car given thee by the god of fire!"'"

8.49.1

संजय उवाच
युधिष्ठिरेणैवमुक्तः कौन्तेयः श्वेतवाहनः
असिं जग्राह संक्रुद्धो जिघांसुर्भरतर्षभम्

8.49.2

तस्य कोपं समुद्वीक्ष्य चित्तज्ञः केशवस्तदा
उवाच किमिदं पार्थ गृहीतः खड्ग इत्युत

8.49.3

नेह पश्यामि योद्धव्यं तव किंचिद्धनंजय
ते ध्वस्ता धार्तराष्ट्रा हि सर्वे भीमेन धीमता

8.49.4

अपयातोऽसि कौन्तेय राजा द्रष्टव्य इत्यपि
स राजा भवता दृष्टः कुशली च युधिष्ठिरः

8.49.5

तं दृष्ट्वा नृपशार्दूलं शार्दूलसमविक्रमम्
हर्षकाले तु संप्राप्ते कस्मात्त्वा मन्युराविशत्

8.49.6

न तं पश्यामि कौन्तेय यस्ते वध्यो भवेदिह
कस्माद्भवान्महाखड्गं परिगृह्णाति सत्वरम्

8.49.7

तत्त्वा पृच्छामि कौन्तेय किमिदं ते चिकीर्षितम्
परामृशसि यत्क्रुद्धः खड्गमद्भुतविक्रम

8.49.8

एवमुक्तस्तु कृष्णेन प्रेक्षमाणो युधिष्ठिरम्
अर्जुनः प्राह गोविन्दं क्रुद्धः सर्प इव श्वसन्

8.49.9

दद गाण्डीवमन्यस्मा इति मां योऽभिचोदयेत्
छिन्द्यामहं शिरस्तस्य इत्युपांशुव्रतं मम

8.49.10

तदुक्तोऽहमदीनात्मन्राज्ञामितपराक्रम
समक्षं तव गोविन्द न तत्क्षन्तुमिहोत्सहे

8.49.11

तस्मादेनं वधिष्यामि राजानं धर्मभीरुकम्
प्रतिज्ञां पालयिष्यामि हत्वेमं नरसत्तमम्
एतदर्थं मया खड्गो गृहीतो यदुनन्दन

8.49.12

सोऽहं युधिष्ठिरं हत्वा सत्येऽप्यानृण्यतां गतः
विशोको विज्वरश्चापि भविष्यामि जनार्दन

8.49.13

किं वा त्वं मन्यसे प्राप्तमस्मिन्काले समुत्थिते
त्वमस्य जगतस्तात वेत्थ सर्वं गतागतम्
तत्तथा प्रकरिष्यामि यथा मां वक्ष्यते भवान्

8.49.14

कृष्ण उवाच
इदानीं पार्थ जानामि न वृद्धाः सेवितास्त्वया
अकाले पुरुषव्याघ्र संरम्भक्रिययानया
न हि धर्मविभागज्ञः कुर्यादेवं धनंजय

8.49.15

अकार्याणां च कार्याणां संयोगं यः करोति वै
कार्याणामक्रियाणां च स पार्थ पुरुषाधमः

8.49.16

अनुसृत्य तु ये धर्मं कवयः समुपस्थिताः
समासविस्तरविदां न तेषां वेत्थ निश्चयम्

8.49.17

अनिश्चयज्ञो हि नरः कार्याकार्यविनिश्चये
अवशो मुह्यते पार्थ यथा त्वं मूढ एव तु

8.49.18

न हि कार्यमकार्यं वा सुखं ज्ञातुं कथंचन
श्रुतेन ज्ञायते सर्वं तच्च त्वं नावबुध्यसे

8.49.19

अविज्ञानाद्भवान्यच्च धर्मं रक्षति धर्मवित्
प्राणिनां हि वधं पार्थ धार्मिको नावबुध्यते

8.49.20

प्राणिनामवधस्तात सर्वज्यायान्मतो मम
अनृतं तु भवेद्वाच्यं न च हिंस्यात्कथंचन

8.49.21

स कथं भ्रातरं ज्येष्ठं राजानं धर्मकोविदम्
हन्याद्भवान्नरश्रेष्ठ प्राकृतोऽन्यः पुमानिव

8.49.22

अयुध्यमानस्य वधस्तथाशस्त्रस्य भारत
पराङ्मुखस्य द्रवतः शरणं वाभिगच्छतः
कृताञ्जलेः प्रपन्नस्य न वधः पूज्यते बुधैः

8.49.23

त्वया चैव व्रतं पार्थ बालेनैव कृतं पुरा
तस्मादधर्मसंयुक्तं मौढ्यात्कर्म व्यवस्यसि

8.49.24

स गुरुं पार्थ कस्मात्त्वं हन्या धर्ममनुस्मरन्
असंप्रधार्य धर्माणां गतिं सूक्ष्मां दुरन्वयाम्

8.49.25

इदं धर्मरहस्यं च वक्ष्यामि भरतर्षभ
यद्ब्रूयात्तव भीष्मो वा धर्मज्ञो वा युधिष्ठिरः

8.49.26

विदुरो वा तथा क्षत्ता कुन्ती वापि यशस्विनी
तत्ते वक्ष्यामि तत्त्वेन तन्निबोध धनंजय

8.49.27

सत्यस्य वचनं साधु न सत्याद्विद्यते परम्
तत्त्वेनैतत्सुदुर्ज्ञेयं यस्य सत्यमनुष्ठितम्

8.49.28

भवेत्सत्यमवक्तव्यं वक्तव्यमनृतं भवेत्
सर्वस्वस्यापहारे तु वक्तव्यमनृतं भवेत्

8.49.29

प्राणात्यये विवाहे च वक्तव्यमनृतं भवेत्
यत्रानृतं भवेत्सत्यं सत्यं चाप्यनृतं भवेत्

8.49.30

तादृशं पश्यते बालो यस्य सत्यमनुष्ठितम्
सत्यानृते विनिश्चित्य ततो भवति धर्मवित्

8.49.31

किमाश्चर्यं कृतप्रज्ञः पुरुषोऽपि सुदारुणः
सुमहत्प्राप्नुयात्पुण्यं बलाकोऽन्धवधादिव

8.49.32

किमाश्चर्यं पुनर्मूढो धर्मकामोऽप्यपण्डितः
सुमहत्प्राप्नुयात्पापमापगामिव कौशिकः

8.49.33

अर्जुन उवाच
आचक्ष्व भगवन्नेतद्यथा विद्यामहं तथा
बलाकान्धाभिसंबद्धं नदीनां कौशिकस्य च

8.49.34

कृष्ण उवाच
मृगव्याधोऽभवत्कश्चिद्बलाको नाम भारत
यात्रार्थं पुत्रदारस्य मृगान्हन्ति न कामतः

8.49.35

सोऽन्धौ च मातापितरौ बिभर्त्यन्यांश्च संश्रितान्
स्वधर्मनिरतो नित्यं सत्यवागनसूयकः

8.49.36

स कदाचिन्मृगाँल्लिप्सुर्नान्वविन्दत्प्रयत्नवान्
अथापश्यत्स पीतोदं श्वापदं घ्राणचक्षुषम्

8.49.37

अदृष्टपूर्वमपि तत्सत्त्वं तेन हतं तदा
अन्वेव च ततो व्योम्नः पुष्पवर्षमवापतत्

8.49.38

अप्सरोगीतवादित्रैर्नादितं च मनोरमम्
विमानमागमत्स्वर्गान्मृगव्याधनिनीषया

8.49.39

तद्भूतं सर्वभूतानामभावाय किलार्जुन
तपस्तप्त्वा वरं प्राप्तं कृतमन्धं स्वयंभुवा

8.49.40

तद्धत्वा सर्वभूतानामभावकृतनिश्चयम्
ततो बलाकः स्वरगादेवं धर्मः सुदुर्विदः

8.49.41

कौशिकोऽप्यभवद्विप्रस्तपस्वी न बहुश्रुतः
नदीनां संगमे ग्रामाददूरे स किलावसत्

8.49.42

सत्यं मया सदा वाच्यमिति तस्याभवद्व्रतम्
सत्यवादीति विख्यातः स तदासीद्धनंजय

8.49.43

अथ दस्युभयात्केचित्तदा तद्वनमाविशन्
दस्यवोऽपि गताः क्रूरा व्यमार्गन्त प्रयत्नतः

8.49.44

अथ कौशिकमभ्येत्य प्राहुस्तं सत्यवादिनम्
कतमेन पथा याता भगवन्बहवो जनाः
सत्येन पृष्टः प्रब्रूहि यदि तान्वेत्थ शंस नः

8.49.45

स पृष्टः कौशिकः सत्यं वचनं तानुवाच ह
बहुवृक्षलतागुल्ममेतद्वनमुपाश्रिताः
ततस्ते तान्समासाद्य क्रूरा जघ्नुरिति श्रुतिः

8.49.46

तेनाधर्मेण महता वाग्दुरुक्तेन कौशिकः
गतः सुकष्टं नरकं सूक्ष्मधर्मेष्वकोविदः
अप्रभूतश्रुतो मूढो धर्माणामविभागवित्

8.49.47

वृद्धानपृष्ट्वा संदेहं महच्छ्वभ्रमितोऽर्हति
तत्र ते लक्षणोद्देशः कश्चिदेव भविष्यति

8.49.48

दुष्करं परमज्ञानं तर्केणात्र व्यवस्यति
श्रुतिर्धर्म इति ह्येके वदन्ति बहवो जनाः

8.49.49

न त्वेतत्प्रतिसूयामि न हि सर्वं विधीयते
प्रभवार्थाय भूतानां धर्मप्रवचनं कृतम्

8.49.50

धारणाद्धर्ममित्याहुर्धर्मो धारयति प्रजाः
यः स्याद्धारणसंयुक्तः स धर्म इति निश्चयः

8.49.51

येऽन्यायेन जिहीर्षन्तो जना इच्छन्ति कर्हिचित्
अकूजनेन चेन्मोक्षो नात्र कूजेत्कथंचन

8.49.52

अवश्यं कूजितव्यं वा शङ्केरन्वाप्यकूजतः
श्रेयस्तत्रानृतं वक्तुं सत्यादिति विचारितम्

8.49.53

प्राणात्यये विवाहे वा सर्वज्ञातिधनक्षये
नर्मण्यभिप्रवृत्ते वा प्रवक्तव्यं मृषा भवेत्
अधर्मं नात्र पश्यन्ति धर्मतत्त्वार्थदर्शिनः

8.49.54

यः स्तेनैः सह संबन्धान्मुच्यते शपथैरपि
श्रेयस्तत्रानृतं वक्तुं तत्सत्यमविचारितम्

8.49.55

न च तेभ्यो धनं देयं शक्ये सति कथंचन
पापेभ्यो हि धनं दत्तं दातारमपि पीडयेत्
तस्माद्धर्मार्थमनृतमुक्त्वा नानृतवाग्भवेत्

8.49.56

एष ते लक्षणोद्देशः समुद्दिष्टो यथाविधि
एतच्छ्रुत्वा ब्रूहि पार्थ यदि वध्यो युधिष्ठिरः

8.49.57

अर्जुन उवाच
यथा ब्रूयान्महाप्राज्ञो यथा ब्रूयान्महामतिः
हितं चैव यथास्माकं तथैतद्वचनं तव

8.49.58

भवान्मातृसमोऽस्माकं तथा पितृसमोऽपि च
गतिश्च परमा कृष्ण तेन ते वाक्यमद्भुतम्

8.49.59

न हि ते त्रिषु लोकेषु विद्यतेऽविदितं क्वचित्
तस्माद्भवान्परं धर्मं वेद सर्वं यथातथम्

8.49.60

अवध्यं पाण्डवं मन्ये धर्मराजं युधिष्ठिरम्
तस्मिन्समयसंयोगे ब्रूहि किंचिदनुग्रहम्
इदं चापरमत्रैव शृणु हृत्स्थं विवक्षितम्

8.49.61

जानासि दाशार्ह मम व्रतं त्वं; यो मां ब्रूयात्कश्चन मानुषेषु
अन्यस्मै त्वं गाण्डिवं देहि पार्थ; यस्त्वत्तोऽस्त्रैर्भविता वा विशिष्टः

8.49.62

हन्यामहं केशव तं प्रसह्य; भीमो हन्यात्तूबरकेति चोक्तः
तन्मे राजा प्रोक्तवांस्ते समक्षं; धनुर्देहीत्यसकृद्वृष्णिसिंह

8.49.63

तं हत्वा चेत्केशव जीवलोके; स्थाता कालं नाहमप्यल्पमात्रम्
सा च प्रतिज्ञा मम लोकप्रबुद्धा; भवेत्सत्या धर्मभृतां वरिष्ठ
यथा जीवेत्पाण्डवोऽहं च कृष्ण; तथा बुद्धिं दातुमद्यार्हसि त्वम्

8.49.64

वासुदेव उवाच
राजा श्रान्तो जगतो विक्षतश्च; कर्णेन संख्ये निशितैर्बाणसंघैः
तस्मात्पार्थ त्वां परुषाण्यवोच;त्कर्णे द्यूतं ह्यद्य रणे निबद्धम्

8.49.65

तस्मिन्हते कुरवो निर्जिताः स्यु;रेवंबुद्धिः पार्थिवो धर्मपुत्रः
यदावमानं लभते महान्तं; तदा जीवन्मृत इत्युच्यते सः

8.49.66

तन्मानितः पार्थिवोऽयं सदैव; त्वया सभीमेन तथा यमाभ्याम्
वृद्धैश्च लोके पुरुषप्रवीरै;स्तस्यावमानं कलया त्वं प्रयुङ्क्ष्व

8.49.67

त्वमित्यत्रभवन्तं त्वं ब्रूहि पार्थ युधिष्ठिरम्
त्वमित्युक्तो हि निहतो गुरुर्भवति भारत

8.49.68

एवमाचर कौन्तेय धर्मराजे युधिष्ठिरे
अधर्मयुक्तं संयोगं कुरुष्वैवं कुरूद्वह

8.49.69

अथर्वाङ्गिरसी ह्येषा श्रुतीनामुत्तमा श्रुतिः
अविचार्यैव कार्यैषा श्रेयःकामैर्नरैः सदा

8.49.70

वधो ह्ययं पाण्डव धर्मराज्ञ;स्त्वत्तो युक्तो वेत्स्यते चैवमेषः
ततोऽस्य पादावभिवाद्य पश्चा;च्छमं ब्रूयाः सान्त्वपूर्वं च पार्थम्

8.49.71

भ्राता प्राज्ञस्तव कोपं न जातु; कुर्याद्राजा कंचन पाण्डवेयः
मुक्तोऽनृताद्भ्रातृवधाच्च पार्थ; हृष्टः कर्णं त्वं जहि सूतपुत्रम्

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Thus addressed by Yudhishthira, Kunti's son owning white steeds, filled with rage, drew his sword for slaying that bull of Bharata's race. Beholding his wrath, Keshava, conversant with the workings of the (human) heart said, "Why, O Partha, dost thou draw thy sword? I do not, O Dhananjaya, behold anyone here with whom thou hast to fight! The Dhartarashtras have now been assailed by the intelligent Bhimasena. Thou comest from battle, O son of Kunti, for seeing the king. The king has been seen by thee. Indeed, Yudhishthira is well. Having seen that tiger among kings who is endued with prowess equal to that of a tiger, why this folly at a time when thou shouldst rejoice? I do not see here, O son of Kunti, the person whom thou mayst slay. Why then dost thou desire to strike? What is this delusion of thy mind? Why dost thou, with such speed, take up that formidable sword? I ask thee this, O son, of Kunti! What is this that thou art about, inasmuch as, O thou of inconceivable prowess, thou graspest that sword in anger?" Thus addressed by Krishna, Arjuna, casting his eyes on Yudhishthira, and breathing like an angry snake, said unto Govinda, "I would cut off the head of that man who would tell me 'Give thy Gandiva to another person." Even this is my secret vow. Those words have been spoken by this king, O thou of immeasurable prowess, in thy presence, O Govinda! I dare not forgive them. I will for that slay this king who himself fears the slightest falling from virtue. Slaying this best of men, I will keep my vow. It is for this that I have drawn the sword, O delighter of the Yadus. Even I, slaying Yudhishthira, will pay off my debt to truth. By that I will dispel my grief and fever, O Janardana. I ask thee, what do you think suitable to the circumstances that have arisen? Thou, O sire, knowest the entire past and future of this universe. I will do what thou wilt tell me.'"

"Sanjaya continued, 'Govinda then said, "Fie, fie," unto Partha and once more continued to say, "I now know, O Partha, that thou hast not waited upon the old, since, O tiger among men, thou hast yielded to wrath at a time when thou shouldst not have done so. No one that is acquainted with the distinctions of morality would act in the way, O Dhananjaya, in which thou, O son of Pandu, that art unacquainted with them, art acting today! He, O Partha, is the worst of men who committeth acts that should not be done and doeth acts that are apparently proper but condemned by the scriptures. Thou knowest not the decisions of those learned men who, waited upon by pupils, declare their opinions, following the dictates of morality. The man that is not acquainted with those rulings becomes confounded and stupefied, O Partha, even as thou hast been stupefied, in discriminating between what should be done and what should not. What should be done and what should not cannot be ascertained easily. Everything can be ascertained by the aid of the scriptures. Thou, however, art not acquainted with the scriptures. Since (believing thyself) conversant with morality, thou art desirous of observing morality (in this way, it seems) thou art actuated by ignorance. Thou believest thyself to be conversant with virtue, but thou dost not know, O Partha, that the slaughter of living creatures is a sin. Abstention from injury to animals is, I think, the highest virtue. One may even speak an untruth, but one should never kill. How then, O foremost of men, couldst thou wish, like an ordinary person, to slay thy eldest brother, the King, who is conversant with morality? The slaughter of a person not engaged in battle, or of a foe, O Bharata who has turned his face from battle or who flies away or seeks protection or joins his hands or yields himself up or is careless, is never applauded by the righteous. All these attributes are in thy superior. This vow, O Partha, was adopted by thee before from foolishness. In consequence of that vow thou art now, from folly, desirous of perpetrating a sinful act. Why, O Partha, dost thou rush towards thy reverend superior for slaying him, without having resolved the exceedingly subtle course of morality that is, again, difficult of being understood? I will now tell thee, O son of Pandu, this mystery connected with morality, this mystery that was declared by Bhishma, by the righteous Yudhishthira, by Vidura otherwise called Kshatri, and by Kunti, of great celebrity. I will tell thee that mystery in all its details. Listen to it, O Dhananjaya! One who speaks truth is righteous. There is nothing higher than truth. Behold, however, truth as practised is exceedingly difficult to be understood as regards its essential attributes. Truth may be unutterable, and even falsehood may be utterable where falsehood would become truth and truth would become falsehood. In a situation of peril to life and in marriage, falsehood becomes utterable. In a situation involving the loss of one's entire property, falsehood becomes utterable. On an occasion of marriage, or of enjoying a woman, or when life is in danger, or when one's entire property is about to be taken away, or for the sake of a Brahmana, falsehood may be uttered. These five kinds of falsehood have been declared to be sinless. On these occasions falsehood would become truth and truth would become falsehood. He is a fool that practises truth without knowing the difference between truth and falsehood. One is said to be conversant with morality when one is able to distinguish between truth and falsehood. What wonder then in this that a man of wisdom, by perpetrating even a cruel act, may obtain great merit like Valaka by the slaughter of the blind beast? What wonder, again, in this that a foolish and ignorant person, from even the desire of winning merit, earns great sin like Kausika (living) among the rivers?"

"'Arjuna said, "Tell me, O holy one, this story that I may understand it, viz., this illustration about Valaka and about Kausika (living) among rivers."

"'Vasudeva said, "There was a certain hunter of animals, O Bharata, of the name of Valaka. He used, for the livelihood of his son and wives and not from will, to slay animals. Devoted to the duties of his own order and always speaking the truth and never harbouring malice, he used also to support his parents and others that depended upon him. One day, searching for animals even with perseverance and care, he found none. At last he saw a beast of prey whose sense of smell supplied the defect of his eyes, employed in drinking water. Although he had never seen such an animal before, still he slew it immediately. After the slaughter of that blind beast, a floral shower fell from the skies (upon the head of the hunter). A celestial car also, exceedingly delightful and resounding with the songs of Apsaras and the music of their instruments, came from heaven for taking away that hunter of animals. That beast of prey, having undergone ascetic austerities, had obtained a boon and had become the cause of the destruction of all creatures. For this reason he was made blind by the Self-born. Having slain that animal which had resolved to slay all creatures, Valaka went to heaven. Morality is even so difficult of being understood. There was an ascetic of the name of Kausika without much knowledge of the scriptures. He lived in a spot much removed from a village, at a point where many rivers met. He made a vow, saying, 'I must always speak the truth.' He then became celebrated, O Dhananjaya, as a speaker of truth. At that time certain persons, from fear of robbers, entered that wood (where Kausika dwelt). Thither even, the robbers, filled with rage, searched for them carefully. Approaching Kausika then, that speaker of truth, they asked him saying, 'O holy one, by which path have a multitude of men gone a little while before? Asked in the name of Truth, answer us. If thou hast seen them, tell us this'. Thus adjured, Kausika told them the truth, saying, 'Those men have entered this wood crowded with many trees and creepers and plants'. Even thus, O Partha, did Kausika give them the information. Then those cruel men, it is heard, finding out the persons they sought, slew them all. In consequence of that great sin consisting in the words spoken, Kausika, ignorant of the subtilities of morality, fell into a grievous hell, even as a foolish man, of little knowledge, and unacquainted with the distinctions of morality, falleth into painful hell by not having asked persons of age for the solution of his doubts. There must be some indications for distinguishing virtue from sin. Sometimes that high and unattainable knowledge may be had by the exercise of reason. Many persons say, on the one hand, that the scriptures indicate morality. I do not contradict this. The scriptures, however, do not provide for every case. For the growth of creatures have precepts of morality been declared. That which is connected with inoffensiveness is religion. Dharma protects and preserves the people. So it is the conclusion of the Pandits that what maintains is Dharma. O Partha, I have narrated to you the signs and indications of Dharma. Hearing this, you decide whether Yudhishthira is to be slaughtered by you or not." Arjuna said, "Krishna, your words are fraught with great intelligence and impregnated with wisdom. Thou art to us like our parents and our refuge. Nothing is unknown to thee in the three worlds, so thou art conversant with the canons of morality. O Keshava of the Vrishni clan, thou knowest my vow that whoever among men would tell me, 'Partha, give thy Gandiva to some one braver than you,' I shall at once put an end to his life. Bhima has also made a promise that whoever would call him 'tularak', would be slaughtered by him there and then. Now the King has repeatedly used those very words to me in thy presence, O hero, viz., 'Give thy bow.' If I slay him, O Keshava, I will not be able to live in this world for even a moment. Having intended again the slaughter of the king through folly and the loss of my mental faculties, I have been polluted by sin. It behoveth thee today, O foremost of all righteous persons, to give me such counsel that my vow, known throughout the world, may become true while at the same time both myself and the eldest son of Pandu may live.'"

"'Vasudeva said, "The king was fatigued, and under the influence of grief, He had been mangled in battle by Karna with numerous arrows. After that, O hero, he was repeatedly struck by the Suta's son (with his shafts), while he was retreating from battle. It was for this that, labouring under a load of sorrow, he spoke those improper words unto thee in wrath. He provoked thee by those words so that thou mightest slay Karna in battle. The son of Pandu knows that the wretched Karna is incapable of being borne by any one else in the world (save thee). It was for this, O Partha, that the king in great wrath said those harsh words to thy face. The stake in the game of today's battle has been made to lie in the ever alert and always unbearable Karna. That Karna being slain, the Kauravas would necessarily be vanquished. Even this is what the royal son of Dharma had thought. For this the son of Dharma does not deserve death. Thy vow also, O Arjuna, should be kept. Listen now to my counsels that will be agreeable to thee, to counsels in consequence of which Yudhishthira without being actually deprived of life may yet be dead. As long as one that is deserving of respect continues to receive respect, one is said to live in the world of men. When, however, such a person meets with disrespect, he is spoken of as one that is dead though alive. This king hath always been respected by thee and by Bhima and the twins, as also by all heroes and all persons in the world that are venerable for years. In some trifle then show him disrespect. Therefore, O Partha, address this Yudhishthira as 'thou' when his usual form of address is 'your honour.' A superior, O Bharata, by being addressed as 'thou,' is killed though not deprived of life. Bear thyself thus, O son of Kunti, towards king Yudhishthira, the just. Adopt this censurable behaviour, O perpetuator of Kuru's race! This best audition of all auditions, hath been declared by both Atharvan and Angiras. Men desiring good should always act in this way without scruples of any kind. Without being deprived of life a superior is yet said to be killed if that venerable one is addressed as 'thou.' Conversant with duty as thou art, address king Yudhishthira the just, in the manner I have indicated. This death, O son of Pandu, at thy hands, king Yudhishthira will never regard as an offence committed by thee. Having addressed him in this way, thou mayst then worship his feet and speak words of respect unto this son of Pritha and soothe his wounded honour. Thy brother is wise. The royal son of Pandu, therefore, will never be angry with thee. Freed from falsehood as also from fratricide, thou wilt then, O Partha, cheerfully slay the Suta's son Karna!"'"

8.49.72

संजय उवाच
इत्येवमुक्तस्तु जनार्दनेन; पार्थः प्रशस्याथ सुहृद्वधं तम्
ततोऽब्रवीदर्जुनो धर्मराज;मनुक्तपूर्वं परुषं प्रसह्य

8.49.73

मा त्वं राजन्व्याहर व्याहरत्सु; न तिष्ठसे क्रोशमात्रे रणार्धे
भीमस्तु मामर्हति गर्हणाय; यो युध्यते सर्वयोधप्रवीरः

8.49.74

काले हि शत्रून्प्रतिपीड्य संख्ये; हत्वा च शूरान्पृथिवीपतींस्तान्
यः कुञ्जराणामधिकं सहस्रं; हत्वानदत्तुमुलं सिंहनादम्

8.49.75

सुदुष्करं कर्म करोति वीरः; कर्तुं यथा नार्हसि त्वं कदाचित्
रथादवप्लुत्य गदां परामृशं;स्तया निहन्त्यश्वनरद्विपान्रणे

8.49.76

वरासिना वाजिरथाश्वकुञ्जरां;स्तथा रथाङ्गैर्धनुषा च हन्त्यरीन्
प्रमृद्य पद्भ्यामहितान्निहन्ति यः; पुनश्च दोर्भ्यां शतमन्युविक्रमः

8.49.77

महाबलो वैश्रवणान्तकोपमः; प्रसह्य हन्ता द्विषतां यथार्हम्
स भीमसेनोऽर्हति गर्हणां मे; न त्वं नित्यं रक्ष्यसे यः सुहृद्भिः

8.49.78

महारथान्नागवरान्हयांश्च; पदातिमुख्यानपि च प्रमथ्य
एको भीमो धार्तराष्ट्रेषु मग्नः; स मामुपालब्धुमरिंदमोऽर्हति

8.49.79

कलिङ्गवङ्गाङ्गनिषादमागधा;न्सदामदान्नीलबलाहकोपमान्
निहन्ति यः शत्रुगणाननेकशः; स माभिवक्तुं प्रभवत्यनागसम्

8.49.80

सुयुक्तमास्थाय रथं हि काले; धनुर्विकर्षञ्शरपूर्णमुष्टिः
सृजत्यसौ शरवर्षाणि वीरो; महाहवे मेघ इवाम्बुधाराः

8.49.81

बलं तु वाचि द्विजसत्तमानां; क्षात्रं बुधा बाहुबलं वदन्ति
त्वं वाग्बलो भारत निष्ठुरश्च; त्वमेव मां वेत्सि यथाविधोऽहम्

8.49.82

यतामि नित्यं तव कर्तुमिष्टं; दारैः सुतैर्जीवितेनात्मना च
एवं च मां वाग्विशिखैर्निहंसि; त्वत्तः सुखं न वयं विद्म किंचित्

8.49.83

अवामंस्था मां द्रौपदीतल्पसंस्थो; महारथान्प्रतिहन्मि त्वदर्थे
तेनातिशङ्की भारत निष्ठुरोऽसि; त्वत्तः सुखं नाभिजानामि किंचित्

8.49.84

प्रोक्तः स्वयं सत्यसंधेन मृत्यु;स्तव प्रियार्थं नरदेव युद्धे
वीरः शिखण्डी द्रौपदोऽसौ महात्मा; मयाभिगुप्तेन हतश्च तेन

8.49.85

न चाभिनन्दामि तवाधिराज्यं; यतस्त्वमक्षेष्वहिताय सक्तः
स्वयं कृत्वा पापमनार्यजुष्ट;मेभिर्युद्धे तर्तुमिच्छस्यरींस्तु

8.49.86

अक्षेषु दोषा बहवो विधर्माः; श्रुतास्त्वया सहदेवोऽब्रवीद्यान्
तान्नैषि संतर्तुमसाधुजुष्टा;न्येन स्म सर्वे निरयं प्रपन्नाः

8.49.87

त्वं देविता त्वत्कृते राज्यनाश;स्त्वत्संभवं व्यसनं नो नरेन्द्र
मास्मान्क्रूरैर्वाक्प्रतोदैस्तुद त्वं; भूयो राजन्कोपयन्नल्पभाग्यान्

8.49.88

एता वाचः परुषाः सव्यसाची; स्थिरप्रज्ञं श्रावयित्वा ततक्ष
तदानुतेपे सुरराजपुत्रो; विनिःश्वसंश्चाप्यसिमुद्बबर्ह

8.49.89

तमाह कृष्णः किमिदं पुनर्भवा;न्विकोशमाकाशनिभं करोत्यसिम्
प्रब्रूहि सत्यं पुनरुत्तरं विधे;र्वचः प्रवक्ष्याम्यहमर्थसिद्धये

8.49.90

इत्येव पृष्टः पुरुषोत्तमेन; सुदुःखितः केशवमाह वाक्यम्
अहं हनिष्ये स्वशरीरमेव; प्रसह्य येनाहितमाचरं वै

8.49.91

निशम्य तत्पार्थवचोऽब्रवीदिदं; धनंजयं धर्मभृतां वरिष्ठः
प्रब्रूहि पार्थ स्वगुणानिहात्मन;स्तथा स्वहार्दं भवतीह सद्यः

8.49.92

तथास्तु कृष्णेत्यभिनन्द्य वाक्यं; धनंजयः प्राह धनुर्विनाम्य
युधिष्ठिरं धर्मभृतां वरिष्ठं; शृणुष्व राजन्निति शक्रसूनुः

8.49.93

न मादृशोऽन्यो नरदेव विद्यते; धनुर्धरो देवमृते पिनाकिनम्
अहं हि तेनानुमतो महात्मना; क्षणेन हन्यां सचराचरं जगत्

8.49.94

मया हि राजन्सदिगीश्वरा दिशो; विजित्य सर्वा भवतः कृता वशे
स राजसूयश्च समाप्तदक्षिणः; सभा च दिव्या भवतो ममौजसा

8.49.95

पाणौ पृषत्का लिखिता ममेमे; धनुश्च संख्ये विततं सबाणम्
पादौ च मे सशरौ सहध्वजौ; न मादृशं युद्धगतं जयन्ति

8.49.96

हता उदीच्या निहताः प्रतीच्याः; प्राच्या निरस्ता दाक्षिणात्या विशस्ताः
संशप्तकानां किंचिदेवावशिष्टं; सर्वस्य सैन्यस्य हतं मयार्धम्

8.49.97

शेते मया निहता भारती च; चमू राजन्देवचमूप्रकाशा
ये नास्त्रज्ञास्तानहं हन्मि शस्त्रै;स्तस्माल्लोकं नेह करोमि भस्मसात्

8.49.98

इत्येवमुक्त्वा पुनराह पार्थो; युधिष्ठिरं धर्मभृतां वरिष्ठम्
अप्यपुत्रा तेन राधा भवित्री; कुन्ती मया वा तदृतं विद्धि राजन्
प्रसीद राजन्क्षम यन्मयोक्तं; काले भवान्वेत्स्यति तन्नमस्ते

8.49.99

प्रसाद्य राजानममित्रसाहं; स्थितोऽब्रवीच्चैनमभिप्रपन्नः
याम्येष भीमं समरात्प्रमोक्तुं; सर्वात्मना सूतपुत्रं च हन्तुम्

8.49.100

तव प्रियार्थं मम जीवितं हि; ब्रवीमि सत्यं तदवेहि राजन्
इति प्रायादुपसंगृह्य पादौ; समुत्थितो दीप्ततेजाः किरीटी
नेदं चिरात्क्षिप्रमिदं भविष्य;त्यावर्ततेऽसावभियामि चैनम्

8.49.101

एतच्छ्रुत्वा पाण्डवो धर्मराजो; भ्रातुर्वाक्यं परुषं फल्गुनस्य
उत्थाय तस्माच्छयनादुवाच; पार्थं ततो दुःखपरीतचेताः

8.49.102

कृतं मया पार्थ यथा न साधु; येन प्राप्तं व्यसनं वः सुघोरम्
तस्माच्छिरश्छिन्द्धि ममेदमद्य; कुलान्तकस्याधमपूरुषस्य

8.49.103

पापस्य पापव्यसनान्वितस्य; विमूढबुद्धेरलसस्य भीरोः
वृद्धावमन्तुः परुषस्य चैव; किं ते चिरं मामनुवृत्य रूक्षम्

8.49.104

गच्छाम्यहं वनमेवाद्य पापः; सुखं भवान्वर्ततां मद्विहीनः
योग्यो राजा भीमसेनो महात्मा; क्लीबस्य वा मम किं राज्यकृत्यम्

8.49.105

न चास्मि शक्तः परुषाणि सोढुं; पुनस्तवेमानि रुषान्वितस्य
भीमोऽस्तु राजा मम जीवितेन; किं कार्यमद्यावमतस्य वीर

8.49.106

इत्येवमुक्त्वा सहसोत्पपात; राजा ततस्तच्छयनं विहाय
इयेष निर्गन्तुमथो वनाय; तं वासुदेवः प्रणतोऽभ्युवाच

8.49.107

राजन्विदितमेतत्ते यथा गाण्डीवधन्वनः
प्रतिज्ञा सत्यसंधस्य गाण्डीवं प्रति विश्रुता

8.49.108

ब्रूयाद्य एवं गाण्डीवं देह्यन्यस्मै त्वमित्युत
स वध्योऽस्य पुमाँल्लोके त्वया चोक्तोऽयमीदृशम्

8.49.109

अतः सत्यां प्रतिज्ञां तां पार्थेन परिरक्षता
मच्छन्दादवमानोऽयं कृतस्तव महीपते
गुरूणामवमानो हि वध इत्यभिधीयते

8.49.110

तस्मात्त्वं वै महाबाहो मम पार्थस्य चोभयोः
व्यतिक्रममिमं राजन्संक्षमस्वार्जुनं प्रति

8.49.111

शरणं त्वां महाराज प्रपन्नौ स्व उभावपि
क्षन्तुमर्हसि मे राजन्प्रणतस्याभियाचतः

8.49.112

राधेयस्याद्य पापस्य भूमिः पास्यति शोणितम्
सत्यं ते प्रतिजानामि हतं विद्ध्यद्य सूतजम्
यस्येच्छसि वधं तस्य गतमेवाद्य जीवितम्

8.49.113

इति कृष्णवचः श्रुत्वा धर्मराजो युधिष्ठिरः
ससंभ्रमं हृषीकेशमुत्थाप्य प्रणतं तदा
कृताञ्जलिमिदं वाक्यमुवाचानन्तरं वचः

8.49.114

एवमेतद्यथात्थ त्वमस्त्येषोऽतिक्रमो मम
अनुनीतोऽस्मि गोविन्द तारितश्चाद्य माधव
मोक्षिता व्यसनाद्घोराद्वयमद्य त्वयाच्युत

8.49.115

भवन्तं नाथमासाद्य आवां व्यसनसागरात्
घोरादद्य समुत्तीर्णावुभावज्ञानमोहितौ

8.49.116

त्वद्बुद्धिप्लवमासाद्य दुःखशोकार्णवाद्वयम्
समुत्तीर्णाः सहामात्याः सनाथाः स्म त्वयाच्युत

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Thus addressed by Janardana, Pritha's son Arjuna, applauding those counsels of his friend, then vehemently addressed king Yudhishthira the just, in language that was harsh and the like of which he had never used before.

"'Arjuna said, "Do thou not, O king, address these upbraidings to me, thou that art passing thy time full two miles away from battle. Bhima, however, who is battling with the foremost heroes of the world may upbraid me. Having afflicted his foes at the proper time in battle, and slain many brave lords of earth and many foremost of car-warriors and huge elephants and many heroic horsemen and countless brave combatants, he hath, in addition, slain a 1,000 elephants and 10,000 Kamboja mountaineers, and is uttering loud roars in battle like a lion after slaying innumerable smaller animals. That hero achieveth the most difficult feats, the like of which thou canst never achieve. Jumping down from his car, mace in hand, he hath destroyed a large number of steeds and cars and elephants in battle. With also his foremost of swords he hath destroyed many horsemen and cars and steeds and elephants. With the broken limbs of cars, and with his bow also, he consumeth his foes. Endued with the prowess of Indra, with his feet and also his bare arms he slayeth numerous foes. Possessed of great might and resembling Kuvera and Yama, he destroyeth the hostile army, putting forth his strength. That Bhimasena hath the right to upbraid me, but not thou that art always protected by friends. Agitating the foremost of car-warriors and elephants and steeds and foot-soldiers, Bhima, single-handed, is now in the midst of the Dhartarashtras. That chastiser of foes hath the right to upbraid me. The chastiser of foes who is slaying the Kalingas, the Vangas, the Angas, the Nishadas, and the Magadhas, and large numbers of hostile elephants that are ever infuriated and that look like masses of blue clouds, is competent to upbraid me. Riding on a suitable car, shaking his bow at the proper time, and with shafts in his (other) hand, that hero poureth showers of arrows in great battle like the clouds pouring torrents of rain. Eight hundred elephants, I have seen, with their frontal globes split open and the ends of their tusks cut off, have today been slain by Bhima with shafts in battle. That slayer of foes is competent to tell me harsh words. The learned say that the strength of the foremost of Brahmanas lies in speech, and that the Kshatriya's strength is in his arms. Thou, O Bharata, art strong in words and very unfeeling. Thou thinkest me to be like thyself. I always strive to do thee good with my soul, life, sons and wives. Since, not withstanding all this, thou still piercest me with such wordy darts, it is evident that we cannot expect any happiness from thee. Lying on Draupadi's bed thou insultest me, though for thy sake I slay the mightiest of car-warriors. Thou art without any anxiety, O Bharata, and thou art cruel. I have never obtained any happiness from thee. It was for thy good, O chief of men, that Bhishma, firmly devoted to truth, himself told thee the means of his death in battle, and was slain by the heroic and high-souled Shikhandi, the son of Drupada, protected by me. I do not derive any pleasure from the thought of thy restoration to sovereignty, since thou art addicted to the evil practice of gambling. Having thyself committed a wicked act to which they only are addicted that are low, thou desirest now to vanquish thy foes through our aid. Thou hadst heard of the numerous faults and the great sinfulness of dice that Sahadeva spoke about. Yet dice, which are worshipped by the wicked, thou couldst not abandon. It was for this that all of us have fallen into hell. We have never derived any happiness from thee since thou wert engaged in gambling with dice. Having, O son of Pandu, thyself caused all this calamity, thou art, again, addressing these harsh words to me. Slain by us, hostile troops are lying on the field, with mangled bodies and uttering loud wails. It was thou that didst that cruel act in consequence of which the Kauravas have become offenders and are being destroyed. Nations from the North, the West, the East, and the South, are being struck, wounded and slain, after the performance of incomparable feats in battle by great warriors of both sides. It was thou that hadst gambled. It was for thee that we lost our kingdom. Our calamity arose from thee, O king! Striking us, again, with the cruel goad of thy speeches, O king, do not provoke our wrath.'"

"Sanjaya said, 'Having addressed these harsh and exceedingly bitter words unto his eldest brother and thereby committed a venial sin, the intelligent Savyasaci of calm wisdom, who is ever actuated by the fear of defection from virtue, became very cheerless. The son of the chief of the celestials became filled with remorse and breathing heavily, drew his sword. Seeing this, Krishna asked him, "What is this? Why dost thou again unsheathe thy sword blue as the sky? Tell me what thy answer is, for then I shall give thee counsel for the gratification of thy object." Thus addressed by that foremost of men, Arjuna, in great sorrow answered Keshava, saying, "I shall, putting forth my strength, slay my own self by whom this wicked act hath been done." Hearing those words of Partha, Keshava, that foremost of all righteous persons said this unto Dhananjaya, "Having said these words unto the king, why hast thou become so cheerless? O slayer of foes, thou desirest now to destroy thy own self. This, however, Kiritin, is not approved by the righteous. If, O hero among men, thou hadst today, from fear of sin, slain this thy eldest brother of virtuous soul, what would then have been thy condition and what wouldst thou not then have done? Morality is subtle, O Bharata, and unknowable, especially by those that are ignorant. Listen to me as I preach to thee. By destroying thy own self, thou wouldst sink into a more terrible hell than if thou hadst slain thy brother. Declare now, in words, thy own merit. Thou shalt then, O Partha, have slain thy own self." Applauding these words and saying, "Let it be so, O Krishna," Dhananjaya, the son of Sakra, lowering his bow, said unto Yudhishthira, that foremost of virtuous persons, "Listen, O king, there is no other bowman, O ruler of men, like unto myself, except the deity that bears Pinaka; I am regarded by even that illustrious deity. In a moment I can destroy this universe of mobile and immobile creatures. It was I, O king, that vanquished all the points of the compass with all the kings ruling there, and brought all to thy subjection. The Rajasuya (performed by thee), brought to completion by gift of Dakshina, and the celestial palace owned by thee, were both due to my prowess. In my hands are (marks of) sharp shafts and a stringed bow with arrow fixed thereon. On both my soles are the signs of cars with standards. No one can vanquish a person like me in battle. Nations from the North, the West, the East and the South, have been struck down, slain, exterminated and destroyed. A small remnant only of the samsaptakas is alive. I alone have slain half of the entire (hostile) army. Slaughtered by me, the Bharata host that resembled, O king, the very host of the celestials, is lying dead on the field. I slay those with (high) weapons that are conversant with high weapons. For this reason I do not reduce the three worlds to ashes. Riding upon my terrible and victorious car, Krishna and myself will soon proceed for slaying the Suta's son. Let this king become cheerful now. I will surely slay Karna in battle, with my arrows. Either the Suta dame will today be made childless by me, or Kunti will be made childless by Karna. Truly do I say it that I will not put off my armour before I have slain Karna with my arrows in battle.'"

"Sanjaya said, 'Having said these words unto that foremost of virtuous persons, viz., Yudhishthira, Partha threw down his weapons and cast aside his bow and quickly thrust his sword back into its sheath. Hanging down his head in shame, the diadem-decked Arjuna, with joined hands, addressed Yudhishthira, and said, "Be cheerful, O king, forgiving me. What I have said, you will understand a little while after. I bow to thee." Thus seeking to cheer that royal hero capable of bearing all foes, Arjuna, that foremost of men, standing there, once more said, "This task will not be delayed. It will be accomplished soon. Karna cometh towards me. I shall proceed against him. I shall, with my whole soul, proceed for rescuing Bhima from the battle and for slaying the Suta's son. I tell thee that I hold my life for thy good. Know this for the truth, O king." Having said so, the diadem-decked Arjuna of blazing splendour touched the king's feet and rose for proceeding to the field. Hearing, however, those harsh words of his brother Phalguna, Pandu's son, king Yudhishthira, the just, rising up from that bed (on which he had been sitting), said these words unto Partha, with his heart filled with sorrow, "O Partha, I have acted wickedly. For that, ye have been overwhelmed with terrible calamity. Do thou strike off, therefore, this my head today. I am the worst of men, and the exterminator of my race. I am a wretch. I am addicted to wicked courses. I am of foolish understanding. I am idle and a coward. I am an insulter of the old. I am cruel. What wouldst thou gain by always being obedient to a cruel person like me? A wretch that I am, I shall this very day retire into the woods. Live you happily without me. The high-souled Bhimasena is fit to be king. A eunuch that I am, what shall I do with sovereignty? I am incapable of bearing these harsh speeches of thee excited with wrath. Let Bhima become king. Having been insulted thus, O hero, what use have I with life." Having said these words, the king, leaving that bed, suddenly stood up and desired to go to the woods. Then Vasudeva, bowing down, said unto him, "O king, the celebrated vow of the wielder of Gandiva who is ever devoted to truth about his Gandiva, is known to thee. That man in the world who would tell him, 'Give thy Gandiva to another', would be slain by him. Even those very words were addressed to him by you. Therefore, for keeping that earnest vow, Partha, acting also at my instance, inflicted you this insult, O lord of Earth. Insult to superiors is said to be their death. For this reason, O thou of mighty arms, it behoveth thee to forgive me that beseech and bow to thee this transgression, O king, of both myself and Arjuna, committed for maintaining the truth. Both of us, O great king, throw ourselves on thy mercy. The Earth shall today drink the blood of the wretched son of Radha. I swear truly to thee. Know the Suta's son as slain today. He, whose slaughter thou desirest, hath today lost his life." Hearing those words of Krishna, king Yudhishthira the just, in a great fury, raised the prostrate Hrishikesha and joining his hands, said in haste, "It is even so as thou hast said. I have been guilty of a transgression, I have now been awakened by thee, O Govinda. I am saved by thee, O Madhava. By thee, O Acyuta, we have today been rescued from a great calamity. Both of us stupefied by folly, viz., myself and Arjuna, have been rescued from an ocean of distress, having obtained thee as our lord. Indeed, having obtained the raft of thy intelligence today, we have, with our relatives and allies, passed over an ocean of sorrow and grief. Having obtained thee, O Acyuta, we are not masterless."'"

8.50.1

संजय उवाच
इति स्म कृष्णवचनात्प्रत्युच्चार्य युधिष्ठिरम्
बभूव विमनाः पार्थः किंचित्कृत्वेव पातकम्

8.50.2

ततोऽब्रवीद्वासुदेवः प्रहसन्निव पाण्डवम्
कथं नाम भवेदेतद्यदि त्वं पार्थ धर्मजम्
असिना तीक्ष्णधारेण हन्या धर्मे व्यवस्थितम्

8.50.3

त्वमित्युक्त्वैव राजानमेवं कश्मलमाविशः
हत्वा तु नृपतिं पार्थ अकरिष्यः किमुत्तरम्
एवं सुदुर्विदो धर्मो मन्दप्रज्ञैर्विशेषतः

8.50.4

स भवान्धर्मभीरुत्वाद्ध्रुवमैष्यन्महत्तमः
नरकं घोररूपं च भ्रातुर्ज्येष्ठस्य वै वधात्

8.50.5

स त्वं धर्मभृतां श्रेष्ठं राजानं धर्मसंहितम्
प्रसादय कुरुश्रेष्ठमेतदत्र मतं मम

8.50.6

प्रसाद्य भक्त्या राजानं प्रीतं चैव युधिष्ठिरम्
प्रयामस्त्वरिता योद्धुं सूतपुत्ररथं प्रति

8.50.7

हत्वा सुदुर्जयं कर्णं त्वमद्य निशितैः शरैः
विपुलां प्रीतिमाधत्स्व धर्मपुत्रस्य मानद

8.50.8

एतदत्र महाबाहो प्राप्तकालं मतं मम
एवं कृते कृतं चैव तव कार्यं भविष्यति

8.50.9

ततोऽर्जुनो महाराज लज्जया वै समन्वितः
धर्मराजस्य चरणौ प्रपेदे शिरसानघ

8.50.10

उवाच भरतश्रेष्ठ प्रसीदेति पुनः पुनः
क्षमस्व राजन्यत्प्रोक्तं धर्मकामेन भीरुणा

8.50.11

पादयोः पतितं दृष्ट्वा धर्मराजो युधिष्ठिरः
धनंजयममित्रघ्नं रुदन्तं भरतर्षभ

8.50.12

उत्थाप्य भ्रातरं राजा धर्मराजो धनंजयम्
समाश्लिष्य च सस्नेहं प्ररुरोद महीपतिः

8.50.13

रुदित्वा तु चिरं कालं भ्रातरौ सुमहाद्युती
कृतशौचौ नरव्याघ्रौ प्रीतिमन्तौ बभूवतुः

8.50.14

तत आश्लिष्य स प्रेम्णा मूर्ध्नि चाघ्राय पाण्डवम्
प्रीत्या परमया युक्तः प्रस्मयंश्चाब्रवीज्जयम्

8.50.15

कर्णेन मे महाबाहो सर्वसैन्यस्य पश्यतः
कवचं च ध्वजश्चैव धनुः शक्तिर्हया गदा
शरैः कृत्ता महेष्वास यतमानस्य संयुगे

8.50.16

सोऽहं ज्ञात्वा रणे तस्य कर्म दृष्ट्वा च फल्गुन
व्यवसीदामि दुःखेन न च मे जीवितं प्रियम्

8.50.17

तमद्य यदि वै वीर न हनिष्यसि सूतजम्
प्राणानेव परित्यक्ष्ये जीवितार्थो हि को मम

8.50.18

एवमुक्तः प्रत्युवाच विजयो भरतर्षभ
सत्येन ते शपे राजन्प्रसादेन तवैव च
भीमेन च नरश्रेष्ठ यमाभ्यां च महीपते

8.50.19

यथाद्य समरे कर्णं हनिष्यामि हतोऽथ वा
महीतले पतिष्यामि सत्येनायुधमालभे

8.50.20

एवमाभाष्य राजानमब्रवीन्माधवं वचः
अद्य कर्णं रणे कृष्ण सूदयिष्ये न संशयः
तदनुध्याहि भद्रं ते वधं तस्य दुरात्मनः

8.50.21

एवमुक्तोऽब्रवीत्पार्थं केशवो राजसत्तम
शक्तोऽस्मि भरतश्रेष्ठ यत्नं कर्तुं यथाबलम्

8.50.22

एवं चापि हि मे कामो नित्यमेव महारथ
कथं भवान्रणे कर्णं निहन्यादिति मे मतिः

8.50.23

भूयश्चोवाच मतिमान्माधवो धर्मनन्दनम्
युधिष्ठिरेमं बीभत्सुं त्वं सान्त्वयितुमर्हसि
अनुज्ञातुं च कर्णस्य वधायाद्य दुरात्मनः

8.50.24

श्रुत्वा ह्ययमहं चैव त्वां कर्णशरपीडितम्
प्रवृत्तिं ज्ञातुमायाताविह पाण्डवनन्दन

8.50.25

दिष्ट्यासि राजन्निरुजो दिष्ट्या न ग्रहणं गतः
परिसान्त्वय बीभत्सुं जयमाशाधि चानघ

8.50.26

युधिष्ठिर उवाच
एह्येहि पार्थ बीभत्सो मां परिष्वज पाण्डव
वक्तव्यमुक्तोऽस्म्यहितं त्वया क्षान्तं च तन्मया

8.50.27

अहं त्वामनुजानामि जहि कर्णं धनंजय
मन्युं च मा कृथाः पार्थ यन्मयोक्तोऽसि दारुणम्

8.50.28

संजय उवाच
ततो धनंजयो राजञ्शिरसा प्रणतस्तदा
पादौ जग्राह पाणिभ्यां भ्रातुर्ज्येष्ठस्य मारिष

8.50.29

समुत्थाप्य ततो राजा परिष्वज्य च पीडितम्
मूर्ध्न्युपाघ्राय चैवैनमिदं पुनरुवाच ह

8.50.30

धनंजय महाबाहो मानितोऽस्मि दृढं त्वया
माहात्म्यं विजयं चैव भूयः प्राप्नुहि शाश्वतम्

8.50.31

अर्जुन उवाच
अद्य तं पापकर्माणं सानुबन्धं रणे शरैः
नयाम्यन्तं समासाद्य राधेयं बलगर्वितम्

8.50.32

येन त्वं पीडितो बाणैर्दृढमायम्य कार्मुकम्
तस्याद्य कर्मणः कर्णः फलं प्राप्स्यति दारुणम्

8.50.33

अद्य त्वामहमेष्यामि कर्णं हत्वा महीपते
सभाजयितुमाक्रन्दादिति सत्यं ब्रवीमि ते

8.50.34

नाहत्वा विनिवर्तेऽहं कर्णमद्य रणाजिरात्
इति सत्येन ते पादौ स्पृशामि जगतीपते

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Having heard these joyful words of king Yudhishthira, Govinda of virtuous soul, that delighter of the Yadus, then addressed Partha. The latter, however, having at the instance of Krishna addressed those words unto Yudhishthira, became exceedingly cheerless for having committed a trivial sin. Then Vasudeva, smiling, said unto the son of Pandu, "What would have been thy condition, O Partha, if, observant of virtue thou hadst slain the son of Dharma with thy sharp sword? Having only addressed the king as thou, such cheerlessness hath possessed thy heart. If thou hadst slain the king, O Partha, what wouldst thou have done after that? Morality is so inscrutable, especially by persons of foolish understanding. Without doubt great grief would have been thine in consequence of thy fear of sin. Thou wouldst have sunk also in terrible hell in consequence of the slaughter of thy brother. Gratify now this king of virtuous behaviour, this foremost of all practisers of virtue, this chief of Kuru's race. Even this is my wish. Gratifying the king with devotion, and after Yudhishthira will have been made happy, we two will proceed against the car of the Suta's son for fighting him. Slaying Karna today with thy keen shafts in battle, do thou, O giver of honours, give great happiness to Dharma's son. Even this, O mighty-armed one, is what I think to be suitable to this hour. Having done this, thy purpose will be achieved." Then Arjuna, O monarch, in shame, touched king Yudhishthira's feet with his head. And he repeatedly said unto that chief of the Bharatas, "Be pleased with me, Forgive, O king, all that I have said from desire of observing virtue and from fear of sins.'"

"Sanjaya said, 'Beholding Dhananjaya, that slayer of foes, lying weeping at his feet, O bull of Bharata's race, king Yudhishthira the just raised his brother. And king Yudhishthira, that lord of the earth, then embraced his brother affectionately and wept aloud. The two brothers, of great splendour, having wept for a long while, at last became freed from grief, O monarch, and as cheerful as before. Then embracing him once more with affection and smelling his head, the son of Pandu, exceedingly gratified, applauded his brother Jaya and said, "O thou of mighty arms, in the very sight of all the troops, my armour, standard, bow, dart, steeds, and arrows, were cut off in battle, O great bowman, by Karna with his shafts, although I exerted myself with care. Thinking of and seeing his feats in battle, O Phalguna, I lose my energies in grief. Life itself is no longer dear to me. If thou dost not slay that hero in battle today, I will cast away my life breaths. What use have I with life?" Thus addressed, Vijaya, replied, O bull of Bharata's race, saying, "I swear by Truth, O king, and by thy grace, by Bhima, O best of men, and by the twins, O lord of the earth, that today I shall slay Karna, in battle, or, being myself slain by him fall down on the earth. Swearing truly, I touch my weapons." Having said these words unto the king, he addressed Madhava, saying, "Without doubt, O Krishna, I will slay Karna in battle today. Aided by thy intelligence, blessed be thou, the slaughter of that wicked-souled one is certain." Thus addressed, Keshava, O best of kings, said unto Partha, "Thou art competent, O best of the Bharatas, to slay the mighty Karna. Even this hath ever been my thought, O mighty car-warrior, as to how, O best of men thou, wouldst slay Karna in battle." Endued with great intelligence, Madhava once more addressed the son of Dharma, saying, "O Yudhishthira, it behoveth thee to comfort Vibhatsu, and command him to slaughter Karna of wicked soul. Having heard that thou hadst been afflicted with shafts of Karna, myself and this one came hither, O son of Pandu, for ascertaining thy plight. By good luck, O king, thou wert not slain. By good luck thou wert not seized. Comfort thy Vibhatsu, and bless him, O sinless one, with thy wishes for his victory.'"

"'Yudhishthira said, "Come, Come, O Partha, O Vibhatsu, and embrace me, O son of Pandu. Thou hast told me beneficial words that deserved to be said, and I have forgiven thee. I command thee, O Dhananjaya, go and slay Karna. Do not, O Partha, be angry for the harsh words I said unto thee.'"

"Sanjaya continued, 'Then Dhananjaya, O king, bowed unto Yudhishthira by bending his head, and seized with his two hands, O sire, the feet of his eldest brother. Raising him and embracing him closely, the king smelt his head and once more said these words unto him, "O Dhananjaya, O thou of mighty arms, I have been greatly honoured by thee. Do thou ever win greatness and victory.'"

"'Arjuna said, "Approaching Radha's son today that is proud of his might, I shall slay that man of sinful deeds with my shafts in battle, along with all his kinsmen and followers. He who, having bent the bow strongly, afflicted thee with his shafts, I say, that Karna, will obtain today the bitter fruit of that act of his. Having slain Karna, O lord of the earth, I shall today come back from the dreadful battle to pay thee my respects by walking behind thee. I tell thee this truly. Without having slain Karna I shall not come back today from the great battle. Truly do I swear this by touching thy feet, O lord of the universe.'"

"Sanjaya continued, 'Unto the diadem-decked (Arjuna) who was speaking in that way, Yudhishthira, with a cheerful heart, said these words of grave import, "Do thou obtain imperishable fame, and such a period of life as accordeth with thy own desire, and victory, and energy, and the destruction of thy foes. Let the gods grant thee prosperity. Obtain thou all these to the measure desired by me. Go quickly to battle, and slay Karna, even as Purandara slew Vritra for his own aggrandisement."'"

8.50.35

संजय उवाच
प्रसाद्य धर्मराजानं प्रहृष्टेनान्तरात्मना
पार्थः प्रोवाच गोविन्दं सूतपुत्रवधोद्यतः

8.50.36

कल्प्यतां च रथो भूयो युज्यन्तां च हयोत्तमाः
आयुधानि च सर्वाणि सज्ज्यन्तां वै महारथे

8.50.37

उपावृत्ताश्च तुरगाः शिक्षिताश्चाश्वसादिनः
रथोपकरणैः सर्वैरुपायान्तु त्वरान्विताः

8.50.38

एवमुक्ते महाराज फल्गुनेन महात्मना
उवाच दारुकं कृष्णः कुरु सर्वं यथाब्रवीत्
अर्जुनो भरतश्रेष्ठः श्रेष्ठः सर्वधनुष्मताम्

8.50.39

आज्ञप्तस्त्वथ कृष्णेन दारुको राजसत्तम
योजयामास स रथं वैयाघ्रं शत्रुतापनम्

8.50.40

युक्तं तु रथमास्थाय दारुकेण महात्मना
आपृच्छ्य धर्मराजानं ब्राह्मणान्स्वस्ति वाच्य च
समङ्गलस्वस्त्ययनमारुरोह रथोत्तमम्

8.50.41

तस्य राजा महाप्राज्ञो धर्मराजो युधिष्ठिरः
आशिषोऽयुङ्क्त परमा युक्ताः कर्णवधं प्रति

8.50.42

तं प्रयान्तं महेष्वासं दृष्ट्वा भूतानि भारत
निहतं मेनिरे कर्णं पाण्डवेन महात्मना

8.50.43

बभूवुर्विमलाः सर्वा दिशो राजन्समन्ततः
चाषाश्च शतपत्राश्च क्रौञ्चाश्चैव जनेश्वर
प्रदक्षिणमकुर्वन्त तदा वै पाण्डुनन्दनम्

8.50.44

बहवः पक्षिणो राजन्पुंनामानः शुभाः शिवाः
त्वरयन्तोऽर्जुनं युद्धे हृष्टरूपा ववाशिरे

8.50.45

कङ्का गृध्रा वडाश्चैव वायसाश्च विशां पते
अग्रतस्तस्य गच्छन्ति भक्ष्यहेतोर्भयानकाः

8.50.46

निमित्तानि च धन्यानि पार्थस्य प्रशशंसिरे
विनाशमरिसैन्यानां कर्णस्य च वधं तथा

8.50.47

प्रयातस्याथ पार्थस्य महान्स्वेदो व्यजायत
चिन्ता च विपुला जज्ञे कथं न्वेतद्भविष्यति

8.50.48

ततो गाण्डीवधन्वानमब्रवीन्मधुसूदनः
दृष्ट्वा पार्थं तदायस्तं चिन्तापरिगतं तदा

8.50.49

गाण्डीवधन्वन्संग्रामे ये त्वया धनुषा जिताः
न तेषां मानुषो जेता त्वदन्य इह विद्यते

8.50.50

दृष्टा हि बहवः शूराः शक्रतुल्यपराक्रमाः
त्वां प्राप्य समरे वीरं ये गताः परमां गतिम्

8.50.51

को हि द्रोणं च भीष्मं च भगदत्तं च मारिष
विन्दानुविन्दावावन्त्यौ काम्बोजं च सुदक्षिणम्

8.50.52

श्रुतायुषं महावीर्यमच्युतायुषमेव च
प्रत्युद्गम्य भवेत्क्षेमी यो न स्यात्त्वमिव क्षमी

8.50.53

तव ह्यस्त्राणि दिव्यानि लाघवं बलमेव च
वेधः पातश्च लक्षश्च योगश्चैव तवार्जुन
असंमोहश्च युद्धेषु विज्ञानस्य च संनतिः

8.50.54

भवान्देवासुरान्सर्वान्हन्यात्सहचराचरान्
पृथिव्यां हि रणे पार्थ न योद्धा त्वत्समः पुमान्

8.50.55

धनुर्ग्रहा हि ये केचित्क्षत्रिया युद्धदुर्मदाः
आ देवात्त्वत्समं तेषां न पश्यामि शृणोमि वा

8.50.56

ब्रह्मणा च प्रजाः सृष्टा गाण्डीवं च महाद्भुतम्
येन त्वं युध्यसे पार्थ तस्मान्नास्ति त्वया समः

8.50.57

अवश्यं तु मया वाच्यं यत्पथ्यं तव पाण्डव
मावमंस्था महाबाहो कर्णमाहवशोभिनम्

8.50.58

कर्णो हि बलवान्धृष्टः कृतास्त्रश्च महारथः
कृती च चित्रयोधी च देशे काले च कोविदः

8.50.59

तेजसा वह्निसदृशो वायुवेगसमो जवे
अन्तकप्रतिमः क्रोधे सिंहसंहननो बली

8.50.60

अयोरत्निर्महाबाहुर्व्यूढोरस्कः सुदुर्जयः
अतिमानी च शूरश्च प्रवीरः प्रियदर्शनः

8.50.61

सर्वैर्योधगुणैर्युक्तो मित्राणामभयंकरः
सततं पाण्डवद्वेषी धार्तराष्ट्रहिते रतः

8.50.62

सर्वैरवध्यो राधेयो देवैरपि सवासवैः
ऋते त्वामिति मे बुद्धिस्त्वमद्य जहि सूतजम्

8.50.63

देवैरपि हि संयत्तैर्बिभ्रद्भिर्मांसशोणितम्
अशक्यः समरे जेतुं सर्वैरपि युयुत्सुभिः

8.50.64

दुरात्मानं पापमतिं नृशंसं; दुष्टप्रज्ञं पाण्डवेयेषु नित्यम्
हीनस्वार्थं पाण्डवेयैर्विरोधे; हत्वा कर्णं धिष्ठितार्थो भवाद्य

8.50.65

वीरं मन्यत आत्मानं येन पापः सुयोधनः
तमद्य मूलं पापानां जय सौतिं धनंजय

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Having with a cheerful heart gratified king Yudhishthira the just, Partha, prepared to slay the Suta's son, addressed Govinda, saying, "Let my car be once more equipped and let my foremost of steeds be yoked thereto. Let all kinds of weapon be placed upon that great vehicle. The steeds have rolled on the ground. They have been trained by persons skilled in horse lore. Along with the other equipment of the car, let them be quickly brought and decked in their trappings. Proceed quickly, O Govinda, for the slaughter of the Suta's son." Thus addressed, O monarch, by the high-souled Phalguna, Krishna commanded Daruka, saying, "Do all that Arjuna, that chief of Bharata's race and that foremost of all wielders of the bow, hath said." Thus ordered by Krishna, Daruka, O best of kings, yoked those steeds unto that car covered with tiger-skins and ever capable of scorching all foes. He then represented unto the high-souled son of Pandu the fact of having equipped his vehicle. Beholding the car equipped by the high-souled Daruka, Phalguna, obtaining Yudhishthira's leave and causing the Brahmanas to perform propitiatory rites and utter benedictions on him, ascended that excellent vehicle. King Yudhishthira the just, of great wisdom, also blessed him. After this, Phalguna proceeded towards Karna's car. Beholding that great bowman thus proceeding, all creatures, O Bharata, regarded Karna as already slain by the high-souled Pandava. All the points of the compass, O king, became serene. King-fishers and parrots and herons, O king, wheeled around the son of Pandu. A large number of beautiful and auspicious birds, O king, called Pung, causing Arjuna (by their timely appearance) to put forth greater speed in battle, cheerfully uttered their cries around him. Terrible Kankas and vultures, and cranes and hawks and ravens, O king, tempted by the prospect of food, proceeded in advance of his car, and indicated auspicious omens foreboding the destruction of the hostile host and the slaughter of Karna. And while Partha proceeded, a copious perspiration covered his body. His anxiety also became very great as to how he would achieve his vow. The slayer of Madhu then, beholding Partha filled with anxiety as he proceeded, addressed the wielder of Gandiva and said these words.

"'Vasudeva said, "O wielder of Gandiva, save thee there exists no other man that could vanquish those whom thou hast vanquished with this bow of thine. We have seen many heroes, who, endued with prowess like that Sakra, have attained to the highest regions, encountering thy heroic self in battle! Who else, O puissant one, that is not equal to thee, would be safe and sound after encountering Drona and Bhishma and Bhagadatta, O sire, and Vinda and Anuvinda of Avanti and Sudakshina, the chief of the Kambojas and Srutayudha of mighty energy and Acyutayudha as well? Thou hast celestial weapons, and lightness of hand and might, and thou art never stupefied in battle! Thou hast also that humility which is due to knowledge! Thou canst strike with effect! Thou hast sureness of aim, and presence of mind as regards the selection of means, O Arjuna! Thou art competent to destroy all mobile and immobile creatures including the very gods with the Gandharvas! On earth, O Partha, there is no human warrior who is equal to thee in battle. Amongst all Kshatriyas, invincible in battle, that wield the bow, amongst the very gods, I have not seen or heard of even one that is equal to thee. The Creator of all beings, viz., Brahma himself created the great bow Gandiva with which thou fightest, O Partha! For this reason there is no one that is equal to thee. I must, however, O son of Pandu, say that which is beneficial to thee. Do not. O mighty-armed one, disregard Karna, that ornament of battle! Karna is possessed of might. He is proud and accomplished in weapons. He is a maharatha. He is accomplished (in the ways of battle) and conversant with all modes of warfare. He is also well-acquainted with all that suits place and time. What need is there of saying much? Hear in brief, O son of Pandu! I regard the mighty car-warrior Karna as thy equal, or perhaps, thy superior! With the greatest care and resolution shouldst thou slay him in great battle. In energy he is equal to Agni. As regards speed, he is equal to the impetuosity of the wind. In wrath, he resembles the Destroyer himself. Endued with might, he resembles a lion in the formation of his body. He is eight ratnis in stature. His arms are large. His chest is broad. He is invincible. He is sensitive. He is a hero. He is, again, the foremost of heroes. He is exceedingly handsome. Possessed of every accomplishment of a warrior, he is a dispeller of the fears of friends. Engaged in the good of Dhritarashtra's son, he always hates the sons of Pandu. No one, not even the gods with Vasava at their head, can slay the son of Radha, save thee, as I think. Slay, therefore, the Suta's son today. No one possessed of flesh and blood, not even the gods fighting with great care, not all the warriors (of the three worlds) fighting together can vanquish that car-warrior. Towards the Pandavas he is always of wicked soul and sinful behaviour, and cruel, and of wicked intelligence. In his quarrel with the sons of Pandu, he is actuated by no consideration affecting his own interests. Slaying that Karna, therefore, fulfill thy purpose today. Despatch today unto Yama's presence that Suta's son, that foremost of car-warriors, whose death is near. Indeed, slaying that Suta's son, that first of car-warriors, show the love for Yudhishthira the just. I know thy prowess truly, O Partha, which is incapable of being resisted by the gods and Asuras. The Suta's son of wicked soul, from exceeding pride, always disregards the sons of Pandu. O Dhananjaya, slay that man today for whose sake the wretched Duryodhana regardeth himself a hero, that root of all (those) sinful persons, that son of a Suta. Slay, O Dhananjaya, that tiger among men, that active and proud Karna, who hath a sword for his tongue, a bow for his mouth, and arrows for his teeth. I know thee well as regards the energy and the might that are in thee. Slay the brave Karna in battle, like a lion slaying an elephant. Slay in battle today, O Partha, that Karna, otherwise called Vaikartana, in consequence of whose energy Dhritarashtra's son disregards thine.'"

8.51.1

संजय उवाच
ततः पुनरमेयात्मा केशवोऽर्जुनमब्रवीत्
कृतसंकल्पमायस्तं वधे कर्णस्य सर्वशः

8.51.2

अद्य सप्तदशाहानि वर्तमानस्य भारत
विनाशस्यातिघोरस्य नरवारणवाजिनाम्

8.51.3

भूत्वा हि विपुला सेना तावकानां परैः सह
अन्योन्यं समरे प्राप्य किंचिच्छेषा विशां पते

8.51.4

भूत्वा हि कौरवाः पार्थ प्रभूतगजवाजिनः
त्वां वै शत्रुं समासाद्य विनष्टा रणमूर्धनि

8.51.5

एते च सर्वे पाञ्चालाः सृञ्जयाश्च सहान्वयाः
त्वां समासाद्य दुर्धर्षं पाण्डवाश्च व्यवस्थिताः

8.51.6

पाञ्चालैः पाण्डवैर्मत्स्यैः कारूषैश्चेदिकेकयैः
त्वया गुप्तैरमित्रघ्न कृतः शत्रुगणक्षयः

8.51.7

को हि शक्तो रणे जेतुं कौरवांस्तात संगतान्
अन्यत्र पाण्डवान्युद्धे त्वया गुप्तान्महारथान्

8.51.8

त्वं हि शक्तो रणे जेतुं ससुरासुरमानुषान्
त्रीँल्लोकान्सममुद्युक्तान्किं पुनः कौरवं बलम्

8.51.9

भगदत्तं हि राजानं कोऽन्यः शक्तस्त्वया विना
जेतुं पुरुषशार्दूल योऽपि स्याद्वासवोपमः

8.51.10

तथेमां विपुलां सेनां गुप्तां पार्थ त्वयानघ
न शेकुः पार्थिवाः सर्वे चक्षुर्भिरभिवीक्षितुम्

8.51.11

तथैव सततं पार्थ रक्षिताभ्यां त्वया रणे
धृष्टद्युम्नशिखण्डिभ्यां भीष्मद्रोणौ निपातितौ

8.51.12

को हि शक्तो रणे पार्थ पाञ्चालानां महारथौ
भीष्मद्रोणौ युधा जेतुं शक्रतुल्यपराक्रमौ

8.51.13

को हि शांतनवं संख्ये द्रोणं वैकर्तनं कृपम्
द्रौणिं च सौमदत्तिं च कृतवर्माणमेव च
सैन्धवं मद्रराजं च राजानं च सुयोधनम्

8.51.14

वीरान्कृतास्त्रान्समरे सर्वानेवानुवर्तिनः
अक्षौहिणीपतीनुग्रान्संरब्धान्युद्धदुर्मदान्

8.51.15

श्रेण्यश्च बहुलाः क्षीणाः प्रदीर्णाश्वरथद्विपाः
नानाजनपदाश्चोग्राः क्षत्रियाणाममर्षिणाम्

8.51.16

गोवासदासमीयानां वसातीनां च भारत
व्रात्यानां वाटधानानां भोजानां चापि मानिनाम्

8.51.17

उदीर्णाश्च महासेना ब्रह्मक्षत्रस्य भारत
त्वां समासाद्य निधनं गताः साश्वरथद्विपाः

8.51.18

उग्राश्च क्रूरकर्माणस्तुखारा यवनाः खशाः
दार्वाभिसारा दरदाः शका रमठतङ्गणाः

8.51.19

अन्ध्रकाश्च पुलिन्दाश्च किराताश्चोग्रविक्रमाः
म्लेच्छाश्च पार्वतीयाश्च सागरानूपवासिनः
संरम्भिणो युद्धशौण्डा बलिनो दृब्धपाणयः

8.51.20

एते सुयोधनस्यार्थे संरब्धाः कुरुभिः सह
न शक्या युधि निर्जेतुं त्वदन्येन परंतप

8.51.21

धार्तराष्ट्रमुदग्रं हि व्यूढं दृष्ट्वा महाबलम्
यस्य त्वं न भवेस्त्राता प्रतीयात्को नु मानवः

8.51.22

तत्सागरमिवोद्धूतं रजसा संवृतं बलम्
विदार्य पाण्डवैः क्रुद्धैस्त्वया गुप्तैर्हतं विभो

8.51.23

मागधानामधिपतिर्जयत्सेनो महाबलः
अद्य सप्तैव चाहानि हतः संख्येऽभिमन्युना

8.51.24

ततो दश सहस्राणि गजानां भीमकर्मणाम्
जघान गदया भीमस्तस्य राज्ञः परिच्छदम्
ततोऽन्येऽपि हता नागा रथाश्च शतशो बलात्

8.51.25

तदेवं समरे तात वर्तमाने महाभये
भीमसेनं समासाद्य त्वां च पाण्डव कौरवाः
सवाजिरथनागाश्च मृत्युलोकमितो गताः

8.51.26

तथा सेनामुखे तत्र निहते पार्थ पाण्डवैः
भीष्मः प्रासृजदुग्राणि शरवर्षाणि मारिष

8.51.27

स चेदिकाशिपाञ्चालान्करूषान्मत्स्यकेकयान्
शरैः प्रच्छाद्य निधनमनयत्परुषास्त्रवित्

8.51.28

तस्य चापच्युतैर्बाणैः परदेहविदारणैः
पूर्णमाकाशमभवद्रुक्मपुङ्खैरजिह्मगैः

8.51.29

गत्या दशम्या ते गत्वा जघ्नुर्वाजिरथद्विपान्
हित्वा नव गतीर्दुष्टाः स बाणान्व्यायतोऽमुचत्

8.51.30

दिनानि दश भीष्मेण निघ्नता तावकं बलम्
शून्याः कृता रथोपस्था हताश्च गजवाजिनः

8.51.31

दर्शयित्वात्मनो रूपं रुद्रोपेन्द्रसमं युधि
पाण्डवानामनीकानि प्रविगाह्य व्यशातयत्

8.51.32

विनिघ्नन्पृथिवीपालांश्चेदिपाञ्चालकेकयान्
व्यदहत्पाण्डवीं सेनां नराश्वगजसंकुलाम्

8.51.33

मज्जन्तमप्लवे मन्दमुज्जिहीर्षुः सुयोधनम्
तथा चरन्तं समरे तपन्तमिव भास्करम्
न शेकुः सृञ्जया द्रष्टुं तथैवान्ये महीक्षितः

8.51.34

विचरन्तं तथा तं तु संग्रामे जितकाशिनम्
सर्वोद्योगेन सहसा पाण्डवाः समुपाद्रवन्

8.51.35

स तु विद्राव्य समरे पाण्डवान्सृञ्जयानपि
एक एव रणे भीष्म एकवीरत्वमागतः

8.51.36

तं शिखण्डी समासाद्य त्वया गुप्तो महारथम्
जघान पुरुषव्याघ्रं शरैः संनतपर्वभिः

8.51.37

स एष पतितः शेते शरतल्पे पितामहः
त्वां प्राप्य पुरुषव्याघ्र गृध्रः प्राप्येव वायसम्

8.51.38

द्रोणः पञ्च दिनान्युग्रो विधम्य रिपुवाहिनीः
कृत्वा व्यूहं महायुद्धे पातयित्वा महारथान्

8.51.39

जयद्रथस्य समरे कृत्वा रक्षां महारथः
अन्तकप्रतिमश्चोग्रां रात्रिं युद्ध्वादहत्प्रजाः

8.51.40

अद्येति द्वे दिने वीरो भारद्वाजः प्रतापवान्
धृष्टद्युम्नं समासाद्य स गतः परमां गतिम्

8.51.41

यदि चैव परान्युद्धे सूतपुत्रमुखान्रथान्
नावारयिष्यः संग्रामे न स्म द्रोणो व्यनङ्क्ष्यत

8.51.42

भवता तु बलं सर्वं धार्तराष्ट्रस्य वारितम्
ततो द्रोणो हतो युद्धे पार्षतेन धनंजय

8.51.43

क इवान्यो रणे कुर्यात्त्वदन्यः क्षत्रियो युधि
यादृशं ते कृतं पार्थ जयद्रथवधं प्रति

8.51.44

निवार्य सेनां महतीं हत्वा शूरांश्च पार्थिवान्
निहतः सैन्धवो राजा त्वयास्त्रबलतेजसा

8.51.45

आश्चर्यं सिन्धुराजस्य वधं जानन्ति पार्थिवाः
अनाश्चर्यं हि तत्त्वत्तस्त्वं हि पार्थ महारथः

8.51.46

त्वां हि प्राप्य रणे क्षत्रमेकाहादिति भारत
तप्यमानमसंयुक्तं न भवेदिति मे मतिः

8.51.47

सेयं पार्थ चमूर्घोरा धार्तराष्ट्रस्य संयुगे
हता ससर्ववीरा हि भीष्मद्रोणौ यदा हतौ

8.51.48

शीर्णप्रवरयोधाद्य हतवाजिनरद्विपा
हीना सूर्येन्दुनक्षत्रैर्द्यौरिवाभाति भारती

8.51.49

विध्वस्ता हि रणे पार्थ सेनेयं भीमविक्रमात्
आसुरीव पुरा सेना शक्रस्येव पराक्रमैः

8.51.50

तेषां हतावशिष्टास्तु पञ्च सन्ति महारथाः
अश्वत्थामा कृतवर्मा कर्णो मद्राधिपः कृपः

8.51.51

तांस्त्वमद्य नरव्याघ्र हत्वा पञ्च महारथान्
हतामित्रः प्रयच्छोर्वीं राज्ञः सद्वीपपत्तनाम्

8.51.52

साकाशजलपातालां सपर्वतमहावनाम्
प्राप्नोत्वमितवीर्यश्रीरद्य पार्थो वसुंधराम्

8.51.53

एतां पुरा विष्णुरिव हत्वा दैतेयदानवान्
प्रयच्छ मेदिनीं राज्ञे शक्रायेव यथा हरिः

8.51.54

अद्य मोदन्तु पाञ्चाला निहतेष्वरिषु त्वया
विष्णुना निहतेष्वेव दानवेयेषु देवताः

8.51.55

यदि वा द्विपदां श्रेष्ठ द्रोणं मानयतो गुरुम्
अश्वत्थाम्नि कृपा तेऽस्ति कृपे चाचार्यगौरवात्

8.51.56

अत्यन्तोपचितान्वा त्वं मानयन्भ्रातृबान्धवान्
कृतवर्माणमासाद्य न नेष्यसि यमक्षयम्

8.51.57

भ्रातरं मातुरासाद्य शल्यं मद्रजनाधिपम्
यदि त्वमरविन्दाक्ष दयावान्न जिघांससि

8.51.58

इमं पापमतिं क्षुद्रमत्यन्तं पाण्डवान्प्रति
कर्णमद्य नरश्रेष्ठ जह्याशु निशितैः शरैः

8.51.59

एतत्ते सुकृतं कर्म नात्र किंचिन्न युज्यते
वयमप्यत्र जानीमो नात्र दोषोऽस्ति कश्चन

8.51.60

दहने यत्सपुत्राया निशि मातुस्तवानघ
द्यूतार्थे यच्च युष्मासु प्रावर्तत सुयोधनः
तत्र सर्वत्र दुष्टात्मा कर्णो मूलमिहार्जुन

8.51.61

कर्णाद्धि मन्यते त्राणं नित्यमेव सुयोधनः
ततो मामपि संरब्धो निग्रहीतुं प्रचक्रमे

8.51.62

स्थिरा बुद्धिर्नरेन्द्रस्य धार्तराष्ट्रस्य मानद
कर्णः पार्थान्रणे सर्वान्विजेष्यति न संशयः

8.51.63

कर्णमाश्रित्य कौन्तेय धार्तराष्ट्रेण विग्रहः
रोचितो भवता सार्धं जानतापि बलं तव

8.51.64

कर्णो हि भाषते नित्यमहं पार्थान्समागतान्
वासुदेवं सराजानं विजेष्यामि महारणे

8.51.65

प्रोत्साहयन्दुरात्मानं धार्तराष्ट्रं सुदुर्मतिः
समितौ गर्जते कर्णस्तमद्य जहि भारत

8.51.66

यच्च युष्मासु पापं वै धार्तराष्ट्रः प्रयुक्तवान्
तत्र सर्वत्र दुष्टात्मा कर्णः पापमतिर्मुखम्

8.51.67

यच्च तद्धार्तराष्ट्राणां क्रूरैः षड्भिर्महारथैः
अपश्यं निहतं वीरं सौभद्रमृषभेक्षणम्

8.51.68

द्रोणद्रौणिकृपान्वीरान्कम्पयन्तो महारथान्
निर्मनुष्यांश्च मातङ्गान्विरथांश्च महारथान्

8.51.69

व्यश्वारोहांश्च तुरगान्पत्तीन्व्यायुधजीवितान्
कुर्वन्तमृषभस्कन्धं कुरुवृष्णियशस्करम्

8.51.70

विधमन्तमनीकानि व्यथयन्तं महारथान्
मनुष्यवाजिमातङ्गान्प्रहिण्वन्तं यमक्षयम्

8.51.71

शरैः सौभद्रमायस्तं दहन्तमिव वाहिनीम्
तन्मे दहति गात्राणि सखे सत्येन ते शपे

8.51.72

यत्तत्रापि च दुष्टात्मा कर्णोऽभ्यद्रुह्यत प्रभो
अशक्नुवंश्चाभिमन्योः कर्णः स्थातुं रणेऽग्रतः

8.51.73

सौभद्रशरनिर्भिन्नो विसंज्ञः शोणितोक्षितः
निःश्वसन्क्रोधसंदीप्तो विमुखः सायकार्दितः

8.51.74

अपयानकृतोत्साहो निराशश्चापि जीविते
तस्थौ सुविह्वलः संख्ये प्रहारजनितश्रमः

8.51.75

अथ द्रोणस्य समरे तत्कालसदृशं तदा
श्रुत्वा कर्णो वचः क्रूरं ततश्चिच्छेद कार्मुकम्

8.51.76

ततश्छिन्नायुधं तेन रणे पञ्च महारथाः
स चैव निकृतिप्रज्ञः प्रावधीच्छरवृष्टिभिः

8.51.77

यच्च कर्णोऽब्रवीत्कृष्णां सभायां परुषं वचः
प्रमुखे पाण्डवेयानां कुरूणां च नृशंसवत्

8.51.78

विनष्टाः पाण्डवाः कृष्णे शाश्वतं नरकं गताः
पतिमन्यं पृथुश्रोणि वृणीष्व मितभाषिणि

8.51.79

लेखाभ्रु धृतराष्ट्रस्य दासी भूत्वा निवेशनम्
प्रविशारालपक्ष्माक्षि न सन्ति पतयस्तव

8.51.80

इत्युक्तवानधर्मज्ञस्तदा परमदुर्मतिः
पापः पापं वचः कर्णः शृण्वतस्तव भारत

8.51.81

तस्य पापस्य तद्वाक्यं सुवर्णविकृताः शराः
शमयन्तु शिलाधौतास्त्वयास्ता जीवितच्छिदः

8.51.82

यानि चान्यानि दुष्टात्मा पापानि कृतवांस्त्वयि
तान्यद्य जीवितं चास्य शमयन्तु शरास्तव

8.51.83

गाण्डीवप्रहितान्घोरानद्य गात्रैः स्पृशञ्शरान्
कर्णः स्मरतु दुष्टात्मा वचनं द्रोणभीष्मयोः

8.51.84

सुवर्णपुङ्खा नाराचाः शत्रुघ्ना वैद्युतप्रभाः
त्वयास्तास्तस्य मर्माणि भित्त्वा पास्यन्ति शोणितम्

8.51.85

उग्रास्त्वद्भुजनिर्मुक्ता मर्म भित्त्वा शिताः शराः
अद्य कर्णं महावेगाः प्रेषयन्तु यमक्षयम्

8.51.86

अद्य हाहाकृता दीना विषण्णास्त्वच्छरार्दिताः
प्रपतन्तं रथात्कर्णं पश्यन्तु वसुधाधिपाः

8.51.87

अद्य स्वशोणिते मग्नं शयानं पतितं भुवि
अपविद्धायुधं कर्णं पश्यन्तु सुहृदो निजाः

8.51.88

हस्तिकक्ष्यो महानस्य भल्लेनोन्मथितस्त्वया
प्रकम्पमानः पततु भूमावाधिरथेर्ध्वजः

8.51.89

त्वया शरशतैश्छिन्नं रथं हेमविभूषितम्
हतयोधं समुत्सृज्य भीतः शल्यः पलायताम्

8.51.90

ततः सुयोधनो दृष्ट्वा हतमाधिरथिं त्वया
निराशो जीविते त्वद्य राज्ये चैव धनंजय

8.51.91

एते द्रवन्ति पाञ्चाला वध्यमानाः शितैः शरैः
कर्णेन भरतश्रेष्ठ पाण्डवानुज्जिहीर्षवः

8.51.92

पाञ्चालान्द्रौपदेयांश्च धृष्टद्युम्नशिखण्डिनौ
धृष्टद्युम्नतनूजांश्च शतानीकं च नाकुलिम्

8.51.93

नकुलं सहदेवं च दुर्मुखं जनमेजयम्
सुवर्माणं सात्यकिं च विद्धि कर्णवशं गतान्

8.51.94

अभ्याहतानां कर्णेन पाञ्चालानां महारणे
श्रूयते निनदो घोरस्त्वद्बन्धूनां परंतप

8.51.95

न त्वेव भीताः पाञ्चालाः कथंचित्स्युः पराङ्मुखाः
न हि मृत्युं महेष्वासा गणयन्ति महारथाः

8.51.96

य एकः पाण्डवीं सेनां शरौघैः समवेष्टयत्
तं समासाद्य पाञ्चाला भीष्मं नासन्पराङ्मुखाः

8.51.97

तथा ज्वलन्तमस्त्राग्निं गुरुं सर्वधनुष्मताम्
निर्दहन्तं समारोहन्दुर्धर्षं द्रोणमोजसा

8.51.98

ते नित्यमुदिता जेतुं युद्धे शत्रूनरिंदमाः
न जात्वाधिरथेर्भीताः पाञ्चालाः स्युः पराङ्मुखाः

8.51.99

तेषामापततां शूरः पाञ्चालानां तरस्विनाम्
आदत्तेऽसूञ्शरैः कर्णः पतंगानामिवानलः

8.51.100

तांस्तथाभिमुखान्वीरान्मित्रार्थे त्यक्तजीवितान्
क्षयं नयति राधेयः पाञ्चालाञ्शतशो रणे

8.51.101

अस्त्रं हि रामात्कर्णेन भार्गवादृषिसत्तमात्
यदुपात्तं पुरा घोरं तस्य रूपमुदीर्यते

8.51.102

तापनं सर्वसैन्यानां घोररूपं सुदारुणम्
समावृत्य महासेनां ज्वलति स्वेन तेजसा

8.51.103

एते चरन्ति संग्रामे कर्णचापच्युताः शराः
भ्रमराणामिव व्रातास्तापयन्तः स्म तावकान्

8.51.104

एते चरन्ति पाञ्चाला दिक्षु सर्वासु भारत
कर्णास्त्रं समरे प्राप्य दुर्निवारमनात्मभिः

8.51.105

एष भीमो दृढक्रोधो वृतः पार्थ समन्ततः
सृञ्जयैर्योधयन्कर्णं पीड्यते स्म शितैः शरैः

8.51.106

पाण्डवान्सृञ्जयांश्चैव पाञ्चालांश्चैव भारत
हन्यादुपेक्षितः कर्णो रोगो देहमिवाततः

8.51.107

नान्यं त्वत्तोऽभिपश्यामि योधं यौधिष्ठिरे बले
यः समासाद्य राधेयं स्वस्तिमानाव्रजेद्गृहम्

8.51.108

तमद्य निशितैर्बाणैर्निहत्य भरतर्षभ
यथाप्रतिज्ञं पार्थ त्वं कृत्वा कीर्तिमवाप्नुहि

8.51.109

त्वं हि शक्तो रणे जेतुं सकर्णानपि कौरवान्
नान्यो युधि युधां श्रेष्ठ सत्यमेतद्ब्रवीमि ते

8.51.110

एतत्कृत्वा महत्कर्म हत्वा कर्णं महारथम्
कृतार्थः सफलः पार्थ सुखी भव नरोत्तम

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Once more Keshava of immeasurable soul said these words unto Arjuna, who, O Bharata, was advancing (to battle), firmly resolved upon slaying Karna, 'Today is the seventeenth day, O Bharata, of this terrible massacre of men and elephants and steeds. At the outset vast was the host that belonged to you. Encountering the foe in battle, that host has been very much reduced in numbers, O king! The Kauravas also, O Partha, were numerous at first, teeming with elephants and steeds. Encountering thee, however, as their foe, they have been nearly exterminated in the van of battle! These lords of Earth and these Srinjayas, united together, and these Pandava troops also, obtaining thy invincible self as their leader, are maintaining their ground on the field. Protected by thee, O slayer of foes, the Pancalas, the Matsyas, the Karushas, and the Cedis, have caused a great destruction of thy foes. Who is there that can vanquish the assembled Kauravas in battle? On the other hand, who is there that can vanquish the mighty car-warriors of the Pandavas protected by thee? Thou, however, art competent to vanquish in battle the three worlds consisting of the gods, the asuras, and human beings, united together. What need I say then of the Kaurava host? Save thee, O tiger among men, who else is there, even if he resemble Vasava himself in prowess, that could vanquish king Bhagadatta? So also, O sinless one, all the lords of earth, united together, are incapable, O Partha, of even gazing at this vast force that is protected by thee. So also, O Partha, it is owing to their having been always protected by thee that Dhrishtadyumna and Shikhandi succeeded in slaying Drona and Bhishma. Who, indeed, O Partha, could vanquish in battle those two mighty car-warriors of the Bharatas, Bhishma and Drona, both of whom were endued with prowess equal to that of Sakra himself? Save thee, O tiger among men, what other man in this world is able to vanquish those fierce lords of akshauhinis, those unreturning and invincible heroes, all accomplished in weapons and united together, Shantanu's son Bhishma, and Drona, and Vaikartana, and Kripa, and Drona's son, and king Duryodhana himself? Innumerable divisions of soldiers have been destroyed (by thee), their steeds and cars and elephants having been mangled (with thy shafts). Numberless Kshatriyas also, wrathful and fierce, hailing from diverse provinces, have been destroyed by thee. Teeming with horses and elephants, large bodies of combatants of diverse Kshatriya clans, such as the Govasas, the Dasamiyas, the Vasatis, O Bharata, and the Easterners, the Vatadhanas, and the Bhojas that are very sensitive of their honour, approaching thee and Bhima, O Bharata, have met with destruction. Of terrible deeds and exceedingly fierce, the Tusharas, the Yavanas, the Khasas, the Darvabhisaras, the Daradas, the Sakas, the Kamathas, the Ramathas, the Tanganas the Andhrakas, the Pulindas, the Kiratas of fierce prowess, the Mlecchas, the Mountaineers, and the races hailing from the sea-side, all endued with great wrath and great might, delighting in battle and armed with maces, these all--united with the Kurus and fighting wrathfully for Duryodhana's sake were incapable of being vanquished in battle by anybody else save thee, O scorcher of foes! What man, unprotected by thee, could advance, beholding the mighty and swelling host of the Dhartarashtras arrayed in order of battle? Protected by thee, O puissant one, the Pandavas, filled with wrath, and penetrating into its midst, have destroyed that host shrouded with dust and resembling a swollen sea. Seven days have elapsed since the mighty Jayatsena, the ruler of the Magadhas, was slain in battle by Abhimanyu. After that, 10,000 elephants, of fierce feats, that used to follow that king, were slain by Bhimasena with his mace. After that, other elephants, and car-warriors, by hundreds, have been destroyed by Bhima in that exercise of his might. Even thus, O Partha, during the progress of this awful battle, the Kauravas, with their steeds and carwarriors and elephants, encountering Bhimasena and thee, O son of Pandu, have from hence repaired to the region of Death. The van of the Kaurava army, O Partha, having been struck down by the Pandavas, Bhishma shot showers of fierce shafts, O sire! Conversant with the highest weapons, he shrouded the Cedis, the Pancalas, the Karushas, the Matsyas, and the Kaikayas with the shafts, and deprived them of life! The welkin became filled with gold-winged and straight coursing shafts, capable of piercing the bodies of all foes, that issued out of his bow. He slew thousands of car-warriors, shooting showers of shafts at a time. In all, he slew a 100,000 men and elephants of great might. Abandoning the diverse motions, each of a new kind, in which they careered, those wicked kings and elephants, while perishing, destroyed many steeds and cars and elephants. Indeed, numberless were the shafts that Bhishma shot in battle. Slaughtering the Pandava host for ten days together, Bhishma made the terraces of numberless cars empty and deprived innumerable elephants and steeds of life. Having assumed the form of Rudra or of Upendra in battle, he afflicted the Pandava divisions and caused a great carnage amongst them. Desirous of rescuing the wicked Suyodhana who was sinking in a raftless sea, he slaughtered many lords of Earth among the Cedis, the Pancalas, and the Kaikayas, and caused a great massacre of the Pandava army teeming with cars and steeds and elephants. Innumerable foot-soldiers among the Srinjayas, all well-armed, and other lords of earth, were incapable of even looking at that hero when he careered in battle like the Sun himself of scorching splendour. At last the Pandavas, with all their resources, made a mighty effort, and rushed against that warrior who, inspired with the desire of victory, used to career in battle even in this way. Without availing himself of any aid, he routed, however, the Pandavas and the Srinjayas in battle, and came to be regarded as the one foremost hero in the world. Encountering him, Shikhandi, protected by thee, slew that tiger among men with his straight shafts. Having obtained thee that art a tiger among men (as his foe), that grandsire is now stretched on a bed of arrows, like Vritra when he obtained Vasava for his foe. The fierce Drona also slaughtered the hostile army for five days together. Having made an impenetrable array and caused many mighty car-warriors to be slain, that great car-warrior had protected Jayadratha (for some time). Fierce as the Destroyer himself, he caused a great carnage in the nocturnal battle. Endued with great valour, the heroic son of Bharadwaja consumed innumerable combatants with his arrows. At last, encountering Dhrishtadyumna, he attained to the highest end. If, on that day, thou hadst not checked in battle all the (Dhartarashtra) car-warriors headed by the Suta's son, Drona then would never have been slain. Thou heldst in check the whole Dhartarashtra force. It was for this, O Dhananjaya, that Drona could be slain by the son of Prishata. What other Kshatriya, save thee, could in battle achieve such feats for compassing the slaughter of Jayadratha. Checking the vast (Kaurava) army and slaying many brave kings, thou killedest king Jayadratha, aided by the might and energy of thy weapons. All the kings regarded the slaughter of the ruler of the Sindhus to have been exceedingly wonderful. I, however, do not regard it so; thou didst it and thou art a great car-warrior. If this vast assemblage of Kshatriyas, obtaining thee as a foe, suffer extermination in course of even a whole day, I should, I think, still regard these Kshatriyas to be truly mighty. When Bhishma and Drona have been slain, the terrible Dhartarashtra host, O Partha, may be regarded to have lost all its heroes. Indeed, with all its foremost warriors slain, with its steeds, cars, and elephants destroyed, the Bharata army looketh today like the firmament, reft of the Sun, the Moon, and stars. Yonder host of fierce prowess, O Partha, hath been shorn of its splendours today like the Asura host in days of yore shorn of its splendours by Sakra's prowess. The remnant of that grand master now consists of only five great car-warriors, viz., Ashvatthama, Kritavarma, Karna, Shalya, and Kripa. Slaying those five great car-warriors today, O tiger among men, be thou a hero that hath killed all his foes, and bestow thou the Earth with all her islands and cities on king Yudhishthira. Let Pritha's son Yudhishthira of immeasurable energy and prosperity, obtain today the whole earth with the welkin above it, the waters on it, and the nether regions below it. Slaying this host like Vishnu in days of yore slaying the Daityas and the Danavas, bestow the Earth on the king like Hari bestowing (the three worlds) on Sakra. Let the Pancalas rejoice today, their foes being slain, like the celestials rejoicing after the slaughter of the Danavas by Vishnu. If in consequence of thy regard for that foremost of men, viz., thy preceptor Drona, thou cherishest compassion for Ashvatthama, if, again, thou hast any kindness for Kripa for the sake of respect that is due to a preceptor, if, approaching Kritavarma, thou dost not despatch him today to Yama's abode in consequence of the honour that is due to one's kinsmen by the mother's side, if, O lotus-eyed one, approaching thy mother's brother, viz., Shalya, the ruler of the Madras, thou dost not from compassion slay him, I ask thee, do thou, with keen shafts, O foremost of men slay Karna today with speed, that vile wretch of sinful heart who cherisheth the fiercest hate for the son of Pandu. This is thy noblest duty. There is nothing in it that would be improper. We approve of it, and here is no fault in the act. The wicked-souled Karna is the root, O thou of unfading glory, of that attempt, O sinless one, made in the night for burning thy mother with all her children, and of that conduct which Suyodhana adopted towards you in consequence of that match at dice. Suyodhana always hopeth for deliverance through Karna. Filled with rage, he endeavours to afflict me also (in consequence of that support). It is the firm belief of Dhritarashtra's royal son, O giver of honours, that Karna, without doubt, will slay all the Prithas in battle. Though fully acquainted with thy might, still, O son of Kunti, Dhritarashtra's son hath selected war with you in consequence of his reliance on Karna. Karna also always says, 'I will vanquish the assembled Parthas and that mighty car-warrior, viz., Vasudeva of Dasharha's race'. Buoying up the wicked-souled son of Dhritarashtra, the wicked Karna always roareth in the (Kuru) assembly. Slay him today, O Bharata. In all the acts of injury, of which Dhritarashtra's son hath been guilty towards you, the wicked-souled Karna of sinful understanding hath been the leader. I saw the heroic son of Subhadra of eyes like those of a bull, slain by six mighty car-warriors of cruel heart belonging to the Dhritarashtra army. Grinding those bulls among men, viz., Drona, Drona's son, Kripa and other heroes, he deprived elephants of their riders and mighty car-warriors of their cars. The bull-necked Abhimanyu, that spreader of the fame of both the Kurus and the Vrishnis, deprived steeds also of their riders and foot-soldiers of weapons and life. Routing the (Kaurava) divisions and afflicting many mighty car-warriors, he despatched innumerable men and steeds and elephants to Yama's abode. I swear by Truth to thee, O friend, that my limbs are burning at the thought that while the son of Subhadra was thus advancing, consuming the hostile army with his shafts, even on that occasion the wicked-souled Karna was engaged in acts of hostility to that hero, O lord! Unable, O Partha, to stay in that battle before Abhimanyu's face, mangled with the shafts of Subhadra's son, deprived of consciousness, and bathed in blood, Karna drew deep breaths, inflamed with rage. At last, afflicted with arrows, he was obliged to turn his back upon the field. Eagerly desirous of flying away and becoming hopeless of life, he stayed for some time in battle, perfectly stupefied and exhausted with the wounds he had received. At last hearing those cruel words of Drona in battle--words that were suited to the hour--Karna cut off Abhimanyu's bow. Made bowless by him in that battle, five great car-warriors then, well-versed in the ways of foul warfare, slew that hero with showers of shafts. Upon the slaughter of that hero, grief entered the heart of everyone. Only, the wicked-souled Karna and Suyodhana laughed in joy. (Thou rememberest also) the harsh and bitter words that Karna cruelly said unto Krishna in the (Kuru) assembly, in the presence of the Pandavas and Kurus, 'The Pandavas, O Krishna, are dead! They have sunk into eternal hell! O thou of large hips, choose other lords now, O thou of sweet speeches! Enter now the abode of Dhritarashtra as a serving woman, for, O thou of curving eye-lashes, thy husbands are no more! The Pandavas will not, O Krishna, be of any service to thee today! Thou art the wife of men that are slaves, O princess of Pancala, and thou art thyself, O beautiful lady, a slave! Today only Duryodhana is regarded as the one king on earth; all other kings of the world are worshipping the agency by which his administration is kept up. Behold now, O amiable one, how all the sons of Pandu have equally fallen! Overwhelmed by the energy of Dhritarashtra's son, they are now silently eyeing one another. It is evident that they are all sesame seeds without kernel, and have sunk into hell. They will have to serve the Kaurava (Duryodhana), that king of kings, as his slaves.' Even these were the foul words that that wretch, viz., the sinful Karna of exceedingly wicked heart, spoke on that occasion, in thy hearing, O Bharata! Let gold-decked shafts whetted on stone and capable of taking the life of him at whom they are sped, shot by thee, quench (the fire of) those words and all the other wrongs that that wicked-souled wight did unto thee. Let thy shafts quench all those wrongs and the life also of that wicked wight. Feeling the touch of terrible arrows sped from Gandiva, let the wicked-souled Karna recollect today the words of Bhishma and Drona! Let foe-killing cloth-yard shafts, equipped with the effulgence of lightning, shot by thee, pierce his vital limbs and drink his blood! Let fierce and mighty shafts, of great impetuosity, sped by thy arms, penetrate the vitals of Karna today and despatch him to Yama's abode. Let all the kings of the earth, cheerless and filled with grief and uttering wails of woe, behold Karna fall down from his car today, afflicted with thy arrows. Let his kinsmen, with cheerless faces, behold Karna today, fallen down and stretched at his length on the earth, dipped in gore and with his weapons loosened from his grasp! Let the lofty standard of Adhiratha's son, bearing the device of the elephant's rope, fall fluttering on the earth, cut off by thee with a broad-headed arrow. Let Shalya fly away in terror, abandoning the gold-decked car (he drives) upon seeing it deprived of its warrior and steeds and cut off into fragments with hundreds of shafts by thee. Let thy enemy Suyodhana today, beholding Adhiratha's son slain by thee, despair of both his life and kingdom. Yonder, O Partha, Karna, equal unto Indra in energy, or, perhaps, Sankara himself, is slaughtering thy troops with his shafts. There the Pancalas, though slaughtered by Karna with his whetted shafts, are yet, O chief of Bharata's race, rushing (to battle), for serving the cause of the Pandavas. Know, O Partha, that is prevailing over the Pancalas, and the (five) sons of Draupadi, and Dhrishtadyumna and Shikhandi, and the sons of Dhrishtadyumna, and Satanika, the son of Nakula, and Nakula himself, and Sahadeva, and Durmukha, and Janamejaya, and Sudharman, and Satyaki! The loud uproar made by those allies of thine, viz., the Pancalas, O scorcher of foes, as they are being struck by Karna in dreadful battle, is heard. The Pancalas have not at all been inspired with fear, nor do they turn away their faces from the battle. Those mighty bowmen are utterly reckless of death in great battle. Encountering even that Bhishma who, single-handed, had encompassed the Pandava army with a cloud of shafts, the Pancalas did not turn away their faces from him. Then again, O chastiser of foes, they always strove with alacrity to vanquish forcibly in battle their great foe, viz., the invincible Drona, that preceptor of all wielders of the bow, that blazing fire of weapons, that hero who always burnt his foes in battle. They have never turned their faces from battle, afraid of Adhiratha's son. The heroic Karna, however, with his shafts, is taking the lives of the Pancala warriors endued with great activity as they are advancing against him, like a blazing fire taking the lives of myriads of insects. The son of Radha, in this battle, is destroying in hundreds the Pancalas that are advancing against him,--those heroes, that are resolved to lay down their lives for the sake of their allies! It behoveth thee, O Bharata, to become a raft and rescue those brave warriors, those great bowmen, that are sinking in the raftless ocean represented by Karna. The awful form of that weapon which was obtained by Karna from that foremost of sages, viz., Rama of Bhrigu's race, hath been displayed. Scorching all the troops, that weapon of exceedingly fierce and awful form is blazing with its own energy, surrounding our vast army. Those arrows, sped from Karna's bow, are coursing in battle thick as swarm of bees, and scorching thy troops. Encountering Karna's weapon in battle, that is irresistible by persons not having their souls under control, there the Pancalas, O Bharata, are flying away in all directions! Yonder, Bhima, of unappeasable wrath, surrounded on all sides by the Srinjayas, is fighting with Karna, O Partha, afflicted by the latter with keen shafts! If neglected, Karna will, O Bharata, exterminate the Pandavas, the Srinjayas, and the Pancalas, like a neglected disease whose germ has entered the body. Save thee I do not see another in Yudhishthira's army that would come home safe and sound, having encountered the son of Radha in battle. Slaying that Karna today with thy keen shafts, O bull among men, act according to thy vow, O Partha, and win great fame. I tell thee truly, thou only art able to vanquish in battle the Kaurava host with Karna amongst them, and no one else, O foremost of warriors! Achieving this great feat, viz., slaying the mighty car-warrior Karna, attain thy object, O Partha, and crowned with success, be happy, O best of men!'"

8.52.1

संजय उवाच
स केशवस्य बीभत्सुः श्रुत्वा भारत भाषितम्
विशोकः संप्रहृष्टश्च क्षणेन समपद्यत

8.52.2

ततो ज्यामनुमृज्याशु व्याक्षिपद्गाण्डिवं धनुः
दध्रे कर्णविनाशाय केशवं चाभ्यभाषत

8.52.3

त्वया नाथेन गोविन्द ध्रुव एष जयो मम
प्रसन्नो यस्य मेऽद्य त्वं भूतभव्यभवत्प्रभुः

8.52.4

त्वत्सहायो ह्यहं कृष्ण त्रीँल्लोकान्वै समागतान्
प्रापयेयं परं लोकं किमु कर्णं महारणे

8.52.5

पश्यामि द्रवतीं सेनां पाञ्चालानां जनार्दन
पश्यामि कर्णं समरे विचरन्तमभीतवत्

8.52.6

भार्गवास्त्रं च पश्यामि विचरन्तं समन्ततः
सृष्टं कर्णेन वार्ष्णेय शक्रेणेव महाशनिम्

8.52.7

अयं खलु स संग्रामो यत्र कृष्ण मया कृतम्
कथयिष्यन्ति भूतानि यावद्भूमिर्धरिष्यति

8.52.8

अद्य कृष्ण विकर्णा मे कर्णं नेष्यन्ति मृत्यवे
गाण्डीवमुक्ताः क्षिण्वन्तो मम हस्तप्रचोदिताः

8.52.9

अद्य राजा धृतराष्ट्रः स्वां बुद्धिमवमंस्यते
दुर्योधनमराज्यार्हं यया राज्येऽभ्यषेचयत्

8.52.10

अद्य राज्यात्सुखाच्चैव श्रियो राष्ट्रात्तथा पुरात्
पुत्रेभ्यश्च महाबाहो धृतराष्ट्रो वियोक्ष्यते

8.52.11

अद्य दुर्योधनो राजा जीविताच्च निराशकः
भविष्यति हते कर्णे कृष्ण सत्यं ब्रवीमि ते

8.52.12

अद्य दृष्ट्वा मया कर्णं शरैर्विशकलीकृतम्
स्मरतां तव वाक्यानि शमं प्रति जनेश्वरः

8.52.13

अद्यासौ सौबलः कृष्ण ग्लहं जानातु वै शरान्
दुरोदरं च गाण्डीवं मण्डलं च रथं मम

8.52.14

योऽसौ रणे नरं नान्यं पृथिव्यामभिमन्यते
तस्याद्य सूतपुत्रस्य भूमिः पास्यति शोणितम्
गाण्डीवसृष्टा दास्यन्ति कर्णस्य परमां गतिम्

8.52.15

अद्य तप्स्यति राधेयः पाञ्चालीं यत्तदाब्रवीत्
सभामध्ये वचः क्रूरं कुत्सयन्पाण्डवान्प्रति

8.52.16

ये वै षण्ढतिलास्तत्र भवितारोऽद्य ते तिलाः
हते वैकर्तने कर्णे सूतपुत्रे दुरात्मनि

8.52.17

अहं वः पाण्डुपुत्रेभ्यस्त्रास्यामीति यदब्रवीत्
अनृतं तत्करिष्यन्ति मामका निशिताः शराः

8.52.18

हन्ताहं पाण्डवान्सर्वान्सपुत्रानिति योऽब्रवीत्
तमद्य कर्णं हन्तास्मि मिषतां सर्वधन्विनाम्

8.52.19

यस्य वीर्ये समाश्वस्य धार्तराष्ट्रो बृहन्मनाः
अवामन्यत दुर्बुद्धिर्नित्यमस्मान्दुरात्मवान्
तमद्य कर्णं राधेयं हन्तास्मि मधुसूदन

8.52.20

अद्य कर्णे हते कृष्ण धार्तराष्ट्राः सराजकाः
विद्रवन्तु दिशो भीताः सिंहत्रस्ता मृगा इव

8.52.21

अद्य दुर्योधनो राजा पृथिवीमन्ववेक्षताम्
हते कर्णे मया संख्ये सपुत्रे ससुहृज्जने

8.52.22

अद्य कर्णं हतं दृष्ट्वा धार्तराष्ट्रोऽत्यमर्षणः
जानातु मां रणे कृष्ण प्रवरं सर्वधन्विनाम्

8.52.23

अद्याहमनृणः कृष्ण भविष्यामि धनुर्भृताम्
क्रोधस्य च कुरूणां च शराणां गाण्डिवस्य च

8.52.24

अद्य दुःखमहं मोक्ष्ये त्रयोदशसमार्जितम्
हत्वा कर्णं रणे कृष्ण शम्बरं मघवानिव

8.52.25

अद्य कर्णे हते युद्धे सोमकानां महारथाः
कृतं कार्यं च मन्यन्तां मित्रकार्येप्सवो युधि

8.52.26

न जाने च कथं प्रीतिः शैनेयस्याद्य माधव
भविष्यति हते कर्णे मयि चापि जयाधिके

8.52.27

अहं हत्वा रणे कर्णं पुत्रं चास्य महारथम्
प्रीतिं दास्यामि भीमस्य यमयोः सात्यकेरपि

8.52.28

धृष्टद्युम्नशिखण्डिभ्यां पाञ्चालानां च माधव
अध्यानृण्यं गमिष्यामि हत्वा कर्णं महारणे

8.52.29

अद्य पश्यन्तु संग्रामे धनंजयममर्षणम्
युध्यन्तं कौरवान्संख्ये पातयन्तं च सूतजम्
भवत्सकाशे वक्ष्ये च पुनरेवात्मसंस्तवम्

8.52.30

धनुर्वेदे मत्समो नास्ति लोके; पराक्रमे वा मम कोऽस्ति तुल्यः
को वाप्यन्यो मत्समोऽस्ति क्षमायां; तथा क्रोधे सदृशोऽन्यो न मेऽस्ति

8.52.31

अहं धनुष्मानसुरान्सुरांश्च; सर्वाणि भूतानि च संगतानि
स्वबाहुवीर्याद्गमये पराभवं; मत्पौरुषं विद्धि परः परेभ्यः

8.52.32

शरार्चिषा गाण्डिवेनाहमेकः; सर्वान्कुरून्बाह्लिकांश्चाभिपत्य
हिमात्यये कक्षगतो यथाग्नि;स्तहा दहेयं सगणान्प्रसह्य

8.52.33

पाणौ पृषत्का लिखिता ममैते; धनुश्च सव्ये निहितं सबाणम्
पादौ च मे सरथौ सध्वजौ च; न मादृशं युद्धगतं जयन्ति

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Hearing these words of Keshava, O Bharata, Vibhatsu soon cast off his anxiety and became cheerful. Rubbing then the string of gandiva and stretching it, he held his bow for the destruction of Karna, and addressed Keshava, saying, 'With thee for my protector, O Govinda, and when thou that art acquainted with the past and the future art gratified with me today, victory is sure to be mine. Aided by thee, O Krishna, I can, in great battle, destroy the three worlds assembled together, what need be said of Karna then? I see the Pancala host is flying away, O Janardana. I see also Karna careering fearlessly in battle. I see too the bhargava weapon careering in all directions, having been invoked by Karna, O thou of Vrishni's race, like the puissant thunder invoked by Shakra. This is that battle in which Karna will be slain by me and of which all creatures will speak as long as the earth will last. Today, O Krishna, unbarbed arrows, impelled by my arms and sped from the gandiva, mangling Karna, will take him to Yama. Today king Dhritarashtra will curse that intelligence of his in consequence of which he had installed Duryodhana, who was undeserving of sovereignty, on the throne. Today, O mighty-armed one, Dhritarashtra will be divested of sovereignty, happiness, prosperity, kingdom, city, and sons. I tell thee truly, O Krishna, that today, Karna being slain, Duryodhana will become hopeless of both life and kingdom. Today, beholding Karna cut in pieces by me with my arrows, like Vritra in days of yore by Indra in the battle between the gods and the asuras, let king Duryodhana call to mind the words thou hast spoken for bringing about peace. Today let the son of Subala, O Krishna, know that my shafts are dice, my gandiva the box for throwing them, and my car, the chequered cloth. O Govinda, slaying Karna with keen shafts I will dispel the long sleeplessness of Kunti's son. Today the royal son of Kunti, upon the slaughter of the Suta's son by me, shall be gratified and be of cheerful heart and obtain happiness for ever. Today, O Keshava, I will shoot an irresistible and unrivalled arrow that will deprive Karna of life. Even this, O Krishna, was the vow of that wicked-souled one about my slaughter, viz., 'I will not wash my feet till I slay Phalguna.' Falsifying this vow of that wretch, O slayer of Madhu, I will, with straight shafts, throw down his body today from his car. Today the earth will drink the blood of that Suta's son who in battle condemns all other men on earth! With Dhritarashtra's approbation, the Suta's son Karna, boasting of his own merits, had said, 'Thou hast no husband now, O Krishna!' My keen shafts will falsify that speech of his. Like angry snakes of virulent poison, they will drink his life-blood. Cloth-yard shafts, of the effulgence of the lightning, shot by myself possessed of mighty arms, sped from Gandiva, will send Karna on his last journey. Today the son of Radha will repent for those cruel words that he said unto the princess of Pancala in the midst of the assembly, in disparagement of the Pandavas! They that were on that occasion sesame seeds without kernel, will today become seeds with kernel after the fall of the Suta's son Karna of wicked soul, otherwise called Vaikartana! 'I will save ye from the sons of Pandu!'--even these were the words that Karna, bragging of his own merits, said unto the sons of Dhritarashtra! My keen shafts will falsify that speech of his! Today, in the very sight of all the bowmen, I will slay that Karna who said, 'I will slay all the Pancalas with their sons.' Today, O slayer of Madhu, I will slay that Karna, that son of Radha, relying on whose prowess the proud son of Dhritarashtra, of wicked understanding, always disregarded us. Today, O Krishna, after Karna's fall, the Dhartarashtras with their king, struck with panic, will fly away in all directions, like deer afraid of the lion. Today let king Duryodhana repent upon the slaughter of Karna, with his sons and relatives, by me in battle. Today, beholding Karna slain, let the wrathful son of Dhritarashtra, O Krishna, know me to be the foremost of all bowmen in battle. Today, I will make king Dhritarashtra, with his sons and grandsons and counsellors and servants, shelterless. Today, cranes and other carnivorous birds will, O Keshava, sport over the limbs of Karna cut off into pieces with my shafts. Today, O slayer of Madhu, I will cut off in battle the head of Radha's son Karna, in the very sight of all the bowmen. Today, O slayer of Madhu, I will cut off in battle the limbs of Radha's son of wicked soul with keen vipathas and razor-faced arrows. Today, the heroic king Yudhishthira will cast off a great pain and a great sorrow cherished long in his heart. Today, O Keshava, slaying the son of Radha, with all his kinsmen, I will gladden king Yudhishthira, the son of Dharma. Today, I will slay the cheerless followers of Karna in battle, with shafts resembling the blazing fire or the poison of the snake. Today, with my straight shafts equipped with vulturine feathers, I will, O Govinda, cause the earth to be strewn with (the bodies of) kings cased in golden armour. Today, O slayer of Madhu, I will, with keen shafts, crush the bodies and cut off the heads of all the foes of Abhimanyu. Today, I will bestow the earth, divested of Dhartarashtras on my brother, or, perhaps, thou, O Keshava, wilt walk over the earth divested of Arjuna! Today, O Krishna, I will free myself from the debt I owe to all bowmen, to my own wrath, to the Kurus, to my shafts, and to gandiva. Today, I will be freed from the grief that I have cherished for thirteen years, O Krishna, by slaying Karna in battle like Maghavat slaying Samvara. Today, after I have slain Karna in battle, let the mighty car-warriors of the Somakas, who are desirous of accomplishing the task of their allies, regard their task as accomplished. I do not know what will be the measure, O Madhava, of the joy of Sini's grandson today after I shall have slain Karna and won the victory. Today, I will slay Karna in battle as also his son, that mighty car-warrior, and give joy to Bhima and the twins and Satyaki. Today, slaying Karna in dreadful battle, I will pay off my debt, O Madhava, to the Pancalas with Dhrishtadyumna and Shikhandi! Today let all behold the wrathful Dhananjaya fight with the Kauravas in battle and slay the Suta's son. Once more there is none equal to me in the world. In prowess also, who is there that resembles me? What other man is there that is equal to me in forgiveness? In wrath also, there is no one that is equal to me. Armed with the bow and aided by the prowess of my arms, I can vanquish the Asuras and the gods and all creatures united together. Know that my prowess is higher than the highest. Alone assailing all the Kurus and the Bahlikas with the fire of my shafts issuing from Gandiva, I will, putting forth my might, burn them with their followers like a fire in the midst of a heap of dry grass at the close of winter. My palms bear these marks of arrows and this excellent and outstretched bow with arrow fixed on the string. On each of the soles of my feet occur the mark of a car and a standard. When a person like me goeth forth to battle, he cannot be vanquished by any one." Having said these words unto Acyuta, that foremost of all heroes, that slayer of foes, with blood red eyes, proceeded quickly to battle, for rescuing Bhima and cutting off the head from Karna's trunk.'"

8.53.1

संजय उवाच
तेषामनीकानि बृहद्ध्वजानि; रणे समृद्धानि समागतानि
गर्जन्ति भेरीनिनदोन्मुखानि; मेघैर्यथा मेघगणास्तपान्ते

8.53.2

महागजाभ्राकुलमस्त्रतोयं; वादित्रनेमीतलशब्दवच्च
हिरण्यचित्रायुधवैद्युतं च; महारथैरावृतशब्दवच्च

8.53.3

तद्भीमवेगं रुधिरौघवाहि; खड्गाकुलं क्षत्रियजीववाहि
अनार्तवं क्रूरमनिष्टवर्षं; बभूव तत्संहरणं प्रजानाम्

8.53.4

रथान्ससूतान्सहयान्गजांश्च; सर्वानरीन्मृत्युवशं शरौघैः
निन्ये हयांश्चैव तथा ससादी;न्पदातिसंघांश्च तथैव पार्थः

8.53.5

कृपः शिखण्डी च रणे समेतौ; दुर्योधनं सात्यकिरभ्यगच्छत
श्रुतश्रवा द्रोणसुतेन सार्धं; युधामन्युश्चित्रसेनेन चापि

8.53.6

कर्णस्य पुत्रस्तु रथी सुषेणं; समागतः सृञ्जयांश्चोत्तमौजाः
गान्धारराजं सहदेवः क्षुधार्तो; महर्षभं सिंह इवाभ्यधावत्

8.53.7

शतानीको नाकुलिः कर्णपुत्रं; युवा युवानं वृषसेनं शरौघैः
समार्दयत्कर्णसुतश्च वीरः; पाञ्चालेयं शरवर्षैरनेकैः

8.53.8

रथर्षभः कृतवर्माणमार्च्छ;न्माद्रीपुत्रो नकुलश्चित्रयोधी
पाञ्चालानामधिपो याज्ञसेनिः; सेनापतिं कर्णमार्च्छत्ससैन्यम्

8.53.9

दुःशासनो भारत भारती च; संशप्तकानां पृतना समृद्धा
भीमं रणे शस्त्रभृतां वरिष्ठं; तदा समार्च्छत्तमसह्यवेगम्

8.53.10

कर्णात्मजं तत्र जघान शूर;स्तथाच्छिनच्चोत्तमौजाः प्रसह्य
तस्योत्तमाङ्गं निपपात भूमौ; निनादयद्गां निनदेन खं च

8.53.11

सुषेणशीर्षं पतितं पृथिव्यां; विलोक्य कर्णोऽथ तदार्तरूपः
क्रोधाद्धयांस्तस्य रथं ध्वजं च; बाणैः सुधारैर्निशितैर्न्यकृन्तत्

8.53.12

स तूत्तमौजा निशितैः पृषत्कै;र्विव्याध खड्गेन च भास्वरेण
पार्ष्णिं हयांश्चैव कृपस्य हत्वा; शिखण्डिवाहं स ततोऽभ्यरोहत्

8.53.13

कृपं तु दृष्ट्वा विरथं रथस्थो; नैच्छच्छरैस्ताडयितुं शिखण्डी
तं द्रौणिरावार्य रथं कृपं स्म; समुज्जह्रे पङ्कगतां यथा गाम्

8.53.14

हिरण्यवर्मा निशितैः पृषत्कै;स्तवात्मजानामनिलात्मजो वै
अतापयत्सैन्यमतीव भीमः; काले शुचौ मध्यगतो यथार्कः

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Dhritarashtra said, 'In that awful and fathomless encounter of the Pandavas and the Srinjayas with the warriors of my army, when Dhananjaya, O sire, proceeded for battle, how, indeed, did the fight occur?'

"Sanjaya said, 'The innumerable divisions of the Pandava army, decked with lofty standards and swelling (with pride and energy) and united together in battle, began to roar aloud, drums and other instruments constituting their mouth, like masses of clouds at the close of summer uttering deep roars. The battle that ensued resembled a baneful shower out of season, cruel and destructive of living creatures. Huge elephants were its clouds; weapons were the water they were to pour; the peal of musical instruments, the rattle of car-wheels, and the noise of palms, constituted their roar; diverse weapons decked with gold formed their flashes of lightning; and arrows and swords and cloth-yard shafts and mighty weapons constituted their torrents of rain. Marked by impetuous onsets blood flowed in streams in that encounter. Rendered awful by incessant strokes of the sword, it was fraught with a great carnage of Kshatriyas. Many car-warriors, united together, encompassed one car-warrior and despatched him to Yama's presence. Or, one foremost of car-warriors despatched a single adversary, or one despatched many adversaries united together. Again, some one car-warrior despatched to Yama's abode some one adversary along with his driver and steeds. Some one rider, with a single elephant, despatched many car-warriors and horsemen. Similarly, Partha, with clouds of shafts, despatched large number of cars with drivers and steeds, of elephants and horses with their riders, and of foot-soldiers, belonging to the enemy. Kripa and Shikhandi encountered each other in that battle, while Satyaki proceeded against Duryodhana. And Srutasravas was engaged with Drona's son, and Yudhamanyu with Citrasena. The great Srinjaya car-warrior Uttamauja was engaged with Karna's son Sushena, while Sahadeva rushed against Shakuni, the king of the Gandharas, like a hungry lion against a mighty bull. The youthful Satanika, the son of Nakula, rushed against the youthful Vrishasena, the son of Karna, shooting showers of shafts. The heroic son of Karna struck that son of the princess of Pancala with many arrows. Conversant with all modes of warfare, Madri's son Nakula, that bull among car-warriors, assailed Kritavarma. The king of the Pancalas, Dhrishtadyumna, the son of Yajnasena, attacked Karna, the commander of the Kaurava army, with all his forces. Duhshasana, O Bharata, with the swelling host of the samsaptakas forming a portion of the Bharata army, fiercely attacked in that battle Bhima, that foremost of warriors of irresistible impetuosity. The heroic Uttamauja, putting forth his strength struck the son of Karna and cut off his head which fell down on the earth, filling the earth and the welkin with a loud noise. Beholding the head of Sushena lying on the ground, Karna became filled with grief. Soon, however, in rage he cut off the steeds, the car, and the standard, of his son's slayer with many keen shafts. Meanwhile Uttamauja, piercing with his keen shafts and cutting off with his bright sword the steeds of Kripa and those warriors also that protected Kripa's sides, quickly ascended the car of Shikhandi. Beholding Kripa deprived of his car, Shikhandi who was on his vehicle, wished not to strike him with his shafts. The son of Drona then, covering with his own the car of Kripa, rescued the latter like a bull sunk in a mire. Meanwhile Bhima, the son of the Wind-god clad in golden mail, began to scorch with his keen arrows the troops of thy sons like the mid-day sun scorching everything in the summer season.'"

8.54.1

संजय उवाच
अथ त्विदानीं तुमुले विमर्दे; द्विषद्भिरेको बहुभिः समावृतः
महाभये सारथिमित्युवाच; भीमश्चमूं वारयन्धार्तराष्ट्रीम्
त्वं सारथे याहि जवेन वाहै;र्नयाम्येतान्धार्तराष्ट्रान्यमाय

8.54.2

संचोदितो भीमसेनेन चैवं; स सारथिः पुत्रबलं त्वदीयम्
प्रायात्ततः सारथिरुग्रवेगो; यतो भीमस्तद्बलं गन्तुमैच्छत्

8.54.3

ततोऽपरे नागरथाश्वपत्तिभिः; प्रत्युद्ययुः कुरवस्तं समन्तात्
भीमस्य वाहाग्र्यमुदारवेगं; समन्ततो बाणगणैर्निजघ्नुः

8.54.4

ततः शरानापततो महात्मा; चिच्छेद बाणैस्तपनीयपुङ्खैः
ते वै निपेतुस्तपनीयपुङ्खा; द्विधा त्रिधा भीमशरैर्निकृत्ताः

8.54.5

ततो राजन्नागरथाश्वयूनां; भीमाहतानां तव राजमध्ये
घोरो निनादः प्रबभौ नरेन्द्र; वज्राहतानामिव पर्वतानाम्

8.54.6

ते वध्यमानाश्च नरेन्द्रमुख्या; निर्भिन्ना वै भीमसेनप्रवेकैः
भीमं समन्तात्समरेऽध्यरोह;न्वृक्षं शकुन्ता इव पुष्पहेतोः

8.54.7

ततोऽभिपातं तव सैन्यमध्ये; प्रादुश्चक्रे वेगमिवात्तवेगः
यथान्तकाले क्षपयन्दिधक्षु;र्भूतान्तकृत्काल इवात्तदण्डः

8.54.8

तस्यातिवेगस्य रणेऽतिवेगं; नाशक्नुवन्धारयितुं त्वदीयाः
व्यात्ताननस्यापततो यथैव; कालस्य काले हरतः प्रजा वै

8.54.9

ततो बलं भारत भारतानां; प्रदह्यमानं समरे महात्मन्
भीतं दिशोऽकीर्यत भीमनुन्नं; महानिलेनाभ्रगणो यथैव

8.54.10

ततो धीमान्सारथिमब्रवीद्बली; स भीमसेनः पुनरेव हृष्टः
सूताभिजानीहि परान्स्वकान्वा; रथान्ध्वजांश्चापततः समेतान्
युध्यन्नहं नाभिजानामि किंचि;न्मा सैन्यं स्वं छादयिष्ये पृषत्कैः

8.54.11

अरीन्विशोकाभिनिरीक्ष्य सर्वतो; मनस्तु चिन्ता प्रदुनोति मे भृशम्
राजातुरो नागमद्यत्किरीटी; बहूनि दुःखान्यभिजातोऽस्मि सूत

8.54.12

एतद्दुःखं सारथे धर्मराजो; यन्मां हित्वा यातवाञ्शत्रुमध्ये
नैनं जीवन्नापि जानाम्यजीव;न्बीभत्सुं वा तन्ममाद्यातिदुःखम्

8.54.13

सोऽहं द्विषत्सैन्यमुदग्रकल्पं; विनाशयिष्ये परमप्रतीतः
एतान्निहत्याजिमध्ये समेता;न्प्रीतो भविष्यामि सह त्वयाद्य

8.54.14

सर्वांस्तूणीरान्मार्गणान्वान्ववेक्ष्य; किं शिष्टं स्यात्सायकानां रथे मे
का वा जातिः किं प्रमाणं च तेषां; ज्ञात्वा व्यक्तं तन्ममाचक्ष्व सूत

8.54.15

विशोक उवाच
षण्मार्गणानामयुतानि वीर; क्षुराश्च भल्लाश्च तथायुताख्याः
नाराचानां द्वे सहस्रे तु वीर; त्रीण्येव च प्रदराणां च पार्थ

8.54.16

अस्त्यायुधं पाण्डवेयावशिष्टं; न यद्वहेच्छकटं षड्गवीयम्
एतद्विद्वन्मुञ्च सहस्रशोऽपि; गदासिबाहुद्रविणं च तेऽस्ति

8.54.17

भीम उवाच
सूताद्येमं पश्य भीमप्रमुक्तैः; संभिन्दद्भिः पार्थिवानाशुवेगैः
उग्रैर्बाणैराहवं घोररूपं; नष्टादित्यं मृत्युलोकेन तुल्यम्

8.54.18

अद्यैव तद्विदितं पार्थिवानां; भविष्यति आकुमारं च सूत
निमग्नो वा समरे भीमसेन; एकः कुरून्वा समरे विजेता

8.54.19

सर्वे संख्ये कुरवो निष्पतन्तु; मां वा लोकाः कीर्तयन्त्वाकुमारम्
सर्वानेकस्तानहं पातयिष्ये; ते वा सर्वे भीमसेनं तुदन्तु

8.54.20

आशास्तारः कर्म चाप्युत्तमं वा; तन्मे देवाः केवलं साधयन्तु
आयात्विहाद्यार्जुनः शत्रुघाती; शक्रस्तूर्णं यज्ञ इवोपहूतः

8.54.21

ईक्षस्वैतां भारतीं दीर्यमाणा;मेते कस्माद्विद्रवन्ते नरेन्द्राः
व्यक्तं धीमान्सव्यसाची नराग्र्यः; सैन्यं ह्येतच्छादयत्याशु बाणैः

8.54.22

पश्य ध्वजांश्च द्रवतो विशोक; नागान्हयान्पत्तिसंघांश्च संख्ये
रथान्विशीर्णाञ्शरशक्तिताडिता;न्पश्यस्वैतान्रथिनश्चैव सूत

8.54.23

आपूर्यते कौरवी चाप्यभीक्ष्णं; सेना ह्यसौ सुभृशं हन्यमाना
धनंजयस्याशनितुल्यवेगै;र्ग्रस्ता शरैर्बर्हिसुवर्णवाजैः

8.54.24

एते द्रवन्ति स्म रथाश्वनागाः; पदातिसंघानवमर्दयन्तः
संमुह्यमानाः कौरवाः सर्व एव; द्रवन्ति नागा इव दावभीताः
हाहाकृताश्चैव रणे विशोक; मुञ्चन्ति नादान्विपुलान्गजेन्द्राः

8.54.25

विशोक उवाच
सर्वे कामाः पाण्डव ते समृद्धाः; कपिध्वजो दृश्यते हस्तिसैन्ये
नीलाद्धनाद्विद्युतमुच्चरन्तीं; तथापश्यं विस्फुरद्वै धनुस्तत्

8.54.26

कपिर्ह्यसौ वीक्ष्यते सर्वतो वै; ध्वजाग्रमारुह्य धनंजयस्य
दिवाकराभो मणिरेष दिव्यो; विभ्राजते चैव किरीटसंस्थः

8.54.27

पार्श्वे भीमं पाण्डुराभ्रप्रकाशं; पश्येमं त्वं देवदत्तं सुघोषम्
अभीशुहस्तस्य जनार्दनस्य; विगाहमानस्य चमूं परेषाम्

8.54.28

रविप्रभं वज्रनाभं क्षुरान्तं; पार्श्वे स्थितं पश्य जनार्दनस्य
चक्रं यशो वर्धयत्केशवस्य; सदार्चितं यदुभिः पश्य वीर

8.54.29

भीम उवाच
ददामि ते ग्रामवरांश्चतुर्दश; प्रियाख्याने सारथे सुप्रसन्नः
दसीशतं चापि रथांश्च विंशतिं; यदर्जुनं वेदयसे विशोक

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'During the progress of the fierce engagement, Bhima, while fighting along, being encompassed by innumerable foes, addressed his driver, saying, "Bear me into the midst of the Dhartarashtra host. Proceed, O charioteer, with speed, borne by these steeds. I will despatch all these Dhartarashtras to the presence of Yama." Thus urged by Bhimasena, the charioteer proceeded, quickly and with great impetuosity, against thy son's host to that spot whence Bhima desired to slaughter it. Then a large number of Kaurava troops, with elephants and cars and horse and foot, advanced against him from all sides. They then, from every side, began to strike that foremost of vehicles belonging to Bhima, with numerous arrows. The high-souled Bhima, however, with his own shafts of golden wings, cut off all those advancing arrows of his enemies. Thus cut off into two or three fragments with Bhima's arrows, those shafts, equipped with golden wings, of his enemies, fell down on the earth. Then, O king, amongst those foremost of Kshatriyas, struck with Bhima's shafts, the elephants and cars and horse and foot, set up a loud wail, O monarch, that resembled the din made by mountains when riven with thunder. Thus struck by Bhima, those foremost of Kshatriyas, their limbs pierced with Bhima's powerful shafts, rushed against Bhima in that battle from every side, like new-fledged birds towards a tree. When thy troops thus rushed against him, Bhima of furious impetuosity displayed all his vim like Destroyer himself armed with a mace when he burns and exterminates all creatures at the end of the Yuga. Thy soldiers were unable to resist in that battle that fierce forcible energy of Bhima endued with fierce impetuosity, like that of the Destroyer himself of wide open mouth when he rusheth at the end of the Yuga for exterminating all creatures. Then, O Bharata, like masses of clouds scattered by the tempest the Bharata host, thus mangled and burnt in that battle by the high-souled Bhima, broke and fled in fear in all directions. Then the mighty Bhimasena of great intelligence once more cheerfully said unto his charioteer, "Ascertain, O Suta, whether those assembled cars and standards that are advancing towards me, are ours or the enemy's. Absorbed in battle, I am unable to distinguish them. Let me not shroud our own troops with my shafts. O Visoka, beholding hostile warriors and cars and the tops of their standards on all sides, I am greatly afflicted. The king is in pain. The diadem-decked Arjuna also has not yet come. These things, O Suta, fill my heart with sorrow. Even this is my grief, O charioteer, that king Yudhishthira the just should have gone away, leaving me in the midst of the enemy. I do not know whether he, as also Vibhatsu, is alive or dead. This adds to my sorrow. I shall, however, though filled with great grief, destroy those hostile troops of great might. Thus slaughtering in the midst of battle my assembled foes, I shall rejoice with thee today. Examining all the quivers containing my arrows, tell me, O Suta, ascertaining the matter well, what quantity of arrows is still left on my car, that is, how much of what sort."

"'Thus commanded, Visoka said, "Of arrows, O hero, thou hast yet 60,000, while thy razor-headed shafts number 10,000, and broad-headed ones number as much. Of cloth-yard shafts thou hast still 2,000, O hero, and of Pradaras thou hast still, O Partha, 3,000! Indeed, of the weapons, O son of Pandu, the portion that still remains is not capable of being borne, if placed on carts, by six bullocks. Shoot and hurl them, O learned one, for of maces and swords and other weapons used with the arms alone, thou hast thousands upon thousands, as also lances and scimitars and darts and spears! Never fear that thy weapons will be exhausted."

"'Bhima said, "Behold, O Suta, today this awful battle in which everything will be shrouded with my impetuous arrows sped fiercely from my bow and, mangling all my foes, and in consequence of which the very sun will disappear from the field, making the latter resemble the domains of Death! Today, even this will be known to all the Kshatriyas including the very children, O Suta, that Bhimasena hath succumbed in battle or that, alone, he hath subjugated all the Kurus! Today, let all the Kauravas fall in battle or let all the world applaud me, beginning with the feats of my earliest years. Alone, I will overthrow them all, or let all of them strike Bhimasena down. Let the gods that aid in the achievement of the best acts bless me. Let that slayer of foes Arjuna come here now like Sakra, duly invoked, quickly coming to a sacrifice. Behold, the Bharata host is breaking! Why do those kings fly away? It is evident that Savyasaci, that foremost of men, is quickly shrouding that host with his shafts. Behold, those standards, O Visoka, and elephants and steeds and bands of foot-soldiers are flying away. Behold, these cars, assailed with shafts and darts, with those warriors riding on them, are being scattered, O Suta! Yonder, the Kaurava host, assailed with the shafts, equipped with wings of gold and feathers of peacocks, of Dhananjaya, and resembling thunderbolts in force, though slaughtered extensively, is repeatedly filling its gaps. There, cars and steeds and elephants are flying away, crushing down bands of foot-soldiers. Indeed, all the Kauravas, having lost their sense, are flying away, like elephants filled with panic at a forest conflagration, and uttering cries of woe. These huge elephants, again, O Visoka, are uttering loud cries, assailed with shafts."

"'Visoka said, "How is it, O Bhima, that thou dost not hear the loud twang of the yawning Gandiva stretched by Partha in wrath? Are these two ears of thine gone? All thy wishes, O son of Pandu, have been fulfilled! Yonder the Ape (on Arjuna's banner) is seen in the midst of the elephant force (of the enemy). Behold, the string of Gandiva is flashing repeatedly like lightning amid blue clouds. Yonder the Ape on Dhananjaya's standard-top is everywhere seen to terrify hostile divisions in this dreadful battle. Even I, looking at it, am struck with fear. There the beautiful diadem of Arjuna is shining brilliantly. There, the precious jewel on the diadem, endued with the splendour of the sun, looketh exceedingly resplendent. There, beside him, behold his conch Devadatta of loud blare and the hue of a white cloud. There, by the side of Janardana, reins in hand, as he penetrates into the hostile army, behold his discus of solar effulgence, its nave hard as thunder, and its edge sharp as a razor. Behold, O hero, that discus of Keshava, that enhancer of his fame, which is always worshipped by the Yadus. There, the trunks, resembling lofty trees perfectly straight, of huge elephants, cut off by Kiritin, are falling upon the earth. There those huge creatures also, with their riders, pierced and split with shafts, are falling down, like hills riven with thunder. There, behold, O son of Kunti, the Panchajanya of Krishna, exceedingly beautiful and of the hue of the moon, as also the blazing Kaustubha on his breast and his triumphal garland. Without doubt, that first and foremost of all car-warriors, Partha, is advancing, routing the hostile army as he comes, borne by his foremost of steeds, of the hue of white clouds, and urged by Krishna. Behold those cars and steeds and bands of foot-soldiers, mangled by thy younger brother with the energy of the chief of the celestials. Behold, they are falling down like a forest uprooted by the tempest caused by Garuda's wings. Behold, four hundred car-warriors, with their steeds and drivers, and seven hundred elephants and innumerable foot-soldiers and horsemen slain in this battle by Kiritin with his mighty shafts. Slaughtering the Kurus, the mighty Arjuna is coming towards thy side even like the constellation Citra. All thy wishes are fulfilled. Thy foes are being exterminated. Let thy might, as also the period of thy life, ever increase."

"'Bhima said, "Since, O Visoka, thou tellest me of Arjuna's arrival, I will give thee four and ten populous villages and a hundred female slaves and twenty cars, being pleased with thee, O Suta, for this agreeable intelligence imparted by thee!"'"

8.55.1

संजय उवाच
श्रुत्वा च रथनिर्घोषं सिंहनादं च संयुगे
अर्जुनः प्राह गोविन्दं शीघ्रं चोदय वाजिनः

8.55.2

अर्जुनस्य वचः श्रुत्वा गोविन्दोऽर्जुनमब्रवीत्
एष गच्छामि सुक्षिप्रं यत्र भीमो व्यवस्थितः

8.55.3

आयान्तमश्वैर्हिमशङ्खवर्णैः; सुवर्णमुक्तामणिजालनद्धैः
जम्भं जिघांसुं प्रगृहीतवज्रं; जयाय देवेन्द्रमिवोग्रमन्युम्

8.55.4

रथाश्वमातङ्गपदातिसंघा; बाणस्वनैर्नेमिखुरस्वनैश्च
संनादयन्तो वसुधां दिशश्च; क्रुद्धा नृसिंहा जयमभ्युदीयुः

8.55.5

तेषां च पार्थस्य महत्तदासी;द्देहासुपाप्मक्षपणं सुयुद्धम्
त्रैलोक्यहेतोरसुरैर्यथासी;द्देवस्य विष्णोर्जयतां वरस्य

8.55.6

तैरस्तमुच्चावचमायुधौघ;मेकः प्रचिच्छेद किरीटमाली
क्षुरार्धचन्द्रैर्निशितैश्च बाणैः; शिरांसि तेषां बहुधा च बाहून्

8.55.7

छत्राणि वालव्यजनानि केतू;नश्वान्रथान्पत्तिगणान्द्विपांश्च
ते पेतुरुर्व्यां बहुधा विरूपा; वातप्रभग्नानि यथा वनानि

8.55.8

सुवर्णजालावतता महागजाः; सवैजयन्तीध्वजयोधकल्पिताः
सुवर्णपुङ्खैरिषुभिः समाचिता;श्चकाशिरे प्रज्वलिता यथाचलाः

8.55.9

विदार्य नागांश्च रथांश्च वाजिनः; शरोत्तमैर्वासववज्रसंनिभैः
द्रुतं ययौ कर्णजिघांसया तथा; यथा मरुत्वान्बलभेदने पुरा

8.55.10

ततः स पुरुषव्याघ्रः सूतसैन्यमरिंदम
प्रविवेश महाबाहुर्मकरः सागरं यथा

8.55.11

तं दृष्ट्वा तावका राजन्रथपत्तिसमन्विताः
गजाश्वसादिबहुलाः पाण्डवं समुपाद्रवन्

8.55.12

तत्राभिद्रवतां पार्थमारावः सुमहानभूत्
सागरस्येव मत्तस्य यथा स्यात्सलिलस्वनः

8.55.13

ते तु तं पुरुषव्याघ्रं व्याघ्रा इव महारथाः
अभ्यद्रवन्त संग्रामे त्यक्त्वा प्राणकृतं भयम्

8.55.14

तेषामापततां तत्र शरवर्षाणि मुञ्चताम्
अर्जुनो व्यधमत्सैन्यं महावातो घनानिव

8.55.15

तेऽर्जुनं सहिता भूत्वा रथवंशैः प्रहारिणः
अभियाय महेष्वासा विव्यधुर्निशितैः शरैः

8.55.16

ततोऽर्जुनः सहस्राणि रथवारणवाजिनाम्
प्रेषयामास विशिखैर्यमस्य सदनं प्रति

8.55.17

ते वध्यमानाः समरे पार्थचापच्युतैः शरैः
तत्र तत्र स्म लीयन्ते भये जाते महारथाः

8.55.18

तेषां चतुःशतान्वीरान्यतमानान्महारथान्
अर्जुनो निशितैर्बाणैरनयद्यमसादनम्

8.55.19

ते वध्यमानाः समरे नानालिङ्गैः शितैः शरैः
अर्जुनं समभित्यज्य दुद्रुवुर्वै दिशो भयात्

8.55.20

तेषां शब्दो महानासीद्द्रवतां वाहिनीमुखे
महौघस्येव भद्रं ते गिरिमासाद्य दीर्यतः

8.55.21

तां तु सेनां भृशं विद्ध्वा द्रावयित्वार्जुनः शरैः
प्रायादभिमुखः पार्थः सूतानीकानि मारिष

8.55.22

तस्य शब्दो महानासीत्परानभिमुखस्य वै
गरुडस्येव पततः पन्नगार्थे यथा पुरा

8.55.23

तं तु शब्दमभिश्रुत्य भीमसेनो महाबलः
बभूव परमप्रीतः पार्थदर्शनलालसः

8.55.24

श्रुत्वैव पार्थमायान्तं भीमसेनः प्रतापवान्
त्यक्त्वा प्राणान्महाराज सेनां तव ममर्द ह

8.55.25

स वायुवेगप्रतिमो वायुवेगसमो जवे
वायुवद्व्यचरद्भीमो वायुपुत्रः प्रतापवान्

8.55.26

तेनार्द्यमाना राजेन्द्र सेना तव विशां पते
व्यभ्राम्यत महाराज भिन्ना नौरिव सागरे

8.55.27

तां तु सेनां तदा भीमो दर्शयन्पाणिलाघवम्
शरैरवचकर्तोग्रैः प्रेषयिष्यन्यमक्षयम्

8.55.28

तत्र भारत भीमस्य बलं दृष्ट्वातिमानुषम्
व्यत्रस्यन्त रणे योधाः कालस्येव युगक्षये

8.55.29

तथार्दितान्भीमबलान्भीमसेनेन भारत
दृष्ट्वा दुर्योधनो राजा इदं वचनमब्रवीत्

8.55.30

सैनिकान्स महेष्वासो योधांश्च भरतर्षभ
समादिशद्रणे सर्वान्हत भीममिति स्म ह
तस्मिन्हते हतं मन्ये सर्वसैन्यमशेषतः

8.55.31

प्रतिगृह्य च तामाज्ञां तव पुत्रस्य पार्थिवाः
भीमं प्रच्छादयामासुः शरवर्षैः समन्ततः

8.55.32

गजाश्च बहुला राजन्नराश्च जयगृद्धिनः
रथा हयाश्च राजेन्द्र परिवव्रुर्वृकोदरम्

8.55.33

स तैः परिवृतः शूरैः शूरो राजन्समन्ततः
शुशुभे भरतश्रेष्ठ नक्षत्रैरिव चन्द्रमाः

8.55.34

स रराज तथा संख्ये दर्शनीयो नरोत्तमः
निर्विशेषं महाराज यथा हि विजयस्तथा

8.55.35

तत्र ते पार्थिवाः सर्वे शरवृष्टीः समासृजन्
क्रोधरक्तेक्षणाः क्रूरा हन्तुकामा वृकोदरम्

8.55.36

स विदार्य महासेनां शरैः संनतपर्वभिः
निश्चक्राम रणाद्भीमो मत्स्यो जालादिवाम्भसि

8.55.37

हत्वा दश सहस्राणि गजानामनिवर्तिनाम्
नृणां शतसहस्रे द्वे द्वे शते चैव भारत

8.55.38

पञ्च चाश्वसहस्राणि रथानां शतमेव च
हत्वा प्रास्यन्दयद्भीमो नदीं शोणितकर्दमाम्

8.55.39

शोणितोदां रथावर्तां हस्तिग्राहसमाकुलाम्
नरमीनामश्वनक्रां केशशैवलशाद्वलाम्

8.55.40

संछिन्नभुजनागेन्द्रां बहुरत्नापहारिणीम्
ऊरुग्राहां मज्जपङ्कां शीर्षोपलसमाकुलाम्

8.55.41

धनुष्काशां शरावापां गदापरिघकेतनाम्
योधव्रातवतीं संख्ये वहन्तीं यमसादनम्

8.55.42

क्षणेन पुरुषव्याघ्रः प्रावर्तयत निम्नगाम्
यथा वैतरणीमुग्रां दुस्तरामकृतात्मभिः

8.55.43

यतो यतः पाण्डवेयः प्रवृत्तो रथसत्तमः
ततस्ततोऽपातयत योधाञ्शतसहस्रशः

8.55.44

एवं दृष्ट्वा कृतं कर्म भीमसेनेन संयुगे
दुर्योधनो महाराज शकुनिं वाक्यमब्रवीत्

8.55.45

जय मातुल संग्रामे भीमसेनं महाबलम्
अस्मिञ्जिते जितं मन्ये पाण्डवेयं महाबलम्

8.55.46

ततः प्रायान्महाराज सौबलेयः प्रतापवान्
रणाय महते युक्तो भ्रातृभिः परिवारितः

8.55.47

स समासाद्य संग्रामे भीमं भीमपराक्रमम्
वारयामास तं वीरो वेलेव मकरालयम्
स न्यवर्तत तं भीमो वार्यमाणः शितैः शरैः

8.55.48

शकुनिस्तस्य राजेन्द्र वामे पार्श्वे स्तनान्तरे
प्रेषयामास नाराचान्रुक्मपुङ्खाञ्शिलाशितान्

8.55.49

वर्म भित्त्वा तु सौवर्णं बाणास्तस्य महात्मनः
न्यमज्जन्त महाराज कङ्कबर्हिणवाससः

8.55.50

सोऽतिविद्धो रणे भीमः शरं हेमविभूषितम्
प्रेषयामास सहसा सौबलं प्रति भारत

8.55.51

तमायान्तं शरं घोरं शकुनिः शत्रुतापनः
चिच्छेद शतधा राजन्कृतहस्तो महाबलः

8.55.52

तस्मिन्निपतिते भूमौ भीमः क्रुद्धो विशां पते
धनुश्चिच्छेद भल्लेन सौबलस्य हसन्निव

8.55.53

तदपास्य धनुश्छिन्नं सौबलेयः प्रतापवान्
अन्यदादत्त वेगेन धनुर्भल्लांश्च षोडश

8.55.54

तैस्तस्य तु महाराज भल्लैः संनतपर्वभिः
चतुर्भिः सारथिं ह्यार्च्छद्भीमं पञ्चभिरेव च

8.55.55

ध्वजमेकेन चिच्छेद छत्रं द्वाभ्यां विशां पते
चतुर्भिश्चतुरो वाहान्विव्याध सुबलात्मजः

8.55.56

ततः क्रुद्धो महाराज भीमसेनः प्रतापवान्
शक्तिं चिक्षेप समरे रुक्मदण्डामयस्मयीम्

8.55.57

सा भीमभुजनिर्मुक्ता नागजिह्वेव चञ्चला
निपपात रथे तूर्णं सौबलस्य महात्मनः

8.55.58

ततस्तामेव संगृह्य शक्तिं कनकभूषणाम्
भीमसेनाय चिक्षेप क्रुद्धरूपो विशां पते

8.55.59

सा निर्भिद्य भुजं सव्यं पाण्डवस्य महात्मनः
पपात च ततो भूमौ यथा विद्युन्नभश्च्युता

8.55.60

अथोत्क्रुष्टं महाराज धार्तराष्ट्रैः समन्ततः
न तु तं ममृषे भीमः सिंहनादं तरस्विनाम्

8.55.61

स संगृह्य धनुः सज्यं त्वरमाणो महारथः
मुहूर्तादिव राजेन्द्र छादयामास सायकैः
सौबलस्य बलं संख्ये त्यक्त्वात्मानं महाबलः

8.55.62

तस्याश्वांश्चतुरो हत्वा सूतं चैव विशां पते
ध्वजं चिच्छेद भल्लेन त्वरमाणः पराक्रमी

8.55.63

हताश्वं रथमुत्सृज्य त्वरमाणो नरोत्तमः
तस्थौ विस्फारयंश्चापं क्रोधरक्तेक्षणः श्वसन्
शरैश्च बहुधा राजन्भीममार्च्छत्समन्ततः

8.55.64

प्रतिहत्य तु वेगेन भीमसेनः प्रतापवान्
धनुश्चिच्छेद संक्रुद्धो विव्याध च शितैः शरैः

8.55.65

सोऽतिविद्धो बलवता शत्रुणा शत्रुकर्शनः
निपपात ततो भूमौ किंचित्प्राणो नराधिप

8.55.66

ततस्तं विह्वलं ज्ञात्वा पुत्रस्तव विशां पते
अपोवाह रथेनाजौ भीमसेनस्य पश्यतः

8.55.67

रथस्थे तु नरव्याघ्रे धार्तराष्ट्राः पराङ्मुखाः
प्रदुद्रुवुर्दिशो भीता भीमाज्जाते महाभये

8.55.68

सौबले निर्जिते राजन्भीमसेनेन धन्विना
भयेन महता भग्नः पुत्रो दुर्योधनस्तव
अपायाज्जवनैरश्वैः सापेक्षो मातुलं प्रति

8.55.69

पराङ्मुखं तु राजानं दृष्ट्वा सैन्यानि भारत
विप्रजग्मुः समुत्सृज्य द्वैरथानि समन्ततः

8.55.70

तान्दृष्ट्वातिरथान्सर्वान्धार्तराष्ट्रान्पराङ्मुखान्
जवेनाभ्यपतद्भीमः किरञ्शरशतान्बहून्

8.55.71

ते वध्यमाना भीमेन धार्तराष्ट्राः पराङ्मुखाः
कर्णमासाद्य समरे स्थिता राजन्समन्ततः
स हि तेषां महावीर्यो द्वीपोऽभूत्सुमहाबलः

8.55.72

भिन्ननौका यथा राजन्द्वीपमासाद्य निर्वृताः
भवन्ति पुरुषव्याघ्र नाविकाः कालपर्यये

8.55.73

तथा कर्णं समासाद्य तावका भरतर्षभ
समाश्वस्ताः स्थिता राजन्संप्रहृष्टाः परस्परम्
समाजग्मुश्च युद्धाय मृत्युं कृत्वा निवर्तनम्

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Hearing the roars of cars and the leonine shouts (of the warriors) in battle, Arjuna addressed Govinda, saying, "Urge the steeds to greater speed." Hearing these words of Arjuna, Govinda said unto him, "I am proceeding with great speed to the spot where Bhima is stationed." Then many lions among men (belonging to the Kaurava army), excited with wrath and accompanied by a large force of cars and horse and elephants and foot-soldiers and making the earth resound with the whizz of their arrows, the rattle of their car wheels, and the tread of their horses' hoofs, advanced against Jaya (Arjuna) as the latter proceeded for victory, borne by his steeds white as snow or conchs and decked in trappings of gold and pearls and gems like the chief of the celestials in great wrath proceeding, armed with the thunder, against (the asura) Jambha for slaying him. Between them and Partha, O sire, occurred a great battle destructive of body, life, and sin, like the battle between the asuras and the god Vishnu, that foremost of victors for the sake of the three worlds. Alone, Partha, decked with diadem and garlands, cut off the mighty weapons sped by them, as also their heads and arms in diverse ways, with his razor-faced and crescent-shaped and broad-headed arrows of great keenness. Umbrellas, and yak-tails for fanning, and standards, and steeds, and cars, and bands of foot-soldiers, and elephants, fell down on the earth, mutilated in diverse ways, like a forest broken down by a tempest. Huge elephants, decked in caparisons of gold and equipped with triumphal standards and warriors (on their backs), looked resplendent, as they were pierced with shafts of golden wings, like mountains ablaze with light. Piercing elephants and steeds and cars with excellent shafts resembling Vasava's thunder, Dhananjaya proceeded quickly for the slaughter of Karna, even as Indra in days of yore for riving (the asura) Vala. Then that tiger among men, that mighty-armed chastiser of foes, penetrated into thy host like a makara into the ocean. Beholding the son of Pandu, thy warriors, O king, accompanied by cars and foot-soldiers and a large number of elephants and steeds, rushed against him. Tremendous was the din made by them as they advanced against Partha, resembling that made by the waters of the ocean lashed into fury by the tempest. Those mighty car-warriors, resembling tigers (in prowess) all rushed in that battle against that tiger among men, abandoning all fear of death. Arjuna, however, routed the troops of those leaders of the Kurus as they advanced, shooting at him showers of weapons, like a tempest driving off masses of congregated clouds. Those great bowmen, all skilled in smiting, united together and proceeded against Arjuna with a large number of cars and began to pierce him with keen shafts. Then Arjuna, with his shafts, despatched to Yama's abode several thousands of cars and elephants and steeds. While those great car-warriors in that battle were thus struck with shafts sped from Arjuna's bow, they were filled with fear and seemed to disappear one after another from their cars. In all, Arjuna, with his sharp arrows, slew four hundred of those heroic car-warriors exerting themselves vigorously in battle. Thus struck in that battle with sharp shafts of diverse kinds, they fled away on all sides, avoiding Arjuna. Tremendous was the uproar made at the van of the army by those warriors as they broke and fled, like that made by the surging sea when it breaks upon a rock. Having routed with his arrows that army struck with fright, Pritha's son Arjuna then proceeded, O sire, against the division of the Suta's son. Loud was the noise with which Arjuna faced his foes, like that made by Garuda in days of yore when swooping down for snakes. Hearing that sound, the mighty Bhimasena, desirous as he had been of obtaining a sight of Partha, became filled with joy. As soon as the valiant Bhimasena heard of Partha's arrival, he began, O monarch, to grind thy troops, reckless of his very life. Possessed of prowess equal to that of the wind, the valiant Bhima, the son of the Wind-god, began to career in that battle like the wind itself. Afflicted by him, O monarch, thy army, O king, began to reel like a wrecked vessel on the bosom of the sea. Displaying his lightness of hands, Bhima began to cut and mangle that host with his fierce arrows and despatch large numbers to the abode of Yama. Beholding on that occasion the superhuman might of Bhima, O Bharata, like that of the Destroyer at the end of the Yuga, thy warriors became filled with fright. Seeing his mightiest soldiers thus afflicted by Bhimasena, O Bharata, king Duryodhana addressed all his troops and great bowmen, O bull of Bharata's race, commanding them to slay Bhima in that battle, since upon Bhima's fall he would regard the Pandava troops already exterminated. Accepting that command of thy son, all the kings shrouded Bhima with showers of shafts from every side. Innumerable elephants, O king, and men inspired with desire of victory, and cars, and horse, O monarch, encompassed Vrikodara. Thus encompassed by those brave warriors on all sides, O king, that hero, that chief of Bharata's race, looked resplendent like the Moon surrounded by the stars. Indeed, as the Moon at full within his corona looks beautiful, even so that best of men, exceedingly handsome, looked beautiful in that battle. All those kings, with cruel intent and eyes red in wrath, inflicted upon Vrikodara their arrowy downpours, moved by the desire of slaying him. Piercing that mighty host with straight shafts, Bhima came out of the press like a fish coming out of a net, having slain 10,000 unretreating elephants, 200,200 men, O Bharata, and 5,000 horses, and a hundred car-warriors. Having slaughtered these, Bhima caused a river of blood to flow there. Blood constituted its water, and cars its eddies; and elephants were the alligators with which it teemed. Men were its fishes, and steeds its sharks, and the hair of animals formed its woods and moss. Arms lopped off from trunks formed its foremost of snakes. Innumerable jewels and gems were carried along by the current. Thighs constituted its gravels, and marrow its mire. And it was covered with heads forming its rocks. And bows and arrows constituted the rafts by which men sought to cross that terrible river, and maces and spiked bludgeons formed its snakes. And umbrellas and standards formed its swans, and head-gears its foam. Necklaces constituted its lotuses, and the earthy dust that arose formed its waves. Those endued with noble qualities could cross it with ease, while those that were timid and affrighted found it exceedingly difficult to cross. Warriors constituting its crocodiles and alligators, it ran towards the region of Yama. Very soon, indeed, did that tiger among men cause that river to flow. Even as the terrible Vaitarani is difficult of being crossed by persons of unrefined souls, that bloody river, terrible and enhancing the fears of the timid, was difficult to cross. Thither where that best of car-warriors, the son of Pandu, penetrated, thither he felled hostile warriors in hundreds and thousands. Seeing those feats achieved in battle by Bhimasena, Duryodhana, O monarch, addressing Shakuni, said, "Vanquish, O uncle, the mighty Bhimasena in battle. Upon his defeat the mighty host of the Pandavas may be regarded as defeated." Thus addressed, O monarch, the valiant son of Subala, competent to wage dreadful battle, proceeded, surrounded by his brothers. Approaching in that battle Bhima of terrible prowess, the heroic Shakuni checked him like the continent resisting the ocean. Though resisted with keen shafts, Bhima, disregarding them all, proceeded against the sons of Subala. Then Shakuni, O monarch, sped a number of cloth-yard shafts equipped with wings of gold and whetted on stone, at the left side of Bhima's chest. Piercing through the armour of the high-souled son of Pandu, those fierce shafts, O monarch, equipped with feathers of Kankas and peacocks, sunk deep into his body. Deeply pierced in that battle, Bhima, O Bharata, suddenly shot at Subala's son a shaft decked with gold. The mighty Shakuni however, that scorcher of foes, O king, endued with great lightness of hands, cut off into seven fragments that terrible arrow as it coursed towards him. When his shaft fell down on the earth, Bhima, O king, became highly enraged, and cut off with a broad-headed arrow the bow of Subala's son with the greatest ease. The valiant son of Subala then, casting aside that broken bow, quickly took up another and six and ten broad-headed arrows. With two of those straight and broad-headed arrows, O monarch, he struck Bhima himself, with one he cut off Bhima's standard, and with two, his umbrella. With the remaining four, the son of Subala pierced the four steeds of his antagonist. Filled with rage at this, the valiant Bhima, O monarch, hurled in that battle a dart made of iron, with its staff adorned with gold. That dart, restless as the tongue of a snake, hurled from Bhima's arms, speedily fell upon the car of the high-souled son of Subala. The latter then, filled with wrath, O monarch, took up that same gold-decked dart and hurled it back at Bhimasena. Piercing through the left arm of the high-souled son of Pandu, it fell down on the earth like lightning flashed down from the sky. At this, the Dhartarashtras, O monarch, set up a loud roar all around. Bhima, however, could not bear that leonine roar of his foes endued with great activity. The mighty son of Pandu then, quickly taking up another stringed bow, in a moment, O monarch, covered with shafts the soldiers of Subala's son in that battle, who were fighting reckless of their very lives. Having slain his four steeds, and then his driver, O king, Bhima of great prowess next cut off his antagonist's standard with a broad-headed arrow without losing a moment. Abandoning with speed that steedless car, Shakuni, that foremost of men, stood on the ground, with his bow ready drawn in his hands, his eyes red like blood in rage, and himself breathing heavily. He then, O king, struck Bhima from every side with innumerable arrows. The valiant Bhima, baffling those shafts, cut off Shakuni's bow in rage and pierced Shakuni himself, with many keen arrows. Deeply pierced by his powerful antagonist, that scorcher of foes, O king, fell down on the earth almost lifeless. Then thy son, O monarch, seeing him stupefied, bore him away from battle on his car in the very sight of Bhimasena. When that tiger among men, Shakuni was thus taken up on Duryodhana's car, the Dhartarashtra troops, turning their faces from battle, fled away on all sides inspired with fear on that occasion of great terror due to Bhimasena. Upon the defeat of Subala's son, O king, by that great bowman, Bhimasena, thy son Duryodhana, filled with great fright, retreated, borne away by his fleet steeds, from regard for his maternal uncle's life. Beholding the king himself turn away from the battle, the troops, O Bharata, fled away, from the encounters in which each of them had been engaged. Seeing all the Dhartarashtra troops turn away from battle and fly in all directions, Bhima rushing impetuously, fell upon them, shooting many hundreds of shafts. Slaughtered by Bhima, the retreating Dhartarashtras, O king, approaching the spot where Karna was, once more stood for battle, surrounding him. Endued with great might and great energy, Karna then became their refuge. Finding Karna, O bull of Bharata's race, thy troops became comforted and stood cheerfully, relying upon one another, like shipwrecked mariners, O tiger of men, in their distressful plight, when at last they reach an island. They then, once more, making death itself their goal, proceeded against their foes for battle.'"

8.56.1

धृतराष्ट्र उवाच
ततो भग्नेषु सैन्येषु भीमसेनेन संयुगे
दुर्योधनोऽब्रवीत्किं नु सौबलो वापि संजय

8.56.2

कर्णो वा जयतां श्रेष्ठो योधा वा मामका युधि
कृपो वा कृतवर्मा च द्रौणिर्दुःशासनोऽपि वा

8.56.3

अत्यद्भुतमिदं मन्ये पाण्डवेयस्य विक्रमम्
यथाप्रतिज्ञं योधानां राधेयः कृतवानपि

8.56.4

कुरूणामपि सर्वेषां कर्णः शत्रुनिषूदनः
शर्म वर्म प्रतिष्ठा च जीविताशा च संजय

8.56.5

तत्प्रभग्नं बलं दृष्ट्वा कौन्तेयेनामितौजसा
राधेयानामधिरथः कर्णः किमकरोद्युधि

8.56.6

पुत्रा वा मम दुर्धर्षा राजानो वा महारथाः
एतन्मे सर्वमाचक्ष्व कुशलो ह्यसि संजय

8.56.7

संजय उवाच
अपराह्णे महाराज सूतपुत्रः प्रतापवान्
जघान सोमकान्सर्वान्भीमसेनस्य पश्यतः
भीमोऽप्यतिबलः सैन्यं धार्तराष्ट्रं व्यपोथयत्

8.56.8

द्राव्यमाणं बलं दृष्ट्वा भीमसेनेन धीमता
यन्तारमब्रवीत्कर्णः पाञ्चालानेव मा वह

8.56.9

मद्रराजस्ततः शल्यः श्वेतानश्वान्महाजवान्
प्राहिणोच्चेदिपाञ्चालान्करूषांश्च महाबलः

8.56.10

प्रविश्य च स तां सेनां शल्यः परबलार्दनः
न्ययच्छत्तुरगान्हृष्टो यत्र यत्रैच्छदग्रणीः

8.56.11

तं रथं मेघसंकाशं वैयाघ्रपरिवारणम्
संदृश्य पाण्डुपाञ्चालास्त्रस्ता आसन्विशां पते

8.56.12

ततो रथस्य निनदः प्रादुरासीन्महारणे
पर्जन्यसमनिर्घोषः पर्वतस्येव दीर्यतः

8.56.13

ततः शरशतैस्तीक्ष्णैः कर्णोऽप्याकर्णनिःसृतैः
जघान पाण्डवबलं शतशोऽथ सहस्रशः

8.56.14

तं तथा समरे कर्म कुर्वाणमतिमानुषम्
परिवव्रुर्महेष्वासाः पाण्डवानां महारथाः

8.56.15

तं शिखण्डी च भीमश्च धृष्टद्युम्नश्च पार्षतः
नकुलः सहदेवश्च द्रौपदेयाः ससात्यकाः
परिवव्रुर्जिघांसन्तो राधेयं शरवृष्टिभिः

8.56.16

सात्यकिस्तु ततः कर्णं विंशत्या निशितैः शरैः
अताडयद्रणे शूरो जत्रुदेशे नरोत्तमः

8.56.17

शिखण्डी पञ्चविंशत्या धृष्टद्युम्नश्च पञ्चभिः
द्रौपदेयाश्चतुःषष्ट्या सहदेवश्च सप्तभिः
नकुलश्च शतेनाजौ कर्णं विव्याध सायकैः

8.56.18

भीमसेनस्तु राधेयं नवत्या नतपर्वणाम्
विव्याध समरे क्रुद्धो जत्रुदेशे महाबलः

8.56.19

ततः प्रहस्याधिरथिर्विक्षिपन्धनुरुत्तमम्
मुमोच निशितान्बाणान्पीडयन्सुमहाबलः
तान्प्रत्यविध्यद्राधेयः पञ्चभिः पञ्चभिः शरैः

8.56.20

सात्यकेस्तु धनुश्छित्त्वा ध्वजं च पुरुषर्षभः
अथैनं नवभिर्बाणैराजघान स्तनान्तरे

8.56.21

भीमसेनस्तु तं क्रुद्धो विव्याध त्रिंशता शरैः
सारथिं च त्रिभिर्बाणैराजघान परंतपः

8.56.22

विरथान्द्रौपदेयांश्च चकार पुरुषर्षभः
अक्ष्णोर्निमेषमात्रेण तदद्भुतमिवाभवत्

8.56.23

विमुखीकृत्य तान्सर्वाञ्शरैः संनतपर्वभिः
पाञ्चालानहनच्छूरश्चेदीनां च महारथान्

8.56.24

ते वध्यमानाः समरे चेदिमत्स्या विशां पते
कर्णमेकमभिद्रुत्य शरसंघैः समार्दयन्
ताञ्जघान शितैर्बाणैः सूतपुत्रो महारथः

8.56.25

एतदत्यद्भुतं कर्णे दृष्टवानस्मि भारत
यदेकः समरे शूरान्सूतपुत्रः प्रतापवान्

8.56.26

यतमानान्परं शक्त्यायोधयत्तांश्च धन्विनः
पाण्डवेयान्महाराज शरैर्वारितवान्रणे

8.56.27

तत्र भारत कर्णस्य लाघवेन महात्मनः
तुतुषुर्देवताः सर्वाः सिद्धाश्च परमर्षयः

8.56.28

अपूजयन्महेष्वासा धार्तराष्ट्रा नरोत्तमम्
कर्णं रथवरश्रेष्ठं श्रेष्ठं सर्वधनुष्मताम्

8.56.29

ततः कर्णो महाराज ददाह रिपुवाहिनीम्
कक्षमिद्धो यथा वह्निर्निदाघे ज्वलितो महान्

8.56.30

ते वध्यमानाः कर्णेन पाण्डवेयास्ततस्ततः
प्राद्रवन्त रणे भीताः कर्णं दृष्ट्वा महाबलम्

8.56.31

तत्राक्रन्दो महानासीत्पाञ्चालानां महारणे
वध्यतां सायकैस्तीक्ष्णैः कर्णचापवरच्युतैः

8.56.32

तेन शब्देन वित्रस्ता पाण्डवानां महाचमूः
कर्णमेकं रणे योधं मेनिरे तत्र शात्रवाः

8.56.33

तत्राद्भुतं परं चक्रे राधेयः शत्रुकर्शनः
यदेकं पाण्डवाः सर्वे न शेकुरभिवीक्षितुम्

8.56.34

यथौघः पर्वतश्रेष्ठमासाद्याभिप्रदीर्यते
तथा तत्पाण्डवं सैन्यं कर्णमासाद्य दीर्यते

8.56.35

कर्णोऽपि समरे राजन्विधूमोऽग्निरिव ज्वलन्
दहंस्तस्थौ महाबाहुः पाण्डवानां महाचमूम्

8.56.36

शिरांसि च महाराज कर्णांश्चञ्चलकुण्डलान्
बाहूंश्च वीरो वीराणां चिच्छेद लघु चेषुभिः

8.56.37

हस्तिदन्तान्त्सरून्खड्गान्ध्वजाञ्शक्तीर्हयान्गजान्
रथांश्च विविधान्राजन्पताका व्यजनानि च

8.56.38

अक्षेषायुगयोक्त्राणि चक्राणि विविधानि च
चिच्छेद शतधा कर्णो योधव्रतमनुष्ठितः

8.56.39

तत्र भारत कर्णेन निहतैर्गजवाजिभिः
अगम्यरूपा पृथिवी मांसशोणितकर्दमा

8.56.40

विषमं च समं चैव हतैरश्वपदातिभिः
रथैश्च कुञ्जरैश्चैव न प्राज्ञायत किंचन

8.56.41

नापि स्वे न परे योधाः प्राज्ञायन्त परस्परम्
घोरे शरान्धकारे तु कर्णास्त्रे च विजृम्भिते

8.56.42

राधेयचापनिर्मुक्तैः शरैः काञ्चनभूषितैः
संछादिता महाराज यतमाना महारथाः

8.56.43

ते पाण्डवेयाः समरे कर्णेन स्म पुनः पुनः
अभज्यन्त महाराज यतमाना महारथाः

8.56.44

मृगसंघान्यथा क्रुद्धः सिंहो द्रावयते वने
कर्णस्तु समरे योधांस्तत्र तत्र महायशाः
कालयामास तत्सैन्यं यथा पशुगणान्वृकः

8.56.45

दृष्ट्वा तु पाण्डवीं सेनां धार्तराष्ट्राः पराङ्मुखीम्
अभिजग्मुर्महेष्वासा रुवन्तो भैरवान्रवान्

8.56.46

दुर्योधनो हि राजेन्द्र मुदा परमया युतः
वादयामास संहृष्टो नानावाद्यानि सर्वशः

8.56.47

पाञ्चालापि महेष्वासा भग्ना भग्ना नरोत्तमाः
न्यवर्तन्त यथा शूरा मृत्युं कृत्वा निवर्तनम्

8.56.48

तान्निवृत्तान्रणे शूरान्राधेयः शत्रुतापनः
अनेकशो महाराज बभञ्ज पुरुषर्षभः

8.56.49

तत्र भारत कर्णेन पाञ्चाला विंशती रथाः
निहताः सादयः क्रोधाच्चेदयश्च परःशताः

8.56.50

कृत्वा शून्यान्रथोपस्थान्वाजिपृष्ठांश्च भारत
निर्मनुष्यान्गजस्कन्धान्पादातांश्चैव विद्रुतान्

8.56.51

आदित्य इव मध्याह्ने दुर्निरीक्ष्यः परंतपः
कालान्तकवपुः क्रूरः सूतपुत्रश्चचार ह

8.56.52

एवमेतान्महाराज नरवाजिरथद्विपान्
हत्वा तस्थौ महेष्वासः कर्णोऽरिगणसूदनः

8.56.53

यथा भूतगणान्हत्वा कालस्तिष्ठेन्महाबलः
तथा स सोमकान्हत्वा तस्थावेको महारथः

8.56.54

तत्राद्भुतमपश्याम पाञ्चालानां पराक्रमम्
वध्यमानापि कर्णेन नाजहू रणमूर्धनि

8.56.55

राजा दुःशासनश्चैव कृपः शारद्वतस्तथा
अश्वत्थामा कृतवर्मा शकुनिश्चापि सौबलः
न्यहनन्पाण्डवीं सेनां शतशोऽथ सहस्रशः

8.56.56

कर्णपुत्रौ च राजेन्द्र भ्रातरौ सत्यविक्रमौ
अनाशयेतां बलिनः पाञ्चालान्वै ततस्ततः
तत्र युद्धं तदा ह्यासीत्क्रूरं विशसनं महत्

8.56.57

तथैव पाण्डवाः शूरा धृष्टद्युम्नशिखण्डिनौ
द्रौपदेयाश्च संक्रुद्धा अभ्यघ्नंस्तावकं बलम्

8.56.58

एवमेष क्षयो वृत्तः पाण्डवानां ततस्ततः
तावकानामपि रणे भीमं प्राप्य महाबलम्

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Dhritarashtra said, 'When our troops were broken in battle by Bhimasena, what, O Sanjaya, did Duryodhana and Subala's son say? Or, what did Karna, that foremost of victors, or the warriors of my army in that battle, or Kripa, or Kritavarma, or Drona's son Duhshasana, say? Exceedingly wonderful, I think, is the prowess of Pandu's son, since, single-handed, he fought in battle with all the warriors of my army. Did the son of Radha act towards the (hostile) troops according to his vow? That slayer of foes, Karna, O Sanjaya, is the prosperity, the armour, the fame, and the very hope of life, of the Kurus. Beholding the army broken by Kunti's son of immeasurable energy, what did Karna, the son of Adhiratha and Radha, do in that battle? What also did my sons, difficult of defeat in battle, do, or the other kings and mighty car-warriors of our army? Tell me all this, O Sanjaya, for thou art skilled in narration!'

"Sanjaya said, 'In that afternoon, O monarch, the Suta's son of great valour began to smite all the Somakas in the very sight of Bhimasena. Bhima also of great strength began to destroy the Dhartarashtra troops. Then Karna, addressing (his driver) Shalya, said unto him, "Bear me to the Pancalas." Indeed, beholding his army in course of being routed by Bhimasena of great intelligence, Karna once more addressed his driver, saying, 'Bear me to the Pancalas only.' Thus urged, Shalya, the ruler of the Madras, endued with great might, urged those white steeds that were fleet as thought, towards the Cedis, the Pancalas and the Karushas. Penetrating then into that mighty host, Shalya, that grinder of hostile troops, cheerfully conducted those steeds into every spot that Karna, that foremost of warriors, desired to go to. Beholding that car cased in tiger skins and looking like a cloud, the Pandus and the Pancalas, O monarch, became terrified. The rattle then of that car, like unto the peal of thunder or the sound of a mountain splitting into fragments, became audible in that dreadful battle. With hundreds upon hundreds of keen arrows sped from the bow-string drawn to his ear, Karna then smote hundreds and thousands of warriors belonging to the Pandava army. While the unvanquished Karna was employed in achieving those feats, many mighty bowmen and great car-warriors among the Pandavas encompassed him on all sides. Indeed, Shikhandi, and Bhima, and Dhrishtadyumna, the son of Prishata, and Nakula, and Sahadeva, and the (five) sons of Draupadi, and Satyaki, surrounded the son of Radha, pouring showers of arrows upon him, from desire of despatching him to the other world. The heroic Satyaki, that best of men, struck Karna in that engagement with twenty keen shafts in the shoulder-joint. Shikhandi struck him with five and twenty shafts, and Dhrishtadyumna struck him with seven, and the sons of Draupadi with four and sixty, and Sahadeva with seven, and Nakula with a hundred, in that battle. The mighty Bhimasena, in that encounter, filled with rage, struck the son of Radha in the shoulder-joint with ninety straight shafts. The son of Adhiratha, then, of great might laughing in scorn, and drawing his excellent bow let off many keen shafts, afflicting his foes. The son of Radha pierced each of them in return with five arrows. Cutting off the bow of Satyaki, as also his standard, O bull of Bharata's race, Karna pierced Satyaki himself with nine shafts in the centre of the chest. Filled with wrath, he then pierced Bhimasena with thirty shafts. With a broad-headed arrow, O sire, he next cut off the standard of Sahadeva, and with three other arrows, that chastiser of foes afflicted Sahadeva's driver. Within the twinkling of an eye he then deprived the (five) sons of Draupadi of their cars, O bull of Bharata's race, which seemed exceedingly wonderful. Indeed, with his straight shafts casting those heroes to turn back from the fight, the heroic Karna began to slay the Pancalas and many mighty car-warriors among the Cedis. Thus struck in that battle. O monarch, the Cedis and the Matsyas, rushing against Karna alone, poured upon him showers of shafts. The Suta's son, however, that mighty car-warrior, began to smite them with his keen shafts. I beheld this exceedingly wonderful feat. O Bharata, viz., that the Suta's son of great prowess, alone and unsupported in that battle, fought with all those bowmen who contended with him to the utmost of their prowess, and checked all those Pandava warriors, O monarch, with his shafts. With the lightness of hand, O Bharata, of the high-souled Karna on that occasion, all the gods as also the Siddhas and the Charanas were gratified. All the great bowmen among the Dhartarashtras also, O best of men, applauded Karna, that foremost of great car-warriors, that first of all bowmen. Then Karna, O monarch, burnt the hostile army like a mighty and blazing conflagration consuming a heap of dry grass in the summer season. Thus slaughtered by Karna, the Pandava troops, struck with fear, fled in all directions, at the very sight of Karna. Loud wails arose there among the Pancalas in that great battle, while they were thus struck with the keen shafts sped from Karna's bow. Struck with fear at the noise, the vast host of the Pandavas, those enemies of Karna, regarded him as the one warrior in that battle. Then that crusher of foes, viz., the son of Radha, once more achieved an exceedingly wonderful feat, inasmuch as all the Pandavas, united together, were unable to even gaze at him. Like a swelling mass of water breaking when it comes in contact with a mountain, the Pandava army broke when it came in contact with Karna. Indeed, O king, the mighty-armed Karna in that battle, burning the vast host of the Pandavas, stood there like a blazing fire without smoke. With great activity that hero, with his shafts, cut off the arms and the heads of his brave foes, O king, and their ears decked with earrings. Swords with hilts of ivory, and standards, and darts, and steeds, and elephants, and cars of diverse kind, O king, and banners, and axles, and yokes, and wheels of many kinds, were cut off in various ways by Karna, observant of a warrior's vow. There, O Bharata, with elephants and steeds slain by Karna, the earth became impassable and miry with flesh and blood. The uneven and even spots also of the field, in consequence of slain horse and foot and broken cars and dead elephants, could no longer be distinguished. The combatants could not distinguish friends from foes in that thick darkness caused by shafts when Karna's (celestial) weapon was displayed. The mighty car-warriors of the Pandavas, O monarch, were completely shrouded with shafts, decked with gold, that were sped from Karna's bow. Those mighty car-warriors of the Pandavas, O king, in that battle, though struggling vigorously, were repeatedly broken by the son of Radha, even as a herd of deer in the forest is routed by an angry lion. Routing the foremost of Pancala car-warriors and (other) foes, Karna of great fame, in that battle, slew the Pandava warriors like a wolf slaying smaller animals. Beholding the Pandava army turn away from battle, the Dhartarashtra bowmen of great might rushed against the retreating host uttering terrible shouts. Then Duryodhana, O monarch, filled with great delight, caused diverse musical instruments to be beaten and blown in all parts of the army. The great bowmen amongst the Pancalas, those foremost of men, though broken, returned heroically to the fight, making death their goal. The son of Radha, however, that bull among men and scorcher of foes, O monarch, in that battle, broke those returned heroes in diverse ways. There, O Bharata twenty car-warriors among the Pancalas and more than a hundred Cedi warriors were slain by Karna with his shafts. Making the terraces of cars and the backs of steeds empty, O Bharata, and slaying the combatants that fought from the necks of elephants, and routing the foot-soldiers, that scorcher of foes, the Suta's son of great bravery, became incapable of being gazed at like the mid-day sun and looked resplendent like the Destroyer himself at the end of the Yuga. Thus, O monarch, that slayer of foes, that mighty bowmen, Karna, having slain foot, horse, car-warriors, and elephants, stood there on his car. Indeed, like the Destroyer himself of great might standing after slaying all creatures, the mighty car-warrior Karna stood alone, having slain the Somakas. The prowess that we then beheld of the Pancalas seemed to be exceedingly wonderful, for, though thus struck by Karna, they refused to fly away from that hero at the head of battle. At that time, the king (Duryodhana), and Duhshasana, and Kripa, the son of Sharadvata, and Ashvatthama, and Kritavarma, and Shakuni also of great might, slaughtered the Pandava warriors in hundreds and thousands. The two sons also of Karna, O monarch, those two brothers of prowess incapable of being baffled, filled with rage, slaughtered the Pandava army in several parts of the field. The battle at that place was dreadful and cruel and the carnage that occurred was very great. Similarly the Pandava heroes, Dhrishtadyumna and Shikhandi and the (five) sons of Draupadi, filled with rage, slaughtered thy host. Even thus a great destruction took place among the Pandavas everywhere on the field, and even thus thy army also suffered great loss at the hands of the mighty Bhima.'"

8.57.1

संजय उवाच
अर्जुनस्तु महाराज कृत्वा सैन्यं पृथग्विधम्
सूतपुत्रं सुसंरब्धं दृष्ट्वा चैव महारणे

8.57.2

शोणितोदां महीं कृत्वा मांसमज्जास्थिवाहिनीम्
वासुदेवमिदं वाक्यमब्रवीत्पुरुषर्षभ

8.57.3

एष केतू रणे कृष्ण सूतपुत्रस्य दृश्यते
भीमसेनादयश्चैते योधयन्ति महारथान्
एते द्रवन्ति पाञ्चालाः कर्णात्त्रस्ता जनार्दन

8.57.4

एष दुर्योधनो राजा श्वेतच्छत्रेण भास्वता
कर्णेन भग्नान्पाञ्चालान्द्रावयन्बहु शोभते

8.57.5

कृपश्च कृतवर्मा च द्रौणिश्चैव महाबलः
एते रक्षन्ति राजानं सूतपुत्रेण रक्षिताः
अवध्यमानास्तेऽस्माभिर्घातयिष्यन्ति सोमकान्

8.57.6

एष शल्यो रथोपस्थे रश्मिसंचारकोविदः
सूतपुत्ररथं कृष्ण वाहयन्बहु शोभते

8.57.7

तत्र मे बुद्धिरुत्पन्ना वाहयात्र महारथम्
नाहत्वा समरे कर्णं निवर्तिष्ये कथंचन

8.57.8

राधेयोऽप्यन्यथा पार्थान्सृञ्जयांश्च महारथान्
निःशेषान्समरे कुर्यात्पश्यतोर्नौ जनार्दन

8.57.9

ततः प्रायाद्रथेनाशु केशवस्तव वाहिनीम्
कर्णं प्रति महेष्वासं द्वैरथे सव्यसाचिना

8.57.10

प्रयातश्च महाबाहुः पाण्डवानुज्ञया हरिः
आश्वासयन्रथेनैव पाण्डुसैन्यानि सर्वशः

8.57.11

रथघोषः स संग्रामे पाण्डवेयस्य संबभौ
वासवाशनितुल्यस्य महौघस्येव मारिष

8.57.12

महता रथघोषेण पाण्डवः सत्यविक्रमः
अभ्ययादप्रमेयात्मा विजयस्तव वाहिनीम्

8.57.13

तमायान्तं समीक्ष्यैव श्वेताश्वं कृष्णसारथिम्
मद्रराजोऽब्रवीत्कर्णं केतुं दृष्ट्वा महात्मनः

8.57.14

अयं स रथ आयाति श्वेताश्वः कृष्णसारथिः
निघ्नन्नमित्रान्समरे यं कर्ण परिपृच्छसि

8.57.15

एष तिष्ठति कौन्तेयः संस्पृशन्गाण्डिवं धनुः
तं हनिष्यसि चेदद्य तन्नः श्रेयो भविष्यति

8.57.16

एषा विदीर्यते सेना धार्तराष्ट्री समन्ततः
अर्जुनस्य भयात्तूर्णं निघ्नतः शात्रवान्बहून्

8.57.17

वर्जयन्सर्वसैन्यानि त्वरते हि धनंजयः
त्वदर्थमिति मन्येऽहं यथास्योदीर्यते वपुः

8.57.18

न ह्यवस्थाप्यते पार्थो युयुत्सुः केनचित्सह
त्वामृते क्रोधदीप्तो हि पीड्यमाने वृकोदरे

8.57.19

विरथं धर्मराजं च दृष्ट्वा सुदृढविक्षतम्
शिखण्डिनं सात्यकिं च धृष्टद्युम्नं च पार्षतम्

8.57.20

द्रौपदेयान्युधामन्युमुत्तमौजसमेव च
नकुलं सहदेवं च भ्रातरौ द्वौ समीक्ष्य च

8.57.21

सहसैकरथः पार्थस्त्वामभ्येति परंतप
क्रोधरक्तेक्षणः क्रुद्धो जिघांसुः सर्वधन्विनाम्

8.57.22

त्वरितोऽभिपतत्यस्मांस्त्यक्त्वा सैन्यान्यसंशयम्
त्वं कर्ण प्रतियाह्येनं नास्त्यन्यो हि धनुर्धरः

8.57.23

न तं पश्यामि लोकेऽस्मिंस्त्वत्तोऽप्यन्यं धनुर्धरम्
अर्जुनं समरे क्रुद्धं यो वेलामिव धारयेत्

8.57.24

न चास्य रक्षां पश्यामि पृष्ठतो न च पार्श्वतः
एक एवाभियाति त्वां पश्य साफल्यमात्मनः

8.57.25

त्वं हि कृष्णौ रणे शक्तः संसाधयितुमाहवे
तवैष भारो राधेय प्रत्युद्याहि धनंजयम्

8.57.26

त्वं कृतो ह्येव भीष्मेण द्रोणद्रौणिकृपैरपि
सव्यसाचिप्रतिरथस्तं निवर्तय पाण्डवम्

8.57.27

लेलिहानं यथा सर्पं गर्जन्तमृषभं यथा
लयस्थितं यथा व्याघ्रं जहि कर्ण धनंजयम्

8.57.28

एते द्रवन्ति समरे धार्तराष्ट्रा महारथाः
अर्जुनस्य भयात्तूर्णं निरपेक्षा जनाधिपाः

8.57.29

द्रवतामथ तेषां तु युधि नान्योऽस्ति मानवः
भयहा यो भवेद्वीर त्वामृते सूतनन्दन

8.57.30

एते त्वां कुरवः सर्वे द्वीपमासाद्य संयुगे
विष्ठिताः पुरुषव्याघ्र त्वत्तः शरणकाङ्क्षिणः

8.57.31

वैदेहाम्बष्ठकाम्बोजास्तथा नग्नजितस्त्वया
गान्धाराश्च यया धृत्या जिताः संख्ये सुदुर्जयाः

8.57.32

तां धृतिं कुरु राधेय ततः प्रत्येहि पाण्डवम्
वासुदेवं च वार्ष्णेयं प्रीयमाणं किरीटिना

8.57.33

कर्ण उवाच
प्रकृतिस्थो हि मे शल्य इदानीं संमतस्तथा
प्रतिभासि महाबाहो विभीश्चैव धनंजयात्

8.57.34

पश्य बाह्वोर्बलं मेऽद्य शिक्षितस्य च पश्य मे
एकोऽद्य निहनिष्यामि पाण्डवानां महाचमूम्

8.57.35

कृष्णौ च पुरुषव्याघ्रौ तच्च सत्यं ब्रवीमि ते
नाहत्वा युधि तौ वीरावपयास्ये कथंचन

8.57.36

स्वप्स्ये वा निहतस्ताभ्यामसत्यो हि रणे जयः
कृतार्थो वा भविष्यामि हत्वा तावथ वा हतः

8.57.37

नैतादृशो जातु बभूव लोके; रथोत्तमो यावदनुश्रुतं नः
तमीदृशं प्रतियोत्स्यामि पार्थं; महाहवे पश्य च पौरुषं मे

8.57.38

रथे चरत्येष रथप्रवीरः; शीघ्रैर्हयैः कौरवराजपुत्रः
स वाद्य मां नेष्यति कृच्छ्रमेत;त्कर्णस्यान्तादेतदन्ताः स्थ सर्वे

8.57.39

अस्वेदिनौ राजपुत्रस्य हस्ता;ववेपिनौ जातकिणौ बृहन्तौ
दृढायुधः कृतिमान्क्षिप्रहस्तो; न पाण्डवेयेन समोऽस्ति योधः

8.57.40

गृह्णात्यनेकानपि कङ्कपत्रा;नेकं यथा तान्क्षितिपान्प्रमथ्य
ते क्रोशमात्रं निपतन्त्यमोघाः; कस्तेन योधोऽस्ति समः पृथिव्याम्

8.57.41

अतोषयत्पाण्डवेयो हुताशं; कृष्णद्वितीयोऽतिरथस्तरस्वी
लेभे चक्रं यत्र कृष्णो महात्मा; धनुर्गाण्डीवं पाण्डवः सव्यसाची

8.57.42

श्वेताश्वयुक्तं च सुघोषमग्र्यं; रथं महाबाहुरदीनसत्त्वः
महेषुधी चाक्षयौ दिव्यरूपौ; शस्त्राणि दिव्यानि च हव्यवाहात्

8.57.43

तथेन्द्रलोके निजघान दैत्या;नसंख्येयान्कालकेयांश्च सर्वान्
लेभे शङ्खं देवदत्तं स्म तत्र; को नाम तेनाभ्यधिकः पृथिव्याम्

8.57.44

महादेवं तोषयामास चैव; साक्षात्सुयुद्धेन महानुभावः
लेभे ततः पाशुपतं सुघोरं; त्रैलोक्यसंहारकरं महास्त्रम्

8.57.45

पृथक्पृथग्लोकपालाः समेता; ददुर्ह्यस्त्राण्यप्रमेयाणि यस्य
यैस्ताञ्जघानाशु रणे नृसिंहा;न्स कालखञ्जानसुरान्समेतान्

8.57.46

तथा विराटस्य पुरे समेता;न्सर्वानस्मानेकरथेन जित्वा
जहार तद्गोधनमाजिमध्ये; वस्त्राणि चादत्त महारथेभ्यः

8.57.47

तमीदृशं वीर्यगुणोपपन्नं; कृष्णद्वितीयं वरये रणाय
अनन्तवीर्येण च केशवेन; नारायणेनाप्रतिमेन गुप्तम्

8.57.48

वर्षायुतैर्यस्य गुणा न शक्या; वक्तुं समेतैरपि सर्वलोकैः
महात्मनः शङ्खचक्रासिपाणे;र्विष्णोर्जिष्णोर्वसुदेवात्मजस्य
भयं मे वै जायते साध्वसं च; दृष्ट्वा कृष्णावेकरथे समेतौ

8.57.49

उभौ हि शूरौ कृतिनौ दृढास्त्रौ; महारथौ संहननोपपन्नौ
एतादृशौ फल्गुनवासुदेवौ; कोऽन्यः प्रतीयान्मदृते नु शल्य

8.57.50

एतावहं युधि वा पातयिष्ये; मां वा कृष्णौ निहनिष्यतोऽद्य
इति ब्रुवञ्शल्यममित्रहन्ता; कर्णो रणे मेघ इवोन्ननाद

8.57.51

अभ्येत्य पुत्रेण तवाभिनन्दितः; समेत्य चोवाच कुरुप्रवीरान्
कृपं च भोजं च महाभुजावुभौ; तथैव गान्धारनृपं सहानुजम्
गुरोः सुतं चावरजं तथात्मनः; पदातिनोऽथ द्विपसादिनोऽन्यान्

8.57.52

निरुन्धताभिद्रवताच्युतार्जुनौ; श्रमेण संयोजयताशु सर्वतः
यथा भवद्भिर्भृशविक्षतावुभौ; सुखेन हन्यामहमद्य भूमिपाः

8.57.53

तथेति चोक्त्वा त्वरिताः स्म तेऽर्जुनं; जिघांसवो वीरतमाः समभ्ययुः
नदीनदान्भूरिजलो महार्णवो; यथा तथा तान्समरेऽर्जुनोऽग्रसत्

8.57.54

न संदधानो न तथा शरोत्तमा;न्प्रमुञ्चमानो रिपुभिः प्रदृश्यते
धनंजयस्तस्य शरैश्च दारिता; हताश्च पेतुर्नरवाजिकुञ्जराः

8.57.55

शरार्चिषं गाण्डिवचारुमण्डलं; युगान्तसूर्यप्रतिमानतेजसम्
न कौरवाः शेकुरुदीक्षितुं जयं; यथा रविं व्याधितचक्षुषो जनाः

8.57.56

तमभ्यधावद्विसृजञ्शरान्कृप;स्तथैव भोजस्तव चात्मजः स्वयम्
जिघांसुभिस्तान्कुशलैः शरोत्तमा;न्महाहवे संजवितान्प्रयत्नतः
शरैः प्रचिच्छेद च पाण्डवस्त्वर;न्पराभिनद्वक्षसि च त्रिभिस्त्रिभिः

8.57.57

स गाण्डिवाभ्यायतपूर्णमण्डल;स्तपन्रिपूनर्जुनभास्करो बभौ
शरोग्ररश्मिः शुचिशुक्रमध्यगो; यथैव सूर्यः परिवेषगस्तथा

8.57.58

अथाग्र्यबाणैर्दशभिर्धनंजयं; पराभिनद्द्रोणसुतोऽच्युतं त्रिभिः
चतुर्भिरश्वांश्चतुरः कपिं तथा; शरैः स नाराचवरैरवाकिरत्

8.57.59

तथा तु तत्तत्स्फुरदात्तकार्मुकं; त्रिभिः शरैर्यन्तृशिरः क्षुरेण
हयांश्चतुर्भिश्चतुरस्त्रिभिर्ध्वजं; धनंजयो द्रौणिरथान्न्यपातयत्

8.57.60

स रोषपूर्णोऽशनिवज्रहाटकै;रलंकृतं तक्षकभोगवर्चसम्
सुबन्धनं कार्मुकमन्यदाददे; यथा महाहिप्रवरं गिरेस्तथा

8.57.61

स्वमायुधं चोपविकीर्य भूतले; धनुश्च कृत्वा सगुणं गुणाधिकः
समानयानावजितौ नरोत्तमौ; शरोत्तमैर्द्रौणिरविध्यदन्तिकात्

8.57.62

कृपश्च भोजश्च तथात्मजश्च ते; तमोनुदं वारिधरा इवापतन्
कृपस्य पार्थः सशरं शरासनं; हयान्ध्वजं सारथिमेव पत्रिभिः

8.57.63

शरैः प्रचिच्छेद तवात्मजस्य; ध्वजं धनुश्च प्रचकर्त नर्दतः
जघान चाश्वान्कृतवर्मणः शुभा;न्ध्वजं च चिच्छेद ततः प्रतापवान्

8.57.64

सवाजिसूतेष्वसनान्सकेतना;ञ्जघान नागाश्वरथांस्त्वरंश्च सः
ततः प्रकीर्णं सुमहद्बलं तव; प्रदारितं सेतुरिवाम्भसा यथा
ततोऽर्जुनस्याशु रथेन केशव;श्चकार शत्रूनपसव्यमातुरान्

8.57.65

ततः प्रयान्तं त्वरितं धनंजयं; शतक्रतुं वृत्रनिजघ्नुषं यथा
समन्वधावन्पुनरुच्छ्रितैर्ध्वजै; रथैः सुयुक्तैरपरे युयुत्सवः

8.57.66

अथाभिसृत्य प्रतिवार्य तानरी;न्धनंजयस्याभि रथं महारथाः
शिखण्डिशैनेययमाः शितैः शरै;र्विदारयन्तो व्यनदन्सुभैरवम्

8.57.67

ततोऽभिजघ्नुः कुपिताः परस्परं; शरैस्तदाञ्जोगतिभिः सुतेजनैः
कुरुप्रवीराः सह सृञ्जयैर्यथा;सुराः पुरा देववरैरयोधयन्

8.57.68

जयेप्सवः स्वर्गमनाय चोत्सुकाः; पतन्ति नागाश्वरथाः परंतप
जगर्जुरुच्चैर्बलवच्च विव्यधुः; शरैः सुमुक्तैरितरेतरं पृथक्

8.57.69

शरान्धकारे तु महात्मभिः कृते; महामृधे योधवरैः परस्परम्
बभुर्दशाशा न दिवं च पार्थिव; प्रभा च सूर्यस्य तमोवृताभवत्

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Meanwhile Arjuna, O monarch, having slain the four kinds of forces (of the enemy), and having obtained a sight of the angry son of the Suta in that dreadful battle, caused a river of blood to flow there that was tawny with flesh and marrow and bones. Human heads constituted its rocks and stones. Elephants and steeds formed its banks. Full of the bones of heroic combatants, it resounded with the cries of ravens and vultures. Umbrellas were its swans or rafts. And that river ran, bearing away heroes like trees along its current. (Even) necklaces constituted its assemblage of lotuses, and head-gears formed its excellent foam. Bows and shafts constituted its fishes; and the crowns of crushed men floated on its surface. Shields and armour were its eddies, and cars were the rafts with which it teemed. And it could be easily forded by persons desirous of victory, while to those that were cowards it was unfordable. Having caused that river to flow, Vibhatsu, that slayer of hostile heroes and bull among men, addressing Vasudeva said, "Yonder, O Krishna, the standard of the Suta's son is visible. There, Bhimasena and others are fighting with that great car-warrior. There, the Pancalas, afraid of Karna, are flying away, O Janardana. Yonder, king Duryodhana, with the white umbrella over his head, along with Karna, looketh exceedingly resplendent as he is engaged in routing the Pancalas. There Kripa, and Kritavarma, and Drona's son, that mighty car-warrior, are protecting king Duryodhana, themselves protected by the Suta's son. There, O Krishna, Shalya, well conversant with holding the reins, looketh exceedingly resplendent as, seated on the terrace of Karna's car, he guideth that vehicle. Bear me to that mighty car-warrior, for even such is the wish cherished by me. Without slaying Karna in this battle I will never return. Otherwise, the son of Radha, O Janardana, will, in my sight, exterminate the mighty car-warriors of the Parthas and the Srinjayas." Thus addressed, Keshava quickly proceeded on his car, towards the mighty bowman Karna, for causing a single combat to take place between Karna and Savyasaci. Indeed, the mighty-armed Hari, at the command of Pandu's son, proceeded on his car, assuring (by that very act) all the Pandava troops. The rattle then of Arjuna's vehicle rose loud in that battle, resembling, O sire, the tremendous peal of Vasu's thunder. Beholding Arjuna of white steeds and having Krishna for his driver thus advance, and seeing the standard of that high-souled one, the king of the Madras, addressing Karna, said, "There cometh that car-warrior having white steeds yoked unto his vehicle and having Krishna for his driver, slaying his foes in battle. There cometh he about whom thou wert enquiring, holding his bow Gandiva. If thou canst slay him today, great good may then be done to us. He cometh, O Karna, desirous of an encounter with thee, slaying, as he cometh, our chief warriors. Do thou proceed against that hero of Bharata's race. Avoiding all our warriors, Dhananjaya advanceth with great speed, for, as I think, an encounter with thee, judging by his form swelling with rage and energy. Blazing with wrath, Partha will not stop from desire of battle with anybody else save thee, especially when Vrikodara is being so much afflicted (by thee). Learning that king Yudhishthira the just hath been exceedingly mangled and made carless by thee, and seeing (the plight of) Shikhandi, and Satyaki, and Dhrishtadyumna, the son of Prishata, and the (five) sons of Draupadi, and Yudhamanyu, and Uttamauja, and the brothers, Nakula and Sahadeva, that scorcher of foes, Partha, advanceth impetuously on a single car against thee. Without doubt, he is advancing with speed against us, avoiding other combatants. Do thou, O Karna, proceed against him, for there is no other bowman (among us that can do so). I do not behold any arrangements made for his protection, either on his flanks or at his rear. He advanceth alone against thee. Look after thy success now. Thou alone art able to encounter the two Krishnas in battle. Proceed, therefore, against Dhananjaya. Thou art the equal of Bhishma, of Drona, of Drona's son, of Kripa. Do thou resist in this great battle the advancing Savyasaci. Indeed, O Karna, slay this Dhananjaya that resembles a snake frequently darting out its tongue, or a roaring bull, or a tiger in the forest. There, those kings, those mighty car-warriors of the Dhritarashtra's army, through fear of Arjuna, are quickly flying away, regardless of one another. Save thee, O Suta's son, there is no other man, O hero, that can, in battle, dispel the fears of those retreating combatants. All those Kurus, O tiger among men, obtaining thee as their refuge in this battle, stand depending on thee and desirous of thy protection. Mustering thy great prowess, O mighty-armed one, proceed against Vrishni's race, who is always gratified by the diadem-decked (Arjuna)."

"'Karna said, "Thou seemest now to be in thy usual frame of mind and thou art now agreeable to me. Do not, O mighty-armed one, entertain any fear of Dhananjaya. Behold the might of my arms today, and behold my skill. Single-handed, I will today destroy the mighty host of the Pandavas, as also those two lions among men, the two Krishnas! I say this truly unto thee. I will never return from the field today without slaying two heroes. Or, slain by those two, I shall today sleep on the field of battle. Victory is uncertain in battle. Slaying or slain, I shall today achieve my purpose."

"'Shalya said, "All great car-warriors, O Karna, say that this foremost of car-warriors, (Arjuna), even when alone, is invincible. When again, he is protected by Krishna, who will venture to vanquish him?"

"'Karna said, "As far as I have heard, such a superior car-warrior has never been born on earth! Behold my prowess, since I will contend in battle with even that Partha who is such. This prince of Kuru's line, this foremost of car-warriors, careers in battle, borne by his steeds white in hue. Perhaps he will despatch me to Yama's abode today. Know, however, that with Karna's death, these all will be exterminated. The two arms of this prince are never covered with sweat. They never tremble. They are massive and covered with cicatrices. Firm in the use of weapons, he is possessed of great skill and endued with great lightness of hands. Indeed, there is no warrior equal to the son of Pandu. He taketh a large number of arrows and shooteth them as if they were one. Quickly fixing them on the bow-string, he propelleth them to the distance of two miles. They always fall on the foe. What warriors is there on earth that is equal to him? That Atiratha, endued with great activity, with Krishna as his ally, gratified the god Agni at Khandava. There, on that occasion, the high-souled Krishna obtained his discus, and Savyasaci, the son of Pandu, obtained his bow Gandiva. There that mighty-armed one, endued with might that knows no decay, also obtained his terrible car unto which are yoked those white steeds, as also his two great celestial and inexhaustible quivers, and many celestial weapons, from the God of Fire. In the region of Indra he obtained his conch Devadatta and slew innumerable Daityas, and all the Kalakeyas. Who is there on earth that is superior to him? Possessed of greatness of soul, he gratified Mahadeva himself in fair fight, and obtained from him the terrible and mighty weapon Pasupata that is capable of destroying the three worlds. The several Regents of the world, united together gave him their weapons of immeasurable energy, with which that lion among men quickly destroyed in battle those united Asuras, the Kalakhanjas. So also, in Virata's city, moving on a single car he vanquished all of us, and snatched from us that wealth of kine, and took from all the foremost of car-warriors (portions of) their garments. Challenging that foremost of Kshatriyas, that hero having him of Vrishni's race for his ally, that warrior who is endued with such energy and such attributes, I regard myself, O Shalya, to be the foremost of persons in all the world in point of courage. He is, again, protected by that Keshava of great energy, who is Narayana himself and who is without a rival, that high-souled Vasudeva, that ever-victorious Vishnu armed with conch, discus, and mace, whose attributes all the world united together, cannot (in narrating) exhaust in 10,000 years. Beholding the two Krishnas together on the same car, fear entereth my heart together with courage. Partha is the foremost of all bowmen, while Narayana is unrivalled in encounters with the discus. Even such are Vasudeva, and the son of Pandu. Indeed, the mountains of Himavat may move from the spot where they stand but not the two Krishnas. Both of them are heroes, possessed of great skill, firm in the use of weapons, and mighty car-warriors. Both of them have adamantine frames. Who else, O Shalya, save myself, would proceed against Phalguna and Vasudeva that are even such? The desire cherished by me today, viz., that of a battle with the son of Pandu, O ruler of the Madras, will be fulfilled without delay. Soon will that wonderful and matchless and beautiful battle take place. Either I will overthrow those two in battle today, or the two Krishnas will today overthrow me." Saying these words unto Shalya, Karna, that slayer of foes, began to utter loud roars in that battle, like those of the clouds. Approaching then thy son, that foremost one among the Kurus, and saluted respectfully by him, Karna said unto that prince as also unto those two mighty-armed warriors, Kripa and the Bhoja chief Kritavarma, and the ruler of the Gandharvas with his son, and the preceptors and his own younger brothers, and all the foot-soldiers and horsemen and elephant-riders, these words, "Rush towards Acyuta and Arjuna and close up their path all around, and cause them to be tired with exertion, so that, ye lords of the earth, I may easily slay those two after ye all will have mangled them deeply." Saying, "So be it!" those foremost of heroes, desirous of slaying Arjuna, speedily proceeded against him. Those mighty car-warriors then, obeying the behest of Karna, began to strike Dhananjaya with innumerable arrows in that battle. Like the great ocean containing a vast quantity of water receiving all rivers with their tributaries Arjuna received all those warriors in battle. His foes could not notice when he fixed his excellent arrows on the bow-string and when he let them off. All that could be seen was that men and steeds and elephants, pierced with the arrows sped by Dhananjaya, continually fell down, deprived of life. Like men with diseased eyes that are unable to gaze at the sun, the Kauravas on that occasion could not gaze at Jaya who seemed to be possessed of the energy of the all-destroying Sun that rises at the end of the Yuga, having arrows for his rays, and Gandiva for his beautiful circular disc. Smiling the while, Partha with his own showers of arrows cut off the excellent arrows sped at him by those mighty car-warriors. In return, he struck them with innumerable arrows, drawing his bow Gandiva to a complete circle. As the sun of fierce rays between the months of Jyaishtha and Ashadha easily drieth up the waters (of the earth), even so Arjuna, baffling the arrows of his foes, consumed thy troops, O king of kings! Then Kripa, and the chief of the Bhojas, and thy son himself shooting showers of shafts, rushed towards him. Drona's son also, that mighty car-warrior, rushed towards him, shooting his shafts. Indeed, all of them rained their arrows on him, like the clouds pouring torrents of rain on a mountain. The son of Pandu, however, with great activity and speed, cut off with his own shafts those excellent arrows sped at him with great care in that dreadful battle by those accomplished warriors desirous of slaying him, and pierced the chest of each of his adversaries with three shafts. Having arrows for his fierce rays, the Arjuna sun, with gandiva drawn to its fullest stretch constituting his corona, looked resplendent, as he scorched his foes, like the Sun himself between the months of Jyeshtha and Ashadha, within his bright corona. Then Drona's son pierced Dhananjaya with ten foremost of shafts, and Keshava with three, and the four steeds of Dhananjaya with four, and showered many shafts on the Ape on Arjuna's banner. For all that, Dhananjaya cut off the full drawn bow in his adversary's hand with three shafts, the head of his driver with a razor-faced arrow, and his four steeds with his four other shafts and his standard with three other arrows and felled him from his car. The son of Drona then, filled with wrath, took up another costly bow, bright as the body of Takshaka, and decked with gems and diamonds and gold, and resembling a mighty snake caught from the foot of a mountain. Stringing that bow as he stood on the earth, and bringing out one after another shafts and weapons, Drona's son, that warrior who excelled in many accomplishments, began to afflict those two unvanquished and foremost of men and pierce them from a near point with many shafts. Then those mighty car-warriors, Kripa and Bhoja and thy son, standing at the van of battle, fell upon and shrouded that bull among the Pandavas, shooting showers of shafts, like clouds shrouding the dispeller of darkness. Possessed of prowess equal to that of the thousand-armed (Kartavirya), Partha then showered his shafts on Kripa's bow with arrow fixed on it, his steeds, his standard, and his driver, like the wielder of the thunder in days of yore showering his shafts on (the asura) Vali. His weapons destroyed by Partha's shafts, and his standard also having been crushed in that great battle, Kripa was afflicted with as many thousands of arrows by Arjuna as Ganga's son Bhishma before them (on the day of his fall) by the same diademdecked warrior. The valiant Partha then, with his shafts, cut off the standard and the bow of thy roaring son. Destroying next the handsome steeds of Kritavarma, he cut off the latter's standard as well. He then began to destroy with great speed the elephants of the hostile force, as also its cars with their steeds and drivers and bows and standards. Thereupon that vast host of thine broke into a hundred parts like an embankment washed off by the waters. Then Keshava, quickly urging Arjuna's car, placed all his afflicted foes on his right side. Then other warriors, desirous of an encounter, with their well-equipped cars bearing lofty standards, followed Dhananjaya who was proceeding with great speed like Indra proceeding for the slaughter of Vritra. Then those mighty car-warriors, Shikhandi and Satyaki and the twins, proceeding in the direction of Dhananjaya, checked those foes and, piercing them with keen arrows, uttered terrible roars. Then the Kuru heroes and the Srinjayas, encountering one another with rage, slew one another with straight shafts of great energy, like the Asuras and the celestials in days of yore in great battle. Elephant-warriors and horsemen and car-warriors,--all chastisers of foes,--inspired with desire of victory or impatient of proceeding to heaven, fell fast on the field. Uttering loud shouts, they pierced one another vigorously with well-shot arrows. In consequence of those high-souled warriors of great courage shooting their arrows at one another in that dreadful battle and by that means causing a darkness there, the points of the compass, cardinal and subsidiary became enveloped in gloom and the very effulgence of the sun became totally shrouded.'"

8.58.1

संजय उवाच
राजन्कुरूणां प्रवरैर्बलैर्भीममभिद्रुतम्
मज्जन्तमिव कौन्तेयमुज्जिहीर्षुर्धनंजयः

8.58.2

विमृद्य सूतपुत्रस्य सेनां भारत सायकैः
प्राहिणोन्मृत्युलोकाय परवीरान्धनंजयः

8.58.3

ततोऽस्याम्बरमावृत्य शरजालानि भागशः
अदृश्यन्त तथान्ये च निघ्नन्तस्तव वाहिनीम्

8.58.4

स पक्षिसंघाचरितमाकाशं पूरयञ्शरैः
धनंजयो महाराज कुरूणामन्तकोऽभवत्

8.58.5

ततो भल्लैः क्षुरप्रैश्च नाराचैर्निर्मलैरपि
गात्राणि प्राक्षिणोत्पार्थः शिरांसि च चकर्त ह

8.58.6

छिन्नगात्रैर्विकवचैर्विशिरस्कैः समन्ततः
पतितैश्च पतद्भिश्च योधैरासीत्समावृतम्

8.58.7

धनंजयशराभ्यस्तैः स्यन्दनाश्वनरद्विपैः
रणभूमिरभूद्राजन्महावैतरणी यथा

8.58.8

ईषाचक्राक्षभङ्गैश्च व्यश्वैः साश्वैश्च युध्यताम्
ससूतैर्हतसूतैश्च रथैः स्तीर्णाभवन्मही

8.58.9

सुवर्णवर्मसंनाहैर्योधैः कनकभूषणैः
आस्थिताः कृतवर्माणो भद्रा नित्यमदा द्विपाः
क्रुद्धाः क्रुद्धैर्महामात्रैः प्रेषितार्जुनमभ्ययुः

8.58.10

चतुःशताः शरवर्षैर्हताः पेतुः किरीटिना
पर्यस्तानीव शृङ्गाणि ससत्त्वानि महागिरेः

8.58.11

धनंजयशराभ्यस्तैः स्तीर्णा भूर्वरवारणैः
अभिपेदेऽर्जुनरथो घनान्भिन्दन्निवांशुमान्

8.58.12

हतैर्गजमनुष्याश्वैर्भग्नैश्च बहुधा रथैः
विशस्त्रपत्रकवचैर्युद्धशौण्डैर्गतासुभिः
अपविद्धायुधैर्मार्गः स्तीर्णोऽभूत्फल्गुनेन वै

8.58.13

व्यस्फूर्जयच्च गाण्डीवं सुमहद्भैरवस्वनम्
घोरो वज्रविनिष्पेषः स्तनयित्नोरिवाम्बरे

8.58.14

ततः प्रादीर्यत चमूर्धनंजयशराहता
महावातसमाविद्धा महानौरिव सागरे

8.58.15

नानारूपाः प्रहरणाः शरा गाण्डीवचोदिताः
अलातोल्काशनिप्रख्यास्तव सैन्यं विनिर्दहन्

8.58.16

महागिरौ वेणुवनं निशि प्रज्वलितं यथा
तथा तव महत्सैन्यं प्रास्फुरच्छरपीडितम्

8.58.17

संपिष्टदग्धविध्वस्तं तव सैन्यं किरीटिना
हतं प्रविहतं बाणैः सर्वतः प्रद्रुतं दिशः

8.58.18

महावने मृगगणा दावाग्निग्रसिता यथा
कुरवः पर्यवर्तन्त निर्दग्धाः सव्यसाचिना

8.58.19

उत्सृज्य हि महाबाहुं भीमसेनं तदा रणे
बलं कुरूणामुद्विग्नं सर्वमासीत्पराङ्मुखम्

8.58.20

ततः कुरुषु भग्नेषु बीभत्सुरपराजितः
भीमसेनं समासाद्य मुहूर्तं सोऽभ्यवर्तत

8.58.21

समागम्य स भीमेन मन्त्रयित्वा च फल्गुनः
विशल्यमरुजं चास्मै कथयित्वा युधिष्ठिरम्

8.58.22

भीमसेनाभ्यनुज्ञातस्ततः प्रायाद्धनंजयः
नादयन्रथघोषेण पृथिवीं द्यां च भारत

8.58.23

ततः परिवृतो भीमैर्दशभिः शत्रुपुंगवैः
दुःशासनादवरजैस्तव पुत्रैर्धनंजयः

8.58.24

ते तमभ्यर्दयन्बाणैरुल्काभिरिव कुञ्जरम्
आततेष्वसनाः क्रूरा नृत्यन्त इव भारत

8.58.25

अपसव्यांस्तु तांश्चक्रे रथेन मधुसूदनः
ततस्ते प्राद्रवञ्शूराः पराङ्मुखरथेऽर्जुने

8.58.26

तेषामापततां केतून्रथांश्चापानि सायकान्
नाराचैरर्धचन्द्रैश्च क्षिप्रं पार्थो न्यपातयत्

8.58.27

अथान्यैर्दशभिर्भल्लैः शिरांस्येषां न्यपातयत्
रोषसंरक्तनेत्राणि संदष्टौष्ठानि भूतले
तानि वक्त्राणि विबभुर्व्योम्नि तारागणा इव

8.58.28

तांस्तु भल्लैर्महावेगैर्दशभिर्दश कौरवान्
रुक्माङ्गदान्रुक्मपुङ्खैर्विद्ध्वा प्रायादमित्रहा

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Then, O king, Dhananjaya, desirous of rescuing Kunti's son Bhima who, assailed by many, foremost of warriors of the Kuru army, seemed to sink (under that attack), avoided, O Bharata, the troops of the Suta's son and began, with his shafts, to despatch those hostile heroes (that were opposed to Bhima) to the regions of death. Successive showers of Arjuna's shafts were seen overspread on the sky, while others were seen to slay thy army. Filling the welkin with his shafts that resembled dense flights of feathery creatures, Dhananjaya, O monarch, at that time, became the very Destroyer unto the Kurus. With his broad-headed arrows, and those equipped with heads flat and sharp as razors, and cloth-yard shafts of bright polish, Partha mangled the bodies of his foes and cut off their heads. The field of battle became strewn with falling warriors, some with bodies cut and mangled, some divested of armour and some deprived of heads. Like the great Vaitarani (separating the regions of life from those of the dead), the field of battle, O king, became uneven and impassable and unsightly and terrible, in consequence of steeds and cars and elephants, which struck with Dhananjaya's shafts, were mangled and crushed and cut off in diverse ways. The earth was also covered with broken shafts and wheels and axles, and with cars that were steedless or that had their steeds and others that were driverless or that had their drivers. Then four hundred well-trained and ever-furious elephants, excited with wrath, and ridden by warriors cased in mail of golden hue and adorned with ornaments of gold, and urged by fierce guides with pressure of heels and toes, fell down, struck by the diadem-decked Arjuna with his shafts, like loosened summits, peopled with living creatures, of gigantic mountains. Indeed, the earth became covered with (other) huge elephants struck down by Dhananjaya with his arrows. Like the sun piercing through masses of clouds, Arjuna's car passed through dense bodies of elephants with juicy secretions flowing down their bodies and looking like masses of clouds. Phalguna caused his track to be heaped up with slain elephants and steeds, and with cars broken in diverse ways, and with lifeless heroes deprived of weapons and engines and of armour, as also with arms of diverse kinds loosened from hands that held them. The twang of Gandiva became tremendously loud, like the peal of thunder in the welkin. The (Dhartarashtra) army then, smitten with the shafts of Dhananjaya, broke, like a large vessel on the bosom of the ocean violently lashed by the tempest. Diverse kinds of fatal shafts, sped from Gandiva, and resembling burning brands and meteors and thunderbolts, burnt thy army. That mighty host, thus afflicted with Dhananjaya's shafts, looked beautiful like a blazing forest of bamboos on a mountain in the night. Crushed and burnt and thrown into confusion, and mangled and massacred by the diadem-decked Arjuna with his arrows, that host of thine then fled away on all sides. Indeed, the Kauravas, burnt by Savyasaci, dispersed on all sides, like animals in the great forest frightened at a forest conflagration. The Kuru host then (that had assailed Bhimasena) abandoning that mighty-armed hero, turned their faces from battle, filled with anxiety. After the Kurus had been routed, the unvanquished Vibhatsu, approaching Bhimasena, stayed there for a moment. Having met Bhima and held a consultation with him, Phalguna informed his brother that the arrows had been extracted from Yudhishthira's body and that the latter was perfectly well.

"'With Bhimasena's leave, Dhananjaya then proceeded (once more against his foes), causing the earth and the welkin, O Bharata, to resound with the rattle of his car. He was then surrounded by ten heroic and foremost of warriors, viz., thy sons, all of whom were Duhshasana's juniors in age. Afflicting Arjuna with their shafts like hunters afflicting an elephant with burning brands, those heroes, with outstretched bow, seemed to dance, O Bharata, (on their cars). The slayer of Madhu then, guiding his, car placed all of them to his right. Indeed, he expected that Arjuna would very soon send all of them to Yama's presence. Beholding Arjuna's car proceeding in a different direction, those heroes rushed towards him. Soon, however, Partha, with a number of cloth-yard shafts and crescent-shaped arrows, cut off their standards and steeds and bows and arrows, causing them to fall down on the earth. Then with some broad-headed arrows he cut off and felled their heads decked with lips bit and eyes blood-red in rage. Those faces looked beautiful like an assemblage of lotuses. Having slain those ten Kauravas cased in golden mail, with ten broad-headed shafts endued with great, impetuosity and equipped with wings of gold that slayer of foes, Arjuna continued to proceed.'"

8.59.1

संजय उवाच
तं तु यान्तं महावेगैरश्वैः कपिवरध्वजम्
युद्धायाभ्यद्रवन्वीराः कुरूणां नवती रथाः
परिवव्रुर्नरव्याघ्रा नरव्याघ्रं रणेऽर्जुनम्

8.59.2

कृष्णः श्वेतान्महावेगानश्वान्कनकभूषणान्
मुक्ताजालप्रतिच्छन्नान्प्रैषीत्कर्णरथं प्रति

8.59.3

ततः कर्णरथं यान्तमरीन्घ्नन्तं धनंजयम्
बाणवर्षैरभिघ्नन्तः संशप्तकरथा ययुः

8.59.4

त्वरमाणांस्तु तान्सर्वान्ससूतेष्वसनध्वजान्
जघान नवतिं वीरानर्जुनो निशितैः शरैः

8.59.5

तेऽपतन्त हता बाणैर्नानारूपैः किरीटिना
सविमाना यथा सिद्धाः स्वर्गात्पुण्यक्षये तथा

8.59.6

ततः सरथनागाश्वाः कुरवः कुरुसत्तम
निर्भया भरतश्रेष्ठमभ्यवर्तन्त फल्गुनम्

8.59.7

तदायस्तममुक्तास्त्रमुदीर्णवरवारणम्
पुत्राणां ते महत्सैन्यं समरौत्सीद्धनंजयः

8.59.8

शक्त्यृष्टितोमरप्रासैर्गदानिस्त्रिंशसायकैः
प्राच्छादयन्महेष्वासाः कुरवः कुरुनन्दनम्

8.59.9

तां कुरूणां प्रविततां शस्त्रवृष्टिं समुद्यताम्
व्यधमत्पाण्डवो बाणैस्तमः सूर्य इवांशुभिः

8.59.10

ततो म्लेच्छाः स्थितैर्मत्तैस्त्रयोदशशतैर्गजैः
पार्श्वतोऽभ्यहनन्पार्थं तव पुत्रस्य शासनात्

8.59.11

कर्णिनालीकनाराचैस्तोमरैः प्रासशक्तिभिः
कम्पनैर्भिण्डिपालैश्च रथस्थं पार्थमार्दयन्

8.59.12

तामस्त्रवृष्टिं प्रहितां द्विपस्थैर्यवनैः स्मयन्
चिच्छेद निशितैर्भल्लैरर्धचन्द्रैश्च फल्गुनः

8.59.13

अथ तान्द्विरदान्सर्वान्नानालिङ्गैर्महाशरैः
सपताकान्सहारोहान्गिरीन्वज्रैरिवाभिनत्

8.59.14

ते हेमपुङ्खैरिषुभिराचिता हेममालिनः
हताः पेतुर्महानागाः साग्निज्वाला इवाद्रयः

8.59.15

ततो गाण्डीवनिर्घोषो महानासीद्विशां पते
स्तनतां कूजतां चैव मनुष्यगजवाजिनाम्

8.59.16

कुञ्जराश्च हता राजन्प्राद्रवंस्ते समन्ततः
अश्वाश्च पर्यधावन्त हतारोहा दिशो दश

8.59.17

रथा हीना महाराज रथिभिर्वाजिभिस्तथा
गन्धर्वनगराकारा दृश्यन्ते स्म सहस्रशः

8.59.18

अश्वारोहा महाराज धावमानास्ततस्ततः
तत्र तत्रैव दृश्यन्ते पतिताः पार्थसायकैः

8.59.19

तस्मिन्क्षणे पाण्डवस्य बाह्वोर्बलमदृश्यत
यत्सादिनो वारणांश्च रथांश्चैकोऽजयद्युधि

8.59.20

ततस्त्र्यङ्गेण महता बलेन भरतर्षभ
दृष्ट्वा परिवृतं राजन्भीमसेनः किरीटिनम्

8.59.21

हतावशेषानुत्सृज्य त्वदीयान्कतिचिद्रथान्
जवेनाभ्यद्रवद्राजन्धनंजयरथं प्रति

8.59.22

ततस्तत्प्राद्रवत्सैन्यं हतभूयिष्ठमातुरम्
दृष्ट्वा यदर्जुनं भीमो जगाम भ्रातरं प्रति

8.59.23

हतावशिष्टांस्तुरगानर्जुनेन महाजवान्
भीमो व्यधमदभ्रान्तो गदापाणिर्महाहवे

8.59.24

कालरात्रिमिवात्युग्रां नरनागाश्वभोजनाम्
प्राकाराट्टपुरद्वारदारणीमतिदारुणाम्

8.59.25

ततो गदां नृनागाश्वेष्वाशु भीमो व्यवासृजत्
सा जघान बहूनश्वानश्वारोहांश्च मारिष

8.59.26

कांस्यायसतनुत्रांस्तान्नरानश्वांश्च पाण्डवः
पोथयामास गदया सशब्दं तेऽपतन्हताः

8.59.27

हत्वा तु तद्गजानीकं भीमसेनो महाबलः
पुनः स्वरथमास्थाय पृष्ठतोऽर्जुनमन्वगात्

8.59.28

हतं पराङ्मुखप्रायं निरुत्साहं परं बलम्
व्यालम्बत महाराज प्रायशः शस्त्रवेष्टितम्

8.59.29

विलम्बमानं तत्सैन्यमप्रगल्भमवस्थितम्
दृष्ट्वा प्राच्छादयद्बाणैरर्जुनः प्राणतापनैः

8.59.30

ततः कुरूणामभवदार्तनादो महामृधे
रथाश्वनागासुहरैर्वध्यतामर्जुनेषुभिः

8.59.31

हाहाकृतं भृशं तस्थौ लीयमानं परस्परम्
अलातचक्रवत्सैन्यं तदाभ्रमत तावकम्

8.59.32

आदीप्तं तव तत्सैन्यं शरैश्छिन्नतनुच्छदम्
आसीत्स्वशोणितक्लिन्नं फुल्लाशोकवनं यथा

8.59.33

तद्दृष्ट्वा कुरवस्तत्र विक्रान्तं सव्यसाचिनः
निराशाः समपद्यन्त सर्वे कर्णस्य जीविते

8.59.34

अविषह्यं तु पार्थस्य शरसंपातमाहवे
मत्वा न्यवर्तन्कुरवो जिता गाण्डीवधन्वना

8.59.35

ते हित्वा समरे पार्थं वध्यमानाश्च सायकैः
प्रदुद्रुवुर्दिशो भीताश्चुक्रुशुश्चापि सूतजम्

8.59.36

अभ्यद्रवत तान्पार्थः किरञ्शरशतान्बहून्
हर्षयन्पाण्डवान्योधान्भीमसेनपुरोगमान्

8.59.37

पुत्रास्तु ते महाराज जग्मुः कर्णरथं प्रति
अगाधे मज्जतां तेषां द्वीपः कर्णोऽभवत्तदा

8.59.38

कुरवो हि महाराज निर्विषाः पन्नगा इव
कर्णमेवोपलीयन्त भयाद्गाण्डीवधन्वनः

8.59.39

यथा सर्वाणि भूतानि मृत्योर्भीतानि भारत
धर्ममेवोपलीयन्ते कर्मवन्ति हि यानि च

8.59.40

तथा कर्णं महेष्वासं पुत्रास्तव नराधिप
उपालीयन्त संत्रासात्पाण्डवस्य महात्मनः

8.59.41

ताञ्शोणितपरिक्लिन्नान्विषमस्थाञ्शरातुरान्
मा भैष्टेत्यब्रवीत्कर्णो ह्यभितो मामितेति च

8.59.42

संभग्नं हि बलं दृष्ट्वा बलात्पार्थेन तावकम्
धनुर्विस्फारयन्कर्णस्तस्थौ शत्रुजिघांसया
पाञ्चालान्पुनराधावत्पश्यतः सव्यसाचिनः

8.59.43

ततः क्षणेन क्षितिपाः क्षतजप्रतिमेक्षणाः
कर्णं ववर्षुर्बाणौघैर्यथा मेघा महीधरम्

8.59.44

ततः शरसहस्राणि कर्णमुक्तानि मारिष
व्ययोजयन्त पाञ्चालान्प्राणैः प्राणभृतां वर

8.59.45

ततो रणो महानासीत्पाञ्चालानां विशां पते
वध्यतां सूतपुत्रेण मित्रार्थेऽमित्रघातिनाम्

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Meanwhile ninety Kaurava car-warriors rushed for battle against the ape-bannered Arjuna who was advancing, borne by his steeds of exceeding fleetness. Those tigers among men, having sworn a terrible oath about the other world, encompassed that tiger among men, Arjuna. Krishna, however, (without minding those warriors), urged the white steeds of Arjuna, endued with great speed and adorned with ornaments of gold and covered with networks of pearls, towards Karna's car. Those ninety Samsaptaka cars pursued Dhananjaya, that slayer of foes, pouring upon him showers of shafts, as he proceeded towards Karna's car. Then Arjuna, with his keen shafts, cut off those ninety assailants endued with great activity, along with their drivers and bows and standards. Slain by the diadem-decked Arjuna with diverse kinds of shafts, they fell down like Siddhas falling down, with their cars, from heaven upon the exhaustion of their merits. After this, many Kauravas, with cars and elephants and steeds, fearlessly advanced against that foremost one of Kuru's race, that chief of the Bharatas, Phalguna. That large force of thy sons, teeming with struggling men and steeds, and swelling with foremost of elephants, then encompassed Dhananjaya, checking his further progress. The mighty Kaurava bowmen shrouded that descendant of Kuru's race with darts and swords and lances and spears and maces and scimitars and arrows. Like the Sun destroying the darkness with his rays, the son of Pandu destroyed with his own shafts that shower of weapons over-spread in the welkin. Then a force of Mlecchas riding thirteen hundred ever-infuriated elephants, at the command of thy son, assailed Partha in the flank. With barbed arrows and Nalikas and cloth-yard shafts and lances and spears and darts and Kampanas and short arrows, they afflicted Partha on his car. That matchless shower of weapons, some of which were hurled by the elephants with their tusks, Phalguna cut off with his broad-headed shafts and crescent-shaped arrows of great keenness. With excellent arrows of diverse kinds, he struck all those elephants and their standards and banners and riders, like Indra striking mountains with thunderbolts. Afflicted with gold-winged shafts, those huge elephants decked with necklaces of gold fell down deprived of life, like mountains ablaze with volcanic fires. Amid that roaring and shouting and wailing army of men and elephants and steeds, the twang of Gandiva, O monarch, rose high. Elephants, O king, struck (with shafts), fled away on all sides. Steeds also, their riders slain, wandered in all directions. Cars, O monarch, looking like the changeful forms of vapour in the sky, deprived of riders and steeds, were seen in thousands. Horsemen, O monarch, wandering hither and thither, were seen to fall down deprived of life by the shafts of Partha. At that time the might of Arjuna's arms was seen. (So great was that might) that alone, in that battle, he vanquished horsemen and elephants and car-warriors (that had been assailing him from every side). Then Bhimasena, beholding the diadem-decked Phalguna encompassed, O bull of Bharata's race, by a large (Kaurava) host consisting of three kinds of forces, abandoned the small unslaughtered remnant of the Kaurava car-warriors with whom he had been engaged, and rushed impetuously, O king, to the spot where Dhananjaya's car was. Meanwhile the Kaurava force that still remained after heavy slaughter, exceedingly weakened, fled away, Bhima (as already said) beholding Arjuna, proceeded towards his brother. The unfatigued Bhima, armed with a mace, destroyed, in that battle, the portion that still remained after the greater part had been slaughtered by Arjuna, of the Kaurava host possessed of great might. Fierce as the death-night, subsisting upon men and elephants and steeds as its food, and capable of crushing walls and mansions and gates of cities, that exceedingly terrible mace of Bhima incessantly descended on men and elephants and steeds around him. That mace, O sire, slew numberless steeds and riders. With that mace the son of Pandu crushed men and steeds cased in steel armour. Struck therewith, they fell down with great noise. Biting the earth with their teeth, and bathed in blood, these, with the crowns of their heads and bows and lower limbs crushed, laid themselves down on the field, supplying all carnivorous creatures with food. Satiated with blood and flesh and marrow, and eating bones as well, that mace (of Bhimasena) became, like the death-night, difficult of being gazed at. Having slain 10,000 horses and numerous foot-soldiers, Bhima ran hither and thither in rage, armed with his mace. Then, O Bharata, thy troops, beholding Bhima mace in hand, thought that Yama himself, armed with his fatal bludgeon, was in their midst. The son of Pandu then, excited with rage, and resembling an infuriated elephant, penetrated into the elephant division (of the Kauravas), like a Makara entering the ocean. Having, with his formidable mace, penetrated into that elephant division, the enraged Bhima, within a very short time, despatched it to Yama's abode. We then beheld those infuriated elephants with spiked plates on their bodies falling on every side, with their riders and standards, like winged mountains. Having destroyed that elephant division, the mighty Bhimasena, once more riding on his car, followed Arjuna at his rear. That great host, thus slaughtered, filled with cheerlessness and about to fly away, stood almost inactive, O monarch, assailed on all sides with weapons. Beholding that host looking humble and standing inactive and almost motionless, Arjuna covered it with life-scorching shafts. Men and steeds and elephants, pierced in that battle with showers of shafts by the wielder of Gandiva, looked beautiful like Kadamva flowers with their filaments. Thus struck with Arjuna's shafts that quickly slew men and steeds and cars and elephants, loud wails, O king, arose from the Kuru army. With cries of "Oh" and "Alas," and exceedingly frightened, and huddling close to one another, thy army began to turn round with great speed. The battle, however, continued between the Kurus and the Pandavas of great might. There was not a single car-warrior or horseman or elephant-warrior or steed or elephant that was unwounded. Their coats of mail pierced with shafts and themselves bathed in blood, the troops looked blazing like a forest of flowering Asokas. Beholding Savyasaci putting forth his valour on that occasion, the Kauravas became hopeless of Karna's life. Regarding the touch of Arjuna's shafts to be unbearable, the Kauravas, vanquished by the wielder of Gandiva, fled from the field. Deserting Karna in that battle as they were being thus struck with Arjuna's shafts, they fled away in fear on all sides, loudly calling upon the Suta's son (to rescue them). Partha, however, pursued them, shooting hundreds of shafts and gladdening the Pandava warriors headed by Bhimasena. Thy sons then, O monarch, proceeded towards the car of Karna. Sinking, as they seemed to be, in a fathomless ocean, Karna then became an island unto them. The Kauravas, O monarch, like snakes without poison, took Karna's shelter, moved by the fear of the wielder of Gandiva. Indeed, even as creatures, O sire, endued with actions, from fear of death, take the shelter of virtue, thy sons, O ruler of men, from fear of the high-souled son of Pandu, took shelter with the mighty bowman Karna. Then, Karna, uninspired with fear, addressed those distressed warriors afflicted with arrows and bathed in blood, saying, 'Do not fear! Come to me!" Beholding thy army vigorously broken by Partha, Karna, stretching his bow, stood desirous of slaughtering the foe. Seeing that the Kurus had left the field, Karna, that foremost of all wielders of weapons, reflecting a little, set his heart upon the slaughter of Partha and began to draw deep breaths. Bending his formidable bow, Adhiratha's son Vrisha once more rushed against the Pancalas, in the very sight of Savyasaci. Soon, however, many lords of the earth, with eyes red as blood, poured their arrowy downpours on him like clouds pouring rain upon a mountain. Then thousands of arrows, O foremost of living creatures, shot by Karna, O sire, deprived many Pancalas of their lives. Loud sounds of wailing were uttered by the Pancalas, O thou of great intelligence, while they were being thus smitten by the Suta's son, that rescuer of friends, for the sake of his friends.'"

8.60.1

संजय उवाच
ततः कर्णः कुरुषु प्रद्रुतेषु; वरूथिना श्वेतहयेन राजन्
पाञ्चालपुत्रान्व्यधमत्सूतपुत्रो; महेषुभिर्वात इवाभ्रसंघान्

8.60.2

सूतं रथादञ्जलिकेन पात्य; जघान चाश्वाञ्जनमेजयस्य
शतानीकं सुतसोमं च भल्लै;रवाकिरद्धनुषी चाप्यकृन्तत्

8.60.3

धृष्टद्युम्नं निर्बिभेदाथ षड्भि;र्जघान चाश्वं दक्षिणं तस्य संख्ये
हत्वा चाश्वान्सात्यकेः सूतपुत्रः; कैकेयपुत्रं न्यवधीद्विशोकम्

8.60.4

तमभ्यधावन्निहते कुमारे; कैकेयसेनापतिरुग्रधन्वा
शरैर्विभिन्नं भृशमुग्रवेगैः; कर्णात्मजं सोऽभ्यहनत्सुषेणम्

8.60.5

तस्यार्धचन्द्रैस्त्रिभिरुच्चकर्त; प्रसह्य बाहू च शिरश्च कर्णः
स स्यन्दनाद्गामपतद्गतासुः; परश्वधैः शाल इवावरुग्णः

8.60.6

हताश्वमञ्जोगतिभिः सुषेणः; शिनिप्रवीरं निशितैः पृषत्कैः
प्रच्छाद्य नृत्यन्निव सौतिपुत्रः; शैनेयबाणाभिहतः पपात

8.60.7

पुत्रे हते क्रोधपरीतचेताः; कर्णः शिनीनामृषभं जिघांसुः
हतोऽसि शैनेय इति ब्रुवन्स; व्यवासृजद्बाणममित्रसाहम्

8.60.8

स तस्य चिच्छेद शरं शिखण्डी; त्रिभिस्त्रिभिश्च प्रतुतोद कर्णम्
शिखण्डिनः कार्मुकं स ध्वजं च; च्छित्त्वा शराभ्यामहनत्सुजातम्

8.60.9

शिखण्डिनं षड्भिरविध्यदुग्रो; दान्तो धार्ष्टद्युम्नशिरश्चकर्त
अथाभिनत्सुतसोमं शरेण; स संशितेनाधिरथिर्महात्मा

8.60.10

अथाक्रन्दे तुमुले वर्तमाने; धार्ष्टद्युम्ने निहते तत्र कृष्णः
अपाञ्चाल्यं क्रियते याहि पार्थ; कर्णं जहीत्यब्रवीद्राजसिंह

8.60.11

ततः प्रहस्याशु नरप्रवीरो; रथं रथेनाधिरथेर्जगाम
भये तेषां त्राणमिच्छन्सुबाहु;रभ्याहतानां रथयूथपेन

8.60.12

विस्फार्य गाण्डीवमथोग्रघोषं; ज्यया समाहत्य तले भृशं च
बाणान्धकारं सहसैव कृत्वा; जघान नागाश्वरथान्नरांश्च

8.60.13

तं भीमसेनोऽनु ययौ रथेन; पृष्ठे रक्षन्पाण्डवमेकवीरम्
तौ राजपुत्रौ त्वरितौ रथाभ्यां; कर्णाय यातावरिभिर्विमुक्तौ

8.60.14

अत्रान्तरे सुमहत्सूतपुत्र;श्चक्रे युद्धं सोमकान्संप्रमृद्नन्
रथाश्वमातङ्गगणाञ्जघान; प्रच्छादयामास दिशः शरैश्च

8.60.15

तमुत्तमौजा जनमेजयश्च; क्रुद्धौ युधामन्युशिखण्डिनौ च
कर्णं विनेदुः सहिताः पृषत्कैः; संमर्दमानाः सह पार्षतेन

8.60.16

ते पञ्च पाञ्चालरथाः सुरूपै;र्वैकर्तनं कर्णमभिद्रवन्तः
तस्माद्रथाच्च्यावयितुं न शेकु;र्धैर्यात्कृतात्मानमिवेन्द्रियाणि

8.60.17

तेषां धनूंषि ध्वजवाजिसूतां;स्तूणं पताकाश्च निकृत्य बाणैः
तान्पञ्चभिः स त्वहनत्पृषत्कैः; कर्णस्ततः सिंह इवोन्ननाद

8.60.18

तस्यास्यतस्तानभिनिघ्नतश्च; ज्याबाणहस्तस्य धनुःस्वनेन
साद्रिद्रुमा स्यात्पृथिवी विशीर्णा; इत्येव मत्वा जनता व्यषीदत्

8.60.19

स शक्रचापप्रतिमेन धन्वना; भृशाततेनाधिरथिः शरान्सृजन्
बभौ रणे दीप्तमरीचिमण्डलो; यथांशुमाली परिवेषवांस्तथा

8.60.20

शिखण्डिनं द्वादशभिः पराभिन;च्छितैः शरैः षड्भिरथोत्तमौजसम्
त्रिभिर्युधामन्युमविध्यदाशुगै;स्त्रिभिस्त्रिभिः सोमकपार्षतात्मजौ

8.60.21

पराजिताः पञ्च महारथास्तु ते; महाहवे सूतसुतेन मारिष
निरुद्यमास्तस्थुरमित्रमर्दना; यथेन्द्रियार्थात्मवता पराजिताः

8.60.22

निमज्जतस्तानथ कर्णसागरे; विपन्ननावो वणिजो यथार्णवे
उद्दध्रिरे नौभिरिवार्णवाद्रथैः; सुकल्पितैर्द्रौपदिजाः स्वमातुलान्

8.60.23

ततः शिनीनामृषभः शितैः शरै;र्निकृत्य कर्णप्रहितानिषून्बहून्
विदार्य कर्णं निशितैरयस्मयै;स्तवात्मजं ज्येष्ठमविध्यदष्टभिः

8.60.24

कृपोऽथ भोजश्च तवात्मजस्तथा; स्वयं च कर्णो निशितैरताडयत्
स तैश्चतुर्भिर्युयुधे यदूत्तमो; दिगीश्वरैर्दैत्यपतिर्यथा तथा

8.60.25

समानतेनेष्वसनेन कूजता; भृशाततेनामितबाणवर्षिणा
बभूव दुर्धर्षतरः स सात्यकिः; शरन्नभोमध्यगतो यथा रविः

8.60.26

पुनः समासाद्य रथान्सुदंशिताः; शिनिप्रवीरं जुगुपुः परंतपाः
समेत्य पाञ्चालरथा महारणे; मरुद्गणाः शक्रमिवारिनिग्रहे

8.60.27

ततोऽभवद्युद्धमतीव दारुणं; तवाहितानां तव सैनिकैः सह
रथाश्वमातङ्गविनाशनं तथा; यथा सुराणामसुरैः पुराभवत्

8.60.28

रथद्विपा वाजिपदातयोऽपि वा; भ्रमन्ति नानाविधशस्त्रवेष्टिताः
परस्परेणाभिहताश्च चस्खलु;र्विनेदुरार्ता व्यसवोऽपतन्त च

8.60.29

तथा गते भीममभीस्तवात्मजः; ससार राजावरजः किरञ्शरैः
तमभ्यधावत्त्वरितो वृकोदरो; महारुरुं सिंह इवाभिपेतिवान्

8.60.30

ततस्तयोर्युद्धमतीतमानुषं; प्रदीव्यतोः प्राणदुरोदरेऽभवत्
परस्परेणाभिनिविष्टरोषयो;रुदग्रयोः शम्बरशक्रयोर्यथा

8.60.31

शरैः शरीरान्तकरैः सुतेजनै;र्निजघ्नतुस्तावितरेतरं भृशम्
सकृत्प्रभिन्नाविव वाशितान्तरे; महागजौ मन्मथसक्तचेतसौ

8.60.32

तवात्मजस्याथ वृकोदरस्त्वर;न्धनुः क्षुराभ्यां ध्वजमेव चाच्छिनत्
ललाटमप्यस्य बिभेद पत्रिणा; शिरश्च कायात्प्रजहार सारथेः

8.60.33

स राजपुत्रोऽन्यदवाप्य कार्मुकं; वृकोदरं द्वादशभिः पराभिनत्
स्वयं नियच्छंस्तुरगानजिह्मगैः; शरैश्च भीमं पुनरभ्यवीवृषत्

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'After the Kurus, O king, had been put to flight by the mighty car-warrior Arjuna of white steeds, the Suta's son Karna began to destroy the sons of the Pancalas with his mighty shafts, like the tempest destroying congregated masses of clouds. Felling Janamejaya's driver with broad-faced shafts called Anjalikas, he next slew the steeds of that Pancala warrior. With a number of broad-headed arrows he then pierced both Satanika and Sutasoma and then cut off the bows of both those heroes. Next he pierced Dhrishtadyumna with six arrows, and then, without the loss of a moment, he slew in that encounter the steeds of that prince. Having slain next the steeds of Satyaki, the Suta's son then slew Visoka, the son of the ruler of the Kaikayas. Upon the slaughter of the Kaikaya prince, the commander of the Kaikaya division, Ugrakarman, rushed with speed and striking Prasena, the son of Karna, with many shafts of fierce impetuosity caused him to tremble. Then Karna, with three crescent-shaped arrows, cut off the arms and the head of his son's assailant, whereupon the latter, deprived of life, fell down upon the ground from his car, like a Sala tree with its branches lopped off with an axe. Then Prasena, with many keen arrows of straight course, covered the steedless grandson of Sini, and seemed to dance upon his car. Soon, however, the son of Karna, struck by the grandson of Sini, fell down. Upon the slaughter of his son, Karna, with heart filled with rage, addressed that bull among the Sinis from desire of slaying him, saying, "Thou art slain, O grandson of Sini!' and sped at him an arrow capable of slaying all foes. Then Shikhandi cut off that arrow with three shafts of his, and struck Karna himself with three other shafts. The fierce son of the Suta then, cutting off with a couple of razor-faced arrows the bow and the standard of Shikhandi, struck and pierced Shikhandi himself with six shafts, and then cut off the head of Dhrishtadyumna's son. The high-souled son of Adhiratha then pierced Sutasoma with a very keen shaft. During the progress of that fierce battle, and after Dhrishtadyumna's son had been slain, Krishna, O lion among kings, addressed Partha, saying, "The Pancalas are being exterminated. Go, O Partha, and slay Karna." Thus addressed the mighty-armed Arjuna, that foremost of men, smiled and then proceeded on his car towards the car of Adhiratha's son desirous, on that occasion of terror, of rescuing the Pancalas slaughtered by Karna, that leader of car-warriors. Stretching his Gandiva of loud twang and fiercely striking his palms with her bow-string, he suddenly created a darkness by means of his arrows and destroyed large numbers of men and steeds and cars and standards. The echoes (of that twang) travelled through the welkin. The birds, (no longer finding room in their own element), took shelter in the caverns of mountains. With his full-drawn bow, Arjuna looked resplendent. Indeed, as the diadem-decked Partha, at that terrible moment, fell upon the foe, Bhimasena, that foremost of heroes, proceeded on his car behind that son of Pandu, protecting his rear. Those two princes then, on their cars, proceeded with great speed towards Karna, encountering their foes along the way. During that interval, the Suta's son fought fiercely, grinding the Somakas. He slew a large number of car-warriors and steeds and elephants, and covered the ten points of the compass with his shafts. Then Uttamauja and Janamejaya, and the enraged Yudhamanyu and Shikhandi, uniting with Prishata's son (Dhrishtadyumna) and uttering loud roars, pierced Karna with many shafts. Those five foremost of Pancala car-warriors rushed against Karna otherwise called Vaikartana, but they could not shake him off his car like the objects of the senses failing to shake off the person of purified soul from abstinence. Quickly cutting off their bows, standards, steeds, drivers and banners, with his shafts, Karna struck each of them with five arrows and then uttered a loud roar like a lion, People then became exceedingly cheerless, thinking that the very earth, with her mountains and trees, might split at the twang of Karna's bow while that hero, with shafts in hand touching the bow-string, was employed in shooting at his assailants and slaying his foes. Shooting his shafts with that large and extended bow of his that resembled the bow of Sakra himself, the son of Adhiratha looked resplendent like the sun, with his multitude of blazing rays, within his corona. The Suta's son then pierced Shikhandi with a dozen keen shafts, and Uttamauja with half a dozen, and Yudhamanyu with three, and then each of the other two, viz., Somaka (Janamejaya) and Prishata's son (Dhrishtadyumna) with three shafts. Vanquished in dreadful battle by the Suta's son, O sire, those five mighty car-warriors then stood inactive, gladdening their foes, even as the objects of the senses are vanquished by a person of purified soul. The five sons of Draupadi then, with other well-equipped cars, rescued those maternal uncles of theirs that were sinking in the Karna ocean, like persons rescuing from the depths of the ocean ship-wrecked merchants in the sea by means of other vessels. Then that bull among the Sinis, cutting off with his own keen shafts the innumerable arrows sped by Karna, and piercing Karna himself with many keen arrows made entirely of iron, pierced thy eldest son with eight shafts. Then Kripa, and the Bhoja chief (Kritavarma), and thy son, and Karna himself, assailed Satyaki in return with keen shafts. That foremost one, however, of Yadu's race fought with those four warriors like the chief of the Daityas fighting with the Regents of the (four) quarters. With his twanging bow stretched to its fullest limits, and from which shafts flowed incessantly, Satyaki became exceedingly irresistible like the meridian Sun in the autumnal sky. Those scorchers of foes then, viz., the mighty car-warriors among the Pancalas, once more riding on their cars and clad in mail and united together, protected that foremost one among the Sinis, like the Maruts protecting Sakra while engaged in afflicting his foes in battle. The battle fraught with the slaughter of men and steeds and elephants that then ensued between thy foes and the warriors of thy army, became so fierce that it resembled the encounter in days of old between the gods and the Asuras. Car-warriors and elephants and steeds and foot-soldiers, covered with showers of diverse weapons, began to move from one point to another. Struck by one another, they reeled or uttered wails of woe in affliction or fell down deprived of life. When such was the state of affairs, thy son Duhshasana, the younger brother of the king, fearlessly advanced against Bhima, shooting showers of shafts. Vrikodara also rushed impetuously against him, like a lion springing towards a large Ruru deer. The encounter then that took place between those two heroes incensed with each other and who engaged in battle's sport making life itself the stake, became exceedingly fierce, resembled that between Samvara and Sakra in days of old. They struck each other deeply with shafts possessed of great energy and capable of piercing each other's body, like two mighty elephants excited with lust and with juicy secretions incessantly trickling down their bodies, fighting with each other in the vicinity of a she-elephant in her season. Vrikodara, with great speed, cut off, with a couple of razor-headed arrows, the bow and the standard of thy son. With another winged arrow he pierced his antagonist's forehead and then (with a fourth) cut off from his trunk the head of the latter's driver. Prince Duhshasana, taking up another bow, pierced Vrikodara with a dozen shafts. Himself holding the reins of his steeds, he once more poured over Bhima a shower of straight arrows. Then Duhshasana sped a shaft bright as the rays of the sun, decked with gold, diamonds, and other precious gems, capable of piercing the body of his assailant, and irresistible as the stroke of Indra's thunder. His body pierced therewith, Vrikodara fell, with languid limbs and like one deprived of life and with outstretched arms, upon his own excellent car. Recovering his senses, however, he began to roar like a lion.'"

8.61.1

संजय उवाच
तत्राकरोद्दुष्करं राजपुत्रो; दुःशासनस्तुमुले युध्यमानः
चिच्छेद भीमस्य धनुः क्षुरेण; षड्भिः शरैः सारथिमप्यविध्यत्

8.61.2

ततोऽभिनद्बहुभिः क्षिप्रमेव; वरेषुभिर्भीमसेनं महात्मा
स विक्षरन्नाग इव प्रभिन्नो; गदामस्मै तुमुले प्राहिणोद्वै

8.61.3

तयाहरद्दश धन्वन्तराणि; दुःशासनं भीमसेनः प्रसह्य
तया हतः पतितो वेपमानो; दुःशासनो गदया वेगवत्या

8.61.4

हयाः ससूताश्च हता नरेन्द्र; चूर्णीकृतश्चास्य रथः पतन्त्या
विध्वस्तवर्माभरणाम्बरस्र;ग्विचेष्टमानो भृशवेदनार्तः

8.61.5

ततः स्मृत्वा भीमसेनस्तरस्वी; सापत्नकं यत्प्रयुक्तं सुतैस्ते
रथादवप्लुत्य गतः स भूमौ; यत्नेन तस्मिन्प्रणिधाय चक्षुः

8.61.6

असिं समुद्धृत्य शितं सुधारं; कण्ठे समाक्रम्य च वेपमानम्
उत्कृत्य वक्षः पतितस्य भूमा;वथापिबच्छोणितमस्य कोष्णम्
आस्वाद्य चास्वाद्य च वीक्षमाणः; क्रुद्धोऽतिवेलं प्रजगाद वाक्यम्

8.61.7

स्तन्यस्य मातुर्मधुसर्पिषो वा; माध्वीकपानस्य च सत्कृतस्य
दिव्यस्य वा तोयरसस्य पाना;त्पयोदधिभ्यां मथिताच्च मुख्यात्
सर्वेभ्य एवाभ्यधिको रसोऽयं; मतो ममाद्याहितलोहितस्य

8.61.8

एवं ब्रुवाणं पुनराद्रवन्त;मास्वाद्य वल्गन्तमतिप्रहृष्टम्
ये भीमसेनं ददृशुस्तदानीं; भयेन तेऽपि व्यथिता निपेतुः

8.61.9

ये चापि तत्रापतिता मनुष्या;स्तेषां करेभ्यः पतितं च शस्त्रम्
भयाच्च संचुक्रुशुरुच्चकैस्ते; निमीलिताक्षा ददृशुश्च तन्न

8.61.10

ये तत्र भीमं ददृशुः समन्ता;द्दौःशासनं तद्रुधिरं पिबन्तम्
सर्वे पलायन्त भयाभिपन्ना; नायं मनुष्य इति भाषमाणाः

8.61.11

शृण्वतां लोकवीराणामिदं वचनमब्रवीत्
एष ते रुधिरं कण्ठात्पिबामि पुरुषाधम
ब्रूहीदानीं सुसंरब्धः पुनर्गौरिति गौरिति

8.61.12

प्रमाणकोट्यां शयनं कालकूटस्य भोजनम्
दशनं चाहिभिः कष्टं दाहं च जतुवेश्मनि

8.61.13

द्यूतेन राज्यहरणमरण्ये वसतिश्च या
इष्वस्त्राणि च संग्रामेष्वसुखानि च वेश्मनि

8.61.14

दुःखान्येतानि जानीमो न सुखानि कदाचन
धृतराष्ट्रस्य दौरात्म्यात्सपुत्रस्य सदा वयम्

8.61.15

इत्युक्त्वा वचनं राजञ्जयं प्राप्य वृकोदरः
पुनराह महाराज स्मयंस्तौ केशवार्जुनौ

8.61.16

दुःशासने यद्रणे संश्रुतं मे; तद्वै सर्वं कृतमद्येह वीरौ
अद्यैव दास्याम्यपरं द्वितीयं; दुर्योधनं यज्ञपशुं विशस्य
शिरो मृदित्वा च पदा दुरात्मनः; शान्तिं लप्स्ये कौरवाणां समक्षम्

8.61.17

एतावदुक्त्वा वचनं प्रहृष्टो; ननाद चोच्चै रुधिरार्द्रगात्रः
ननर्त चैवातिबलो महात्मा; वृत्रं निहत्येव सहस्रनेत्रः

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Fighting fiercely, prince Duhshasana achieved the most difficult feats in that encounter. With a single shaft he cut off Bhima's bow, and then with six shafts he pierced his foe's driver. Having achieved those feats, the prince, endued with great activity, pierced Bhima himself with nine shafts. Indeed the high-souled warrior, without losing a moment, then pierced Bhimasena with many shafts of great energy. Filled with rage at this, Bhimasena, endued with great activity, sped at thy son a fierce dart. Beholding that terrible dart impetuously coursing towards him like a blazing brand, thy high-souled son cut it off with ten shafts shot from his bow drawn to its fullest stretch. Seeing that difficult feat achieved by him, all the warriors, filled with joy, applauded him highly. Thy son then once more pierced Bhima deeply with another shaft. Blazing with wrath at sight of Duhshasana, Bhima then addressed him, saying, "Pierced I have been, O hero, quickly and deeply, by thee. Bear now, however, once more, the stroke of my mace." Having said this, the enraged Bhima took up that terrible mace of his for Duhshasana's slaughter. Once more addressing him, he said, "O thou of wicked soul, I shall today drink thy blood on the field of battle." Thus addressed, thy son sped at Bhima with great force a fierce dart resembling Death itself. Bhima also, his form filled with wrath, whirled his terrible mace and hurled it at his antagonist. That mace, precipitately breaking Duhshasana's dart, struck thy son on his head. Indeed, perspiring like an elephant with juicy secretions trickling down his body, Bhima, in that dreadful battle, hurled his mace at the prince. With that weapon, Bhimasena forcibly threw Duhshasana down from his car at a distance measured by the length of ten bows. Struck with the impetuous mace, Duhshasana, thrown down on the ground, began to tremble. All his steeds also, O king, were slain, and his car too was reduced to atoms by that falling weapon. As regards Duhshasana himself, his armour and ornaments and attire and garlands were all displaced, and he began to writhe, afflicted with agony. Endued with great activity, Bhimasena then recollected, in the midst of that terrible battle and standing as he did amid many foremost warriors of the Kuru army, all the acts of hostility (done towards the Pandavas) by thy sons. The mighty-armed Bhima of inconceivable feats, O king, beholding Duhshasana (in that plight), and recollecting the seizure of Draupadi's tresses and her disrobing while she was ill,--indeed, the innocent Bhima, reflecting also upon the diverse other wrongs inflicted on that princess while her husbands sat with faces turned away from the scene, blazed up in wrath like fire fed with libations of clarified butter. Addressing Karna and Suyodhana and Kripa and Drona's son and Kritavarma, he said, "Today I shall slay the wretched Duhshasana. Let all the warriors protect him (if they can)." Having said this, Bhima of exceeding strength and great activity suddenly rushed, from desire of slaying Duhshasana. Like a lion of fierce impetuosity rushing towards a mighty elephant, Vrikodara, that foremost of heroes, rushed towards Duhshasana in that battle and attacked him in the very sight of Suyodhana and Karna. Jumping down from his car, he alighted on the ground, and fixed his eyes steadfastly on his fallen foe. Drawing then his whetted sword of keen edge, and trembling with rage, he placed his foot upon the throat of Duhshasana, and ripping open the breast of his enemy stretched on the ground, quaffed his warm life-blood. Then throwing him down and cutting off, O king, with that sword the head of thy son, Bhima of great intelligence, desirous of accomplishing his vow, again quaffed his enemy's blood little by little, as if for enjoying its taste. Then looking at him with wrathful eyes, he said these words, "I regard the taste of this blood of my enemy to be superior to that of my mother's milk, or honey, or clarified butter, or good wine that is prepared from honey, or excellent water, or milk, or curds, or skimmed milk, or all other kinds of drinks there are on earth that are sweet as ambrosia or nectar." Once more, Bhima of fierce deeds, his heart filled with wrath, beholding Duhshasana dead, laughed softly and said, "What more can I do to thee? Death has rescued thee from my hands." They, O king, that saw Bhimasena, while he filled with joy at having quaffed the blood of his foe, was uttering those words and stalking on the field of battle, fell down in fear. They that did not fall down at the sight, saw their weapons drop from their hands. Many, from fear, cried out feebly and looked at Bhima with half-shut eyes. Indeed, all those that stood around Bhima and beheld him drink the blood of Duhshasana, fled away, overwhelmed with fear, and saying unto one another, "This one is no human being!" When Bhima had assumed that form, people, beholding him quaff his enemy's blood, fled away with Citrasena, saying unto one another, 'This Bhima must be a rakshasa!" Then the (Pancala) prince Yudhamanyu, at the head of his troops, fearlessly pursued the retreating Citrasena and pierced him with seven keen shafts, quickly sped one after another. At this, like a trampled snake of great energy repeatedly darting out its tongue and desirous of vomiting its poison, Citrasena turned back and pierced the Pancala prince with three shafts and his driver with six. The brave Yudhamanyu then struck off his enemy's head with a shaft equipped with goodly wings and an exceedingly keen point and sped with great care from his bow drawn to its fullest stretch. Upon the fall of his brother Citrasena, Karna, filled with wrath and displaying his prowess, put the Pandava host to flight, at which Nakula rushed against that warrior of immeasurable energy. Bhima, having slain there (at the very sight of Karna) the vindictive Duhshasana, took up a little quantity of his blood, and, endued with stentorian lungs, he said these words in the hearing of all those foremost of heroes of the world, "O wretch amongst men, here I drink thy life-blood from thy throat. Filled with joy, abuse us once more, saying 'beast, beast' (as thou didst before)." And he continued, "They that danced at us then, saying, 'beast, beast,' even we will dance at them now, repeating their own words. Our sleep at the palace at Pramanakoti, the administration of deadly poison to our food, the bites of black cobras, the setting fire to the house of lac, the robbing of our kingdom by gambling, our exile in the woods, the cruel seizure of Draupadi's beautiful tresses, the strokes of shafts and weapons in battle, our miseries at home, the other kinds of sufferings we endured at Virata's abode, all these woes borne by us through the counsels of Shakuni and Duryodhana and Radha's son, proceeded from thee as their cause. Through the wickedness of Dhritarashtra and his son, we have endured all these woes. Happiness has never been ours." Having said these words, O king, the victorious Vrikodara, once more spoke these words unto Keshava and Arjuna. Indeed, bathed in blood, with blood flowing from his wounds, with face exceedingly red, filled with great wrath, Bhimasena endued with great activity, said these words, "Ye heroes, that which I had vowed in respect of Duhshasana in battle, I have accomplished today. I will soon accomplish my other vow by slaying that second beast, viz., Duryodhana, in this sacrifice of battle. Striking the head of that wicked-souled one with my foot in the presence of the Kauravas, I shall obtain peace." Having said these words, Bhima, filled with great joy, drenched with blood, uttered loud shouts, even as the mighty and high-souled Indra of a 1,000 eyes had roared after slaying (the Asura) Vritra.'"

8.62.1

संजय उवाच
दुःशासने तु निहते पुत्रास्तव महारथाः
महाक्रोधविषा वीराः समरेष्वपलायिनः
दश राजन्महावीर्यो भीमं प्राच्छादयञ्शरैः

8.62.2

कवची निषङ्गी पाशी दण्डधारो धनुर्धरः
अलोलुपः शलः संधो वातवेगसुवर्चसौ

8.62.3

एते समेत्य सहिता भ्रातृव्यसनकर्शिताः
भीमसेनं महाबाहुं मार्गणैः समवारयन्

8.62.4

स वार्यमाणो विशिखैः समन्तात्तैर्महारथैः
भीमः क्रोधाभिरक्ताक्षः क्रुद्धः काल इवाबभौ

8.62.5

तांस्तु भल्लैर्महावेगैर्दशभिर्दशभिः शितैः
रुक्माङ्गदो रुक्मपुङ्खैः पार्थो निन्ये यमक्षयम्

8.62.6

हतेषु तेषु वीरेषु प्रदुद्राव बलं तव
पश्यतः सूतपुत्रस्य पाण्डवस्य भयार्दितम्

8.62.7

ततः कर्णो महाराज प्रविवेश महारणम्
दृष्ट्वा भीमस्य विक्रान्तमन्तकस्य प्रजास्विव

8.62.8

तस्य त्वाकारभावज्ञः शल्यः समितिशोभनः
उवाच वचनं कर्णं प्राप्तकालमरिंदम
मा व्यथां कुरु राधेय नैतत्त्वय्युपपद्यते

8.62.9

एते द्रवन्ति राजानो भीमसेनभयार्दिताः
दुर्योधनश्च संमूढो भ्रातृव्यसनदुःखितः

8.62.10

दुःशासनस्य रुधिरे पीयमाने महात्मना
व्यापन्नचेतसश्चैव शोकोपहतमन्यवः

8.62.11

दुर्योधनमुपासन्ते परिवार्य समन्ततः
कृपप्रभृतयः कर्ण हतशेषाश्च सोदराः

8.62.12

पाण्डवा लब्धलक्षाश्च धनंजयपुरोगमाः
त्वामेवाभिमुखाः शूरा युद्धाय समुपास्थिताः

8.62.13

स त्वं पुरुषशार्दूल पौरुषे महति स्थितः
क्षत्रधर्मं पुरस्कृत्य प्रत्युद्याहि धनंजयम्

8.62.14

भारो हि धार्तराष्ट्रेण त्वयि सर्वः समर्पितः
तमुद्वह महाबाहो यथाशक्ति यथाबलम्
जये स्याद्विपुला कीर्तिर्ध्रुवः स्वर्गः पराजये

8.62.15

वृषसेनश्च राधेय संक्रुद्धस्तनयस्तव
त्वयि मोहसमापन्ने पाण्डवानभिधावति

8.62.16

एतच्छ्रुत्वा तु वचनं शल्यस्यामिततेजसः
हृदि मानुष्यकं भावं चक्रे युद्धाय सुस्थिरम्

8.62.17

ततः क्रुद्धो वृषसेनोऽभ्यधाव;दातस्थिवांसं स्वरथं हतारिम्
वृकोदरं कालमिवात्तदण्डं; गदाहस्तं पोथमानं त्वदीयान्

8.62.18

तमभ्यधावन्नकुलः प्रवीरो; रोषादमित्रं प्रतुदन्पृषत्कैः
कर्णस्य पुत्रं समरे प्रहृष्टं; जिष्णुर्जिघांसुर्मघवेव जम्भम्

8.62.19

ततो ध्वजं स्फाटिकचित्रकम्बुं; चिच्छेद वीरो नकुलः क्षुरेण
कर्णात्मजस्येष्वसनं च चित्रं; भल्लेन जाम्बूनदपट्टनद्धम्

8.62.20

अथान्यदादाय धनुः सुशीघ्रं; कर्णात्मजः पाण्डवमभ्यविध्यत्
दिव्यैर्महास्त्रैर्नकुलं महास्त्रो; दुःशासनस्यापचितिं यियासुः

8.62.21

ततः क्रुद्धो नकुलस्तं महात्मा; शरैर्महोल्काप्रतिमैरविध्यत्
दिव्यैरस्त्रैरभ्यविध्यच्च सोऽपि; कर्णस्य पुत्रो नकुलं कृतास्त्रः

8.62.22

कर्णस्य पुत्रो नकुलस्य राज;न्सर्वानश्वानक्षिणोदुत्तमास्त्रैः
वनायुजान्सुकुमारस्य शुभ्रा;नलंकृताञ्जातरूपेण शीघ्रान्

8.62.23

ततो हताश्वादवरुह्य याना;दादाय चर्म रुचिरं चाष्टचन्द्रम्
आकाशसंकाशमसिं गृहीत्वा; पोप्लूयमानः खगवच्चचार

8.62.24

ततोऽन्तरिक्षे नृवराश्वनागां;श्चिच्छेद मार्गान्विचरन्विचित्रान्
ते प्रापतन्नसिना गां विशस्ता; यथाश्वमेधे पशवः शमित्रा

8.62.25

द्विसाहस्रा विदिता युद्धशौण्डा; नानादेश्याः सुभृताः सत्यसंधाः
एकेन शीघ्रं नकुलेन कृत्ताः; सारेप्सुनेवोत्तमचन्दनास्ते

8.62.26

तमापतन्तं नकुलं सोऽभिपत्य; समन्ततः सायकैरभ्यविध्यत्
स तुद्यमानो नकुलः पृषत्कै;र्विव्याध वीरं स चुकोप विद्धः

8.62.27

तं कर्णपुत्रो विधमन्तमेकं; नराश्वमातङ्गरथप्रवेकान्
क्रीडन्तमष्टादशभिः पृषत्कै;र्विव्याध वीरं स चुकोप विद्धः

8.62.28

ततोऽभ्यधावत्समरे जिघांसुः; कर्णात्मजं पाण्डुसुतो नृवीरः
तस्येषुभिर्व्यधमत्कर्णपुत्रो; महारणे चर्म सहस्रतारम्

8.62.29

तस्यायसं निशितं तीक्ष्णधार;मसिं विकोशं गुरुभारसाहम्
द्विषच्छरीरापहरं सुघोर;माधुन्वतः सर्पमिवोग्ररूपम्

8.62.30

क्षिप्रं शरैः षड्भिरमित्रसाह;श्चकर्त खड्गं निशितैः सुधारैः
पुनश्च पीतैर्निशितैः पृषत्कैः; स्तनान्तरे गाढमथाभ्यविध्यत्

8.62.31

स भीमसेनस्य रथं हताश्वो; माद्रीसुतः कर्णसुताभितप्तः
आपुप्लुवे सिंह इवाचलाग्रं; संप्रेक्षमाणस्य धनंजयस्य

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'After the slaughter of Duhshasana, O king, ten of thy sons, heroes that never retreated from battle, all of whom were great car-warriors, endued with mighty energy, and filled with the poison of wrath, shrouded Bhima with their shafts. Nishangin, and Kavachin, and Pasin and Dundadhara and Dhanurgraha, and Alolupa, and Saha, and Shanda, and Vatavega and Suvarchasas, these ten, afflicted at the slaughter of their brother, united together and checked the mighty-armed Bhimasena with their shafts. Resisted on all sides with their shafts by those great car-warriors, Bhima, with eyes red as fire with fury, looked resplendent like the Destroyer himself in rage. Partha, however, with ten broad-headed shafts of great impetuosity, equipped with golden wings, despatched to Yama's abode those ten Bharata princes decked with golden bracelets. Upon the fall of those ten heroes, thy army fled away in the very sight of the Suta's son, overwhelmed with the fear of the Pandavas. Then, O king, great fear entered the heart of Karna at sight of Bhima's prowess which resembled that of the Destroyer himself unto living creatures. Then Shalya, that ornament of assemblies, understanding the state of Karna's mind from a survey of his features, addressed that chastiser of foes in words suited to the hour, "Do not be grieved, O son of Radha! This deed does not become thee. Afflicted with the fear of Bhimasena, these kings are all flying away. Exceedingly pained by the calamity that has befallen his brother Duhshasana in consequence of his blood having been quaffed by the high-souled Bhima, Duryodhana is stupefied! Kripa and others, and those of the king's brothers that are still alive, with afflicted hearts, their rage quelled by sorrow, are tending Duryodhana, sitting around him. Those heroes, the Pandavas of sure aim, headed by Dhananjaya, are advancing against thee for battle. For these reasons, O tiger among men, mustering all thy prowess and keeping the duties of a Kshatriya before thy eyes, proceed against Dhananjaya. The entire burthen (of this battle) has been placed upon thee by the son of Dhritarashtra. O thou of mighty arms, bear that burthen to the best of thy power and might. In victory there will be great fame. In defeat, heaven is certain. There, O son of Radha, thy son, Vrishasena, filled with wrath at sight of the stupefaction that has overwhelmed thee, is rushing towards the Pandavas." Hearing these words of Shalya of immeasurable energy, Karna, reflecting, concluded unalterably that fighting had become unavoidable. Then Vrishasena, filled with wrath, and riding upon his own car, rushed towards that son of Pandu, viz., Vrikodara, who, armed with his mace, resembled the Destroyer himself with his fatal rod and was employed in slaughtering thy troops. That foremost of heroes, Nakula, filled with wrath, rushed at that enemy of theirs, Karna's son, striking him with arrows, like the victorious Maghavat with joyous heart rushing against (the Asura) Jambha. Then the brave Nakula, with a razor-headed shaft, cut off his enemy's standard decked with gems. With a broad-headed arrow, he next cut off the bow also of Karna's son, with a golden belt attached to it. Possessed of mighty weapons, Karna's son then, desirous of showing his regard for Duhshasana, quickly took up another bow, and pierced Nakula, the son of Pandu with many mighty celestial weapons. The high-souled Nakula, then, filled with rage, pierced his antagonist with shafts that resembled large blazing brands. At this Karna's son also, accomplished in weapons, showered celestial weapon upon Nakula. From rage engendered by the strokes of his enemy's weapon, as also from his own resplendence and the energy of his weapons, the son of Karna blazed up like a fire with libations of clarified butter. Indeed, O king, Karna's son then slew with his excellent weapons the beautiful steeds of the delicate Nakula, that were of the Vanayu breed, white in hue, and decked with trappings of gold. Alighting then from his steedless vehicle, and taking up a bright shield decked with golden moons, and armed also with a sword that was blue as the sky, Nakula, frequently jumping up, careered there like a bird. Performing diverse beautiful evolutions in the air, the son of Pandu cut off many foremost of men and steeds and elephants. Cut off with that sword, they fell down on the earth like animals cut off in a horse-sacrifice by the person appointed to that duty. 2,000 well-trained heroes, delighting in battle, hailing from diverse realms, well-paid, of sure aim, and their limbs smeared with excellent sandal-paste, were quickly cut off by the single-handed Nakula inspired with desire of victory. Then Karna's son, suddenly advancing with great speed against the rushing Nakula in that battle pierced him from every side with many keen arrows from desire of slaying him. Thus struck with shafts (by Vrishasena), Nakula struck his brave antagonist in return. Pierced by the son of Pandu, Vrishasena became filled with wrath. Protected, however, in that dreadful battle, by his brother Bhima, the high-souled Nakula achieved such terrible feats on that occasion. Filled with rage, the son of Karna then pierced with eighteen shafts the heroic Nakula who seemed to sport in that battle, while employed, unaided, in destroying the foremost of men and steeds and elephants. Deeply pierced by Vrishasena in that battle, O king, Pandu's son Nakula, that foremost of men, endued with great activity, became filled with rage and rushed in that encounter against the son of Karna from desire of slaying him. Then Vrishasena poured showers of keen shafts upon Nakula of great energy as the latter precipitately advanced against him in that battle like a hawk with outstretched wings from desire of meat. Baffling, however, his antagonist's showers of shafts, Nakula careered in diverse beautiful motions. Then Karna's son, O king, in that dreadful battle, cut off, with his mighty shafts, the shield, decked with a 1,000 stars, of Nakula, while he was careering with great activity in those beautiful motions. Without losing a moment, that resister of foes, (Vrishasena), with half a dozen sharp razor-headed shafts, then cut off that naked sword of Nakula, polished and keen-edged, made of steel, capable of bearing a great strain and of destroying the bodies of all foes, and terrible and fierce as the poison of the snake, while he was whirling it rapidly. After this, Vrishasena deeply pierced his antagonist in the centre of his chest with some well-tempered and keen shafts. Having achieved those feats in battle that were applauded by all noble persons and that could not be achieved by other men, the high-souled Nakula of great activity, afflicted with those shafts, proceeded to the car, O king, of Bhimasena. The steedless son of Madri, thus afflicted by Karna's son, sprang upon Bhima's car like a lion springing upon a mountain summit, in the sight of Dhananjaya. The high-souled and heroic Vrishasena then, filled with wrath, poured his arrowy showers upon those two mighty car-warriors for piercing those two sons of Pandu. After the destruction of that car belonging to the son of Pandu (Nakula), and after his sword also had been speedily cut off with (Vrishasena's) shafts; many other foremost of Kuru heroes, uniting together, approached the Pandava brothers, and began to strike them with showers of shafts. Then those two sons of Pandu, Bhima and Arjuna, filled with wrath, and resembling two fires fed with libations of clarified butter, poured terrible showers of arrows upon Vrishasena and the other assembled warriors around him. The son of the Wind-god then, addressing Phalguna, said, "Behold, Nakula here is being afflicted. The son of Karna is resisting us. Proceed, therefore, against Karna's son." Hearing these words, the diadem-decked (Arjuna) approached the car of his brother Vrikodara. Beholding that hero arrived near, Nakula addressed him, saying, "Do thou speedily slay this one." Thus addressed in that battle by his brother, Nakula, standing before him, the diadem-decked Arjuna, that formidable hero, precipitately caused his ape-bannered vehicle, guided by Keshava himself, to be driven towards Vrishasena.'"

8.62.32

नकुलमथ विदित्वा छिन्नबाणासनासिं; विरथमरिशरार्तं कर्णपुत्रास्त्रभग्नम्
पवनधुतपताका ह्रादिनो वल्गिताश्वा; वरपुरुषनियत्तास्ते रथाः शीघ्रमीयुः

8.62.33

द्रुपदसुतवरिष्ठाः पञ्च शैनेयषष्ठा; द्रुपददुहितृपुत्राः पञ्च चामित्रसाहाः
द्विरदरथनराश्वान्सूदयन्तस्त्वदीया;न्भुजगपतिनिकाशैर्मार्गणैरात्तशस्त्राः

8.62.34

अथ तव रथमुख्यास्तान्प्रतीयुस्त्वरन्तो; हृदिकसुतकृपौ च द्रौणिदुर्योधनौ च
शकुनिशुकवृकाश्च क्राथदेवावृधौ च; द्विरदजलदघोषैः स्यन्दनैः कार्मुकैश्च

8.62.35

तव नरवरवर्यास्तान्दशैकं च वीरा;न्प्रवरशरवराग्र्यैस्ताडयन्तोऽभ्यरुन्धन्
नवजलदसवर्णैर्हस्तिभिस्तानुदीयु;र्गिरिशिखरनिकाशैर्भीमवेगैः कुणिन्दाः

8.62.36

सुकल्पिता हैमवता मदोत्कटा; रणाभिकामैः कृतिभिः समास्थिताः
सुवर्णजालावतता बभुर्गजा;स्तथा यथा वै जलदाः सविद्युतः

8.62.37

कुणिन्दपुत्रो दशभिर्महायसैः; कृपं ससूताश्वमपीडयद्भृशम्
ततः शरद्वत्सुतसायकैर्हतः; सहैव नागेन पपात भूतले

8.62.38

कुणिन्दपुत्रावरजस्तु तोमरै;र्दिवाकरांशुप्रतिमैरयस्मयैः
रथं च विक्षोभ्य ननाद नर्दत;स्ततोऽस्य गान्धारपतिः शिरोऽहरत्

8.62.39

ततः कुणिन्देषु हतेषु तेष्वथ; प्रहृष्टरूपास्तव ते महारथाः
भृशं प्रदध्मुर्लवणाम्बुसंभवा;न्परांश्च बाणासनपाणयोऽभ्ययुः

8.62.40

अथाभवद्युद्धमतीव दारुणं; पुनः कुरूणां सह पाण्डुसृञ्जयैः
शरासिशक्त्यृष्टिगदापरश्वधै;र्नराश्वनागासुहरं भृशाकुलम्

8.62.41

रथाश्वमातङ्गपदातिभिस्ततः; परस्परं विप्रहतापतन्क्षितौ
यथा सविद्युत्स्तनिता बलाहकाः; समास्थिता दिग्भ्य इवोग्रमारुतैः

8.62.42

ततः शतानीकहतान्महागजां;स्तथा रथान्पत्तिगणांश्च तावकान्
जघान भोजश्च हयानथापत;न्विशस्त्रकृत्ताः कृतवर्मणा द्विपाः

8.62.43

अथापरे द्रौणिशराहता द्विपा;स्त्रयः ससर्वायुधयोधकेतवः
निपेतुरुर्व्यां व्यसवः प्रपातिता;स्तथा यथा वज्रहता महाचलाः

8.62.44

कुणिन्दराजावरजादनन्तरः; स्तनान्तरे पत्रिवरैरताडयत्
तवात्मजं तस्य तवात्मजः शरैः; शितैः शरीरं बिभिदे द्विपं च तम्

8.62.45

स नागराजः सह राजसूनुना; पपात रक्तं बहु सर्वतः क्षरन्
शचीशवज्रप्रहतोऽम्बुदागमे; यथा जलं गैरिकपर्वतस्तथा

8.62.46

कुणिन्दपुत्रप्रहितोऽपरद्विपः; शुकं ससूताश्वरथं व्यपोथयत्
ततोऽपतत्क्राथशराभिदारितः; सहेश्वरो वज्रहतो यथा गिरिः

8.62.47

रथी द्विपस्थेन हतोऽपतच्छरैः; क्राथाधिपः पर्वतजेन दुर्जयः
सवाजिसूतेष्वसनस्तथापत;द्यथा महावातहतो महाद्रुमः

8.62.48

वृको द्विपस्थं गिरिराजवासिनं; भृशं शरैर्द्वादशभिः पराभिनत्
ततो वृकं साश्वरथं महाजवं; त्वरंश्चतुर्भिश्चरणे व्यपोथयत्

8.62.49

स नागराजः सनियन्तृकोऽपत;त्पराहतो बभ्रुसुतेषुभिर्भृशम्
स चापि देवावृधसूनुरर्दितः; पपात नुन्नः सहदेवसूनुना

8.62.50

विषाणपोत्रापरगात्रघातिना; गजेन हन्तुं शकुनेः कुणिन्दजः
जगाम वेगेन भृशार्दयंश्च तं; ततोऽस्य गान्धारपतिः शिरोऽहरत्

8.62.51

ततः शतानीकहता महागजा; हया रथाः पत्तिगणाश्च तावकाः
सुपर्णवातप्रहता यथा नगा;स्तथा गता गामवशा विचूर्णिताः

8.62.52

ततोऽभ्यविध्यद्बहुभिः शितैः शरैः; कुणिन्दपुत्रो नकुलात्मजं स्मयन्
ततोऽस्य कायान्निचकर्त नाकुलिः; शिरः क्षुरेणाम्बुजसंनिभाननम्

8.62.53

ततः शतानीकमविध्यदाशुगै;स्त्रिभिः शितैः कर्णसुतोऽर्जुनं त्रिभिः
त्रिभिश्च भीमं नकुलं च सप्तभि;र्जनार्दनं द्वादशभिश्च सायकैः

8.62.54

तदस्य कर्मातिमनुष्यकर्मणः; समीक्ष्य हृष्टाः कुरवोऽभ्यपूजयन्
पराक्रमज्ञास्तु धनंजयस्य ते; हुतोऽयमग्नाविति तं तु मेनिरे

8.62.55

ततः किरीटी परवीरघाती; हताश्वमालोक्य नरप्रवीरम्
तमभ्यधावद्वृषसेनमाहवे; स सूतजस्य प्रमुखे स्थितं तदा

8.62.56

तमापतन्तं नरवीरमुग्रं; महाहवे बाणसहस्रधारिणम्
अभ्यापतत्कर्णसुतो महारथो; यथैव चेन्द्रं नमुचिः पुरातने

8.62.57

ततोऽद्भुतेनैकशतेन पार्थं; शरैर्विद्ध्वा सूतपुत्रस्य पुत्रः
ननाद नादं सुमहानुभावो; विद्ध्वेव शक्रं नमुचिः पुरा वै

8.62.58

पुनः स पार्थं वृषसेन उग्रै;र्बाणैरविध्यद्भुजमूलमध्ये
तथैव कृष्णं नवभिः समार्दय;त्पुनश्च पार्थं दशभिः शिताग्रैः

8.62.59

ततः किरीटी रणमूर्ध्नि कोपा;त्कृत्वा त्रिशाखां भ्रुकुटिं ललाटे
मुमोच बाणान्विशिखान्महात्मा; वधाय राजन्सूतपुत्रस्य संख्ये

8.62.60

विव्याध चैनं दशभिः पृषत्कै;र्मर्मस्वसक्तं प्रसभं किरीटी
चिच्छेद चास्येष्वसनं भुजौ च; क्षुरैश्चतुर्भिः शिर एव चोग्रैः

8.62.61

स पार्थबाणाभिहतः पपात; रथाद्विबाहुर्विशिरा धरायाम्
सुपुष्पितः पर्णधरोऽतिकायो; वातेरितः शाल इवाद्रिशृङ्गात्

8.62.62

तं प्रेक्ष्य बाणाभिहतं पतन्तं; रथात्सुतं सूतजः क्षिप्रकारी
रथं रथेनाशु जगाम वेगा;त्किरीटिनः पुत्रवधाभितप्तः

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Learning that Nakula had been deprived of his car, afflicted with arrows and mangled with the weapons of Karna's son, and that he had his shafts, bow, and sword cut off, these eleven formidable resisters of all foes, the five heroic sons of Drupada, the grandson of Sini forming the sixth, and the five sons of Draupadi quickly proceeded on their loud-sounding cars drawn by bounding steeds, with banners waving in the air, and guided by accomplished drivers. Those well-armed warriors began to destroy thy elephants and cars and men and steeds with shafts that resembled formidable snakes. Then Hridika's son and Kripa and Drona's son and Duryodhana and Shakuni's son and Vrika and Kratha and Devavridha, those foremost of Kaurava car-warriors, speedily proceeded against them, armed with their bows and mounted upon their cars of rattle deep as the roar of elephants or the clouds. These Kaurava warriors, assailing those foremost of men and first of car-warriors, those eleven heroes (of the Pandava army), O king, with the mightiest of shafts, checked their progress. At this, the Kulindas, riding upon their elephants of impetuous speed that looked like mountain summits and that were of the hue of newly-risen clouds, advanced against those Kaurava heroes. Well-equipped, and covered with gold, those infuriated elephants, born in Himalayan regions and ridden by accomplished warriors longing for battle, looked resplendent like clouds in the welkin, charged with lightning. The prince of the Kulindas then vigorously assailed Kripa and his driver and steeds, with ten shafts made wholly of iron. Struck (in return) with the shafts of Sharadvata's son, the prince fell down with his elephant on the ground. The younger brother of that prince then, assailing Kripa's car with a number of lances made wholly of iron and all bright as the rays of the sun, uttered loud roars. The ruler of the Gandharvas, however, cut off the head of that warrior while still uttering those roars. Upon the fall of those Kulindas, those mighty car-warriors of thy army, filled with joy, blew their sea-born conchs, and, armed with bows, rushed against their enemies. The battle then that once more took place between the Kurus on the one side and the Pandavas and the Srinjayas on the other, with arrows and scimitars and darts and swords and maces and battle-axes, became fierce and awful and exceedingly destructive of men and steeds and elephants. Car-warriors and steeds and elephants and foot-soldiers, striking one another, fell down on the ground, making the field of battle look like the welkin when congregated masses of clouds charged with lightning and producing incessant peals of thunder are assailed by fierce winds from all sides. Then the chief of the Bhojas struck the huge elephants, the car-warriors, the innumerable foot-soldiers, and the horse under Satanika. Struck with Kritavarma's shafts, these soon fell down on the ground. About this time, struck with Ashvatthama's shafts, three huge elephants equipped with all kinds of weapons, ridden by accomplished warriors, and adorned with lofty standards, fell down lifeless on the ground like gigantic cliffs riven by thunder. Then the third brother of the Kulinda chief assailed thy son Duryodhana with some excellent shafts in the centre of the chest. Thy son, however, pierced him as also his elephant with many whetted shafts. That prince of elephants then, with the prince on his back, fell down, with streams of blood issuing from every part of his body, like a mountain of red chalk in the season of rains, with red streams running down its breast, tumbling down when riven by the thunder of Sachi's lord. The Kulinda prince, however, having saved himself in time, rode another elephant. Urged by the prince, that animal assailed Kratha with his driver and steeds and car. Pierced, however, with Kratha's shafts, that elephant, with its rider, fell down like a thunder-riven hill. The ruler of the Krathas, that invincible car-warrior, however, struck with shafts by the prince born on the mountains from the back of another elephant, fell down with his steeds, driver, bow, and standard, like a mighty tree uprooted by the tempest. Then Vrika deeply pierced with a dozen shafts that prince having his abode on the Himavat as he stood on his elephant. The huge beast quickly crushed with his four legs (the Kaurava warrior) Vrika with his steeds and car. That prince of elephants then, with its rider, deeply pierced by the son of Vabhru, advanced impetuously against the latter. Vabhru's son, however, that prince of the Magadhas, afflicted with arrows by Sahadeva's son, fell down. The prince of the Kulindas then, with that elephant of his which was capable of slaying the foremost of warriors with its tusks and body, rushed impetuously towards Shakuni for slaying him. The mountaineer succeeded in afflicting Shakuni greatly. Soon, however, the chief of the Gandharas cut off his head. About this time huge elephants and steeds and car-warriors and large bands of foot, struck by Satanika, fell down on the earth, paralysed and crushed like snakes beaten by the tempest caused by Garuda's wings. Then a Kulinda warrior (on the Kaurava side), smiling the while, pierced Satanika, the son of Nakula, with many whetted arrows. Nakula's son, however, with a razor-headed arrow, cut off from his antagonist's trunk his head resembling a lotus. Then Karna's son pierced Satanika with three arrows, made wholly of iron and Arjuna also with as many. And he pierced Bhima with three arrows and Nakula with seven and Janardana with a dozen. Beholding that feat of Vrishasena, that achiever of superhuman feats, the Kauravas became filled with joy and applauded him greatly. They, however, that were conversant with Dhananjaya's prowess, regarded Vrishasena as a libation already poured on the fire. The diadem-decked Arjuna then, that slayer of hostile heroes, seeing Madri's son Nakula, that foremost of men, deprived of his steeds in the midst of all, and beholding Janardana mangled with arrows, rushed in that battle against Vrishasena who was then staying in front of the Suta's son (Karna). Like Namuci rushing against Indra, Karna's son, that great car-warrior, also rushed, in that battle, against that fierce and foremost of men, Arjuna, that warrior possessing thousands of arrows, as the latter advanced towards him. Unsupported by any one, the high-souled son of Karna, quickly piercing Partha with a shaft in that battle, uttered a loud shout, like Namuci in days of old after having pierced Indra. Once more Vrishasena pierced Partha in the left arm-pit with many formidable shafts. Piercing Krishna next with nine arrows, he struck Partha again with ten shafts. The white-steeded Arjuna, having before been pierced by Vrishasena with those formidable arrows, became slightly enraged and set his heart on the slaughter of Karna's son. The high-souled and diadem-decked Arjuna then, his brow furrowed from wrath with three lines, quickly sped from the van of battle a number of shafts for the destruction of Vrishasena in that encounter. With eyes red in wrath, that hero capable of slaying Yama himself if the latter fought with him, then laughed terribly and said unto Karna and all the other Kaurava heroes headed by Duryodhana and Drona's son, these words, "Today, O Karna, in thy very sight in this battle, I will despatch the fierce Vrishasena unto Yama's abode with my keen arrows! People say that all of you, united together, slew my son, endued with great activity, in my absence, and while he was alone and unsupported on his car. I, however, will slay thy son in the very sight of you all. Let all the Kaurava car-warriors protect him. I will slay the fierce Vrishasena. After that, I will slay thee, O fool, even I, Arjuna, in the midst of battle! Today I will, in battle, slay thee that art the root of this quarrel and that hast become so proud in consequence of Duryodhana's patronage. Putting forth my strength, I will certainly slay thee in this battle, and Bhimasena will slay this Duryodhana, this wretch among men, through whose evil policy this quarrel born of dice hath arisen." Having said these words, Arjuna rubbed the string of his bow and took aim at Vrishasena in that battle, and sped, O king, a number of shafts for the slaughter of Karna's son. The diadem-decked Arjuna then, fearlessly and with great force, pierced Vrishasena with ten shafts in all his vital limbs. With four fierce razor-headed arrows he cut off Vrishasena's bow and two arms and head. Struck with Partha's shafts, the son of Karna, deprived of arms and head, fell down on the earth from his car, like a gigantic shala adorned with flowers falling down from a mountain summit. Beholding his son, thus struck with arrows, fall down from his vehicle, the Suta's son Karna, endued with great activity and scorched with grief on account of the death of his son, quickly proceeded on his car, inspired with wrath, against the car of the diadem-decked Partha.

"Indeed, beholding his son slain in his sight by the white-steeded Arjuna in battle, the high-souled Karna, filled with great wrath, rushed against Krishna and Arjuna.'"

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Beholding the gigantic and roaring Karna, incapable of being resisted by the very gods, advancing like the surging sea, that bull amongst men, viz., he of Dasharha's race, addressed Arjuna, saying, "That car-warrior having white steeds and owning Shalya for his driver cometh hither with whom thou art to contend in battle. Therefore, O Dhananjaya, summon all thy coolness. Behold then, O son of Pandu, the well-equipped car of Karna. White steeds are yoked unto it and Radha's son himself is the warrior that stands upon it. Teeming with banners and decked with rows of bells, it looks like a celestial car borne along the welkin by steeds white in hue. Behold also the standard of the high-souled Karna, bearing the device of the elephant's rope, and looking like the bow of Indra himself that divides the firmament by a clear line. Behold Karna as he advanceth from desire of doing what is agreeable to Dhritarashtra's son, shooting showers of shafts like the clouds pouring torrents of rain. There the royal chief of the Madras, stationed on the fore-part of the car, guideth the steeds of Radha's son of immeasurable energy. Hear the peal of their drums and the fierce blare of their conchs. Hear, O son of Pandu, the diverse leonine roars coming from every side. Hear the terrible twang, silencing all other loud sounds, of the bow (Vijaya) stretched by Karna of immeasurable energy. There the mighty car-warriors among the Pancalas, with their followers, are breaking like a herd of deer in the great forest at the sight of an angry lion. It behoveth thee, O son of Kunti, to slay the Suta's son with every care. No other person save thee can venture to bear the shafts of Karna. It is well known to me that thou art competent to vanquish in battle the three worlds with all their mobile and immobile creatures including the very gods and the Gandharvas. What need be said about battling with that puissant one, when people are incapable of even gazing at him, viz., the fierce and terrible Isana, that great god, the three-eyed Sarva, otherwise called Kapardin? Thou, however, hadst, by battle, gratified that god of gods himself, that Siva who is the source of bliss unto all creatures, that deity called Sthanu. The other deities also have all given thee boons. Through the grace, O Partha, of that god of gods, that deity armed with a trident, slay Karna, O mighty-armed one, like Indra slaying the Asura Namuci. Let prosperity be ever with thee, O Partha, and do thou obtain victory in battle."

"'Arjuna said, "My victory, O Krishna, is, certain. There is no doubt in this, since thou, O slayer of Madhu, that art the master of all the worlds, art pleased with me. Urge the steeds, O Hrishikesha, and my car, O great car-warrior! Today Phalguna will not return from battle without slaying Karna. Behold Karna slain today and cut in pieces with my shafts. Or, O Govinda, thou wilt today behold me slain with (Karna's) arrows. That terrible battle, capable of stupefying the three words, is at hand. As long as the earth will last, people will speak of it." Saying these words unto Krishna who is never tired with exertion, Partha quickly proceeded on his car against Karna like an elephant against a rival elephant. Once more Partha of great energy said unto Krishna, that chastiser of foes, these words, "Urge the steeds, O Hrishikesha, for time passeth." Thus addressed by the high-souled son of Pandu, Keshava wished him victory and urged steeds as fleet as thought. Then that car of Pandu's son, possessed of great speed, soon reached the front of Karna's car.'"

8.63.1

संजय उवाच
वृषसेनं हतं दृष्ट्वा शोकामर्षसमन्वितः
मुक्त्वा शोकोद्भवं वारि नेत्राभ्यां सहसा वृषः

8.63.2

रथेन कर्णस्तेजस्वी जगामाभिमुखो रिपून्
युद्धायामर्षताम्राक्षः समाहूय धनंजयम्

8.63.3

तौ रथौ सूर्यसंकाशौ वैयाघ्रपरिवारणौ
समेतौ ददृशुस्तत्र द्वाविवार्कौ समागतौ

8.63.4

श्वेताश्वौ पुरुषादित्यावास्थितावरिमर्दनौ
शुशुभाते महात्मानौ चन्द्रादित्यौ यथा दिवि

8.63.5

तौ दृष्ट्वा विस्मयं जग्मुः सर्वभूतानि मारिष
त्रैलोक्यविजये यत्ताविन्द्रवैरोचनाविव

8.63.6

रथज्यातलनिर्ह्रादैर्बाणशङ्खरवैरपि
तौ रथावभिधावन्तौ समालोक्य महीक्षिताम्

8.63.7

ध्वजौ च दृष्ट्वा संसक्तौ विस्मयः समपद्यत
हस्तिकक्ष्यां च कर्णस्य वानरं च किरीटिनः

8.63.8

तौ रथौ संप्रसक्तौ च दृष्ट्वा भारत पार्थिवाः
सिंहनादरवांश्चक्रुः साधुवादांश्च पुष्कलान्

8.63.9

श्रुत्वा तु द्वैरथं ताभ्यां तत्र योधाः समन्ततः
चक्रुर्बाहुवलं चैव तथा चेलवलं महत्

8.63.10

आजग्मुः कुरवस्तत्र वादित्रानुगतास्तदा
कर्णं प्रहर्षयन्तश्च शङ्खान्दध्मुश्च पुष्कलान्

8.63.11

तथैव पाण्डवाः सर्वे हर्षयन्तो धनंजयम्
तूर्यशङ्खनिनादेन दिशः सर्वा व्यनादयन्

8.63.12

क्ष्वेडितास्फोटितोत्क्रुष्टैस्तुमुलं सर्वतोऽभवत्
बाहुघोषाश्च वीराणां कर्णार्जुनसमागमे

8.63.13

तौ दृष्ट्वा पुरुषव्याघ्रौ रथस्थौ रथिनां वरौ
प्रगृहीतमहाचापौ शरशक्तिगदायुधौ

8.63.14

वर्मिणौ बद्धनिस्त्रिंशौ श्वेताश्वौ शङ्खशोभिनौ
तूणीरवरसंपन्नौ द्वावपि स्म सुदर्शनौ

8.63.15

रक्तचन्दनदिग्धाङ्गौ समदौ वृषभाविव
आशीविषसमप्रख्यौ यमकालान्तकोपमौ

8.63.16

इन्द्रवृत्राविव क्रुद्धौ सूर्याचन्द्रमसप्रभौ
महाग्रहाविव क्रूरौ युगान्ते समुपस्थितौ

8.63.17

देवगर्भौ देवसमौ देवतुल्यौ च रूपतः
समेतौ पुरुषव्याघ्रौ प्रेक्ष्य कर्णधनंजयौ

8.63.18

उभौ वरायुधधरावुभौ रणकृतश्रमौ
उभौ च बाहुशब्देन नादयन्तौ नभस्तलम्

8.63.19

उभौ विश्रुतकर्माणौ पौरुषेण बलेन च
उभौ च सदृशौ युद्धे शम्बरामरराजयोः

8.63.20

कार्तवीर्यसमौ युद्धे तथा दाशरथेः समौ
विष्णुवीर्यसमौ वीर्ये तथा भवसमौ युधि

8.63.21

उभौ श्वेतहयौ राजन्रथप्रवरवाहिनौ
सारथी प्रवरौ चैव तयोरास्तां महाबलौ

8.63.22

तौ तु दृष्ट्वा महाराज राजमानौ महारथौ
सिद्धचारणसंघानां विस्मयः समपद्यत

8.63.23

धार्तराष्ट्रास्ततः कर्णं सबला भरतर्षभ
परिवव्रुर्महात्मानं क्षिप्रमाहवशोभिनम्

8.63.24

तथैव पाण्डवा हृष्टा धृष्टद्युम्नपुरोगमाः
परिवव्रुर्महात्मानं पार्थमप्रतिमं युधि

8.63.25

तावकानां रणे कर्णो ग्लह आसीद्विशां पते
तथैव पाण्डवेयानां ग्लहः पार्थोऽभवद्युधि

8.63.26

त एव सभ्यास्तत्रासन्प्रेक्षकाश्चाभवन्स्म ते
तत्रैषां ग्लहमानानां ध्रुवौ जयपराजयौ

8.63.27

ताभ्यां द्यूतं समायत्तं विजयायेतराय वा
अस्माकं पाण्डवानां च स्थितानां रणमूर्धनि

8.63.28

तौ तु स्थितौ महाराज समरे युद्धशालिनौ
अन्योन्यं प्रतिसंरब्धावन्योन्यस्य जयैषिणौ

8.63.29

तावुभौ प्रजिहीर्षेतामिन्द्रवृत्राविवाभितः
भीमरूपधरावास्तां महाधूमाविव ग्रहौ

8.63.30

ततोऽन्तरिक्षे साक्षेपा विवादा भरतर्षभ
मिथो भेदाश्च भूतानामासन्कर्णार्जुनान्तरे
व्याश्रयन्त दिशो भिन्नाः सर्वलोकाश्च मारिष

8.63.31

देवदानवगन्धर्वाः पिशाचोरगराक्षसाः
प्रतिपक्षग्रहं चक्रुः कर्णार्जुनसमागमे

8.63.32

द्यौरासीत्कर्णतो व्यग्रा सनक्षत्रा विशां पते
भूमिर्विशाला पार्थस्य माता पुत्रस्य भारत

8.63.33

सरितः सागराश्चैव गिरयश्च नरोत्तम
वृक्षाश्चौषधयस्तत्र व्याश्रयन्त किरीटिनम्

8.63.34

असुरा यातुधानाश्च गुह्यकाश्च परंतप
कर्णतः समपद्यन्त खेचराणि वयांसि च

8.63.35

रत्नानि निधयः सर्वे वेदाश्चाख्यानपञ्चमाः
सोपवेदोपनिषदः सरहस्याः ससंग्रहाः

8.63.36

वासुकिश्चित्रसेनश्च तक्षकश्चोपतक्षकः
पर्वताश्च तथा सर्वे काद्रवेयाश्च सान्वयाः
विषवन्तो महारोषा नागाश्चार्जुनतोऽभवन्

8.63.37

ऐरावताः सौरभेया वैशालेयाश्च भोगिनः
एतेऽभवन्नर्जुनतः क्षुद्रसर्पास्तु कर्णतः

8.63.38

ईहामृगा व्याडमृगा मङ्गल्याश्च मृगद्विजाः
पार्थस्य विजयं राजन्सर्व एवाभिसंश्रिताः

8.63.39

वसवो मरुतः साध्या रुद्रा विश्वेऽश्विनौ तथा
अग्निरिन्द्रश्च सोमश्च पवनश्च दिशो दश
धनंजयमुपाजग्मुरादित्याः कर्णतोऽभवन्

8.63.40

देवास्तु पितृभिः सार्धं सगणार्जुनतोऽभवन्
यमो वैश्रवणश्चैव वरुणश्च यतोऽर्जुनः

8.63.41

देवब्रह्मनृपर्षीणां गणाः पाण्डवतोऽभवन्
तुम्बुरुप्रमुखा राजन्गन्धर्वाश्च यतोऽर्जुनः

8.63.42

प्रावेयाः सह मौनेयैर्गन्धर्वाप्सरसां गणाः
ईहामृगव्याडमृगैर्द्विपाश्च रथपत्तिभिः

8.63.43

उह्यमानास्तथा मेघैर्वायुना च मनीषिणः
दिदृक्षवः समाजग्मुः कर्णार्जुनसमागमम्

8.63.44

देवदानवगन्धर्वा नागा यक्षाः पतत्रिणः
महर्षयो वेदविदः पितरश्च स्वधाभुजः

8.63.45

तपो विद्यास्तथौषध्यो नानारूपाम्बरत्विषः
अन्तरिक्षे महाराज विनदन्तोऽवतस्थिरे

8.63.46

ब्रह्मा ब्रह्मर्षिभिः सार्धं प्रजापतिभिरेव च
भवेनावस्थितो यानं दिव्यं तं देशमभ्ययात्

8.63.47

दृष्ट्वा प्रजापतिं देवाः स्वयंभुवमुपागमन्
समोऽस्तु देव विजय एतयोर्नरसिंहयोः

8.63.48

तदुपश्रुत्य मघवा प्रणिपत्य पितामहम्
कर्णार्जुनविनाशेन मा नश्यत्वखिलं जगत्

8.63.49

स्वयंभो ब्रूहि तद्वाक्यं समोऽस्तु विजयोऽनयोः
तत्तथास्तु नमस्तेऽस्तु प्रसीद भगवन्मम

8.63.50

ब्रह्मेशानावथो वाक्यमूचतुस्त्रिदशेश्वरम्
विजयो ध्रुव एवास्तु विजयस्य महात्मनः

8.63.51

मनस्वी बलवाञ्शूरः कृतास्त्रश्च तपोधनः
बिभर्ति च महातेजा धनुर्वेदमशेषतः

8.63.52

अतिक्रमेच्च माहात्म्याद्दिष्टमेतस्य पर्ययात्
अतिक्रान्ते च लोकानामभावो नियतो भवेत्

8.63.53

न विद्यते व्यवस्थानं कृष्णयोः क्रुद्धयोः क्वचित्
स्रष्टारौ ह्यसतश्चोभौ सतश्च पुरुषर्षभौ

8.63.54

नरनारायणावेतौ पुराणावृषिसत्तमौ
अनियत्तौ नियन्तारावभीतौ स्म परंतपौ

8.63.55

कर्णो लोकानयं मुख्यान्प्राप्नोतु पुरुषर्षभः
वीरो वैकर्तनः शूरो विजयस्त्वस्तु कृष्णयोः

8.63.56

वसूनां च सलोकत्वं मरुतां वा समाप्नुयात्
सहितो द्रोणभीष्माभ्यां नाकलोके महीयताम्

8.63.57

इत्युक्तो देवदेवाभ्यां सहस्राक्षोऽब्रवीद्वचः
आमन्त्र्य सर्वभूतानि ब्रह्मेशानानुशासनात्

8.63.58

श्रुतं भवद्भिर्यत्प्रोक्तं भगवद्भ्यां जगद्धितम्
तत्तथा नान्यथा तद्धि तिष्ठध्वं गतमन्यवः

8.63.59

इति श्रुत्वेन्द्रवचनं सर्वभूतानि मारिष
विस्मितान्यभवन्राजन्पूजयां चक्रिरे च तत्

8.63.60

व्यसृजंश्च सुगन्धीनि नानारूपाणि खात्तथा
पुष्पवर्षाणि विबुधा देवतूर्याण्यवादयन्

8.63.61

दिदृक्षवश्चाप्रतिमं द्वैरथं नरसिंहयोः
देवदानवगन्धर्वाः सर्व एवावतस्थिरे
रथौ च तौ श्वेतहयौ युक्तकेतू महास्वनौ

8.63.62

समागता लोकवीराः शङ्खान्दध्मुः पृथक्पृथक्
वासुदेवार्जुनौ वीरौ कर्णशल्यौ च भारत

8.63.63

तद्भीरुसंत्रासकरं युद्धं समभवत्तदा
अन्योन्यस्पर्धिनोर्वीर्ये शक्रशम्बरयोरिव

8.63.64

तयोर्ध्वजौ वीतमालौ शुशुभाते रथस्थितौ
पृथग्रूपौ समार्छन्तौ क्रोधं युद्धे परस्परम्

8.63.65

कर्णस्याशीविषनिभा रत्नसारवती दृढा
पुरंदरधनुःप्रख्या हस्तिकक्ष्या व्यराजत

8.63.66

कपिश्रेष्ठस्तु पार्थस्य व्यादितास्यो भयंकरः
भीषयन्नेव दंष्ट्राभिर्दुर्निरीक्ष्यो रविर्यथा

8.63.67

युद्धाभिलाषुको भूत्वा ध्वजो गाण्डीवधन्वनः
कर्णध्वजमुपातिष्ठत्सोऽवदीदभिनर्दयन्

8.63.68

उत्पत्य च महावेगः कक्ष्यामभ्यहनत्कपिः
नखैश्च दशनैश्चैव गरुडः पन्नगं यथा

8.63.69

सुकिङ्किणीकाभरणा कालपाशोपमायसी
अभ्यद्रवत्सुसंक्रुद्धा नागकक्ष्या महाकपिम्

8.63.70

उभयोरुत्तमे युद्धे द्वैरथे द्यूत आहृते
प्रकुर्वाते ध्वजौ युद्धं प्रत्यहेषन्हयान्हयाः

8.63.71

अविध्यत्पुण्डरीकाक्षः शल्यं नयनसायकैः
स चापि पुण्डरीकाक्षं तथैवाभिसमैक्षत

8.63.72

तत्राजयद्वासुदेवः शल्यं नयनसायकैः
कर्णं चाप्यजयद्दृष्ट्या कुन्तीपुत्रो धनंजयः

8.63.73

अथाब्रवीत्सूतपुत्रः शल्यमाभाष्य सस्मितम्
यदि पार्थो रणे हन्यादद्य मामिह कर्हिचित्
किमुत्तरं तदा ते स्यात्सखे सत्यं ब्रवीहि मे

8.63.74

शल्य उवाच
यदि कर्ण रणे हन्यादद्य त्वां श्वेतवाहनः
उभावेकरथेनाहं हन्यां माधवपाण्डवौ

8.63.75

संजय उवाच
एवमेव तु गोविंदमर्जुनः प्रत्यभाषत
तं प्रहस्याब्रवीत्कृष्णः पार्थं परमिदं वचः

8.63.76

पतेद्दिवाकरः स्थानाच्छीर्येतानेकधा क्षितिः
शैत्यमग्निरियान्न त्वा कर्णो हन्याद्धनंजयम्

8.63.77

यदि त्वेवं कथंचित्स्याल्लोकपर्यसनं यथा
हन्यां कर्णं तथा शल्यं बाहुभ्यामेव संयुगे

8.63.78

इति कृष्णवचः श्रुत्वा प्रहसन्कपिकेतनः
अर्जुनः प्रत्युवाचेदं कृष्णमक्लिष्टकारिणम्
ममाप्येतावपर्याप्तौ कर्णशल्यौ जनार्दन

8.63.79

सपताकाध्वजं कर्णं सशल्यरथवाजिनम्
सच्छत्रकवचं चैव सशक्तिशरकार्मुकम्

8.63.80

द्रष्टास्यद्य शरैः कर्णं रणे कृत्तमनेकधा
अद्यैनं सरथं साश्वं सशक्तिकवचायुधम्
न हि मे शाम्यते वैरं कृष्णां यत्प्राहसत्पुरा

8.63.81

अद्य द्रष्टासि गोविन्द कर्णमुन्मथितं मया
वारणेनेव मत्तेन पुष्पितं जगतीरुहम्

8.63.82

अद्य ता मधुरा वाचः श्रोतासि मधुसूदन
अद्याभिमन्युजननीमनृणः सान्त्वयिष्यसि
कुन्तीं पितृष्वसारं च संप्रहृष्टो जनार्दन

8.63.83

अद्य बाष्पमुखीं कृष्णां सान्त्वयिष्यसि माधव
वाग्भिश्चामृतकल्पाभिर्धर्मराजं युधिष्ठिरम्

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Beholding Vrishasena slain, Karna, filled with grief and rage, shed tears from his eyes for the death of his son. Endued with great energy, with eyes red as copper from rage, Karna proceeded in the face of his foe, having summoned Dhananjaya to battle. Then those two cars, both possessed of solar effulgence and covered with tiger-skins, when they came together, looked like two suns close to each other. Both having white steeds and both crushers of foes, those two great bowmen, those two warriors possessed of solar effulgence, looked resplendent like the sun and the moon in the firmament. Beholding those two warriors that resembled Indra and Virochana's son (Vali) carefully preparing for battle for the conquest of the three worlds, all creatures were filled with wonder. Seeing those two warriors rushing towards each other with the clatter of car-wheels the twang of bows, the sound of palms, the whizz of arrows, and leonine shouts, and seeing also their standards, viz., that of Karna bearing the elephant's rope and that of Partha bearing the ape, approach each other, all the lords of the earth became filled with wonder. Seeing those two car-warriors engaged with each other, O Bharata, all the kings uttered leonine shouts and cheered them repeatedly with applause. Beholding that single combat between Partha and Karna, thousands of combatants there slapped their armpits and waved their garments on the air. The Kauravas beat their musical instruments and blew their numerous conchs for gladdening Karna. Similarly, all the Pandavas, for gladdening Dhananjaya, caused every point of the compass to resound with the blasts of their trumpets and conchs. With those leonine shouts and slaps on armpits and other loud cries and roars of brave warriors, tremendous became the noise there on the occasion of that encounter between Karna and Arjuna. People beheld those two tigers among men, those two foremost of car-warriors, stationed on their cars, each armed with his formidable bow, each equipped with arrows and darts, and each owning a lofty standard. Both were clad in mail, both had scimitars tied to their belts, both had white steeds, and both were adorned with excellent conchs. One had Krishna for driver on his car, and the other had Shalya. Both of them were great car-warriors and both looked alike. Both possessed of leonine necks and long arms, the eyes of both were red, and both were adorned with garlands of gold. Both were armed with bows that seemed to flash like lightning, and both were adorned with wealth of weapons. Both had yak-tails for being fanned therewith, and both were decked with white umbrellas held over them. Both had excellent quivers and both looked exceedingly handsome. The limbs of both were smeared with red sandal-paste and both looked like infuriated bulls. Both were broad-necked like the lion, both were broad-chested, and both endued with great strength. Challenging each other, O king, each desired to slay the other. And they rushed against each other like two mighty bulls in a cow-pen. They were like a couple of infuriated elephants or of angry mountains or of infant snakes of virulent poison or of all-destroying Yamas. Enraged with each other like Indra and Vritra, they looked like the sun and the moon in splendour. Filled with wrath, they resembled two mighty planets risen for the destruction of the world at the end of the Yuga. Both of them born of celestial fathers, and both resembling gods in beauty, they were of godlike energy. Indeed, they looked like the sun and the moon come of their own accord on the field of battle. Both of them endued with great might, both filled with pride in battle, they were armed with diverse weapons. Beholding those two tigers among men, those two heroes endued with the impetuosity of tigers, thy troops, O monarch, were filled with great joy. Seeing those two tigers amongst men, viz., Karna and Dhananjaya, engaged in battle, a doubt entered the hearts of all as to which of them would be victorious. Both armed with superior weapons, and both well-practised in battle, both made the welkin resound with the slaps on their armpits. Both possessed of great celebrity in consequence of prowess and might, they resembled the Asura Samvara and the chief of the celestials in respect of their skill in battle. Both equal to Kartavirya or Dasaratha's son in battle, both resembled Vishnu himself in energy or Bhava himself in fight. Both had white steeds, O king, and both were borne on foremost of cars. Both of them, again, had foremost of drivers in that great battle. Beholding, O monarch, those two great car-warriors looking resplendent on their cars, the bands of Siddhas and Charanas that came there became filled with wonder. The Dhartarashtras then, O bull of Bharata's race, with their troops, encompassed the high-souled Karna, that ornament of battle, without losing any time. Similarly the Pandavas headed by Dhrishtadyumna, filled with joy, encompassed that high-souled Partha who was unrivalled in battle. Karna became the stake, O monarch, of thy army in that battle, while Partha became the stake of the Pandavas. The soldiers of both sides were as members of that assembly and became the spectators of that game. Indeed, as regards the parties engaged in that game of battle, either victory or defeat was certain. Those two then, Karna and Arjuna, for victory or the reverse, began the match between ourselves and the Pandavas both standing on the field of battle. Skilled in fight, the two heroes, O monarch, in that encounter, became highly enraged with each other and wished to slay each other. Desiring to take each other's life, like Indra and Vritra, O lord, they faced each other like two mighty comets of terrible form. Then in the sky, differences and disputes, accompanied with revilings, arose among the creatures there, O bull of Bharata's race, on the subject of Karna and Arjuna. All the inhabitants of the world, O sire, were heard to differ amongst themselves. The gods, the Danavas, the Gandharvas, the Pishacas, the Snakes, the Rakshasas, adopted opposite sides in that encounter between Karna and Arjuna. The welkin, O monarch, with all the stars, became anxious on Karna's account, while the wide earth became so on Partha's account, like the mother for her son. The rivers, the seas, the mountains, O best of men, the trees, the deciduous plants and herbs, took the side of the diadem-decked Arjuna. The Asuras, Yatudhanas, the Guhyakas, O scorcher of foes, and ravens and other rangers of the sky, sided with Karna. All the gems and precious jewels, the four Vedas with the histories as the fifth, the Upavedas, the Upanishads, with all their mysteries, and the compilations, and Vasuki, and Citrasena, and Takshaka, and Upatakshaka, and all the mountains, and all the offspring of Kadru with their children, all the great snakes endued with poison, and the Nagas, took the side of Arjuna. Airavata and his children, the offspring of Surabhi, the offspring of Vaisali, and the Bhogins sided with Arjuna. The smaller snakes all sided with Karna. Wolves and wild stags and all kinds of auspicious animals and birds were, O king, for victory to Partha. The Vasus, the Maruts, the Sadhyas, the Rudras, the Vishvedevas and the Ashvinis, and Agni and Indra and Soma and Pavana, and the ten points of the compass, became the partisans of Dhananjaya, while all the Adityas sided with Karna. The vaishyas, the shudras, the Sutas, and those castes that were of a mixed origin, all, O king, adopted the side of Radha's son. The celestials, however, with the pitris, and with all that were numbered with them as also with their followers, and Yama and Vaishravana and Varuna were on the side of Arjuna. The brahmanas, the kshatriyas, the sacrifices, and those gifts called dakshinas, were for Arjuna. The pretas, and pishacas, many carnivorous animals and birds, the rakshasas with all the monsters of the sea, the dogs, and the jackals were for Karna. The diverse tribes of celestial and regenerate and royal rishis were for the son of Pandu. The gandharvas headed by Tumvuru, O king, were on the side of Arjuna. With the offspring of Pradha and Mauni, the several classes of gandharvas and apsaras, and many wise sages, having for their vehicles wolves and stags and elephants and steeds and cars and foot, and clouds and the wind, came there for witnessing the encounter between Karna and Arjuna. The gods, the danavas, the gandharvas, the nagas, the yakshas, the birds, the great rishis versed in the Vedas, the pitris that subsist upon the gifts called svadha, and asceticism and the sciences, and the (celestial) herbs with diverse virtues, came, O monarch, and took up their stations in the welkin, making a great noise. Brahman, with the regenerate rishis and the Lords of creatures, and Bhava himself on his car, came to that part of the welkin. Beholding those two high-souled ones, Karna and Dhananjaya, about to encounter each other, Shakra himself said, "Let Arjuna vanquish Karna." Surya, however, said, "Let Karna vanquish Arjuna. Indeed, let my son Karna, slaying Arjuna, gain the victory in this battle. Let my son, slaying Karna, win victory." Even thus did Surya and Vasava, those two foremost of personages, who were there and had adopted opposite sides, dispute with each other. Beholding those two high-souled ones, Karna and Dhananjaya, about to engage themselves in battle, the gods and the asuras adopted opposite sides. The three worlds with the celestial rishis and all the gods and all other creatures, trembled at the sight. The gods were on the side of Partha, while the asuras were on that of Karna. Thus all creatures were interested in that encounter, siding with this or that leader of car-warriors, the Kuru or the Pandava hero. Beholding the Self-born Lord of Creation (viz., Brahman), the gods urged him, saying, "Let, O god, the success of these two lions among men be equal. Let not the vast universe be destroyed in consequence of this encounter between Karna and Arjuna. O Selfborn one, say but the word, let the success of these two be equal." Hearing these words, Maghavat, bowing down unto the Grandsire, represented this unto that god of gods, that foremost one of all intelligent beings, saying, "Formerly it was said by thy holy self that the two Krishnas are always sure to win victory. Let it be (now) as thou then saidest. Be gratified with me, O holy one!" At this, Brahman and Isana replied unto the chief of the celestials, saying, 'The victory of the high-souled Vijaya is certain, of that Savyasaci who gratified the eater of sacrificial libations in the forest of Khandava and who, coming to heaven, rendered assistance to thee, O Sakra! Karna is on the side of the Danavas. It is proper, therefore, that he should meet with defeat. By this, without doubt, the purposes of the gods will be achieved. One's own business, O chief of the celestials, should always be important. The high-souled Phalguna, again, is devoted to truth and to morality. He must always be victorious, without doubt. He by whom the high-souled and holy god having the bull on his standard was gratified, why should not he, O thou of a hundred eyes, be victorious,--he, that is, who hath for the driver of his car that Lord of the universe, Vishnu himself? Possessed of great energy of mind and great strength, Partha is a hero, accomplished in arms and endued with ascetic merit. Possessed also of great energy of body, he beareth the entire science of weapons. Indeed, Partha hath every accomplishment. He ought to be victorious, since that would accomplish the purposes of the gods. In consequence of his greatness, Partha transgresses destiny itself, whether favourable or unfavourable, and when he does so, a great destruction of creatures takes place. When the two Krishnas are excited with wrath, they show regard for nothing. These two bulls among beings are the Creators of all real and unreal things. These two are Nara and Narayana, the two ancient and best of Rishis. There is none to rule over them. They are rulers over all, perfectly fearless, they are scorchers of all foes. In heaven or among human beings, there is none equal to either of them. The three worlds with the celestial Rishis and the Charanas are behind these two. All the gods and all creatures walk behind them. The entire universe exists in consequence of the power of these two. Let Karna, that bull among men, obtain these foremost of regions of bliss here. Let him obtain identity with the Vasus or the Maruts. Let him, with Drona and Bhishma, be worshipped in heaven, for Vikartana's son is brave and is a hero. Let the victory, however, belong to the two Krishnas." After those two foremost ones among the gods (Brahman and Isana), said so, the deity of a 1,000 eyes, worshipping those words of Brahman and Isana and saluting all creatures himself said, "Ye have heard what has been said by the two gods for the benefit of the universe. It will be even so and not otherwise. Stay ye then, with cheerful hearts." Hearing these words of Indra, all creatures, O sire, became filled with wonder and applauded, O king, that deity. The celestials then showered diverse kinds of fragrant flowers and blew their trumpets. Indeed, the gods, the Danavas and the Gandharvas all waited there for witnessing that matchless single combat between those two lions among men. The two cars, O king, upon which Karna and Arjuna were stationed, had white steeds yoked unto them both. And both had excellent standards, and both produced a loud rattle. Many foremost of heroes, approaching the brave Vasudeva and Arjuna as also Shalya and Karna, began each to blow his conch. The battle then commenced (between the two warriors), overwhelming all timid persons with fear. Fiercely they challenged each other like Sakra and Samvara. The standards of the two heroes, perfectly bright, looked exceedingly beautiful on their cars, like the planets Rahu and Ketu risen in the firmament at the time of the universal dissolution. The elephant's rope on Karna's banner, looking like a snake of virulent poison and made of jewels and gems and exceedingly strong and resembling the bow of Indra, looked resplendent (as it waved in the air). That foremost of apes, again, belonging to Partha, with jaws wide open and terrible, and difficult of being gazed at, like the sun himself, inspired fear by his formidable teeth. The impetuous Ape on the standard of the wielder of Gandiva, becoming desirous of battle, rushed from his station and fell upon Karna's standard. Endued with great impetuosity, the Ape, darting forward, struck the elephant's rope with his nails and teeth, like Garuda falling upon a snake. Decked with rows of little bells, hard as iron, and resembling the fatal noose (in the hands of Yama or Varuna), the elephant's rope, filled with wrath, closed with the Ape. Thus in that fierce single combat between those two heroes, which was the result of what had been settled at the time of the match at dice, their standards first battled with each other. Meanwhile the steeds of the one neighed at the steeds of the other. The lotus-eyed Keshava pierced Shalya with his keen glances. The latter also cast similar glances at the former. Vasudeva, however, vanquished Shalya with those glances of his, while Dhananjaya, the son of Kunti, vanquished Karna with his glances. Then the Suta's son, smilingly addressing Shalya, said, "If Partha by any means slays me in battle today, tell me truly, O friend, what thou wilt do after that." Shalya answered, saying, "If thou art slain, I myself will slay both Krishna and Dhananjaya." Once more the ruler of the Madras said, "If, O Karna, the white steeded Arjuna slays thee in battle today, I myself, on a single car, will slay both Madhava and Phalguna.'"

"Sanjaya continued, 'Arjuna also asked Govinda a similar question. Krishna, however, smiling, said unto Partha these words of grave import, "The Sun himself may fall down from his place, the Earth herself may split into a 1,000 fragments; fire itself may become cold. Still Karna will not be able to slay thee, O Dhananjaya! If, however, any such occurrence takes place, know then that the destruction of the universe will be at hand. As regards myself, I will, using my bare arms, slay both Karna and Shalya in battle." Hearing these words of Krishna, the ape-bannered Arjuna, smiling, replied unto Krishna who was never fatigued with exertion, saying, "Shalya and Karna, united together, are not a match for myself alone, O Janardana! Thou shalt today, O Krishna, behold Karna with his standard and banners with Shalya and his car and steeds, with his umbrella and armour and darts and shafts and bow, cut in pieces with my shafts in battle. Thou shalt today behold him with his car and steeds and darts and armour and weapons, reduced to dust like a tree in the forest crushed by a tusker. Today the widowhood of the wives of Radha's son is at hand. Verily, they must have in their (last night's) dreams seen signs of approaching evil, O Mahadeva! Verily, thou shalt today see the wives of Karna become widows. I cannot restrain my wrath at what was done before now by this fool of little foresight when he beheld Krishna dragged to the assembly and when laughing at us he abused us repeatedly in vile words. Today, O Govinda, thou shalt behold Karna crushed by me like a tree with its load of flowers crushed by an infuriated elephant. Today, O slayer of Madhu, thou shalt, after Karna's fall, hear those sweet words, 'By good luck, O thou of Vrishni's race, victory hath been thine!' Thou shalt today comfort the mother of Abhimanyu with a lighter heart for having paid thy debt to the foe. Today thou shalt, filled with joy, comfort thy paternal aunt Kunti. Today thou shalt, O Madhava, comfort Krishna of tearful face and king Yudhishthira the just with words sweet as nectar."'"

8.64.1

संजय उवाच
तद्देवनागासुरसिद्धसंघै;र्गन्धर्वयक्षाप्सरसां च संघैः
ब्रह्मर्षिराजर्षिसुपर्णजुष्टं; बभौ वियद्विस्मयनीयरूपम्

8.64.2

नानद्यमानं निनदैर्मनोज्ञै;र्वादित्रगीतस्तुतिभिश्च नृत्तैः
सर्वेऽन्तरिक्षे ददृशुर्मनुष्याः; खस्थांश्च तान्विस्मयनीयरूपान्

8.64.3

ततः प्रहृष्टाः कुरुपाण्डुयोधा; वादित्रपत्रायुधसिंहनादैः
निनादयन्तो वसुधां दिशश्च; स्वनेन सर्वे द्विषतो निजघ्नुः

8.64.4

नानाश्वमातङ्गरथायुताकुलं; वरासिशक्त्यृष्टिनिपातदुःसहम्
अभीरुजुष्टं हतदेहसंकुलं; रणाजिरं लोहितरक्तमाबभौ

8.64.5

तथा प्रवृत्तेऽस्त्रभृतां पराभवे; धनंजयश्चाधिरथिश्च सायकैः
दिशश्च सैन्यं च शितैरजिह्मगैः; परस्परं प्रोर्णुवतुः स्म दंशितौ

8.64.6

ततस्त्वदीयाश्च परे च सायकैः; कृतेऽन्धकारे विविदुर्न किंचन
भयात्तु तावेव रथौ समाश्रयं;स्तमोनुदौ खे प्रसृता इवांशवः

8.64.7

ततोऽस्त्रमस्त्रेण परस्परस्य तौ; विधूय वाताविव पूर्वपश्चिमौ
घनान्धकारे वितते तमोनुदौ; यथोदितौ तद्वदतीव रेजतुः

8.64.8

न चाभिमन्तव्यमिति प्रचोदिताः; परे त्वदीयाश्च तदावतस्थिरे
महारथौ तौ परिवार्य सर्वतः; सुरासुरा वासवशम्बराविव

8.64.9

मृदङ्गभेरीपणवानकस्वनै;र्निनादिते भारत शङ्खनिस्वनैः
ससिंहनादौ बभतुर्नरोत्तमौ; शशाङ्कसूर्याविव मेघसंप्लवे

8.64.10

महाधनुर्मण्डलमध्यगावुभौ; सुवर्चसौ बाणसहस्ररश्मिनौ
दिधक्षमाणौ सचराचरं जग;द्युगास्तसूर्याविव दुःसहौ रणे

8.64.11

उभावजेयावहितान्तकावुभौ; जिघांसतुस्तौ कृतिनौ परस्परम्
महाहवे वीरवरौ समीयतु;र्यथेन्द्रजम्भाविव कर्णपाण्डवौ

8.64.12

ततो महास्त्राणि महाधनुर्धरौ; विमुञ्चमानाविषुभिर्भयानकैः
नराश्वनागानमितौ निजघ्नतुः; परस्परं जघ्नतुरुत्तमेषुभिः

8.64.13

ततो विसस्रुः पुनरर्दिताः शरै;र्नरोत्तमाभ्यां कुरुपाण्डवाश्रयाः
सनागपत्त्यश्वरथा दिशो गता;स्तथा यथा सिंहभयाद्वनौकसः

8.64.14

ततस्तु दुर्योधनभोजसौबलाः; कृपश्च शारद्वतसूनुना सह
महारथाः पञ्च धनंजयाच्युतौ; शरैः शरीरान्तकरैरताडयन्

8.64.15

धनूंषि तेषामिषुधीन्हयान्ध्वजा;न्रथांश्च सूतांश्च धनंजयः शरैः
समं च चिच्छेद पराभिनच्च ता;ञ्शरोत्तमैर्द्वादशभिश्च सूतजम्

8.64.16

अथाभ्यधावंस्त्वरिताः शतं रथाः; शतं च नागार्जुनमाततायिनः
शकास्तुखारा यवनाश्च सादिनः; सहैव काम्बोजवरैर्जिघांसवः

8.64.17

वरायुधान्पाणिगतान्करैः सह; क्षुरैर्न्यकृन्तंस्त्वरिताः शिरांसि च
हयांश्च नागांश्च रथांश्च युध्यतां; धनंजयः शत्रुगणं तमक्षिणोत्

8.64.18

ततोऽन्तरिक्षे सुरतूर्यनिस्वनाः; ससाधुवादा हृषितैः समीरिताः
निपेतुरप्युत्तमपुष्पवृष्टयः; सुरूपगन्धाः पवनेरिताः शिवाः

8.64.19

तदद्भुतं देवमनुष्यसाक्षिकं; समीक्ष्य भूतानि विसिष्मियुर्नृप
तवात्मजः सूतसुतश्च न व्यथां; न विस्मयं जग्मतुरेकनिश्चयौ

8.64.20

अथाब्रवीद्द्रोणसुतस्तवात्मजं; करं करेण प्रतिपीड्य सान्त्वयन्
प्रसीद दुर्योधन शाम्य पाण्डवै;रलं विरोधेन धिगस्तु विग्रहम्

8.64.21

हतो गुरुर्ब्रह्मसमो महास्त्रवि;त्तथैव भीष्मप्रमुखा नरर्षभाः
अहं त्ववध्यो मम चापि मातुलः; प्रशाधि राज्यं सह पाण्डवैश्चिरम्

8.64.22

धनंजयः स्थास्यति वारितो मया; जनार्दनो नैव विरोधमिच्छति
युधिष्ठिरो भूतहिते सदा रतो; वृकोदरस्तद्वशगस्तथा यमौ

8.64.23

त्वया च पार्थैश्च परस्परेण; प्रजाः शिवं प्राप्नुयुरिच्छति त्वयि
व्रजन्तु शेषाः स्वपुराणि पार्थिवा; निवृत्तवैराश्च भवन्तु सैनिकाः

8.64.24

न चेद्वचः श्रोष्यसि मे नराधिप; ध्रुवं प्रतप्तासि हतोऽरिभिर्युधि
इदं च दृष्टं जगता सह त्वया; कृतं यदेकेन किरीटमालिना
यथा न कुर्याद्बलभिन्न चान्तको; न च प्रचेता भगवान्न यक्षराट्

8.64.25

अतोऽपि भूयांश्च गुणैर्धनंजयः; स चाभिपत्स्यत्यखिलं वचो मम
तवानुयात्रां च तथा करिष्यति; प्रसीद राजञ्जगतः शमाय वै

8.64.26

ममापि मानः परमः सदा त्वयि; ब्रवीम्यतस्त्वां परमाच्च सौहृदात्
निवारयिष्यामि हि कर्णमप्यहं; यदा भवान्सप्रणयो भविष्यति

8.64.27

वदन्ति मित्रं सहजं विचक्षणा;स्तथैव साम्ना च धनेन चार्जितम्
प्रतापतश्चोपनतं चतुर्विधं; तदस्ति सर्वं त्वयि पाण्डवेषु च

8.64.28

निसर्गतस्ते तव वीर बान्धवाः; पुनश्च साम्ना च समाप्नुहि स्थिरम्
त्वयि प्रसन्ने यदि मित्रतामियु;र्ध्रुवं नरेन्द्रेन्द्र तथा त्वमाचर

8.64.29

स एवमुक्तः सुहृदा वचो हितं; विचिन्त्य निःश्वस्य च दुर्मनाब्रवीत्
यथा भवानाह सखे तथैव त;न्ममापि च ज्ञापयतो वचः शृणु

8.64.30

निहत्य दुःशासनमुक्तवान्बहु; प्रसह्य शार्दूलवदेष दुर्मतिः
वृकोदरस्तद्धृदये मम स्थितं; न तत्परोक्षं भवतः कुतः शमः

8.64.31

न चापि कर्णं गुरुपुत्र संस्तवा;दुपारमेत्यर्हसि वक्तुमच्युत
श्रमेण युक्तो महताद्य फल्गुन;स्तमेष कर्णः प्रसभं हनिष्यति

8.64.32

तमेवमुक्त्वाभ्यनुनीय चासकृ;त्तवात्मजः स्वाननुशास्ति सैनिकान्
समाघ्नताभिद्रवताहितानिमा;न्सबाणशब्दान्किमु जोषमास्यते

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Meanwhile the welkin, filled with gods and Nagas and Asuras and Siddhas and Yakshas and with large bands of Gandharvas and Rakshasas, and Asuras and regenerate Rishis and royal sages and birds of excellent feathers, assumed a wonderful aspect. All human beings assembled there beheld those beings of wonderful aspect staying in the sky, and the sky itself resounded with the voice of musical instruments and song and adulatory hymns and laughter and dance, and diverse other kinds of charming sounds. Then both the Kaurava and the Pandava warriors, filled with joy, and causing the earth and the ten points of the compass to resound with the voice of musical instruments, the blare of conchs, and leonine roars and the din of battle, began to slaughter their foes. Teeming with men and steeds and elephants and cars and weapons, unbearable to combatants in consequence of the falling of maces and swords and darts and rapiers, abounding in heroes, and crowded with lifeless bodies, the field of battle, crimsoned with gore, looked exceedingly resplendent. Indeed, the battle between the Kurus and the Pandavas then resembled that in days of yore between the gods and the Asuras. After that fierce and awful battle had commenced between Dhananjaya and Adhiratha's son, each of those two heroes, clad in excellent mail, shrouded the ten points of the compass and the host opposed to him with keen and straight arrows. A darkness having been caused there with the arrows shot on that occasion, neither thy warriors nor the enemy could any longer see anything. From fear all the warriors there sought the protection of either Karna or Arjuna like rays of light spread out in the welkin converging towards either the sun or the moon. The two heroes then, each baffling the other's weapons with his own, like the east and the west winds encountering each other, looked exceedingly resplendent like the sun and the moon risen after dispelling the darkness caused by the clouds and covering the welkin. Each having encouraged his troops, saying, "Do not fly away!" the enemy and thy warriors stood their ground, encircling those two mighty car-warriors like the gods and the asuras standing around Vasava and Samvara. The two armies then greeted those two best of men with the sounds of drums and other instruments and with leonine roars, at which those two bulls among men looked beautiful like the sun and the moon greeted by roaring clouds gathered around. Each armed with a formidable bow drawn to a complete circle and looking like a (solar or lunar) corona, those two heroes of great splendour, shooting, in that battle thousands of arrows that constituted their rays, resembled two unbearable suns risen at the end of the yuga for burning the entire universe with its mobile and immobile creatures. Both invincible, both capable of exterminating foes, each desirous of slaying the other; and each displaying his skill upon the other, those two warriors, Karna and the son of Pandu, closed fearlessly with each other in that dreadful battle, like Indra and the asura Jambha. Invoking the mightiest of weapons then, those two formidable bowmen began, with their terrible shafts, to slay innumerable men and steeds and elephants as also to strike each other, O king! Afflicted once more by those two foremost of men, the troops of both the Kurus and the Pandavas, consisting of elephants and foot-soldiers and horsemen and car-warriors, fled away on all sides like other animals in the forest when assailed by the lion. Then Duryodhana, and the chief of the Bhojas, and Subala's son, and Kripa, and the son of Sharadvata's daughter, these five great car-warriors, assailed Dhananjaya and Keshava with shafts capable of producing great pain. Dhananjaya, however, with his shafts, cut off at the same time the bows, the quivers, the steeds, the elephants, and the cars with their drivers, of those warriors, and mangling every one of them with excellent shafts, pierced the Suta's son with a dozen arrows. Then a hundred cars, a hundred elephants, and a number of Saka and Tukhara and Yavana horsemen, accompanied by some of the foremost combatants among the Kambojas, quickly rushed against Arjuna from desire of slaying him. Speedily cutting off with the shafts and razor-headed arrows in his hands the excellent weapons of his foes, as also their heads, and steeds, and elephants, and cars, Dhananjaya felled his contending enemies on the field. Then in the welkin blasts of celestial trumpets were blown by the excellent gods. These were mingled with the praises of Arjuna. Blown by gentle breezes, excellent floral showers, fragrant and auspicious, fell (upon Arjuna's head). Beholding that incident, which was witnessed by gods and men, all creatures, O king, were filled with wonder.' Only thy son and the Suta's son who were both of the same opinion, felt neither pain nor wonder. Then Drona's son, catching hold of Duryodhana's hand, and adopting a soothing tone, addressed thy son, saying, "Be gratified, O Duryodhana! Make peace with the Pandavas. There is no need for quarrel. Fie on war! The preceptor, conversant with the mightiest of weapons and like unto Brahma itself, hath been slain. Other bulls among men, headed by Bhishma, have also been slain. As regards myself, I am unslayable, as also my maternal uncle. Rule the kingdom for ever, (sharing it) with the sons of Pandu. Dissuaded by me, Dhananjaya will abstain. Janardana also doth not desire hostilities. Yudhishthira is always engaged in the good of all creatures. Vrikodara is obedient to him. So also are the twins. Peace being made between thee and the Parthas, all creatures will be benefited, through, as it would seem, thy desire. Let the kings that are still alive go back to their homes. Let the troops abstain from hostilities. If thou dost not listen to my words, O king, struck by foes in battle, thou wilt have to burn with grief. Thou hast beheld, as well as the universe, what has been achieved by the single-handed Arjuna decked with diadem and garlands. The slayer of Vala himself could not achieve its like, nor the Destroyer, nor Prachetas, nor the illustrious king of the Yakshas. Dhananjaya, as regards his merits, is even much greater than that. He will never transgress whatever I say unto him. He will always follow thee. Be thou gratified, O king, for the benefit of the universe. Thou always honourest me greatly. I, too, bear a great friendship for thee. It is for this that I say so unto thee. I shall dissuade Karna also, provided thou art inclined to peace. Discerning persons say that there are four kinds of friends, viz., those that are naturally so, those that are made so by conciliation, those that become so through wealth, and lastly those brought under subjection by the exercise of power. All these elements are owned by thee with regard to the sons of Pandu. The Pandavas, O hero, are naturally thy friends. Obtain them again as friends for certain by conciliation. If upon thyself being gratified, they agree to become friends, do thou, O king of kings, act in that way." These beneficial words having been said unto him by his friends, Duryodhana reflected for some time. Drawing deep breaths, he then, with a cheerless heart, said, "It is as thou, O friend, hast said. Listen, however, to the words that I would say unto thee. The wicked-hearted Vrikodara, having slain Duhshasana like a tiger, spoke words that still dwell in my heart. Thou also heardest the same. How then can there be peace? Arjuna again will not be able to bear Karna in battle, like a tempest whose force is weakened when encountering the mighty mountains of Meru. Nor will the sons of Pritha have the least confidence in me, thinking of the many acts of forceful hostility (done by me towards them). Nor, O preceptor's son of unfading glory, doth it behove thee to say unto Karna now 'Abstain from battle!' Phalguna is exceedingly tired today. Karna will soon slay him". Having with humility said these words repeatedly unto the preceptor's son, thy son commanded his own troops, saying, "Armed with arrows, rush against and slay these foes. Why stand ye inactive?"'"

8.65.1

संजय उवाच
तौ शङ्खभेरीनिनदे समृद्धे; समीयतुः श्वेतहयौ नराग्र्यौ
वैकर्तनः सूतपुत्रोऽर्जुनश्च; दुर्मन्त्रिते तव पुत्रस्य राजन्

8.65.2

यथा गजौ हैमवतौ प्रभिन्नौ; प्रगृह्य दन्ताविव वाशितार्थे
तथा समाजग्मतुरुग्रवेगौ; धनंजयश्चाधिरथिश्च वीरौ

8.65.3

बलाहकेनेव यथा बलाहको; यदृच्छया वा गिरिणा गिरिर्यथा
तथा धनुर्ज्यातलनेमिनिस्वनौ; समीयतुस्ताविषुवर्षवर्षिणौ

8.65.4

प्रवृद्धशृङ्गद्रुमवीरुदोषधी; प्रवृद्धनानाविधपर्वतौकसौ
यथाचलौ वा गलितौ महाबलौ; तथा महास्त्रैरितरेतरं घ्नतः

8.65.5

स संनिपातस्तु तयोर्महानभू;त्सुरेशवैरोचनयोर्यथा पुरा
शरैर्विभुग्नाङ्गनियन्तृवाहनः; सुदुःसहोऽन्यैः पटुशोणितोदकः

8.65.6

प्रभूतपद्मोत्पलमत्स्यकच्छपौ; महाह्रदौ पक्षिगणानुनादितौ
सुसंनिकृष्टावनिलोद्धतौ यथा; तथा रथौ तौ ध्वजिनौ समीयतुः

8.65.7

उभौ महेन्द्रस्य समानविक्रमा;वुभौ महेन्द्रप्रतिमौ महारथौ
महेन्द्रवज्रप्रतिमैश्च सायकै;र्महेन्द्रवृत्राविव संप्रजह्रतुः

8.65.8

सनागपत्त्यश्वरथे उभे बले; विचित्रवर्णाभरणाम्बरस्रजे
चकम्पतुश्चोन्नमतः स्म विस्मया;द्वियद्गताश्चार्जुनकर्णसंयुगे

8.65.9

भुजाः सवज्राङ्गुलयः समुच्छ्रिताः; ससिंहनादा हृषितैर्दिदृक्षुभिः
यदार्जुनं मत्तमिव द्विपो द्विपं; समभ्ययादाधिरथिर्जिघांसया

8.65.10

अभ्यक्रोशन्सोमकास्तत्र पार्थं; त्वरस्व याह्यर्जुन विध्य कर्णम्
छिन्ध्यस्य मूर्धानमलं चिरेण; श्रद्धां च राज्याद्धृतराष्ट्रसूनोः

8.65.11

तथास्माकं बहवस्तत्र योधाः; कर्णं तदा याहि याहीत्यवोचन्
जह्यर्जुनं कर्ण ततः सचीराः; पुनर्वनं यान्तु चिराय पार्थाः

8.65.12

ततः कर्णः प्रथमं तत्र पार्थं; महेषुभिर्दशभिः पर्यविध्यत्
तमर्जुनः प्रत्यविध्यच्छिताग्रैः; कक्षान्तरे दशभिरतीव क्रुद्धः

8.65.13

परस्परं तौ विशिखैः सुतीक्ष्णै;स्ततक्षतुः सूतपुत्रोऽर्जुनश्च
परस्परस्यान्तरेप्सू विमर्दे; सुभीममभ्याययतुः प्रहृष्टौ

8.65.14

अमृष्यमाणश्च महाविमर्दे; तत्राक्रुध्यद्भीमसेनो महात्मा
अथाब्रवीत्पाणिना पाणिमाघ्न;न्संदष्टौष्ठो नृत्यति वादयन्निव
कथं नु त्वां सूतपुत्रः किरीटि;न्महेषुभिर्दशभिरविध्यदग्रे

8.65.15

यया धृत्या सर्वभूतान्यजैषी;र्ग्रासं ददद्वह्नये खाण्डवे त्वम्
तया धृत्या सूतपुत्रं जहि त्व;महं वैनं गदया पोथयिष्ये

8.65.16

अथाब्रवीद्वासुदेवोऽपि पार्थं; दृष्ट्वा रथेषून्प्रतिहन्यमानान्
अमीमृदत्सर्वथा तेऽद्य कर्णो; ह्यस्त्रैरस्त्राणि किमिदं किरीटिन्

8.65.17

स वीर किं मुह्यसि नावधीयसे; नदन्त्येते कुरवः संप्रहृष्टाः
कर्णं पुरस्कृत्य विदुर्हि सर्वे; त्वदस्त्रमस्त्रैर्विनिपात्यमानम्

8.65.18

यया धृत्या निहतं तामसास्त्रं; युगे युगे राक्षसाश्चापि घोराः
दम्भोद्भवाश्चासुराश्चाहवेषु; तया धृत्या त्वं जहि सूतपुत्रम्

8.65.19

अनेन वास्य क्षुरनेमिनाद्य; संछिन्द्धि मूर्धानमरेः प्रसह्य
मया निसृष्टेन सुदर्शनेन; वज्रेण शक्रो नमुचेरिवारेः

8.65.20

किरातरूपी भगवान्यया च; त्वया महत्या परितोषितोऽभूत्
तां त्वं धृतिं वीर पुनर्गृहीत्वा; सहानुबन्धं जहि सूतपुत्रम्

8.65.21

ततो महीं सागरमेखलां त्वं; सपत्तनां ग्रामवतीं समृद्धाम्
प्रयच्छ राज्ञे निहतारिसंघां; यशश्च पार्थातुलमाप्नुहि त्वम्

8.65.22

संचोदितो भीमजनार्दनाभ्यां; स्मृत्वा तदात्मानमवेक्ष्य सत्त्वम्
महात्मनश्चागमने विदित्वा; प्रयोजनं केशवमित्युवाच

8.65.23

प्रादुष्करोम्येष महास्त्रमुग्रं; शिवाय लोकस्य वधाय सौतेः
तन्मेऽनुजानातु भवान्सुराश्च; ब्रह्मा भवो ब्रह्मविदश्च सर्वे

8.65.24

इत्यूचिवान्ब्राह्ममसह्यमस्त्रं; प्रादुश्चक्रे मनसा संविधेयम्
ततो दिशश्च प्रदिशश्च सर्वाः; समावृणोत्सायकैर्भूरितेजाः
ससर्ज बाणान्भरतर्षभोऽपि; शतंशतानेकवदाशुवेगान्

8.65.25

वैकर्तनेनापि तथाजिमध्ये; सहस्रशो बाणगणा विसृष्टाः
ते घोषिणः पाण्डवमभ्युपेयुः; पर्जन्यमुक्ता इव वारिधाराः

8.65.26

स भीमसेनं च जनार्दनं च; किरीटिनं चाप्यमनुष्यकर्मा
त्रिभिस्त्रिभिर्भीमबलो निहत्य; ननाद घोरं महता स्वरेण

8.65.27

स कर्णबाणाभिहतः किरीटी; भीमं तथा प्रेक्ष्य जनार्दनं च
अमृष्यमाणः पुनरेव पार्थः; शरान्दशाष्टौ च समुद्बबर्ह

8.65.28

सुषेणमेकेन शरेण विद्ध्वा; शल्यं चतुर्भिस्त्रिभिरेव कर्णम्
ततः सुमुक्तैर्दशभिर्जघान; सभापतिं काञ्चनवर्मनद्धम्

8.65.29

स राजपुत्रो विशिरा विबाहु;र्विवाजिसूतो विधनुर्विकेतुः
ततो रथाग्रादपतत्प्रभग्नः; परश्वधैः शाल इवाभिकृत्तः

8.65.30

पुनश्च कर्णं त्रिभिरष्टभिश्च; द्वाभ्यां चतुर्भिर्दशभिश्च विद्ध्वा
चतुःशतान्द्विरदान्सायुधीया;न्हत्वा रथानष्टशतं जघान
सहस्रमश्वांश्च पुनश्च सादी;नष्टौ सहस्राणि च पत्तिवीरान्

8.65.31

दृष्ट्वाजिमुख्यावथ युध्यमानौ; दिदृक्षवः शूरवरावरिघ्नौ
कर्णं च पार्थं च नियम्य वाहा;न्खस्था महीस्थाश्च जनावतस्थुः

8.65.32

ततो धनुर्ज्या सहसातिकृष्टा; सुघोषमाच्छिद्यत पाण्डवस्य
तस्मिन्क्षणे सूतपुत्रस्तु पार्थं; समाचिनोत्क्षुद्रकाणां शतेन

8.65.33

निर्मुक्तसर्पप्रतिमैश्च तीक्ष्णै;स्तैलप्रधौतैः खगपत्रवाजैः
षष्ट्या नाराचैर्वासुदेवं बिभेद; तदन्तरं सोमकाः प्राद्रवन्त

8.65.34

ततो धनुर्ज्यामवधम्य शीघ्रं; शरानस्तानाधिरथेर्विधम्य
सुसंरब्धः कर्णशरक्षताङ्गो; रणे पार्थः सोमकान्प्रत्यगृह्णात्
न पक्षिणः संपतन्त्यन्तरिक्षे; क्षेपीयसास्त्रेण कृतेऽन्धकारे

8.65.35

शल्यं च पार्थो दशभिः पृषत्कै;र्भृशं तनुत्रे प्रहसन्नविध्यत्
ततः कर्णं द्वादशभिः सुमुक्तै;र्विद्ध्वा पुनः सप्तभिरभ्यविध्यत्

8.65.36

स पार्थबाणासनवेगनुन्नै;र्दृढाहतः पत्रिभिरुग्रवेगैः
विभिन्नगात्रः क्षतजोक्षिताङ्गः; कर्णो बभौ रुद्र इवाततेषुः

8.65.37

ततस्त्रिभिश्च त्रिदशाधिपोपमं; शरैर्बिभेदाधिरथिर्धनंजयम्
शरांस्तु पञ्च ज्वलितानिवोरगा;न्प्रवीरयामास जिघांसुरच्युते

8.65.38

ते वर्म भित्त्वा पुरुषोत्तमस्य; सुवर्णचित्रं न्यपतन्सुमुक्ताः
वेगेन गामाविविशुः सुवेगाः; स्नात्वा च कर्णाभिमुखाः प्रतीयुः

8.65.39

तान्पञ्चभल्लैस्त्वरितैः सुमुक्तै;स्त्रिधा त्रिधैकैकमथोच्चकर्त
धनंजयस्ते न्यपतन्पृथिव्यां; महाहयस्तक्षकपुत्रपक्षाः

8.65.40

ततः प्रजज्वाल किरीटमाली; क्रोधेन कक्षं प्रदहन्निवाग्निः
स कर्णमाकर्णविकृष्टसृष्टैः; शरैः शरीरान्तकरैर्ज्वलद्भिः
मर्मस्वविध्यत्स चचाल दुःखा;द्धैर्यात्तु तस्थावतिमात्रधैर्यः

8.65.41

ततः शरौघैः प्रदिशो दिशश्च; रविप्रभा कर्णरथश्च राजन्
अदृश्य आसीत्कुपिते धनंजये; तुषारनीहारवृतं यथा नभः

8.65.42

स चक्ररक्षानथ पादरक्षा;न्पुरःसरान्पृष्ठगोपांश्च सर्वान्
दुर्योधनेनानुमतानरिघ्ना;न्समुच्चितान्सुरथान्सारभूतान्

8.65.43

द्विसाहस्रान्समरे सव्यसाची; कुरुप्रवीरानृषभः कुरूणाम्
क्षणेन सर्वान्सरथाश्वसूता;न्निनाय राजन्क्षयमेकवीरः

8.65.44

अथापलायन्त विहाय कर्णं; तवात्मजाः कुरवश्चावशिष्टाः
हतानवाकीर्य शरक्षतांश्च; लालप्यमानांस्तनयान्पितॄंश्च

8.65.45

स सर्वतः प्रेक्ष्य दिशो विशून्या; भयावदीर्णैः कुरुभिर्विहीनः
न विव्यथे भारत तत्र कर्णः; प्रतीपमेवार्जुनमभ्यधावत्

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

Sanjaya said, "Then when the blare of conchs and the peal of drums became very loud, those two foremost of men, both owning white steeds, the suta's son Vikartana and Arjuna, encountered each other in consequence, O king, of thy son's evil policy. Those two heroes endued with great impetuosity, Dhananjaya and Adhiratha's son, closed with each other like two infuriated Himalayan elephants, both of full-grown tusks, fighting with each other for the sake of a she-elephant in her season. Like a mass of clouds encountering another mass, or a mountain encountering a mountain, those two warriors, both pouring showers of arrows, encountered each other, their bows loudly twanging the while, and the wheels of their cars producing a deafening clatter, and their bow-strings and palms emitting loud sounds. Like two mountains, both endued with tall cliffs and abounding in trees and creepers and herbs and both teeming with the diverse other denizens that are natural to them, moving towards each other for an encounter, those two mighty warriors encountered each other, each striking the other with mighty weapons.

The combat between the two heroes became furious like that between the chief of the celestials and Virocana's son in days of yore. Incapable of being endured by others and marked by a river whose distasteful water consisted of blood, the limbs of those two heroes, as also their drivers and animals, became exceedingly mangled. Like two large lakes, both teeming with lotuses of diverse kinds and fish and tortoises, and echoing with the voices of diverse kinds of fowl, and softly stirred by the wind, approaching each other, those two cars graced with standards approached each other. Both endued with prowess equal to that of the great Indra, both resembling the great Indra himself, those two mighty car-warriors struck each other with shafts that resembled the great Indra's thunder, like the great Indra himself and (the asura) Vritra.

Both the armies consisting of cars and elephants and steeds and foot-soldiers, all equipped with beautiful armour and ornaments and robes and weapons, and those also that were in the welkin, were inspired with fear upon beholding that encounter of wonderful aspect between Arjuna and Karna. Others among the spectators, filled with joy and uttering leonine shouts, raised their arms, waving their fingers or the pieces of cloth they held, when Arjuna rushed against the son of Adhiratha, from desire of slaughter, like one infuriated elephant rushing against another.

The Somakas then loudly shouted to Partha, saying, "Be quick, O Arjuna, go and pierce Karna. Cut off his head without delay, and (with it) the desire of Dhritarashtra's son for kingdom." Similarly many warriors of ours that were there, said unto Karna, "Proceed, proceed, O Karna, and slay Arjuna with keen shafts. Let the sons of Pritha once more go to the woods forever."

Then Karna first pierced Partha in that encounter, with ten mighty shafts. Arjuna pierced him in return with ten keen-pointed shafts, shot with great vigour, in the centre of the chest. Indeed, the suta's son and Arjuna then mangled each other with many shafts equipped with goodly wings. Desirous of obtaining advantage of each other's lapses in that dreadful encounter, with cheerful hearts they rushed against each other fiercely.

Rubbing his two arms and the string also of gandiva, that fierce bowman, Arjuna, then sped showers of cloth-yard shafts, and nalikas and arrows equipped with heads like boar's ears and razors, and anjalikas, and crescent-shaped arrows. Those arrows of Partha, O king, spread over the welkin, penetrated into Karna's car like flights of birds, with heads bent down, penetrating in the evening into a tree for roosting there in the night. All those arrows, however, O king, that Arjuna, that victor over all foes, with furrowed brow and angry glances, sped at Karna, all those successive showers of shafts shot by the son of Pandu, were cut off by the suta's son with his own arrows.

The son of Indra then sped at Karna a fiery weapon capable of slaying all foes. Covering the earth and the welkin and the ten points of the compass and the very course of the sun with its effulgence, it caused his own body also to blaze up with light. The robes of all the warriors took fire, at which they fled away. Loud sounds also arose there, like what is heard when a forest of bamboos in a wilderness is on fire. Beholding that fiery weapon acting on all sides, the suta's son Karna of great valour shot in that encounter the varunastra for quenching it. That conflagration then, in consequence of Karna's weapon, became quenched.

A large mass of clouds quickly caused all the points of the compass to be enveloped with darkness. Those clouds whose extremities presented the aspect of mountains, surrounding every side, flooded the earth with water. That fierce conflagration, though it was such, was still quenched by those clouds in a trice. The entire welkin and all the directions, cardinal and subsidiary, were shrouded by clouds. Thus shrouded by clouds, all the points of the compass became dark and nothing could be seen.

Then Arjuna dispelled those clouds caused by Karna, by means of the vayavyastra. After this, Dhananjaya, incapable of being over-mastered by foes inspired gandiva, its string, and his shafts, with mantras, and invoked into existence another weapon that was the favourite of the chief of the celestials and that resembled the thunder in energy and prowess. Then razor-headed arrows, and anjalikas, and crescent-shaped shafts, and nalikas, and cloth-yard shafts and those equipped with heads like the boar's ear, all keen and sharp, issued from gandiva in thousands, endued with the force and impetuosity of the thunder. Possessed of great might and great energy, those impetuous and keen shafts equipped with vulturine feathers piercing all the limbs, the steeds, the bow, the yoke, the wheels, and the standard of Karna, quickly penetrated into them like snakes frightened by Garuda penetrating into the earth. Pierced all over with arrows and bathed in blood, (the high-souled) Karna then, with eyes rolling in wrath, bending his bow of enduring string and producing a twang as loud as the roar of the sea, invoked into existence the Bhargava weapon. Cutting off Partha's showers of shafts proceeding from the mouth of that weapon of Indra (which Arjuna had shot), Karna, having thus baffled his antagonist's weapon with his own, destroyed cars and elephants and foot-soldiers (of the Pandava army). Unable to endure the feats of Arjuna in that fierce battle, the mighty car-warrior Karna did this, through the energy of the Bhargava weapon. Filled with wrath and possessed of great activity, the Suta's son, that foremost of men, laughing at the two Krishnas, pierced the foremost of Pancala warriors with well shot arrows in that battle. Then the Pancalas and the Somakas, O king, thus afflicted by Karna with showers of shafts in that encounter, became filled with wrath and uniting together pierced the Suta's son with keen arrows from every side. Quickly cutting off those arrows with his own, the Suta's son, vigorously agitating them in that battle, afflicted with many shafts the cars, the elephants, and the steeds of the Pancalas. Their bodies pierced with those shafts of Karna, they fell down, deprived of life, on the earth, making loud sounds, like mighty elephants slain by an angry lion of terrible strength. Having slain those foremost of warriors, those heroes endued with great strength, those leaders of the Pancala forces who had always challenged him (to battle), Karna, O king, as he shot his arrows, looked beautiful, like a mass of clouds pouring torrents of rain. Then thy warriors, thinking that Karna had won the victory, clapped loudly and uttered leonine roars. O chief of the Kurus, all of them then regarded the two Krishnas as brought by Karna under his power, seeing that valour, incapable of being borne by foes, of the mighty car-warrior Karna. Beholding that weapon of Dhananjaya frustrated by Karna in the midst of battle, the angry son of the Wind-god, with eyes blazing with wrath, began to squeeze his hands. Indeed, the wrathful Bhima, his anger being provoked, drew deep breaths and addressing Arjuna of true aim, said, "How, O Jishnu, could this wretch fallen off from virtue, this Suta's son, putting forth his might in battle, slay so many foremost of Pancala warriors, in thy sight? Before now thou couldst not be conquered by the very gods or the Kalakeyas. Thou receivedst the touch of the arms of Sthanu himself. How, then, O diadem-decked Arjuna, could the Suta's son pierce thee first with ten long shafts such as are used by car-warriors? That the Suta's son should today have succeeded in baffling the arrows shot by thee seems to me to be very amazing. Recollect the woes of Krishna, and those disagreeable, keen, and cutting words that this wicked-souled and fearless son of a Suta used towards us, viz., 'Sesame seeds without kernel!' Recollecting all this, O Savyasaci, quickly slay the wretched Karna in battle today. Why, O diadem-decked Arjuna, dost thou show such indifference (towards this act)? This is not the time for showing thy indifference to Karna's slaughter. That patience with which thou didst vanquish all creatures and feed Agni at Khandava, with that patience, slay thou the Suta's son. I also will crush him with my mace." Then Vasudeva, beholding Partha's shafts baffled by Karna, said unto the former, "What is this, O diadem-decked Arjuna, that Karna should succeed in crushing thy weapons today with this? Why dost, thou, O hero, lose thy wits? Markest thou not that the Kauravas, (standing behind Karna), are even now shouting in joy? Indeed, all of them know that thy weapons are being baffled by Karna with his. That patience with which, Yuga after Yuga, thou hadst slain persons having the quality of darkness for their weapons, as also terrible Kshatriyas, and Asuras born of pride, in many a battle--with that patience do thou slay Karna today. Putting forth thy might, strike off the head of that foe of thine with this Sudarsana, of edge keen as a razor, that I give unto thee, like Sakra striking off the head of his foe Namuci, with the thunderbolt. That patience with which thou didst gratified the illustrious deity Mahadeva in the guise of a hunter, summoning that patience once again, O hero, slay the Suta's son with all his followers. After that, bestow upon king Yudhishthira the earth with her belt of seas, her towns and villages, and wealth, and from off whose surface all foes will have been removed. By that act, O Partha, do thou also win unrivalled fame." Thus addressed (by Krishna), the high-souled Partha of exceeding might set his heart upon the slaughter of the Suta's son. Indeed, urged by Bhima and Janardana, and recollecting (his woes), and taking an internal survey of himself, and calling to mind the object for which he had come to this world, he addressed Keshava, saying, "I will now invoke into existence a mighty and fierce weapon for the good of the world and the destruction of the Suta's son. Let me have thy permission, as also Brahman's and Bhava's, and of all those that are conversant with Brahma." Having said these words unto the holy Keshava, Savyasaci of immeasurable soul bowed unto Brahman and invoked into existence that excellent irresistible weapon called brahmastra which could be applied by the mind alone. Baffling that weapon, however, Karna looked beautiful as he continued, like a cloud pouring torrents of rain, to shoot his shafts. Beholding that weapon of the diadem-decked Arjuna baffled in the midst of battle by Karna, the wrathful and mighty Bhima, blazing up with rage, addressed Arjuna of sure aim and said, "People say that thou art a master of the high brahmastra, that mighty means (for achieving the destruction of foes). Do thou then, O Savyasaci, use another weapon of the same kind." Thus addressed by his brother, Savyasaci used a second weapon of the kind. With that, Partha of abundant energy shrouded all the points of the compass, cardinal and subsidiary, with arrows sped from gandiva that resembled fierce snakes and were like the blazing rays of the sun. Created by that bull of Bharata's race, those arrows of golden wings, in hundreds upon hundreds, endued with the effulgence of the yuga fire or the sun, in a moment shrouded the car of Karna. Thence also issued long darts and battle-axes and discs and cloth-yard shafts in hundreds, all of awful forms, at which hostile warriors all around began to be deprived of life. The head of some hostile warrior, severed from his trunk, fell down on the field of battle. Another, beholding his fallen comrade, fell down dead on the earth, through fear. The (right) arm of a third, large and massive as the trunk of an elephant, cut off (by Partha), fell down with the sword in grasp. The left arm of a fourth, cut off with a razor-headed arrow, fell down with the shield in it. Even thus, Partha, decked with diadem and garlands, wounded and slew all the foremost warriors of Duryodhana's army with his terrible and death-dealing shafts. Vaikartana also, in the midst of that battle, shot thousands of arrows. These, with a loud whizz, fell upon the son of Pandu like torrents of rain poured from the clouds. Then piercing Bhimasena and Janardana and the diadem-decked Arjuna of superhuman feats, each with three arrows Karna of terrible might uttered a loud awful roar. Struck with Karna's shafts, the diadem-decked Arjuna, beholding Bhima and Janardana, became unable to endure (the feats of his antagonist). Once more, therefore, Partha shot eight and ten arrows. Piercing the beautiful standard of Karna with one of those arrows, he pierced Shalya with four and Karna himself with three. With ten other well-shot shafts he then struck the Kaurava warrior Sabhapati, clad in golden mail. Thereupon that prince, deprived of head and arms and steeds and driver and bow and standard, fell down, wounded and dead, from his foremost of cars, like a Sala tree cut down with an axe. Once more piercing Karna with three, eight, twelve, four, and ten arrows, Partha slew 400 elephants equipped with many weapons, and 8000 car-warriors, and 1,000 steeds with riders, and 8,000 brave foot-soldiers. And soon Partha made Karna with his driver and car and steeds and standard invisible with straightly coursing shafts. Then the Kauravas, thus slaughtered by Dhananjaya, loudly addressed Adhitratha's son, saying, "Shoot thy arrows and slay the son of Pandu. Already, he has begun to exterminate the Kurus with his shafts!" Thus urged, Karna, with his best endeavours, incessantly shot many arrows. Capable of cutting the very vitals, those blood-drinking shafts, well sped by Karna, slew large numbers of the Pandavas and the Pancalas. Thus those two foremost of all bowmen, those two warriors of great strength that were capable of bearing all foes, those two heroes acquainted with weapons, struck the warriors opposed to them, as also each other, with mighty weapons. Then Yudhishthira, clad in golden mail, his arrows having been extracted and himself made sound with mantras and drugs by foremost of surgeons well-disposed towards him, quickly came to that spot for witnessing (the encounter between Arjuna and Karna). Beholding king Yudhishthira the just arrived there like the resplendent full Moon freed from the jaws of Rahu and risen in the firmament, all creatures became filled with delight. Beholding those two foremost of warriors, those two first of heroes and slayers of foes, viz., Karna and Partha, engaged in fight, the spectators, both celestial and terrestrial, restraining the animals they rode or that were yoked unto their vehicles, stood motionless. As the two heroes, O king, struck each other with many foremost of arrows, O king, the sounds caused by the bows, bow-strings, and palms, of both Dhananjaya and Adhiratha's son, became tremendous and their well-sped arrows also caused a deafening whizz. Then the bow-string of the son of Pandu, stretched with force, broke with a loud noise. During the interval thus offered, the Suta's son pierced Partha with a hundred small arrows, keen and steeped in oil, winged with the feathers of birds, and resembling snakes freed from their sloughs. He then quickly pierced Vasudeva with sixty shafts, and then Phalguna again with eight. Surya's son then pierced Bhima with thousands upon thousands of mighty arrows. Having pierced Krishna and Partha's standard, Karna felled many amongst the Somakas that followed Partha. These, however, in return shrouded Karna with showers of straight shafts like masses of clouds shrouding the sun in the welkin. Accomplished in the use of weapons, the Suta's son, stupefying those advancing warriors with his shafts and baffling all the weapons shot by them, destroyed their cars and steeds and elephants. And the Suta's son, O king, also afflicted with his arrows many foremost of warriors among them. Their bodies pierced with Karna's shafts, they fell down on the ground, deprived of life and making a loud noise as they fell. Indeed, those mighty combatants, afflicted by Karna of terrible strength, perished like a pack of dogs afflicted by an angry lion. And once more many foremost of combatants among the Pancalas and many such (among the Kauravas) fell down after this, slain by Karna and Dhananjaya. Deprived of life by the mighty Karna with well-aimed arrows shot with great force, many fell down, purging the contents of their stomachs. Then thy troops, regarding the victory to be already theirs, clapped furiously and uttered loud leonine roars. Indeed, in that dreadful encounter, all of them regarded the two Krishnas to have been brought by Karna under his power. Then quickly bending his bow-string and baffling all those shafts of Adhiratha's son, Partha, filled with rage in consequence of his limbs having been mangled with Karna's arrows, assailed the Kauravas. Rubbing his bow-string, he clapped his palms and suddenly caused a darkness there with the showers of shafts he shot. The diadem-decked Arjuna pierced Karna and Shalya and all the Kurus with those arrows. The welkin having been darkened by means of that mighty weapon, the very birds were unable to range in their element, a delicious wind then blew, bearing fragrant odours. Laughing the while, Partha forcibly struck Shalya's armour with ten arrows. Piercing Karna next with a dozen shafts, he struck him once more with seven. Deeply struck with those winged arrows of fierce energy shot with great force from Partha's bow, Karna, with mangled limbs and body bathed in blood, looked resplendent like Rudra at the universal destruction, sporting in the midst of crematorium at noon or eve, his body dyed with blood. The son of Adhiratha then pierced Dhananjaya who resembled the chief of the celestials himself (in energy and might) with three arrows, and he caused five other blazing arrows resembling five snakes to penetrate the body of Krishna. Shot with great force, those arrows, decked with gold, pierced through the armour of that foremost of beings and passing out of his body fell upon the earth. Endued with great energy, they entered the earth with great force and having bathed (in the waters of the Bhogavati in the nether region) coursed back towards Karna. Those shafts were five mighty snakes that had adopted the side of Takshaka's son (Aswasena whose mother Partha had slain at Khandava). With ten broad-headed arrows shot with great force, Arjuna cut off each of those five snakes into three fragments whereupon they fell down on the earth. Beholding Krishna's limbs thus mangled with those snakes transformed into arrows sped from Karna's arms, Arjuna, decked with diadem and garlands, blazed up with wrath like a fire engaged in burning a heap of dry grass. He then pierced Karna in all his vital limbs with many blazing and fatal shafts shot from the bow-string stretched to the very ear. (Deeply pierced), Karna trembled in pain. With the greatest difficulty he stood, summoning all his patience. Dhananjaya having been filled with wrath, all the points of the compass, cardinal and subsidiary, the very splendour of the Sun, and Karna's car, O king, all became invisible with the showers shot by him. The welkin seemed as if it were shrouded by a thick forest. Then that slayer of foes, that bull of Kuru's race, that foremost of heroes, viz., Savyasaci, O king, soon slew in that battle 2,000 foremost of Kuru warriors, with their cars and steeds and drivers, forming the protectors of Karna's car-wheels and wings and his van-guard and rear-guard and who constituted the very pick of Duryodhana's car-force, and who, urged by Duryodhana, had been fighting with great energy. Then thy sons and the Kauravas that were still alive fled away, deserting Karna, and abandoning their dying and wounded, and their wailing sons and sires. Beholding himself abandoned by the terrified Kurus and seeing the space around him empty, Karna felt no agitation, O Bharata, but, on the other hand, rushed at Arjuna, with a cheerful heart.'"

8.66.1

संजय उवाच
ततोऽपयाताः शरपातमात्र;मवस्थिताः कुरवो भिन्नसेनाः
विद्युत्प्रकाशं ददृशुः समन्ता;द्धनंजयास्त्रं समुदीर्यमाणम्

8.66.2

तदर्जुनास्त्रं ग्रसते स्म वीरा;न्वियत्तथाकाशमनन्तघोषम्
क्रुद्धेन पार्थेन तदाशु सृष्टं; वधाय कर्णस्य महाविमर्दे

8.66.3

रामादुपात्तेन महामहिम्ना; आथर्वणेनारिविनाशनेन
तदर्जुनास्त्रं व्यधमद्दहन्तं; पार्थं च बाणैर्निशितैर्निजघ्ने

8.66.4

ततो विमर्दः सुमहान्बभूव; तस्यार्जुनस्याधिरथेश्च राजन्
अन्योन्यमासादयतोः पृषत्कै;र्विषाणघातैर्द्विपयोरिवोग्रैः

8.66.5

ततो रिपुघ्नं समधत्त कर्णः; सुसंशितं सर्पमुखं ज्वलन्तम्
रौद्रं शरं संयति सुप्रधौतं; पार्थार्थमत्यर्थचिराय गुप्तम्

8.66.6

सदार्चितं चन्दनचूर्णशायिनं; सुवर्णनालीशयनं महाविषम्
प्रदीप्तमैरावतवंशसंभवं; शिरो जिहीर्षुर्युधि फल्गुनस्य

8.66.7

तमब्रवीन्मद्रराजो महात्मा; वैकर्तनं प्रेक्ष्य हि संहितेषुम्
न कर्ण ग्रीवामिषुरेष प्राप्स्यते; संलक्ष्य संधत्स्व शरं शिरोघ्नम्

8.66.8

अथाब्रवीत्क्रोधसंरक्तनेत्रः; कर्णः शल्यं संधितेषुः प्रसह्य
न संधत्ते द्विः शरं शल्य कर्णो; न मादृशाः शाठ्ययुक्ता भवन्ति

8.66.9

तथैवमुक्त्वा विससर्ज तं शरं; बलाहकं वर्षघनाभिपूजितम्
हतोऽसि वै फल्गुन इत्यवोच;त्ततस्त्वरन्नूर्जितमुत्ससर्ज

8.66.10

संधीयमानं भुजगं दृष्ट्वा कर्णेन माधवः
आक्रम्य स्यन्दनं पद्भ्यां बलेन बलिनां वरः

8.66.11

अवगाढे रथे भूमौ जानुभ्यामगमन्हयाः
ततः शरः सोऽभ्यहनत्किरीटं तस्य धीमतः

8.66.12

अथार्जुनस्योत्तमगात्रभूषणं; धरावियद्द्योसलिलेषु विश्रुतम्
बलास्त्रसर्गोत्तमयत्नमन्युभिः; शरेण मूर्ध्नः स जहार सूतजः

8.66.13

दिवाकरेन्दुज्वलनग्रहत्विषं; सुवर्णमुक्तामणिजालभूषितम्
पुरंदरार्थं तपसा प्रयत्नतः; स्वयं कृतं यद्भुवनस्य सूनुना

8.66.14

महार्हरूपं द्विषतां भयंकरं; विभाति चात्यर्थसुखं सुगन्धि तत्
निजघ्नुषे देवरिपून्सुरेश्वरः; स्वयं ददौ यत्सुमनाः किरीटिने

8.66.15

हराम्बुपाखण्डलवित्तगोप्तृभिः; पिनाकपाशाशनिसायकोत्तमैः
सुरोत्तमैरप्यविषह्यमर्दितुं; प्रसह्य नागेन जहार यद्वृषः

8.66.16

तदुत्तमेषून्मथितं विषाग्निना; प्रदीप्तमर्चिष्मदभिक्षिति प्रियम्
पपात पार्थस्य किरीटमुत्तमं; दिवाकरोऽस्तादिव पर्वताज्ज्वलन्

8.66.17

ततः किरीटं बहुरत्नमण्डितं; जहार नागोऽर्जुनमूर्धतो बलात्
गिरेः सुजाताङ्कुरपुष्पितद्रुमं; महेन्द्रवज्रः शिखरं यथोत्तमम्

8.66.18

मही वियद्द्यौः सलिलानि वायुना; यथा विभिन्नानि विभान्ति भारत
तथैव शब्दो भुवनेष्वभूत्तदा; जना व्यवस्यन्व्यथिताश्च चस्खलुः

8.66.19

ततः समुद्ग्रथ्य सितेन वाससा; स्वमूर्धजानव्यथितः स्थितोऽर्जुनः
विभाति संपूर्णमरीचिभास्वता; शिरोगतेनोदयपर्वतो यथा

8.66.20

बलाहकः कर्णभुजेरितस्ततो; हुताशनार्कप्रतिमद्युतिर्महान्
महोरगः कृतवैरोऽर्जुनेन; किरीटमासाद्य समुत्पपात

8.66.21

तमब्रवीद्विद्धि कृतागसं मे; कृष्णाद्य मातुर्वधजातवैरम्
ततः कृष्णः पार्थमुवाच संख्ये; महोरगं कृतवैरं जहि त्वम्

8.66.22

स एवमुक्तो मधुसूदनेन; गाण्डीवधन्वा रिपुषूग्रधन्वा
उवाच को न्वेष ममाद्य नागः; स्वयं य आगाद्गरुडस्य वक्त्रम्

8.66.23

कृष्ण उवाच
योऽसौ त्वया खाण्डवे चित्रभानुं; संतर्पयानेन धनुर्धरेण
वियद्गतो बाणनिकृत्तदेहो; ह्यनेकरूपो निहतास्य माता

8.66.24

ततस्तु जिष्णुः परिहृत्य शेषां;श्चिच्छेद षड्भिर्निशितैः सुधारैः
नागं वियत्तिर्यगिवोत्पतन्तं; स छिन्नगात्रो निपपात भूमौ

8.66.25

तस्मिन्मुहूर्ते दशभिः पृषत्कैः; शिलाशितैर्बर्हिणवाजितैश्च
विव्याध कर्णः पुरुषप्रवीरं; धनंजयं तिर्यगवेक्षमाणम्

8.66.26

ततोऽर्जुनो द्वादशभिर्विमुक्तै;राकर्णमुक्तैर्निशितैः समर्प्य
नाराचमाशीविषतुल्यवेग;माकर्णपूर्णायतमुत्ससर्ज

8.66.27

स चित्रवर्मेषुवरो विदार्य; प्राणान्निरस्यन्निव साधु मुक्तः
कर्णस्य पीत्वा रुधिरं विवेश; वसुंधरां शोणितवाजदिग्धः

8.66.28

ततो वृषो बाणनिपातकोपितो; महोरगो दण्डविघट्टितो यथा
तथाशुकारी व्यसृजच्छरोत्तमा;न्महाविषः सर्प इवोत्तमं विषम्

8.66.29

जनार्दनं द्वादशभिः पराभिन;न्नवैर्नवत्या च शरैस्तथार्जुनम्
शरेण घोरेण पुनश्च पाण्डवं; विभिद्य कर्णोऽभ्यनदज्जहास च

8.66.30

तमस्य हर्षं ममृषे न पाण्डवो; बिभेद मर्माणि ततोऽस्य मर्मवित्
परं शरैः पत्रिभिरिन्द्रविक्रम;स्तथा यथेन्द्रो बलमोजसाहनत्

8.66.31

ततः शराणां नवतीर्नवार्जुनः; ससर्ज कर्णेऽन्तकदण्डसंनिभाः
शरैर्भृशायस्ततनुः प्रविव्यथे; तथा यथा वज्रविदारितोऽचलः

8.66.32

मणिप्रवेकोत्तमवज्रहाटकै;रलंकृतं चास्य वराङ्गभूषणम्
प्रविद्धमुर्व्यां निपपात पत्रिभि;र्धनंजयेनोत्तमकुण्डलेऽपि च

8.66.33

महाधनं शिल्पिवरैः प्रयत्नतः; कृतं यदस्योत्तमवर्म भास्वरम्
सुदीर्घकालेन तदस्य पाण्डवः; क्षणेन बाणैर्बहुधा व्यशातयत्

8.66.34

स तं विवर्माणमथोत्तमेषुभिः; शरैश्चतुर्भिः कुपितः पराभिनत्
स विव्यथेऽत्यर्थमरिप्रहारितो; यथातुरः पित्तकफानिलव्रणैः

8.66.35

महाधनुर्मण्डलनिःसृतैः शितैः; क्रियाप्रयत्नप्रहितैर्बलेन च
ततक्ष कर्णं बहुभिः शरोत्तमै;र्बिभेद मर्मस्वपि चार्जुनस्त्वरन्

8.66.36

दृढाहतः पत्रिभिरुग्रवेगैः; पार्थेन कर्णो विविधैः शिताग्रैः
बभौ गिरिर्गैरिकधातुरक्तः; क्षरन्प्रपातैरिव रक्तमम्भः

8.66.37

साश्वं तु कर्णं सरथं किरीटी; समाचिनोद्भारत वत्सदन्तैः
प्रच्छादयामास दिशश्च बाणैः; सर्वप्रयत्नात्तपनीयपुङ्खैः

8.66.38

स वत्सदन्तैः पृथुपीनवक्षाः; समाचितः स्माधिरथिर्विभाति
सुपुष्पिताशोकपलाशशाल्मलि;र्यथाचलः स्पन्दनचन्दनायुतः

8.66.39

शरैः शरीरे बहुधा समर्पितै;र्विभाति कर्णः समरे विशां पते
महीरुहैराचितसानुकन्दरो; यथा महेन्द्रः शुभकर्णिकारवान्

8.66.40

स बाणसंघान्धनुषा व्यवासृज;न्विभाति कर्णः शरजालरश्मिवान्
सलोहितो रक्तगभस्तिमण्डलो; दिवाकरोऽस्ताभिमुखो यथा तथा

8.66.41

बाह्वन्तरादाधिरथेर्विमुक्ता;न्बाणान्महाहीनिव दीप्यमानान्
व्यध्वंसयन्नर्जुनबाहुमुक्ताः; शराः समासाद्य दिशः शिताग्राः

8.66.42

ततश्चक्रमपतत्तस्य भूमौ; स विह्वलः समरे सूतपुत्रः
घूर्णे रथे ब्राह्मणस्याभिशापा;द्रामादुपात्तेऽप्रतिभाति चास्त्रे

8.66.43

अमृष्यमाणो व्यसनानि तानि; हस्तौ विधुन्वन्स विगर्हमाणः
धर्मप्रधानानभिपाति धर्म; इत्यब्रुवन्धर्मविदः सदैव
ममापि निम्नोऽद्य न पाति भक्ता;न्मन्ये न नित्यं परिपाति धर्मः

8.66.44

एवं ब्रुवन्प्रस्खलिताश्वसूतो; विचाल्यमानोऽर्जुनशस्त्रपातैः
मर्माभिघाताच्छलितः क्रियासु; पुनः पुनर्धर्ममगर्हदाजौ

8.66.45

ततः शरैर्भीमतरैरविध्यत्त्रिभिराहवे
हस्ते कर्णस्तदा पार्थमभ्यविध्यच्च सप्तभिः

8.66.46

ततोऽर्जुनः सप्तदश तिग्मतेजानजिह्मगान्
इन्द्राशनिसमान्घोरानसृजत्पावकोपमान्

8.66.47

निर्भिद्य ते भीमवेगा न्यपतन्पृथिवीतले
कम्पितात्मा तथा कर्णः शक्त्या चेष्टामदर्शयत्

8.66.48

बलेनाथ स संस्तभ्य ब्रह्मास्त्रं समुदैरयत्
ऐन्द्रास्त्रमर्जुनश्चापि तद्दृष्ट्वाभिन्यमन्त्रयत्

8.66.49

गाण्डीवं ज्यां च बाणांश्च अनुमन्त्र्य धनंजयः
असृजच्छरवर्षाणि वर्षाणीव पुरंदरः

8.66.50

ततस्तेजोमया बाणा रथात्पार्थस्य निःसृताः
प्रादुरासन्महावीर्याः कर्णस्य रथमन्तिकात्

8.66.51

तान्कर्णस्त्वग्रतोऽभ्यस्तान्मोघांश्चक्रे महारथः
ततोऽब्रवीद्वृष्णिवीरस्तस्मिन्नस्त्रे विनाशिते

8.66.52

विसृजास्त्रं परं पार्थ राधेयो ग्रसते शरान्
ब्रह्मास्त्रमर्जुनश्चापि संमन्त्र्याथ प्रयोजयत्

8.66.53

छादयित्वा ततो बाणैः कर्णं प्रभ्राम्य चार्जुनः
तस्य कर्णः शरैः क्रुद्धश्चिच्छेद ज्यां सुतेजनैः

8.66.54

ततो ज्यामवधायान्यामनुमृज्य च पाण्डवः
शरैरवाकिरत्कर्णं दीप्यमानैः सहस्रशः

8.66.55

तस्य ज्याच्छेदनं कर्णो ज्यावधानं च संयुगे
नान्वबुध्यत शीघ्रत्वात्तदद्भुतमिवाभवत्

8.66.56

अस्त्रैरस्त्राणि राधेयः प्रत्यहन्सव्यसाचिनः
चक्रे चाभ्यधिकं पार्थात्स्ववीर्यं प्रतिदर्शयन्

8.66.57

ततः कृष्णोऽर्जुनं दृष्ट्वा कर्णास्त्रेणाभिपीडितम्
अभ्यस्येत्यब्रवीत्पार्थमातिष्ठास्त्रमनुत्तमम्

8.66.58

ततोऽन्यमग्निसदृशं शरं सर्पविषोपमम्
अश्मसारमयं दिव्यमनुमन्त्र्य धनंजयः

8.66.59

रौद्रमस्त्रं समादाय क्षेप्तुकामः किरीटवान्
ततोऽग्रसन्मही चक्रं राधेयस्य महामृधे

8.66.60

ग्रस्तचक्रस्तु राधेयः कोपादश्रूण्यवर्तयत्
सोऽब्रवीदर्जुनं चापि मुहूर्तं क्षम पाण्डव

8.66.61

मध्ये चक्रमवग्रस्तं दृष्ट्वा दैवादिदं मम
पार्थ कापुरुषाचीर्णमभिसंधिं विवर्जय

8.66.62

प्रकीर्णकेशे विमुखे ब्राह्मणे च कृताञ्जलौ
शरणागते न्यस्तशस्त्रे तथा व्यसनगेऽर्जुन

8.66.63

अबाणे भ्रष्टकवचे भ्रष्टभग्नायुधे तथा
न शूराः प्रहरन्त्याजौ न राज्ञे पार्थिवास्तथा
त्वं च शूरोऽसि कौन्तेय तस्मात्क्षम मुहूर्तकम्

8.66.64

यावच्चक्रमिदं भूमेरुद्धरामि धनंजय
न मां रथस्थो भूमिष्ठमसज्जं हन्तुमर्हसि
न वासुदेवात्त्वत्तो वा पाण्डवेय बिभेम्यहम्

8.66.65

त्वं हि क्षत्रियदायादो महाकुलविवर्धनः
स्मृत्वा धर्मोपदेशं त्वं मुहूर्तं क्षम पाण्डव

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Flying away in consequence of the falling of Arjuna's arrows, the broken divisions of the Kauravas, staying at a distance, continued to gaze at Arjuna's weapon swelling with energy and careering around with the effulgence of lightning. Then Karna, with showers of terrible shafts, baffled that weapon of Arjuna while it was still careering in the welkin and which Arjuna had shot with great vigour in that fierce encounter for the destruction of his foe. Indeed, that weapon (of Partha) which, swelling with energy, had been consuming the Kurus, the Suta's son now crushed with his shafts winged with gold. Bending then his own loud-sounding bow of irrefragable string, Karna shot showers of shafts. The Suta's son destroyed that burning weapon of Arjuna with his own foe-killing weapon of great power which he had obtained from Rama, and which resembled (in efficacy) an Atharvan rite. And he pierced Partha also with numerous keen shafts. The encounter then, O king, that took place between Arjuna and the son of Adhiratha, became a very dreadful one. They continued to strike each other with arrows like two fierce elephants striking each other with their tusks. All the points of the compass then became shrouded with weapons and the very sun became invisible. Indeed, Karna and Partha, with their arrowy downpours, made the welkin one vast expanse of arrows without any space between. All the Kauravas and the Somakas then beheld a wide-spread arrowy net. In that dense darkness caused by arrows, they were unable to see anything else. Those two foremost of men, both accomplished in weapons, as they incessantly aimed and shot innumerable arrows, O king, displayed diverse kinds of beautiful manoeuvres. While they were thus contending with each other in battle, sometimes the Suta's son prevailed over his rival and sometimes the diadem-decked Partha prevailed over his, in prowess and weapons and lightness of hands. Beholding that terrible and awful passage-at-arms between those two heroes each of whom was desirous of availing himself of the other's lapses, all the other warriors on the field of battle became filled with wonder. The beings in the welkin, O king, applauded Karna and Arjuna. Indeed, many of them at a time, filled with joy, cheerfully shouted, sometimes saying, "Excellent, O Karna!" and sometimes saying, "Excellent, O Arjuna!" During the progress of that fierce encounter, while the earth was being pressed deep with the weight of cars and the tread of steeds and elephants, the snake Aswasena, who was hostile to Arjuna, was passing his time in the nether region. Freed from the conflagration at Khandava, O king, he had, from anger, penetrated through the earth (for going to the subterranean region). That brave snake, recollecting the death of his mother and the enmity he on that account harboured against Arjuna, now rose from the lower region. Endued with the power of ascending the skies, he soared up with great speed upon beholding that fight between Karna and Arjuna. Thinking that that was the time for gratifying his animosity towards, as he thought, the wicked-souled Partha, he quickly entered into Karna's quiver, O king, in the form of an arrow. At that time a net of arrows was seen, shedding its bright arrows around. Karna and Partha made the welkin one dense mass of arrows by means of their arrowy downpours. Beholding that wide-spread expanse of arrows, all the Kauravas and the Somakas became filled with fear. In that thick and awful darkness caused by arrows they were unable to see anything else. Then those two tigers among men, those two foremost of all bowmen in the world, those two heroes, fatigued with their exertions in battle, looked at each other. Both of them were then fanned with excellent and waving fans made of young (palm) leaves and sprinkled with fragrant sandal-water by many Apsaras staying in the welkin. And Sakra and Surya, using their hands, gently brushed the faces of those two heroes. When at last Karna found that he could not prevail over Partha and was exceedingly scorched with the shafts of the former, that hero, his limbs very much mangled, set his heart upon that shaft of his which lay singly within a quiver. The Suta's son then fixed on his bow-string that foe-killing, exceedingly keen, snake-mouthed, blazing, and fierce shaft, which had been polished according to rule, and which he had long kept for the sake of Partha's destruction. Stretching his bow-string to his ear, Karna fixed that shaft of fierce energy and blazing splendour, that ever-worshipped weapon which lay within a golden quiver amid sandal dust, and aimed it at Partha. Indeed, he aimed that blazing arrow, born in Airavata's race, for cutting off Phalguna's head in battle. All the points of the compass and the welkin became ablaze and terrible meteors, and thunderbolts fell. When that snake of the form of an arrow was fixed on the bow-string, the Regents of the world, including Sakra, set up loud wails. The Suta's son did not know that the snake Aswasena had entered his arrow by the aid of his Yoga powers. Beholding Vaikartana aim that arrow, the high-souled ruler of the Madras, addressing Karna, said, "This arrow, O Karna, will not succeed in striking off Arjuna's head. Searching carefully, fix another arrow that may succeed in striking off thy enemy's head." Endued with great activity, the Suta's son, with eyes burning in wrath, then said unto the ruler of the Madras, "O Shalya, Karna never aimeth an arrow twice. Persons like us never become crooked warriors." Having said these words, Karna, with great care, let off that shaft which he had worshipped for many long years. Bent upon winning the victory, O king, he quickly said unto his rival, "Thou art slain, O Phalguna!" Sped from Karna's arms, that shaft of awful whizz, resembling fire or the sun in splendour, as it left the bow-string, blazed up in the welkin and seemed to divide it by a line such as is visible on the crown of a woman dividing her tresses. Beholding that shaft blazing in the welkin, the slayer of Kamsa, Madhava, with great speed and the greatest ease, pressed down with his feet that excellent car, causing it to sink about a cubit deep. At this, the steeds, white as the rays of the moon and decked in trappings of gold, bending their knees, laid themselves down on the ground. Indeed, seeing that snake (in the form of an arrow) aimed by Karna, Madhava, that foremost of all persons endued with might, put forth his strength and thus pressed down with his feet that car into the earth, whereat the steeds, (as already said) bending down their knees, laid themselves down upon the earth when the car itself had sank into it. Then loud sounds arose in the welkin in applause of Vasudeva. Many celestial voices were heard, and celestial flowers were showered upon Krishna, and leonine shouts also were uttered. When the car had thus been pressed down into the earth through the exertions of the slayer of Madhu, the excellent ornament of Arjuna's head, celebrated throughout the earth, the welkin, heaven, and the waters, the Suta's son swept off from the crown of his rival, with that arrow, in consequence of the very nature of that snaky weapon and the great care and wrath with which it had been shot. That diadem, endued with the splendour of the sun or the moon or fire or a planet, and adorned with gold and pearls and gems and diamonds, had with great care been made by the puissant Self-born himself for Purandara. Costly as its appearance indicated, it was inspiring terror in the hearts of foes, contributing to the happiness of him that wore it, and shedding a fragrance, that ornament had been given by the chief of the celestials himself with a cheerful heart unto Partha while the latter had proceeded to slaughter the foes of the gods. That diadem was incapable of being crushed by Rudra and the Lord of waters and Kuvera with Pinaka and noose and thunderbolt and the very foremost of shafts. It could not be endured by even the foremost ones among the gods. Vrisha, however, now broke it forcibly with his snake-inspired shaft. Endued with great activity, that wicked-natured snake of fierce form and false vows, falling upon that diadem-decked with gold and gems, swept it away from Arjuna's head. That snake, O king, forcibly tore it away from Partha's head, quickly reducing into fragments that well-made ornament set over with many a gem and blazing with beauty, like the thunderbolt riving a mountain summit decked with lofty and beautiful trees graced with flowers. Crushed by that excellent weapon, possessed of splendour, and blazing with the fire of (the snake's) poison, that beautiful and much-liked diadem of Partha fell down on the earth like the blazing disc of the Sun from the Asta hills. Indeed, that snake forcibly swept away from Arjuna's head that diadem adorned with many gems, like the thunder of Indra felling a beautiful mountain summit adorned with lofty trees bearing budding leaves and flowers. And the earth, welkin, heaven, and the waters, when agitated by a tempest, roar aloud, O Bharata, even such was the roar that arose in all the worlds at that time. Hearing that tremendous noise, people, notwithstanding their efforts to be calm, became extremely agitated and reeled as they stood. Reft of diadem, the dark complexioned and youthful Partha looked beautiful like a blue mountain of lofty summit. Binding then his locks with a white cloth, Arjuna stood perfectly unmoved. With that white gear on his head, he looked like the Udaya hill illumined with the rays of the sun. Thus that she-snake (whom Arjuna had killed at Khandava) of excellent mouth, through her son in the form of an arrow, sped by Surya's son, beholding Arjuna of exceeding energy and might standing with his head at a level with the reins of the steeds, took away his diadem only, that well-made ornament (formerly) owned by Aditi's son and endued with the effulgence of Surya himself. But Arjuna also (as will appear in the sequel) did not return from that battle without causing the snake to succumb to the power of Yama. Sped from Karna's arms, that costly shaft resembling fire or the sun in effulgence, viz., that mighty snake who from before had become the deadly foe of Arjuna, thus crushing the latter's diadem, went away. Having burnt the gold-decked diadem of Arjuna displayed on his head, he desired to come to Arjuna once more with great speed. Asked, however, by Karna (who saw him but knew him not), he said these words, "Thou hadst sped me, O Karna, without having seen me. It was for this that I could not strike off Arjuna's head. Do thou quickly shoot me once again, after seeing me well. I shall then slay thy foe and mine too." Thus addressed in that battle by him, the Suta's son said, "Who are you possessed of such fierce form?" The snake answered, saying, "Know me as one that has been wronged by Partha. My enmity towards him is due to his having slain my mother. If the wielder of the thunderbolt himself were to protect Partha, the latter would still have to go to the domains of the king of the pitris. Do not disregard me. Do my bidding. I will slay thy foe. Shoot me without delay." Hearing those words, Karna said, "Karna, O snake, never desires to have victory in battle today by relying on another's might. Even if I have to slay a hundred Arjunas, I will not, O snake, still shoot the same shaft twice." Once more addressing him in the midst of battle, that best of men, viz., Surya's son, Karna, said, "Aided by the nature of my other snaky weapons, and by resolute effort and wrath, I shall slay Partha. Be thou happy and go elsewhere." Thus addressed, in battle, by Karna, that prince of snakes, unable from rage to bear those words, himself proceeded, O king, for the slaughter of Partha, having assumed the form of an arrow. Of fierce form, the desire he ardently cherished was the destruction of his enemy. Then Krishna, addressing Partha in that encounter, said into him, "Slay that great snake inimical to thee." Thus addressed by the slayer of Madhu, the wielder of Gandiva, that bowman who was always fierce unto foes, enquired of him, saying, "Who is that snake that advanceth of his own accord against me, as if, indeed he advanceth right against the mouth of Garuda?" Krishna replied, "Whilst thou, armed with bow, wert engaged at Khandava in gratifying the god Agni, this snake was then in the sky, his body ensconced within his mother's. Thinking that it was only a single snake that was so staying in the sky, thou killedest the mother. Remembering that act of hostility done by thee, he cometh towards thee today for thy destruction. O resister of foes, behold him coming like a blazing meteor, falling from the firmament!'"

"Sanjaya continued, 'Then Jishnu, turning his face in rage, cut off, with six keen shafts, that snake in the welkin as the latter was coursing in a slanting direction. His body thus cut off, he fell down on the earth. After that snake had been cut off by Arjuna, the lord Keshava himself, O king, of massive arms, that foremost of beings, raised up with his arms that car from the earth. At that time, Karna, glancing obliquely at Dhananjaya, pierced that foremost of persons, viz., Krishna, with ten shafts whetted on stone and equipped with peacock feathers. Then Dhananjaya, piercing Karna with a dozen well-shot and keen arrows equipped with heads like the boar's ear, sped a cloth-yard shaft endued with the energy of a snake of virulent poison and shot from his bow-string stretched to his ear. That foremost of shafts, well shot by Arjuna, penetrated through Karna's armour, and as if suspending his life breaths, drank his blood and entered the earth, its wings also having been drenched with gore. Endued with great activity, Vrisha, enraged at the stroke of the shaft, like a snake beaten with stick, shot many mighty shafts, like snakes of virulent poison vomiting venom. And he pierced Janardana with a dozen shafts and Arjuna with nine and ninety. And once more piercing the son of Pandu with a terrible shaft, Karna laughed and uttered a loud roar. The son of Pandu, however, could not endure his enemy's joy. Acquainted with all the vital parts of the human body, Partha, possessed of prowess like that of Indra, pierced those vital limbs with hundreds of arrows even as Indra had struck Vala with great energy. Then Arjuna sped ninety arrows, each resembling the rod of Death at Karna. Deeply pierced with those shafts, Karna trembled like a mountain riven with thunder. The head-gear of Karna, adorned with costly gems and precious diamonds and pure gold, as also his earrings, cut off by Dhananjaya with his winged arrows, fell down on the earth. The costly and bright armour also of the Suta's son that had been forged with great care by many foremost of artists working for a long time, the son of Pandu cut off within a moment in many fragments. After thus divesting him of his armour, Partha then, in rage, pierced Karna with four whetted shafts of great energy. Struck forcibly by his foe, Karna suffered great pain like a diseased person afflicted by bile, phlegm, wind, and fever. Once more Arjuna, with great speed, mangled Karna, piercing his very vitals, with numerous excellent shafts, of great keenness, and sped from his circling bow with much force and speed and care. Deeply struck by Partha with those diverse arrows of keen points and fierce energy, Karna (covered with blood) looked resplendent like a mountain of red chalk with streams of red water running adown its breast. Once more Arjuna pierced Karna in the centre of the chest with many straight-coursing and strong shafts made entirely of iron and equipped with wings of gold and each resembling the fiery rod of the Destroyer, like the son of Agni piercing the Krauncha mountains. Then the Suta's son, casting aside his bow that resembled the very bow of Sakra, as also his quiver, felt great pain, and stood inactive, stupefied, and reeling, his grasp loosened and himself in great anguish. The virtuous Arjuna, observant of the duty of manliness, wished not to slay his enemy while fallen into such distress. The younger brother of Indra then, with great excitement, addressed him, saying, "Why, O son of Pandu, dost thou become so forgetful? They that are truly wise never spare their foes, however weak, even for a moment. He that is learned earneth both merit and fame by slaying foes fallen into distress. Lose no time in precipitately crushing Karna who is always inimical to thee and who is the first of heroes. The Suta's son, when able, will once more advance against thee as before. Slay him, therefore, like Indra slaying the Asura Namuci." Saying, "So be it, O Krishna!" and worshipping Janardana, Arjuna, that foremost of all persons in Kuru's race once more quickly pierced Karna with many excellent arrows like the ruler of heaven, piercing the Asura, Samvara. The diadem-decked Partha, O Bharata, covered Karna and his car and steeds with many calf-toothed arrows, and putting forth all his vigour he shrouded all the points of the compass with shafts equipped with wings of gold. Pierced with those arrows equipped with heads like the calf's tooth, Adhiratha's son of broad chest looked resplendent like an Asoka or Palasa or Salmali decked with its flowery load or a mountain overgrown with a forest of sandal trees. Indeed, with those numerous arrows sticking to his body, Karna, O monarch, in that battle, looked resplendent like the prince of mountains with its top and glens overgrown with trees or decked with flowering Karnikaras. Karna also shooting repeated showers of arrows, looked, with those arrows constituting his rays, like the sun coursing towards the Asta hills, with disc bright with crimson rays. Shafts, however, of keen points, sped from Arjuna's arms, encountering in the welkin the blazing arrows, resembling mighty snakes, sped from the arms of Adhiratha's son, destroyed them all. Recovering his coolness, and shooting many shafts that resembled angry snakes, Karna then pierced Partha with ten shafts and Krishna with half a dozen, each of which looked like an angry snake. Then Dhananjaya desired to shoot a mighty and terrible arrow, made wholly of iron, resembling the poison of snake or fire in energy, and whose whizz resembling the peal of Indra's thunder, and which was inspired with the force of a high (celestial) weapon. At that time, when the hour of Karna's death had come, Kala, approaching invisibly, and alluding to the Brahmana's curse, and desirous of informing Karna that his death was near, told him, "The Earth is devouring thy wheel!" Indeed, O foremost of men, when the hour of Karna's death came, the high brahmastra that the illustrious Bhargava had imparted unto him, escaped from his memory. And the earth also began to devour the left wheel of his car. Then in consequence of the curse of that foremost of Brahmanas, Karna's car began to reel, having sunk deep into the earth and having been transfixed at that spot like a sacred tree with its load of flowers standing upon an elevated platform. When his car began to reel from the curse of the Brahmana, and when the high weapon he had obtained from Rama no longer shone in him through inward light, and when his terrible snake-mouthed shaft also had been cut off by Partha, Karna became filled with melancholy. Unable to endure all those calamities, he waved his arms and began to rail at righteousness saying, "They that are conversant with righteousness always say that righteousness protects those that are righteous. As regards ourselves, we always endeavour, to the best of our ability and knowledge to practise righteousness. That righteousness, however, is destroying us now instead of protecting us that are devoted to it. I, therefore, think that righteousness does not always protect its worshippers." While saying these words, he became exceedingly agitated by the strokes of Arjuna's arrows. His steeds and his driver also were displaced from their usual position. His very vitals having been struck, he became indifferent as to what he did, and repeatedly railed at righteousness in that battle. He then pierced Krishna in the arm with three terrible arrows, and Partha, too, with seven. Then Arjuna sped seven and ten terrible arrows, perfectly straight and of fierce impetuosity, resembling fire in splendour and like unto Indra's thunder in force. Endued with awful impetuosity, those arrows pierced Karna and passing out of his body fell upon the surface of the earth. Trembling at the shock, Karna then displayed his activity to the utmost of his power. Steadying himself by a powerful effort he invoked the brahmastra. Beholding the brahmastra, Arjuna invoked the Aindra weapon with proper mantras. Inspiring gandiva, its string, and his shafts also, with mantras, that scorcher of foes poured showers like Purandara pouring rain in torrents. Those arrows endued with great energy and power, issuing out of Partha's car, were seen to be displayed in the vicinity of Karna's vehicle. The mighty car-warrior Karna baffled all those shafts displayed in his front. Seeing that weapon thus destroyed, the Vrishni hero, addressing Arjuna, said, "Shoot high weapons, O Partha! The son of Radha baffles thy shafts." With proper mantras, Arjuna then fixed the brahmastra on his string, and shrouding all the points of the compass with arrows, Partha struck Karna (with many) arrows. Then Karna, with a number of whetted shafts endued with great energy, cut off the string of Arjuna's bow. Similarly he cut off the second string, and then the third, and then the fourth, and then the fifth. The sixth also was cut off by Vrisha, and then the seventh, then the eighth, then the ninth, then the tenth, and then at last the eleventh. Capable of shooting hundreds upon hundreds of arrows, Karna knew not that Partha had a hundred strings to his bow. Tying another string to his bow and shooting many arrows, the son of Pandu covered Karna with shafts that resembled snakes of blazing mouths. So quickly did Arjuna replace each broken string that Karna could not mark when it was broken and when replaced. The feat seemed to him to be exceedingly wonderful. The son of Radha baffled with his own weapons those of Savyasaci. Displaying also his own prowess, he seemed to get the better of Dhananjaya at that time. Then Krishna, beholding Arjuna afflicted with the weapons of Karna, said these words unto Partha: "Approaching Karna, strike him with superior weapons." Then Dhananjaya, filled with rage, inspiring with mantras another celestial weapons that looked like fire and that resembled the poison of the snake and that was as hard as the essence of adamant, and uniting the Raudra weapon with it, became desirous of shooting it at his foe. At that time, O king, the earth swallowed up one of wheels of Karna's car. Quickly alighting then from his vehicle, he seized his sunken wheel with his two arms and endeavoured to lift it up with a great effort. Drawn up with force by Karna, the earth, which had swallowed up his wheel, rose up to a height of four fingers' breadth, with her seven islands and her hills and waters and forests. Seeing his wheel swallowed, the son of Radha shed tears from wrath, and beholding Arjuna, filled with rage he said these words, "O Partha, O Partha, wait for a moment, that is, till I lift this sunken wheel. Beholding, O Partha, the left wheel of my car swallowed through accident by the earth, abandon (instead of cherishing) this purpose (of striking and slaying me) that is capable of being harboured by only a coward. Brave warriors that are observant of the practices of the righteous, never shoot their weapons at persons with dishevelled hair, or at those that have turned their faces from battle, or at a Brahmana, or at him who joins his palms, or at him who yields himself up or beggeth for quarter or at one who has put up his weapon, or at one whose arrows are exhausted, or at one whose armour is displaced, or at one whose weapon has fallen off or been broken! Thou art the bravest of men in the world. Thou art also of righteous behaviour, O son of Pandu! Thou art well-acquainted with the rules of battle. For these reasons, excuse me for a moment, that is, till I extricate my wheel, O Dhananjaya, from the earth. Thyself staying on thy car and myself standing weak and languid on the earth, it behoveth thee not to slay me now. Neither Vasudeva, nor thou, O son of Pandu, inspirest me with the slightest fear. Thou art born in the Kshatriya order. Thou art the perpetuator of a high race. Recollecting the teachings of righteousness, excuse me for a moment, O son of Pandu!"'"

8.67.1

संजय उवाच
अथाब्रवीद्वासुदेवो रथस्थो; राधेय दिष्ट्या स्मरसीह धर्मम्
प्रायेण नीचा व्यसनेषु मग्ना; निन्दन्ति दैवं कुकृतं न तत्तत्

8.67.2

यद्द्रौपदीमेकवस्त्रां सभाया;मानाय्य त्वं चैव सुयोधनश्च
दुःशासनः शकुनिः सौबलश्च; न ते कर्ण प्रत्यभात्तत्र धर्मः

8.67.3

यदा सभायां कौन्तेयमनक्षज्ञं युधिष्ठिरम्
अक्षज्ञः शकुनिर्जेता तदा धर्मः क्व ते गतः

8.67.4

यदा रजस्वलां कृष्णां दुःशासनवशे स्थिताम्
सभायां प्राहसः कर्ण क्व ते धर्मस्तदा गतः

8.67.5

राज्यलुब्धः पुनः कर्ण समाह्वयसि पाण्डवम्
गान्धारराजमाश्रित्य क्व ते धर्मस्तदा गतः

8.67.6

एवमुक्ते तु राधेये वासुदेवेन पाण्डवम्
मन्युरभ्याविशत्तीव्रः स्मृत्वा तत्तद्धनंजयम्

8.67.7

तस्य क्रोधेन सर्वेभ्यः स्रोतोभ्यस्तेजसोऽर्चिषः
प्रादुरासन्महाराज तदद्भुतमिवाभवत्

8.67.8

तं समीक्ष्य ततः कर्णो ब्रह्मास्त्रेण धनंजयम्
अभ्यवर्षत्पुनर्यत्नमकरोद्रथसर्जने
तदस्त्रमस्त्रेणावार्य प्रजहारास्य पाण्डवः

8.67.9

ततोऽन्यदस्त्रं कौन्तेयो दयितं जातवेदसः
मुमोच कर्णमुद्दिश्य तत्प्रजज्वाल वै भृशम्

8.67.10

वारुणेन ततः कर्णः शमयामास पावकम्
जीमूतैश्च दिशः सर्वाश्चक्रे तिमिरदुर्दिनाः

8.67.11

पाण्डवेयस्त्वसंभ्रान्तो वायव्यास्त्रेण वीर्यवान्
अपोवाह तदाभ्राणि राधेयस्य प्रपश्यतः

8.67.12

तं हस्तिकक्ष्याप्रवरं च बाणैः; सुवर्णमुक्तामणिवज्रमृष्टम्
कालप्रयत्नोत्तमशिल्पियत्नैः; कृतं सुरूपं वितमस्कमुच्चैः

8.67.13

ऊर्जस्करं तव सैन्यस्य नित्य;ममित्रवित्रासनमीड्यरूपम्
विख्यातमादित्यसमस्य लोके; त्विषा समं पावकभानुचन्द्रैः

8.67.14

ततः क्षुरेणाधिरथेः किरीटी; सुवर्णपुङ्खेन शितेन यत्तः
श्रिया ज्वलन्तं ध्वजमुन्ममाथ; महारथस्याधिरथेर्महात्मा

8.67.15

यशश्च धर्मश्च जयश्च मारिष; प्रियाणि सर्वाणि च तेन केतुना
तदा कुरूणां हृदयानि चापत;न्बभूव हाहेति च निस्वनो महान्

8.67.16

अथ त्वरन्कर्णवधाय पाण्डवो; महेन्द्रवज्रानलदण्डसंनिभम्
आदत्त पार्थोऽञ्जलिकं निषङ्गा;त्सहस्ररश्मेरिव रश्मिमुत्तमम्

8.67.17

मर्मच्छिदं शोणितमांसदिग्धं; वैश्वानरार्कप्रतिमं महार्हम्
नराश्वनागासुहरं त्र्यरत्निं; षड्वाजमञ्जोगतिमुग्रवेगम्

8.67.18

सहस्रनेत्राशनितुल्यतेजसं; समानक्रव्यादमिवातिदुःसहम्
पिनाकनारायणचक्रसंनिभं; भयंकरं प्राणभृतां विनाशनम्

8.67.19

युक्त्वा महास्त्रेण परेण मन्त्रवि;द्विकृष्य गाण्डीवमुवाच सस्वनम्
अयं महास्त्रोऽप्रतिमो धृतः शरः; शरीरभिच्चासुहरश्च दुर्हृदः

8.67.20

तपोऽस्ति तप्तं गुरवश्च तोषिता; मया यदिष्टं सुहृदां तथा श्रुतम्
अनेन सत्येन निहन्त्वयं शरः; सुदंशितः कर्णमरिं ममाजितः

8.67.21

इत्यूचिवांस्तं स मुमोच बाणं; धनंजयः कर्णवधाय घोरम्
कृत्यामथर्वाङ्गिरसीमिवोग्रां; दीप्तामसह्यां युधि मृत्युनापि

8.67.22

ब्रुवन्किरीटी तमतिप्रहृष्टो; अयं शरो मे विजयावहोऽस्तु
जिघांसुरर्केन्दुसमप्रभावः; कर्णं समाप्तिं नयतां यमाय

8.67.23

तेनेषुवर्येण किरीटमाली; प्रहृष्टरूपो विजयावहेन
जिघांसुरर्केन्दुसमप्रभेण; चक्रे विषक्तं रिपुमाततायी

8.67.24

तदुद्यतादित्यसमानवर्चसं; शरन्नभोमध्यगभास्करोपमम्
वराङ्गमुर्व्यामपतच्चमूपते;र्दिवाकरोऽस्तादिव रक्तमण्डलः

8.67.25

तदस्य देही सततं सुखोदितं; स्वरूपमत्यर्थमुदारकर्मणः
परेण कृच्छ्रेण शरीरमत्यज;द्गृहं महर्द्धीव ससङ्गमीश्वरः

8.67.26

शरैर्विभुग्नं व्यसु तद्विवर्मणः; पपात कर्णस्य शरीरमुच्छ्रितम्
स्रवद्व्रणं गैरिकतोयविस्रवं; गिरेर्यथा वज्रहतं शिरस्तथा

8.67.27

देहात्तु कर्णस्य निपातितस्य; तेजो दीप्तं खं विगाह्याचिरेण
तदद्भुतं सर्वमनुष्ययोधाः; पश्यन्ति राजन्निहते स्म कर्णे

8.67.28

तं सोमकाः प्रेक्ष्य हतं शयानं; प्रीता नादं सह सैन्यैरकुर्वन्
तूर्याणि चाजघ्नुरतीव हृष्टा; वासांसि चैवादुधुवुर्भुजांश्च
बलान्विताश्चाप्यपरे ह्यनृत्य;न्नन्योन्यमाश्लिष्य नदन्त ऊचुः

8.67.29

दृष्ट्वा तु कर्णं भुवि निष्टनन्तं; हतं रथात्सायकेनावभिन्नम्
महानिलेनाग्निमिवापविद्धं; यज्ञावसाने शयने निशान्ते

8.67.30

शरैराचितसर्वाङ्गः शोणितौघपरिप्लुतः
विभाति देहः कर्णस्य स्वरश्मिभिरिवांशुमान्

8.67.31

प्रताप्य सेनामामित्रीं दीप्तैः शरगभस्तिभिः
बलिनार्जुनकालेन नीतोऽस्तं कर्णभास्करः

8.67.32

अस्तं गच्छन्यथादित्यः प्रभामादाय गच्छति
एवं जीवितमादाय कर्णस्येषुर्जगाम ह

8.67.33

अपराह्णे पराह्णस्य सूतपुत्रस्य मारिष
छिन्नमञ्जलिकेनाजौ सोत्सेधमपतच्छिरः

8.67.34

उपर्युपरि सैन्यानां तस्य शत्रोस्तदञ्जसा
शिरः कर्णस्य सोत्सेधमिषुः सोऽपाहरद्द्रुतम्

8.67.35

संजय उवाच
कर्णं तु शूरं पतितं पृथिव्यां; शराचितं शोणितदिग्धगात्रम्
दृष्ट्वा शयानं भुवि मद्रराज;श्छिन्नध्वजेनापययौ रथेन

8.67.36

कर्णे हते कुरवः प्राद्रवन्त; भयार्दिता गाढविद्धाश्च संख्ये
अवेक्षमाणा मुहुरर्जुनस्य; ध्वजं महान्तं वपुषा ज्वलन्तम्

8.67.37

सहस्रनेत्रप्रतिमानकर्मणः; सहस्रपत्रप्रतिमाननं शुभम्
सहस्ररश्मिर्दिनसंक्षये यथा; तथापतत्तस्य शिरो वसुंधराम्

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Then Vasudeva, stationed on the car, addressed Karna, saying, "By good luck it is, O son of Radha, that thou rememberest virtue! It is generally seen that they that are mean, when they sink into distress, rail at Providence but never at their own misdeeds. Thyself and Suyodhana and Duhshasana and Shakuni, the son of Subala, had caused Draupadi, clad in a single piece of raiment, to be brought into the midst of the assembly. On that occasion, O Karna, this virtue of thine did not manifest itself. When at the assembly Shakuni, an adept in dice, vanquished Kunti's son Yudhishthira who was unacquainted with it, whither had this virtue of thine gone? When the Kuru king (Duryodhana), acting under thy counsels, treated Bhimasena in that way with the aid of snakes and poisoned food, whither had this virtue of thine then gone? When the period of exile into the woods was over as also the thirteenth year, thou didst not make over to the Pandavas their kingdom. Whither had this virtue of thine then gone? Thou didst set fire to the house of lac at Varanavata for burning to death the sleeping Pandavas. Whither then, O son of Radha, had this virtue of thine gone? Thou laughedest at Krishna while she stood in the midst of the assembly, scantily dressed because in her season and obedient to Duhshasana's will, whither, then, O Karna, had this virtue of thine gone? When from the apartment reserved for the females innocent Krishna was dragged, thou didst not interfere. Whither, O son of Radha, had this virtue of thine gone? Thyself addressing the princess Draupadi, that lady whose tread is as dignified as that of the elephant, in these words, viz., 'The Pandavas, O Krishna, are lost. They have sunk into eternal hell. Do thou choose another husband!' thou lookedest on the scene with delight. Whither then, O Karna, had this virtue of thine gone? Covetous of kingdom and relying on the ruler of the Gandharvas, thou summonedest the Pandavas (to a match of dice). Whither then had this virtue of thine gone? When many mighty car-warriors, encompassing the boy Abhimanyu in battle, slew him, whither had this virtue of thine then gone? If this virtue that thou now invokest was nowhere on those occasions, what is the use then of parching thy palate now, by uttering that word? Thou art now for the practice of virtue, O Suta, but thou shalt not escape with life. Like Nala who was defeated by Pushkara with the aid of dice but who regained his kingdom by prowess, the Pandavas, who are free from cupidity, will recover their kingdom by the prowess of their arms, aided with all their friends. Having slain in battle their powerful foes, they, with the Somakas, will recover their kingdom. The Dhartarashtras will meet with destruction at the hands of those lions among men (viz., the sons of Pandu), that are always protected by virtue!'"

"Sanjaya continued, 'Thus addressed, O Bharata, by Vasudeva, Karna hung down his head in shame and gave no answer. With lips quivering in rage, he raised his bow, O Bharata, and, being endued with great energy and prowess, he continued to fight with Partha. Then Vasudeva, addressing Phalguna, that bull among men, said, "O thou of great might, piercing Karna with a celestial weapon, throw him down." Thus addressed by the holy one, Arjuna became filled with rage. Indeed, remembering the incidents alluded to by Krishna, Dhananjaya blazed up with fury. Then, O king, blazing flames of fire seemed to emanate from all the pores of the angry Partha's body. The sight seemed to be exceedingly wonderful. Beholding it, Karna, invoking the brahmastra, showered his shafts upon Dhananjaya, and once more made an effort to extricate his car. Partha also, by the aid of the brahmastra, poured arrowy downpours upon Karna. Baffling with his own weapon the weapon of his foe, the son of Pandu continued to strike him. The son of Kunti then, aiming at Karna sped another favourite weapon of his that was inspired with the energy of Agni. Sped by Arjuna, that weapon blazed up with its own energy. Karna, however, quenched that conflagration with the Varuna weapon. The Suta's son also, by the clouds he created, caused all the points of the compass to be shrouded with a darkness such as may be seen on a rainy day. The son of Pandu, endued with great energy, fearlessly dispelled those clouds by means of the Vayavya weapon in the very sight of Karna. The Suta's son then, for slaying the son of Pandu, took up a terrible arrow blazing like fire. When that adored shaft was fixed on the bow-string, the earth, O king, trembled with her mountains and waters and forests. Violent winds began to blow, bearing hard pebbles. All the points of the compass became enveloped with dust. Wails of grief, O Bharata, arose among the gods in the welkin. Beholding that shaft aimed by the Suta's son, O sire, the Pandavas, with cheerless hearts, gave themselves up to great sorrow. That shaft of keen point and endued with the effulgence of Sakra's thunder, sped from Karna's arms, fell upon Dhananjaya's chest and penetrated it like a mighty snake penetrating an ant-hill. That grinder of foes, viz., the high-souled Vibhatsu, thus deeply pierced in that encounter, began to reel. His grasp became loosened, at which his bow Gandiva dropped from his hand. He trembled like the prince of mountains in an earthquake. Availing himself of that opportunity, the mighty car-warrior Vrisha, desirous of extricating his car-wheel that had been swallowed up by the earth, jumped down from his vehicle. Seizing the wheel with his two arms he endeavoured to drag it up, but though possessed of great strength, he failed in his efforts, as destiny would have it. Meanwhile the diadem-decked and high-souled Arjuna, recovering his senses, took up a shaft, fatal as the rod of Death, and called anjalika. Then Vasudeva, addressing Partha, said, "Cut off with thy arrow the head of this enemy of thine, viz., Vrisha, before he succeeds in getting upon his car." Applauding those words of the lord Vasudeva, and while the wheel of his enemy was still sunk, the mighty car-warrior Arjuna took up a razor-headed arrow of blazing effulgence and struck the standard (of Karna) bearing the elephant's rope and bright as the spotless sun. That standard bearing the device of the costly elephant's rope, was adorned with gold and pearls and gems and diamonds, and forged with care by foremost of artists excelling in knowledge, and possessed of great beauty, and variegated with pure gold. That standard always used to fill thy troops with high courage and the enemy with fear. Its form commanded applause. Celebrated over the whole world, it resembled the sun in splendour. Indeed, its effulgence was like that of fire or the sun or the moon. The diadem-decked Arjuna, with that razor-headed shaft, exceedingly sharp, equipped with wings of gold, possessed of the splendour of fire when fed with libations of clarified butter, and blazing with beauty, cut off that standard of Adhiratha's son, that great car-warrior. With that standard, as it fell, the fame, pride, hope of victory, and everything dear, as also the hearts of the Kurus, fell, and loud wails of "Oh!" and "Alas!" arose (from the Kuru army). Beholding that standard cut off and thrown down by that hero of Kuru's race possessed of great lightness of hand, thy troops, O Bharata, were no longer hopeful of Karna's victory. Hastening then for Karna's destruction, Partha took out from his quiver an excellent Anjalika weapon that resembled the thunder of Indra or the rod of fire and that was possessed of the effulgence of the thousand-rayed Sun. Capable of penetrating the very vitals, besmeared with blood and flesh, resembling fire or the sun, made of costly materials, destructive of men, steeds, and elephants, of straight course and fierce impetuosity, it measured three cubits and six feet. Endued with the force of the thousand-eyed Indra's thunder, irresistible as Rakshasas in the night, resembling Pinaka or Narayana's discus, it was exceedingly terrible and destructive of all living creatures. Partha cheerfully took up that great weapon, in the shape of an arrow, which could not be resisted by the very gods, that high-souled being which was always adored by the son of Pandu, and which was capable of vanquishing the very gods and the Asuras. Beholding that shaft grasped by Partha in that battle, the entire universe shook with its mobile and immobile creatures. Indeed, seeing that weapon raised (for being sped) in that dreadful battle, the Rishis loudly cried out, "Peace be to the universe!" The wielder of Gandiva then fixed on his bow that unrivalled arrow, uniting it with a high and mighty weapon. Drawing his bow Gandiva, he quickly said, "Let this shaft of mine be like a mighty weapon capable of quickly destroying the body and heart of my enemy, if I have ever practised ascetic austerities, gratified my superiors, and listened to the counsels of well-wishers. Let this shaft, worshipped by me and possessed of great sharpness, slay my enemy Karna by that Truth." Having said these words Dhananjaya let off that terrible shaft for the destruction of Karna, that arrow fierce and efficacious as a rite prescribed in the Atharvan of Angiras, blazing with effulgence, and incapable of being endured by Death himself in battle. And the diadem-decked Partha, desirous of slaying Karna, with great cheerfulness, said, "Let this shaft conduce to my victory. Shot by me, let this arrow possessed of the splendour of fire or the sun take Karna to the presence of Yama." Saying these words, Arjuna, decked with diadem and garlands, cherishing feelings of hostility towards Karna and desirous of slaying him, cheerfully struck his foe with that foremost of shafts which was possessed of the splendour of the sun or the moon and capable of bestowing victory. Thus sped by that mighty warrior, that shaft endued with the energy of the sun caused all the points of the compass to blaze up with light. With that weapon Arjuna struck off his enemy's head like Indra striking off the head of Vritra with his thunder. Indeed, O king, with that excellent Anjalika weapon inspired with mantras into a mighty weapon, the son of Indra cut off the head of Vaikartana in the afternoon. Thus cut off with that Anjalika, the trunk of Karna fell down on the earth. The head also of that commander of the (Kaurava) army, endued with splendour equal to that of the risen sun and resembling the meridian sun of autumn, fell down on the earth like the sun of bloody disc dropped down from the Asta hills. Indeed, that head abandoned with great unwillingness the body, exceedingly beautiful and always nursed in luxury, of Karna of noble deeds, like an owner abandoning with great unwillingness his commodious mansion filled with great wealth. Cut off with Arjuna's arrow, and deprived of life, the tall trunk of Karna endued with great splendour, with blood issuing from every wound, fell down like the thunder-riven summit of a mountain of red chalk with crimson streams running down its sides after a shower. Then from that body of the fallen Karna a light passing through the welkin penetrated the sun. This wonderful sight, O king, was beheld by the human warriors after the fall of Karna. Then the Pandavas, beholding Karna slain by Phalguna, loudly blew their conchs. Similarly, Krishna and Dhananjaya also, filled with delight, and losing no time, blew their conchs. The Somakas beholding Karna slain and lying on the field, were filled with joy and uttered loud shouts with the other troops (of the Pandava army). In great delight they blew their trumpets and waved their arms and garments. All the warriors, O king, approaching Partha, began to applaud him joyfully. Others, possessed of might, danced, embracing each other, and uttering loud shouts, said, "By good luck, Karna hath been stretched on the earth and mangled with arrows." Indeed, the severed head of Karna looked beautiful like a mountain summit loosened by a tempest, or a quenched fire after the sacrifice is over, or the image of the sun after it has reached the Asta hills. The Karna-sun, with arrows for its rays, after having scorched the hostile army, was at last caused to be set by the mighty Arjuna-time. As the Sun, while proceeding towards the Asta hills, retires taking away with him all his rays, even so that shaft (of Arjuna) passed out, taking with it Karna's life breaths. The death hour of the Suta's son, O sire, was the afternoon of that day. Cut off with the Anjalika weapon in that battle, the head of Karna fell down along with his body. Indeed, that arrow of Arjuna, in the very sight of the Kaurava troops, quickly took away the head and the body of Karna. Beholding the heroic Karna thrown down stretched on the earth, pierced with arrows and bathed in blood, the king of the Madras, went away on that car deprived of its standard. After the fall of Karna, the Kauravas, deeply pierced with shafts in that battle, and afflicted with fear, fled away from the field, frequently casting their eyes on that lofty standard of Arjuna that blazed with splendour. The beautiful head, graced with a face that resembled a lotus of a 1,000 petals, of Karna whose feats were like those of the thousand-eyed Indra, fell down on the earth like the thousand-rayed sun as he looks at the close of day.'"

8.68.1

संजय उवाच
शल्यस्तु कर्णार्जुनयोर्विमर्दे; बलानि दृष्ट्वा मृदितानि बाणैः
दुर्योधनं यान्तमवेक्षमाणो; संदर्शयद्भारत युद्धभूमिम्

8.68.2

निपातितस्यन्दनवाजिनागं; दृष्ट्वा बलं तद्धतसूतपुत्रम्
दुर्योधनोऽश्रुप्रतिपूर्णनेत्रो; मुहुर्मुहुर्न्यश्वसदार्तरूपः

8.68.3

कर्णं तु शूरं पतितं पृथिव्यां; शराचितं शोणितदिग्धगात्रम्
यदृच्छया सूर्यमिवावनिस्थं; दिदृक्षवः संपरिवार्य तस्थुः

8.68.4

प्रहृष्टवित्रस्तविषण्णविस्मृता;स्तथापरे शोकगता इवाभवन्
परे त्वदीयाश्च परस्परेण; यथा यथैषां प्रकृतिस्तथाभवन्

8.68.5

प्रविद्धवर्माभरणाम्बरायुधं; धनंजयेनाभिहतं हतौजसम्
निशम्य कर्णं कुरवः प्रदुद्रुवु;र्हतर्षभा गाव इवाकुलाकुलाः

8.68.6

कृत्वा विमर्दं भृशमर्जुनेन; कर्णं हतं केसरिणेव नागम्
दृष्ट्वा शयानं भुवि मद्रराजो; भीतोऽपसर्पत्सरथः सुशीघ्रम्

8.68.7

मद्राधिपश्चापि विमूढचेता;स्तूर्णं रथेनापहृतध्वजेन
दुर्योधनस्यान्तिकमेत्य शीघ्रं; संभाष्य दुःखार्तमुवाच वाक्यम्

8.68.8

विशीर्णनागाश्वरथप्रवीरं; बलं त्वदियं यमराष्ट्रकल्पम्
अन्योन्यमासाद्य हतं महद्भि;र्नराश्वनागैर्गिरिकूटकल्पैः

8.68.9

नैतादृशं भारत युद्धमासी;द्यथाद्य कर्णार्जुनयोर्बभूव
ग्रस्तौ हि कर्णेन समेत्य कृष्णा;वन्ये च सर्वे तव शत्रवो ये

8.68.10

दैवं तु यत्तत्स्ववशं प्रवृत्तं; तत्पाण्डवान्पाति हिनस्ति चास्मान्
तवार्थसिद्ध्यर्थकरा हि सर्वे; प्रसह्य वीरा निहता द्विषद्भिः

8.68.11

कुबेरवैवस्वतवासवानां; तुल्यप्रभावाम्बुपतेश्च वीराः
वीर्येण शौर्येण बलेन चैव; तैस्तैश्च युक्ता विपुलैर्गुणौघैः

8.68.12

अवध्यकल्पा निहता नरेन्द्रा;स्तवार्थकामा युधि पाण्डवेयैः
तन्मा शुचो भारत दिष्टमेत;त्पर्यायसिद्धिर्न सदास्ति सिद्धिः

8.68.13

एतद्वचो मद्रपतेर्निशम्य; स्वं चापनीतं मनसा निरीक्ष्य
दुर्योधनो दीनमना विसंज्ञः; पुनः पुनर्न्यश्वसदार्तरूपः

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'Beholding the troops crushed with arrows in that encounter between Karna and Arjuna, Shalya proceeded, filled with wrath, on that car divested of equipment. Beholding his army deprived of the Suta's son and its cars and steeds and elephants destroyed, Duryodhana, with eyes bathed in tears, repeatedly sighed the very picture of woe. Desirous of beholding the heroic Karna, pierced with arrows and bathed in blood, and stretched on the earth like the sun dropped from the skies at will, the warriors came there and stood surrounding the fallen hero. Amongst those belonging to the enemy and thy army that thus stood there, some showed signs of joy, some of fear, some of sorrow, some of wonder, and some gave themselves up to great grief, according to their respective natures. Others amongst the Kauravas, hearing that Karna of mighty energy had been slain by Dhananjaya, his armour, ornaments, robes, and weapons having all been displaced, fled in fear like a herd of kine afflicted with exceeding fear at losing its bull. Bhima then, uttering loud roars and causing the welkin to tremble with those awful and tremendous shouts, began to slap his armpits, jump, and dance, frightening the Dhartarashtras by those movements. The Somakas and the Srinjayas also loudly blew their conchs. All the Kshatriyas embraced one another in joy, upon beholding the Suta's son slain at that juncture. Having fought a dreadful battle, Karna was slain by Arjuna like an elephant by a lion. That bull among men, Arjuna, thus accomplished his vow. Indeed even thus, Partha reached the end of his hostility (towards Karna). The ruler of the Madras, with stupefied heart, quickly proceeding, O king, to the side of Duryodhana, on that car divested of standard said in sorrow these words, "The elephants, the steeds, and the foremost of car-warriors of thy army have been slain. In consequence of those mighty warriors, and steeds, and elephants huge as hills, having been slain after coming into contact with one another, thy host looks like the domains of Yama. Never before, O Bharata, has a battle been fought like that between Karna and Arjuna today. Karna had powerfully assailed the two Krishnas today and all others who are thy foes. Destiny, however, has certainly flowed, controlled by Partha. It is for this that Destiny is protecting the Pandavas and weakening us. Many are the heroes who, resolved to accomplish thy objects have been forcibly slain by the enemy. Brave kings, who in energy, courage, and might, were equal to Kuvera or Yama or Vasava or the Lord of the waters, who were possessed of every merit, who were almost unslayable, and who were desirous of achieving thy object, have in battle been slain by the Pandavas. Do not, O Bharata, grieve for this. This is Destiny. Comfort thyself. Success cannot be always attained." Hearing these words of the ruler of the Madras and reflecting on his own evil doings. Duryodhana, with a cheerless heart, became almost deprived of his senses and sighed repeatedly the very picture of woe.'"

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Dhritarashtra said, 'What was the aspect of the Kuru and the Srinjaya host on that awful day while it was crushed with arrows and scorched (with weapons) in that encounter between Karna and Arjuna and while it was flying away from the field?'

"Sanjaya said, 'Hear, O king, with attention how that awful and great carnage of human beings and elephants and steeds occurred in battle. When, after Karna's fall Partha uttered leonine shouts, a great fright entered the hearts of thy sons. Upon the fall of Karna no warrior of thy army set his heart on rallying the troops or putting forth his prowess. Their refuge having been destroyed by Arjuna, they were then like raftless merchants, whose vessels have wrecked on the fathomless ocean, desirous of crossing the uncrossable main. After the slaughter of the Suta's son, O king, the Kauravas, terrified and mangled with shafts, masterless and desirous of protection, became like a herd of elephants afflicted by lions. Vanquished by Savyasaci on that afternoon, they fled away like bulls with broken horns or snakes with broken fangs. Their foremost of heroes slain, their troops thrown into confusion, themselves mangled with keen arrows, thy sons, after the fall of Karna, O king, fled away in fear. Divested of weapons and armour, no longer able to ascertain which point of the compass was which, and deprived of their senses, they crushed one another in course of their flight and looked at one another, afflicted with fear. "It is me that Vibhatsu is pursuing with speed!" "It is me that Vrikodara is pursuing with speed!"--thought every one among the Kauravas who became pale with fear and fell down as they fled. Some on horses, some on cars, some on elephants, and some on foot, mighty car-warriors, endued with great speed, fled away in fear. Cars were broken by elephants, horsemen were crushed by great car-warriors, and bands of foot-soldiers were trodden down by bodies of horsemen, as these fled in fear. After the fall of the Suta's son, thy warriors became like people without protectors in a forest teeming with beasts of prey and robbers. They were then like elephants without riders and men without arms. Afflicted with fear, they looked upon the world as if it were full of Partha. Beholding them fly away afflicted with the fear of Bhimasena, indeed, and seeing his troops thus leave the field in thousands, Duryodhana, uttering cries of "Oh!" and "Alas!" addressed his driver, saying, "Partha will never be able to transgress me standing bow in hand. Urge my steeds slowly behind all the troops. Without doubt, if I fight standing in the rear of the army, the son of Kunti will never be able to transgress me even as the vast deep is unable to transgress its continents. Slaying Arjuna and Govinda and the proud Vrikodara and the rest of my foes, I will free myself from the debt I owe to Karna." Hearing these words of the Kuru king that were so worthy of a hero and honourable man, the charioteer slowly urged his steeds adorned with trappings of gold. Then 25,000 warriors on foot, belonging to thy army, without cars and cavalry and elephants among them, prepared for battle. Bhimasena, filled with wrath, and Dhrishtadyumna the son of Prishata, encompassed them with four kinds of forces and began to strike them with their shafts. In return, those warriors fought with Bhima and Prishata's son. Some amongst them challenged the two heroes by name. Then Bhimasena became filled with rage. Alighting from his car, mace in hand, he fought with those warriors arrived for battle. Observant of the rules of fair fight, Vrikodara, the son of Kunti, came down from his car, and relying upon the might of his arms, began to fight on foot with those foes of his that were on foot. Taking up his massive mace adorned with gold, he began to slaughter them all, like the Destroyer armed with his bludgeon. The Kaurava warriors on foot, filled with rage and becoming reckless of their lives, rushed against Bhima in that battle like insects upon a blazing fire. Those infuriated combatants, difficult of being defeated in battle, approaching Bhimasena, perished in a trice like living creatures upon seeing the Destroyer. The mighty Bhima, armed with a mace, careered like a hawk and destroyed all those 25,000 combatants. Having slain that division of heroic warriors, Bhima, of prowess incapable of being baffled and of great might, once more stood, with Dhrishtadyumna before him. Possessed of great energy, Dhananjaya proceeded against the (remnant of the) car-force (of the Kauravas). The two sons of Madri, and Satyaki, filled with joy, rushed with speed against Shakuni and slaughtered the troops of Subala's son. Having slain with keen shafts his cavalry and elephants in that encounter, they rushed impetuously against Shakuni himself, upon which a great battle took place. Meanwhile Dhananjaya, O lord, proceeding against thy car-force, twanged his bow Gandiva celebrated over the three worlds. Beholding that car having white steeds yoked unto it and owning Krishna for its driver, and seeing that Arjuna was the warrior standing on it, thy troops fled away in fear. 25,000 soldiers on foot, deprived of cars and mangled with shafts, had perished (at the hands of Bhima and Dhrishtadyumna). Having slain them, that tiger among men, that great car-warrior among the Pancalas, viz., the high-souled Dhrishtadyumna the son of the Pancala king, soon showed himself, with Bhimasena before him. That slayer of foes and mighty bowman appeared exceedingly handsome. Beholding Dhrishtadyumna's car which had steeds white as pigeons yoked unto it and whose lofty standard was made of the trunk of a Kovidara, the Kauravas fled away in great fear. The twins (Nakula and Sahadeva) of great fame, and Satyaki, having pursued with great speed the king of the Gandharvas who was possessed of lightness of hands in the use of weapons, re-appeared (amid the Pandava ranks). Chekitana and Shikhandi and the (five) sons of Draupadi, O sire, having slaughtered thy vast army, blew their conchs. All those heroes, although they saw thy troops flying away with faces turned from the field, still pursued them, like bulls pursuing angry bulls after vanquishing them. Pandu's son Savyasaci of great might, O king, beholding a remnant of thy army still standing for battle, became filled with wrath. Possessed of great energy, Dhananjaya, rushed against that car-force, drawing his bow Gandiva celebrated over the three worlds. Suddenly he shrouded them with showers of arrows. The dust that was raised darkened the scene and nothing could any longer be distinguished. When the earth was thus shrouded with dust and when darkness covered everything, thy troops, O king, fled on all sides from fear. When the Kuru army was thus broken, the Kuru king, O monarch, viz., thy son, rushed against all his foes advancing against him. Then Duryodhana challenged all the Pandavas to battle, O chief of Bharata's race, like the Asura Vali in days of yore challenging the gods. At this, all the Pandava heroes, uniting together, rushed against the advancing Duryodhana, shooting and hurling at him diverse weapons and upbraiding him repeatedly. Duryodhana, however, filled with rage, fearlessly slaughtered those enemies of his in hundreds and thousands, with keen shafts. The prowess that we then beheld of thy son was exceedingly wonderful, for alone and unsupported, he fought with all the Pandavas united together. Duryodhana then beheld his own troops who, mangled with arrows, had set their hearts on flight, gone not far from the field. Rallying them then, O monarch, thy son who was resolved to maintain his honour, gladdening those warriors of his, said these words unto them: "I do not see that spot in the earth or on the mountains, whither if ye fly, the Pandavas will not slay you! What use then in flying away? Small is the force that the Pandavas now have. The two Krishnas also are exceedingly mangled. If all of us stay for battle, victory will certainly be ours. If we fly in disunion, the sinful Pandavas, pursuing us, will certainly slay all of us. For this, it is better that we should die in battle. Death in battle is fraught with happiness. Fight, observant of the Kshatriya's duty. He that is dead knows no misery. On the other hand, such a one enjoys eternal bliss hereafter. Listen, ye Kshatriyas, ay, all of you, that are assembled here! When the destroyer Yama spareth neither the hero nor the coward, who is there so foolish of understanding, although observant of a Kshatriya's vow like us, that would not fight. Would ye place yourselves under the power of the angry foe Bhimasena? It behoveth you not to abandon the duty observed by your sires and grandsires. There is no greater sin for a Kshatriya than flight from battle. There is no more blessed path for heaven, ye Kauravas, than the duty of battle. Slain in battle, ye warriors, enjoy heaven without delay.'"

"Sanjaya continued, 'While even these words were being uttered by thy son, the (Kaurava) warriors, exceedingly mangled, fled away on all sides, regardless of that speech.'"

8.68.14

तं ध्यानमूकं कृपणं भृशार्त;मार्तायनिर्दीनमुवाच वाक्यम्
पश्येदमुग्रं नरवाजिनागै;रायोधनं वीरहतैः प्रपन्नम्

8.68.15

महीधराभैः पतितैर्महागजैः; सकृत्प्रविद्धैः शरविद्धमर्मभिः
तैर्विह्वलद्भिश्च गतासुभिश्च; प्रध्वस्तयन्त्रायुधवर्मयोधैः

8.68.16

वज्रापविद्धैरिव चाचलेन्द्रै;र्विभिन्नपाषाणमृगद्रुमौषधैः
प्रविद्धघण्टाङ्कुशतोमरध्वजैः; सहेममालै रुधिरौघसंप्लुतैः

8.68.17

शरावभिन्नैः पतितैश्च वाजिभिः; श्वसद्भिरन्यैः क्षतजं वमद्भिः
दीनैः स्तनद्भिः परिवृत्तनेत्रै;र्महीं दशद्भिः कृपणं नदद्भिः

8.68.18

तथापविद्धैर्गजवाजियोधै;र्मन्दासुभिश्चैव गतासुभिश्च
नराश्वनागैश्च रथैश्च मर्दितै;र्मही महावैतरणीव दुर्दृशा

8.68.19

गजैर्निकृत्तापरहस्तगात्रै;रुद्वेपमानैः पतितैः पृथिव्याम्
यशस्विभिर्नागरथाश्वयोधिभिः; पदातिभिश्चाभिमुखैर्हतैः परैः
विशीर्णवर्माभरणाम्बरायुधै;र्वृता निशान्तैरिव पावकैर्मही

8.68.20

शरप्रहाराभिहतैर्महाबलै;रवेक्ष्यमाणैः पतितैः सहस्रशः
प्रनष्टसंज्ञैः पुनरुच्छ्वसद्भि;र्मही बभूवानुगतैरिवाग्निभिः
दिवश्च्युतैर्भूरतिदीप्तिमद्भि;र्नक्तं ग्रहैर्द्यौरमलेव दीप्तैः

8.68.21

शरास्तु कर्णार्जुनबाहुमुक्ता; विदार्य नागाश्वमनुष्यदेहान्
प्राणान्निरस्याशु महीमतीयु;र्महोरगा वासमिवाभितोऽस्त्रैः

8.68.22

हतैर्मनुष्याश्वगजैश्च संख्ये; शरावभिन्नैश्च रथैर्बभूव
धनंजयस्याधिरथेश्च मार्गे; गजैरगम्या वसुधातिदुर्गा

8.68.23

रथैर्वरेषून्मथितैश्च योधैः; संस्यूतसूताश्ववरायुधध्वजैः
विशीर्णशस्त्रैर्विनिकृत्तबन्धुरै;र्निकृत्तचक्राक्षयुगत्रिवेणुभिः

8.68.24

विमुक्तयन्त्रैर्निहतैरयस्मयै;र्हतानुषङ्गैर्विनिषङ्गबन्धुरैः
प्रभग्ननीडैर्मणिहेममण्डितैः; स्तृता मही द्यौरिव शारदैर्घनैः

8.68.25

विकृष्यमणैर्जवनैरलंकृतै;र्हतेश्वरैराजिरथैः सुकल्पितैः
मनुष्यमातङ्गरथाश्वराशिभि;र्द्रुतं व्रजन्तो बहुधा विचूर्णिताः

8.68.26

सहेमपट्टाः परिघाः परश्वधाः; कडङ्गरायोमुसलानि पट्टिशाः
पेतुश्च खड्गा विमला विकोशा; गदाश्च जाम्बूनदपट्टबद्धाः

8.68.27

चापानि रुक्माङ्गदभूषणानि; शराश्च कार्तस्वरचित्रपुङ्खाः
ऋष्ट्यश्च पीता विमला विकोशाः; प्रासाः सखड्गाः कनकावभासाः

8.68.28

छत्राणि वालव्यजनानि शङ्खाः; स्रजश्च पुष्पोत्तमहेमचित्राः
कुथाः पताकाम्बरवेष्टिताश्च; किरीटमाला मुकुटाश्च शुभ्राः

8.68.29

प्रकीर्णका विप्रकीर्णाः कुथाश्च; प्रधानमुक्तातरलाश्च हाराः
आपीडकेयूरवराङ्गदानि; ग्रैवेयनिष्काः ससुवर्णसूत्राः

8.68.30

मण्युत्तमा वज्रसुवर्णमुक्ता; रत्नानि चोच्चावचमङ्गलानि
गात्राणि चात्यन्तसुखोचितानि; शिरांसि चेन्दुप्रतिमाननानि

8.68.31

देहांश्च भोगांश्च परिच्छदांश्च; त्यक्त्वा मनोज्ञानि सुखानि चापि
स्वधर्मनिष्ठां महतीमवाप्य; व्याप्तांश्च लोकान्यशसा समीयुः

8.68.32

इत्येवमुक्त्वा विरराम शल्यो; दुर्योधनः शोकपरीतचेताः
हा कर्ण हा कर्ण इति ब्रुवाण; आर्तो विसंज्ञो भृशमश्रुनेत्रः

8.68.33

तं द्रोणपुत्रप्रमुखा नरेन्द्राः; सर्वे समाश्वास्य सह प्रयान्ति
निरीक्षमाणा मुहुरर्जुनस्य; ध्वजं महान्तं यशसा ज्वलन्तम्

8.68.34

नराश्वमातङ्गशरीरजेन; रक्तेन सिक्ता रुधिरेण भूमिः
रक्ताम्बरस्रक्तपनीययोगा;न्नारी प्रकाशा इव सर्वगम्या

8.68.35

प्रच्छन्नरूपा रुधिरेण राज;न्रौद्रे मुहूर्तेऽतिविराजमानाः
नैवावतस्थुः कुरवः समीक्ष्य; प्रव्राजिता देवलोकाश्च सर्वे

8.68.36

वधेन कर्णस्य सुदुःखितास्ते; हा कर्ण हा कर्ण इति ब्रुवाणाः
द्रुतं प्रयाताः शिबिराणि राज;न्दिवाकरं रक्तमवेक्षमाणाः

8.68.37

गाण्डीवमुक्तैस्तु सुवर्णपुङ्खैः; शितैः शरैः शोणितदिग्धवाजैः
शरैश्चिताङ्गो भुवि भाति कर्णो; हतोऽपि सन्सूर्य इवांशुमाली

8.68.38

कर्णस्य देहं रुधिरावसिक्तं; भक्तानुकम्पी भगवान्विवस्वान्
स्पृष्ट्वा करैर्लोहितरक्तरूपः; सिष्णासुरभ्येति परं समुद्रम्

8.68.39

इतीव संचिन्त्य सुरर्षिसंघाः; संप्रस्थिता यान्ति यथानिकेतम्
संचिन्तयित्वा च जना विसस्रु;र्यथासुखं खं च महीतलं च

8.68.40

तदद्भुतं प्राणभृतां भयंकरं; निशम्य युद्धं कुरुवीरमुख्ययोः
धनंजयस्याधिरथेश्च विस्मिताः; प्रशंसमानाः प्रययुस्तदा जनाः

8.68.41

शरैः संकृत्तवर्माणं वीरं विशसने हतम्
गतासुमपि राधेयं नैव लक्ष्मीर्व्यमुञ्चत

8.68.42

नानाभरणवान्राजन्मृष्टजाम्बूनदाङ्गदः
हतो वैकर्तनः शेते पादपोऽङ्कुरवानिव

8.68.43

कनकोत्तमसंकाशः प्रदीप्त इव पावकः
सपुत्रः पुरुषव्याघ्रः संशान्तः पार्थतेजसा
प्रताप्य पाण्डवान्राजन्पाञ्चालांश्चास्त्रतेजसा

8.68.44

ददानीत्येव योऽवोचन्न नास्तीत्यर्थितोऽर्थिभिः
सद्भिः सदा सत्पुरुषः स हतो द्वैरथे वृषः

8.68.45

यस्य ब्राह्मणसात्सर्वमात्मार्थं न महात्मनः
नादेयं ब्राह्मणेष्वासीद्यस्य स्वमपि जीवितम्

8.68.46

सदा नॄणां प्रियो दाता प्रियदानो दिवं गतः
आदाय तव पुत्राणां जयाशां शर्म वर्म च

8.68.47

हते स्म कर्णे सरितो न स्रवन्ति; जगाम चास्तं कलुषो दिवाकरः
ग्रहश्च तिर्यग्ज्वलितार्कवर्णो; यमस्य पुत्रोऽभ्युदियाय राजन्

8.68.48

नभः पफालाथ ननाद चोर्वी; ववुश्च वाताः परुषातिवेलम्
दिशः सधूमाश्च भृशं प्रजज्वलु;र्महार्णवाश्चुक्षुभिरे च सस्वनाः

8.68.49

सकाननाः साद्रिचयाश्चकम्पुः; प्रविव्यथुर्भूतगणाश्च मारिष
बृहस्पती रोहिणीं संप्रपीड्य; बभूव चन्द्रार्कसमानवर्णः

8.68.50

हते कर्णे न दिशो विप्रजज्ञु;स्तमोवृता द्यौर्विचचाल भूमिः
पपात चोल्का ज्वलनप्रकाशा; निशाचराश्चाप्यभवन्प्रहृष्टाः

8.68.51

शशिप्रकाशाननमर्जुनो यदा; क्षुरेण कर्णस्य शिरो न्यपातयत्
अथान्तरिक्षे दिवि चेह चासकृ;द्बभूव हाहेति जनस्य निस्वनः

8.68.52

स देवगन्धर्वमनुष्यपूजितं; निहत्य कर्णं रिपुमाहवेऽर्जुनः
रराज पार्थः परमेण तेजसा; वृत्रं निहत्येव सहस्रलोचनः

8.68.53

ततो रथेनाम्बुदवृन्दनादिना; शरन्नभोमध्यगभास्करत्विषा
पताकिना भीमनिनादकेतुना; हिमेन्दुशङ्खस्फटिकावभासिना
सुवर्णमुक्तामणिवज्रविद्रुमै;रलंकृतेनाप्रतिमानरंहसा

8.68.54

नरोत्तमौ पाण्डवकेशिमर्दना;वुदाहितावग्निदिवाकरोपमौ
रणाजिरे वीतभयौ विरेजतुः; समानयानाविव विष्णुवासवौ

8.68.55

ततो धनुर्ज्यातलनेमिनिस्वनैः; प्रसह्य कृत्वा च रिपून्हतप्रभान्
संसाधयित्वैव कुरूञ्शरौघैः; कपिध्वजः पक्षिवरध्वजश्च
प्रसह्य शङ्खौ धमतुः सुघोषौ; मनांस्यरीणामवसादयन्तौ

8.68.56

सुवर्णजालावततौ महास्वनौ; हिमावदातौ परिगृह्य पाणिभिः
चुचुम्बतुः शङ्खवरौ नृणां वरौ; वराननाभ्यां युगपच्च दध्मतुः

8.68.57

पाञ्चजन्यस्य निर्घोषो देवदत्तस्य चोभयोः
पृथिवीमन्तरिक्षं च द्यामपश्चाप्यपूरयत्

8.68.58

तौ शङ्खशब्देन निनादयन्तौ; वनानि शैलान्सरितो दिशश्च
वित्रासयन्तौ तव पुत्रसेनां; युधिष्ठिरं नन्दयतः स्म वीरौ

8.68.59

ततः प्रयाताः कुरवो जवेन; श्रुत्वैव शङ्खस्वनमीर्यमाणम्
विहाय मद्राधिपतिं पतिं च; दुर्योधनं भारत भारतानाम्

8.68.60

महाहवे तं बहु शोभमानं; धनंजयं भूतगणाः समेताः
तदान्वमोदन्त जनार्दनं च; प्रभाकरावभ्युदितौ यथैव

8.68.61

समाचितौ कर्णशरैः परंतपा;वुभौ व्यभातां समरेऽच्युतार्जुनौ
तमो निहत्याभ्युदितौ यथामलौ; शशाङ्कसूर्याविव रश्मिमालिनौ

8.68.62

विहाय तान्बाणगणानथागतौ; सुहृद्वृतावप्रतिमानविक्रमौ
सुखं प्रविष्टौ शिबिरं स्वमीश्वरौ; सदस्यहूताविव वासवाच्युतौ

8.68.63

सदेवगन्धर्वमनुष्यचारणै;र्महर्षिभिर्यक्षमहोरगैरपि
जयाभिवृद्ध्या परयाभिपूजितौ; निहत्य कर्णं परमाहवे तदा

Translation — Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"Sanjaya said, 'The ruler of the Madras then, beholding thy son employed in rallying the troops, with fear depicted on his countenance and with heart stupefied with grief, said these words unto Duryodhana.

"'Shalya said, "Behold this awful field of battle, O hero, covered with heaps of slain men and steeds and elephants. Some tracts are covered with fallen elephants huge as mountains, exceedingly mangled, their vital limbs pierced with shafts, lying helplessly, deprived of life, their armour displaced and the weapons, the shields and the swords with which they were equipped lying scattered about. These fallen animals resemble huge mountains riven with thunder, with their rocks and lofty trees and herbs loosened from them and lying all around. The bells and iron hooks and lances and standards with which those huge creatures had been equipped are lying on the ground. Adorned with housings of gold, their bodies are now bathed in blood. Some tracts, again, are covered with fallen steeds, mangled with shafts, breathing hard in pain and vomitting blood. Some of them are sending forth soft wails of pain, some are biting the earth with rolling eyes and some are uttering piteous neighs. Portions of the field are covered with horsemen and elephant-warriors fallen off from their animals, and with bands of car-warriors forcibly thrown down from their cars. Some of them are already dead and some are at the point of death. Covered also with the corpses of men and steeds and elephants as also with crushed cars and other huge elephants with their trunks and limbs cut off, the earth has become awful to look at like the great Vaitarani (skirting the domains of Yama). Indeed, the earth looketh even such, being strewn with other elephants, stretched on the ground with trembling bodies and broken tusks, vomiting blood, uttering soft cries in pain, deprived of the warriors on their backs, divested of the armour that covered their limbs, and reft of the foot-soldiers that protected their flank and rear, and with their quivers and banners and standards displaced, their bodies adorned with housings of gold struck deep with the weapons of the foe. The earth looked like the cloud-covered welkin in consequence of being strewn with the fallen bodies of elephant-warriors and horse-men and carwarriors, all of great fame, and of foot-soldiers slain by foes fighting face to face, and divested of armour and ornaments and attire and weapons. Covered with thousands of fallen combatants mangled with arrows, fully exposed to view, and deprived of consciousness, with some amongst them whose breaths were returning slowly, the earth seemed as if covered with many extinguished fires. With those foremost of heroes among both the Kurus and the Srinjayas, pierced with arrows and deprived of life by Partha and Karna, the earth seemed as if strewn with blazing planets fallen from the firmament, or like the nocturnal firmament itself bespangled with blazing planets of serene light. The shafts sped from the arms of Karna and Arjuna, piercing through the bodies of elephants and steeds and men and quickly stilling their lives, entered the earth like mighty snakes entering their holes with heads bent downwards. The earth has become impassable with heaps of slain men and steeds and elephants, and with cars broken with the shafts of Dhananjaya and Adhiratha's son and with the numberless shafts themselves shot by them. Strewn with well-equipped cars crushed by means of mighty shafts along with the warriors and the weapons and the standards upon them, cars, that is, with their traces broken, their joints separated, their axles and yokes and Trivenus reduced to fragments, their wheels loosened, their Upaskaras destroyed, their Anukarsanas cut in pieces, the fastenings of their quivers cut off, and their niches (for the accommodation of drivers) broken, strewn with those vehicles adorned with gems and gold, the earth looks like the firmament overspread with autumnal clouds. In consequence of well-equipped royal cars deprived of riders and dragged by fleet steeds, as also of men and elephants and cars and horses that fled very quickly, the army has been broken in diverse ways. Spiked maces with golden bells, battle-axes, sharp lances, heavy clubs, mallets, bright unsheathed swords, and maces covered with cloth of gold, have fallen on the field. Bows decked with ornaments of gold, and shafts equipped with beautiful wings of pure gold, and bright unsheathed rapiers of excellent temper, and lances, and scimitars bright as gold, and umbrellas, and fans, and conchs, and arms decked with excellent flowers and gold, and caparisons of elephants, and standards, and car fences and diadems, and necklaces, and brilliant crowns, and yak-tails lying about, O king, and garlands luminous with corals and pearls, and chaplets for the head, and bracelets for both the wrist and the upper arms, and collars for the neck with strings of gold, and diverse kinds of costly diamonds and gems and pearls, and bodies brought up in a great luxury, and heads beautiful as the moon, are lying scattered about. Abandoning their bodies and enjoyments and robes and diverse kinds of agreeable pleasures, and acquiring great merit for the devotion they showed to the virtuous of their order, they have speedily gone in a blaze of flame to regions of bliss. Turn back, O Duryodhana! Let the troops retire! O king, O giver of honours, proceed towards thy camp! There, the Sun is hanging low in the welkin, O lord! Remember, O ruler of men, that thou art the cause of all this!"

"'Having said these words unto Duryodhana, Shalya, with heart filled with grief, stopped. Duryodhana, however, at that time, deeply afflicted and deprived of his senses, and with eyes bathed in tears, wept for the Suta's son, saying, "Karna! Oh Karna!" Then all the kings headed by Drona's son, repeatedly comforting Duryodhana, proceeded towards the camp, frequently looking back at the lofty standard of Arjuna that seemed to be ablaze with his fame. At that terrible hour when everything around looked so resplendent, the Kauravas, all of whom had resolved to repair to the other world, their features incapable of recognition owing to the blood that covered them, beholding the earth, that was drenched with the blood flowing from the bodies of men and steeds and elephants, looking like a courtesan attired in crimson robes and floral garlands and ornaments of gold, were unable, O king, to stand there! Filled with grief at the slaughter of Karna, they indulged in loud lamentations, saying, "Alas, Karna! Alas Karna!" Beholding the Sun assume a crimson hue, all of them speedily proceeded towards their camp. As regards Karna, though slain and pierced with gold-winged shafts whetted on stone and equipped with feathers and dyed in blood and sped from gandiva, yet that hero, lying on the ground, looked resplendent like the Sun himself of bright rays. It seemed that illustrious Surya, ever kind to his worshippers, having touched with his rays the gore-drenched body of Karna, proceeded, with aspect crimson in grief, to the other ocean from desire of a bath. Thinking so, the throngs of celestials and rishis (that had come there for witnessing the battle) left the scene for proceeding to their respective abodes. The large crowd of other beings also, entertaining the same thought, went away, repairing as they chose to heaven or the earth. The foremost of Kuru heroes also, having beheld that wonderful battle between Dhananjaya and Adhiratha's son, which had inspired all living creatures with dread, proceeded (to their nightly quarters), filled with wonder and applauding (the encounter). Though his armour had been cut off with arrows, and though he had been slain in course of that dreadful fight, still that beauty of features which the son of Radha possessed did not abandon him when dead. Indeed, everyone beheld the body of the hero to resemble heated gold. It seemed to be endued with life and possessed of the effulgence of fire or the sun. All the warriors, O king, were inspired with fright at sight of the Suta's son lying dead on the field, like other animals at sight of the lion. Indeed, though dead, that tiger among men seemed ready to utter his commands. Nothing, in that illustrious dead, seemed changed. Clad in beautiful attire, and possessed of a neck that was very beautiful, the Suta's son owned a face which resembled the full moon in splendour. Adorned with diverse ornaments and decked with Angadas made of bright gold, Vaikartana, though slain, lay stretched like a gigantic tree adorned with branches and twigs. Indeed, that tiger among men lay like a heap of pure gold, or like a blazing fire extinguished with the water of Partha's shafts. Even as a blazing conflagration is extinguished when it comes in contact with water, the Karna-conflagration was extinguished by the Partha-cloud in the battle. Having shot showers of arrows and scorched the ten points of the compass, that tiger among men, viz., Karna, along with his sons, was quieted by Partha's energy. He left the world, taking away with him that blazing glory of his own which he had earned on earth by fair fight. Having scorched the Pandavas and the Pancalas with the energy of his weapons, having poured showers of arrows and burnt the hostile divisions, having, indeed, heated the universe like the thousand-rayed Surya of great beauty, Karna, otherwise called Vaikartana, left the world, with his sons and followers. Thus fell that hero who was a Kalpa tree unto those swarms of birds represented by suitors. Solicited by suitors he always said, "I give" but never the words "I have not!" The righteous always regarded him as a righteous person. Even such was Vrisha who fell in single combat. All the wealth of that high-souled person had been dedicated to the Brahmanas. There was nothing, not even his life, that he could not give away unto the Brahmanas. He was ever the favourite of ladies, exceedingly liberal, and a mighty car-warrior. Burnt by the weapons of Partha, he attained to the highest end. He, relying upon whom thy son had provoked hostilities, thus went to heaven, taking away with him the hope of victory, the happiness, and the armour of the Kauravas. When Karna fell, the rivers stood still. The Sun set with a pale hue. The planet Mercury, the son of Soma, assuming the hue of fire or the Sun, appeared to course through the firmament in a slanting direction. The firmament seemed to be rent in twain; the earth uttered loud roars; violent and awful winds began to blow. All the points of the horizon, covered with smoke, seemed to be ablaze. The great oceans were agitated and uttered awful sounds. The mountains with their forests began to tremble, and all creatures, O sire, felt pain. The planet Jupiter, afflicting the constellation Rohini assumed the hue of the moon or the sun. Upon the fall of Karna, the subsidiary points also of the compass became ablaze. The sky became enveloped in darkness. The earth trembled. Meteors of blazing splendour fell. Rakshasas and other wanderers of the night became filled with joy. When Arjuna, with that razor-faced shaft, struck off Karna's head adorned with a face beautiful as the moon, then, O king, loud cries of "Oh!" and "Alas!" were heard of creatures in heaven, in the welkin, and on the earth. Having in battle slain his foe Karna who was worshipped by the gods, the gandharvas, and human beings, Pritha's son Arjuna looked resplendent in his energy like the deity of a 1,000 eyes after the slaughter of Vritra. Then riding on that car of theirs whose rattle resembled the roar of the clouds and whose splendour was like that of the meridian sun of the autumnal sky, which was adorned with banners and equipped with a standard incessantly producing an awful noise, whose effulgence resembled that of the snow or the Moon or the conch or the crystal, and whose steeds were like those of Indra himself, those two foremost of men, viz., the son of Pandu and the crusher of Keshi, whose energy resembled that of the great Indra, and who were adorned with gold and pearls and gems and diamonds and corals, and who were like fire or the sun in splendour, fearlessly careered over the field of battle with great speed, like Vishnu and Vasava mounted on the same chariot. Forcibly divesting the enemy of his splendour by means of the twang of gandiva and the slaps of their palms, and slaying the Kurus with showers of shafts, the Ape-bannered Arjuna, the Garuda-bannered Krishna, both of whom were possessed of immeasurable prowess, those two foremost of men, filled with joy, took up with their hands their loud-sounding conchs adorned with gold and white as snow, and placing them against their lips, blew simultaneously with those beautiful mouths of theirs, piercing the hearts of their foes with the sound. The blare of pancajanya and that of devadatta filled the earth, the sky, and heaven.

At the sound of the heroic Madhava's conch as also at that of Arjuna's, all the Kauravas, O best of kings, became filled with fright. Those foremost of men, causing the forests, the mountains, the rivers and the points of the compass to resound with the blare of their conchs, and filling the army of thy son with fright, gladdened Yudhishthira therewith. As soon as the Kauravas heard the blare of those conchs that were thus being blown, all of them left the field with great speed, deserting the ruler of the Madras and the chief of the Bharatas, O Bharata, viz., Duryodhana. Then diverse creatures, uniting together, congratulated Dhananjaya, that hero shining resplendent on the field of battle, as also Janardana, those two foremost of men who then looked like a couple of risen suns. Pierced with Karna's arrows, those two chastisers of foes, Acyuta and Arjuna, looked resplendent like the bright and many-rayed moon and the sun risen after dispelling a gloom. Casting off those arrows, those two mighty warriors, both endued with unrivalled prowess, surrounded by well-wishers and friends, happily entered their own encampment, like the lords Vasava and Vishnu duly invoked by sacrificial priests. Upon the slaughter of Karna in that dreadful battle, the gods, gandharvas, human beings, caranas, great rishis, yakshas, and great nagas, worshipped Krishna and Arjuna with great respect and wished them victory (in all things). Having received all their friends then, each according to his age, and applauded by those friends in return for their incomparable feats, the two heroes rejoiced with their friends, like the chief of the celestials and Vishnu after the overthrow of Vali.'"